Porsche Panamera S Problems by Year

We compared every Porsche Panamera S model year from 2010–2016 using 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 4 recalls and federal defect investigations. No Panamera S year stands out with an unusual number of complaints. The best years are 2012, 2014 and 2015.

7model years
7complaints
4recalls
—worst years
2012, 2014best years

Complaints by model year

2010201120122013201420152016511
Owner complaints per model year, Porsche Panamera S. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20160−20%3—Few
20150−20%3—Few
20140−20%3—Few
201311.5×3ElectricalFew
20120−20%4—Few
201111.5×4EngineFew
201053.0×4EngineFew

* Complaints compared with the median Panamera S year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Porsche Panamera S problems

  • Engine & coolingworst: 2010
    571%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2010
    114%
  • Steeringworst: 2010
    114%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2010
    114%
  • Electrical systemworst: 2013
    114%

Latest Porsche Panamera S recalls

Exterior lighting › Headlights

NHTSA recall 22V-656 · Aug 30, 2022 · 222,858 vehicles

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2020 Porsche Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Cayman S, 2001-2004 Boxster, Boxster S, 2004 Boxster 50 JAHRE SPYDER 550 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all affected models and model years.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the headlights for sealing caps and install missing caps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022.

Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (PRNDL)

NHTSA recall 19V-446 · Jun 12, 2019 · 99,665 vehicles

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, 2004-2010 Cayenne, 2006 Cayenne Turbo S, 2010-2016 Panamera S, Panamera 4 S, Panamera Turbo, 2011-2016 Panamera, Panamera 4, 2012-2013 Panamera Turbo S, 2013-2016 Panamera 4 GTS, 2014-2016 Panamera 4 S Executive, Panamera Turbo…

Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. Owners are instructed to use the parking brake until their vehicle is repaired. The recall began August 9, 2019.

Electrical system

NHTSA recall 19V-322 · Apr 24, 2019 · 33,206 vehicles

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2010-2016 Panamera 4S and Panamera S, 2011-2016 Panamera, Panamera 4 and Panamera Turbo, 2012-2016 Panamera Turbo S and Panamera S E-Hybrid, 2013-2016 Panamera GTS, 2013 Panamera Platinum Edition and Panamera 4 Platinum Edition, 2014-2016 Panamera 4S Executive,…

Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the blower control unit, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 10, 2020. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243.

Engine

NHTSA recall 17V-368 · Jun 7, 2017 · 18,005 vehicles

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2010-2012 Panamera S, Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo vehicles, 2011-2012 Panamera and Panamera 4 vehicles, and 2011 Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo vehicles.

Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fastening screws for the camshaft adjusters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 12, 2018.

All 4 Porsche Panamera S recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Porsche Panamera S should you avoid?

None of the Porsche Panamera S years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.

What is the best year for the Porsche Panamera S?

2012 has the fewest complaints compared with other Panamera S years at the same age, followed by 2014 and 2015. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Porsche Panamera S problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (5), transmission & drivetrain (1) and steering (1). Engine complaints peak in the 2010 model year.

How many recalls has the Porsche Panamera S had?

4 recalls across 2010–2016. The model year with the most is 2010. See all Porsche Panamera S recalls by year.

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.