Used Porsche Macan 2014-present reliability
Category: Sports SUV
The Porsche Macan is stunning to drive and not just for an SUV. Just be aware it's still a bit pricey, even used.
What should I look for in a used Porsche Macan 4x4?
When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.
Many Porsche Macans will have been well used as family SUVs, subjected to the give and take of supermarket car parks and urban rat runs. It may also have been used enthusiastically by drivers anxious to make haste through motorway and A-road traffic, so make sure there's a full service history and there are no knocks or bangs from the suspension on the test drive.
Check the bodywork for scuffs and make sure those expensive alloy wheels haven’t picked up too much damage from kerbs. Check the interior and the operation of the rear seats, because these will have been used to accommodate shopping and other family-related paraphernalia.
Some owners have reported issues with non-engine electrics, so be sure to check these. While no recall has been issued, a fair few Macan owners have reported issues with the transfer box and it can be a costly fix – one owner told us £1750. Seeing as it isn't a recall, the manufacturer won't repair it for free unless it's covered under warranty.
What are the most common problems with a used Porsche Macan 4x4?
At the time of writing, the Macan has eight recalls listed. To check whether a car has been affected, you can contact your local Porsche dealer. You will not need to pay for anything involving the recall.
Reason for recall
The brake servo may have been damaged during installation, which could result in reduced pedal assistance. The brakes will still function, but more pedal force will be required to stop the vehicle.
How the manufacturer will repair: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected. Check the servo and where necessary replace the servo.
Number of affected vehicles: 196
Date of recall: 28/05/2014
Reason for recall
Fuel may leak from the low pressure fuel line connector. A very small number of reports where the occupants noticed a smell of fuel have prompted the recall. There is a theoretical/perceived risk of fire.
How the manufacturer will repair: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the low pressure fuel line.
Number of affected vehicles: 1198
Date of recall: 02/11/2015
Reason for recall
The seat occupancy detector system may not be to the correct standard and the passenger's airbags may be deactivated.
How the manufacturer will repair: On affected vehicles, replace the sensor mat.
Number of affected vehicles: 2
Date of recall: 20/03/2017
Reason for recall
The fuel pump connection pipe may come into contact with the fuel pump service cover and become damaged.
How the manufacturer will repair: Re-work the bottom of the service cover.
Number of affected vehicles: 7374
Date of recall: 05/03/2020
Reason for recall
The passenger seat occupancy detection system does not currently meet the required standard.
How the manufacturer will repair: The passenger seat occupancy detection sensor mats must be replaced.
Number of affected vehicles: 1
Date of recall: 17/03/2021
Reason for recall
Individual screw connections of the shock absorbers on the front axle and rear axle may have been impermissibly tightened several times.
How the manufacturer will repair: The affected fastening screws must be replaced and tightened according to the original specifications. On vehicles where the front axle is affected, the mounting saddles must also be replaced.
Number of affected vehicles: 4
Date of recall: 16/04/2021
Reason for recall
On the affected vehicles, it is possible that the screw connection of the seat belt mount to the rear left and/or right seat was not carried out in accordance with the specifications.
How the manufacturer will repair: The screw connection of the seat belt mount to the rear left and/or right seat must be replaced.
Number of affected vehicles: 3
Date of recall: 12/07/2023
Reason for recall
On affected vehicles, it is possible that during the production process the airbags in the front seats were not fastened to the seat backrest in accordance with specifications. If this is the case, proper deployment and thus the retention effect of the airbag cannot be ensured in the event of an accident. This can increase the risk of injury to the occupants.
How the manufacturer will repair: The screw connection of the airbags in the front seats of the affected vehicles must be checked and reworked depending on the test result.
Number of affected vehicles: 2
Date of recall: 13/08/2025
Click here for more information. Contact your local Porsche dealer if you believe your vehicle is involved in a recall.
Is a used Porsche Macan 4x4 reliable?
Our data suggests the Porsche Macan is a reliable car.
In the most recent What Car? Reliability Survey, the Macan came third out of 76 family SUVs, with an excellent score of 99%. This places it above the Jaguar F-Pace, Mercedes GLC and Range Rover Velar, but below the Toyota RAV4.
As a car brand, Porsche came 19th out of 30 manufacturers featured. That's above Audi and Jaguar, but below BMW and Lexus.
Used Porsche Macan: owners' reliability data
In our reliability survey, owners said the Porsche Macan is a generally dependable choice, though it isn't without its flaws. The most frequent complaints involve non-engine electrics and infotainment glitches, which sometimes require dealer software updates to fix. Mechanical issues are rarer but can be costly; owners noted potential oil leaks on V6 petrol models and premature corrosion of suspension springs. A more serious "judder" may signal a failing transfer box, a known fault often handled under warranty.
Owner interactions with the Porsche dealer network are a mixed bag. While the quality of work is highly praised, many found the labour rates and parts to be expensive. However, long service intervals help take the sting out of routine maintenance costs.
