Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Porsche Macan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
A recall was issued by Porsche on 2015-2017 Macan SUV's for front Airbag deployment issues. The recall code was AH02 safety campaign #17V133000. I contacted Porsche because my fault indicator for the front airbag lit up on my dash. I was informed that my VIN was not included. I asked if they could check if my airbag had an identification number and if it was in the batch under recall. They said that they could not look it up. My car was a custom build and may have come down the line at a different time than other stock builds which may have impacted the timing of the airbag install. Either way, my car was in the date range and has the airbag default indicator on therefore it should be covered. I had it tested for $265.00 and they covered themselves saying that it was an airbag control unit and seat pad Fault code B102204. …
I received notice last year of a recall concerning the passenger air bag and contacted the dealer Suncoast Porsche in Sarasota immediately to schedule service. As of November they did not have parts but expected them in soon and said they would call to schedule. On January 15th I called to confirm that we were still expecting the parts at which time I was told that Porsche is no longer fixing the defective part and will only provide that service if the warning light comes on. Therefore at this time I have a defective part that I am not allowed to order a part for which leaves me with a safety hazard in my vehicle and diminishes my value as a trade-in and as a used car sale since I am not allowed to fix it. I feel that this is a serious breach of duty as far as Porsche is concerned and would like to have this addressed please.
On [redacted] at around 6pm the AIRBAG light displayed in instrument cluster and remained steady after vehicle was placed in motion. I called my nearest service dealer at Porsche Carlsbad and they ran a vehicle diagnosis using their scanning tool. The finding was that the Front Passenger Seat Occupancy Sensor / Module was defective and needs replacement. The dealer also said that a recall had been issued (for which my vehicle's VIN was not listed). I called Porsche Company North America and they said my VIN was not part of that campaign to fix this issue, but I feel that this recall related to vehicle safety should have included my vehicle since it was within the make/model/year and trim of those included in the recall.
airbag light comes on and off intermittently I am aware there were some problems with the airbag sensor that year and recalls for other models, not my vin, I have called and confirmed there are none for mine. seems to act up more after or while I have a passenger so I suspect (almost positive) this is for the passenger airbag. also when I have a passenger the amber indicator that says airbag on off will randomly switch to off and I'll get the dash light. this makes me think its the airbag weight sensor pad that deteriorates easily that other cars had a recall for but not mine. no water was spilled on the seat before it started acting up the way it has been. as well, the engine motor mounts have a tendency to break fairly easily and fast causing vibrations and possible safety issues.
Passenger Airbag Fault light is on and has been steadily on for 1 month. Was told my vehicle is not covered by the recall even though it is the same exact part "Passenger seat occupancy detection seat foam mat faulty, replace seat occupancy sensor." that requires repair. The repair cost is almost $4000 including waiting up to 4 weeks for the parts to come in. The maker is not offering a loaner vehicle and was advised I could drive the vehicle as is. It is unsafe to drive around with a faulty safety system especially since i commute with passengers.
The contact owns a 2017 Porsche Macan. The contact became aware that her VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V131000 (Air Bags) however, the local dealer and several other unknown dealers informed her that parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue but did not provide any assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
I have been trying to have this recall taken care of by Porsche for the last 4 months. Both Walnut Creek and Livermoore dealers have been unable to do this recall repair leaving the front passenger airbag non-functional as best I can tell. It serves no purpose to have a safety recall if there is no ability to have the recall repaired despite multiple attempts to contact the dealer. Both site inability to obtain any parts. I believe this likely poses an important safety issue for the front seat occupants.
The contact owns a 2017 Porsche Macan. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V131000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2017 Porsche Macan. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V131000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
This recall was issued Apr 30,2021. Despite multiple follow ups the manufacturers is not responsive and the dealer cannot provide a timeline to fix it other than saying it may be sometime in 2022. In the meanwhile, I keep getting airbag warnings and tire pressure warnings despite the car tire pressure being fine (checked pressure with a manual gauge). Manufacturer Recall NumberAMA2 NHTSA Recall Number21V-131
Related recalls
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Macan, Macan Turbo Kits, Macan GTS, 2015-2018 Macan S, and Macan Turbo vehicles. The front passenger seat occupancy sensor mat may degrade and fail to detect a passenger in the front seat.
Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sensor mat and seat cushion, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2021.
NHTSA investigations
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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.
Airbag complaints in other Macan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2017 Porsche Macan?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the air bags of the 2017 Porsche Macan, 33% of the model year's 63 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2017 Porsche Macan airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 21V-131 (front passenger, Mar 3, 2021). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2017 Porsche Macan airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.