2016 Porsche Macan Problems & Complaints

Better than average46% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Macan at the same age

Owners have filed 24 complaints about the 2016 Porsche Macan with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 46% fewer than a typical Macan model year at the same age, making the 2016 one of the better Macan years. The most reported problem area is the air bags (10 complaints, typically around 82,000 miles). One recall covers this model year.

24complaints
1recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2016 Porsche Macan problems

  • Air bags~82,000 miles
    1042%
  • Engine & cooling~82,000 miles
    417%
  • Steering
    313%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof~46,000 miles
    28%
  • Speed control & acceleration~48,000 miles
    28%
  • Brakes
    28%
  • Driver assistance
    28%
  • Body & structure~39,000 miles
    14%
  • Seat belts~48,000 miles
    14%
  • Lights
    14%
  • Seats
    14%
  • Suspension
    14%
  • Other / not specified
    14%

Share of the 24 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Porsche Macan complaints by model year

201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252824633521271266109
Owner complaints per model year, Porsche Macan. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Macan years: 2015, 2016, 2022. Years to avoid: 2017, 2020, 2018. Compare all years →

2016 Porsche Macan recalls (1)

Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump

NHTSA recall 20V-077 · Feb 12, 2020 · 70,117 vehicles

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Macan vehicles. The fuel pump service cover may contact the flow nozzle on the filter flange of the fuel pump, potentially causing cracks and a fuel leak.

Remedy: Porsche will rework or replace and apply a protective film to the fuel pump flange. in addition, the fuel pump flange will be inspected and replaced if cracks are present. The recall began April 10, 2020.

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2016 Porsche Macan:

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

NHTSA investigation EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021 · open

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.

What 2016 Porsche Macan owners say

Air bags

My Porsche Service Center advised that the front passenger airbag sensor of my 2016 Porsche Macan Turbo is not functioning properly. The identified fault was: Airbag (variant 002) B12251B "Seat occupancy sensor on passenger side (BOSE) - resistance too high" I have been advised that NHTSA has issued two recalls on this problem. My Porsche Service Center has advised that the originally installed passenger side occupancy sensor was replaced pursuant to one of the recalls. Despite the same problem affecting the presently installed passenger side occupancy sensor, my Porsche Service Center has advised that it is not subject to a recall. It has proposed repairing the sensor at a cost to me of $3,124.23. I believe that the repair should be conducted under the terms of the prior recalls, since the presently installed passenger side occupancy sensor is clearly defective.

Jun 2024

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2016 Porsche Macan. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V131000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

May 2021

Engine & cooling

Y shaped plastic Coolant line cracks and leaks do to manufactures poor choice of materials! Resulting in engine overheating, and sever loss of coolant! Spraying entire engine compartment under hood white dried up coolant over spay spots with empty coolant reservoir and no heat. You would think that line would be made from an aluminum as it beads to with stand high heat temperatures from being against and engine.

Nov 2024

I was informed at my last service that I need to have my passenger airbag seat sensor replaced and also my timing chain cover is leaking oil. I noticed on NHTSA website that both of these issues are documented. There was a safety recall for similar 2016 Macan's but my VIN isn't listed. Part 573 safety recall report 17v-133. There is also a manufacturer communication (#d2000.1)relating to the oil leak. NHTSA id # 10182254. These are very expensive repairs and unclear why they shouldn't be covered by Porsche when they are documented problems.

82,000 miles · Jan 2021

Steering

My 2016 Porsche Macan Turbo steering column failed w/o warning at 7 years & 39,000 miles. November 2022. Porsche Dealer told me car is not safe to drive with steering column able to move up & down. So, I had to pay to have it towed to the dealer. PCNA denied Goodwill coverage of this manufacturing defect! The Service Manager offered to cover 50% & I accepted this offer. So, I had to pay out of pocket $1,643.50. It is not normal for steering columns to fail. The Porsche shop foreman said he has never seen this. Steering columns should last the life of the car.

Nov 2022

Vehicle speeds up and breaks uncontrollably. When stopped it displays several codes on the dashboard 1) power steering fail, increased effort, driving permitted, 2) GRA/ACC fault driving permitted 3) faulty windshield wipers No fault codes are found with a code reader.

Oct 2024

2016 Porsche Macan engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
3.0L 6-cyl turbo7-speed dual-clutchAWD17 / 23 / 19
3.6L 6-cyl turbo7-speed dual-clutchAWD17 / 23 / 19

EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Porsche Macan a good car?

Based on 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Macan rates better than average: 46% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Macan at the same age. It is one of the best Macan years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Porsche Macan?

The air bags — 10 complaints, 42% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (4) and steering (3).

How many recalls does the 2016 Porsche Macan have?

There is 1 recall for the 2016 Porsche Macan, the most recent from February 12, 2020 (fuel pump). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Porsche Macan?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2015, 2016 and 2022. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2017, 2020 and 2018. See the full Porsche Macan years comparison.

At what mileage do 2016 Porsche Macan problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 49,000 miles; 67% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.