The 2021 Porsche Taycan, with its promise of cutting-edge design and electric power, appeared to be a remarkable addition to the world of electric vehicles. However, it has encountered a series of repeated vehicle problems, predominantly concerning its electronics. A total of 13 recalls have shaken the reputation of this luxury electric car, raising doubts about its reliability.

1. Incorrect Brake Pad Wear Indicator (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V-347, May 2023) One of the most recent issues has been the inaccurate activation of the brake pad wear indicator. This not only creates an unnecessary panic for owners but can also lead to unneeded brake replacements, adding to financial and environmental concerns.

2. Seat Belt Warning System Malfunction (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V-176, March 2023) In March 2023, a recall was issued due to a malfunction in the seat belt warning system. This is a crucial safety feature in any vehicle, and its reliability is paramount.

3. Loose Retaining Ring May Cause Dislodged Air Strut (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V-921, December 2022) In December 2022, a recall was prompted by the potential for a loose retaining ring to dislodge the air struts. This poses risks to the vehicle’s safety and passenger well-being.

4. Vehicle Display Malfunction (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V-404, June 2022) Another electronic problem emerged in June 2022 with a recall addressing vehicle display malfunctions, emphasizing the importance of user-friendly interfaces in modern vehicles.

5. Driver and Passenger Seat Wire Harness Damage (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V-278, April 2022) Reports of wire harness damage in driver and passenger seats led to a recall, underscoring the need for safety and comfort in the Taycan.

6. Child Seat Anchors May Be Obstructed (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V-100, February 2022) In February 2022, a recall highlighted the potential obstruction of child seat anchors, compromising child safety in the Taycan.

7. Suspension May Be Misaligned (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V-052, February 2022) Two separate recalls in February 2022 and March 2021 dealt with suspension issues. These problems included suspension misalignment and components not being tightened properly, affecting the vehicle’s stability and safety.

8. Incorrect Activation of Hazard Lights (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-794, October 2021) Another problem in October 2021 was the incorrect activation of hazard lights, which may confuse and inconvenience drivers.

9. Pressure Input Rod On Brake Booster May Be Loose (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-697, September 2021) A recall in September 2021 addressed the potential of a loose pressure input rod on the brake booster, which could impact braking efficiency.

10. Seat Belt Locking Retractor Malfunction (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-608, August 2021) August 2021 witnessed a recall due to seat belt locking retractor malfunctions, once again emphasizing safety concerns.

11. Software Error Can Cause Loss of Motive Power (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-486, June 2021) One of the most troubling recalls in June 2021 reported that a software error could lead to a loss of motive power, compromising safety and performance.

12. Front Lower Trailing Arms Not Forged Correctly (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-362, May 2021) In May 2021, it was discovered that the front lower trailing arms were not forged correctly, raising manufacturing concerns regarding suspension components.

13. Suspension Components Not Tightened Properly (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-157 March 2021.) Loose suspension components may detach, causing a sudden loss of vehicle stability and control, and increasing the risk of a crash.

These repeated vehicle problems with the 2021 Porsche Taycan cast doubts on its reliability. As electric vehicles gain popularity, customers are seeking dependable alternatives. For Taycan owners facing these recurring issues, the California Lemon Law can be a saving grace.

California Lemon Law:

The California Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers from persistently defective vehicles. If your Porsche Taycan is suffering from repeated issues that impair its safety, use, or value, the California Lemon Law may offer recourse. Under this law, if your vehicle continues to have issues after a reasonable number of repair attempts, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement.

The electronic problems experienced by the 2021 Porsche Taycan raise concerns about the quality control in manufacturing. Potential buyers should consider the reliability of this luxury electric vehicle carefully. For those who’ve already invested in the Taycan and are facing repeated vehicle problems, the California Lemon Law could be the solution to rid themselves of a problematic vehicle and seek compensation for their troubles.

Automobile manufacturers Porsche and Bentley Motors will be contacting the owners of certain 2017-2021 model vehicles because of a problem with the external coolant pump in the climate control system of their vehicles.

Porsche became aware of this problem at the end of December 2022, when they were contacted by their coolant pump manufacturer about a potential malfunction of the electric external coolant pump used in the climate control system. An investigation was opened and Porsche reviewed whether there were any possible common influences that could have contributed to the problem. (e.g. Extreme Temperatures, A Corrosive Medium, Special Driving/Customer Behavior, etc.) In January, Porsche determined a safety defect existed and decided to recall the subject vehicles. During this time, Porsche informed Bentley of their investigation because certain Continental GT and GTC vehicles were manufactured with the same pump.

The vehicles affected include:

2020 Bentley Continental GT
2020 Bentley Continental GTC
2017-2021 Porsche Panamera
2017-2021 Porsche Panamera 4
2017-2021 Porsche Panamera GTS
2017-2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo

According to the defect report, some 2017-2021 Porsche Panemera and 2020 Bentley Continental vehicles may have been manufactured with an electric climate control coolant pump that could experience humidity ingress. The humidity could cause a short circuit and, in some instances, thermal damage to the external coolant pump. In rare circumstances, the thermal damage to the harness could progress into a fire.

On the affected vehicles, vehicle occupants may notice an issue with the Climate Control system or reduced performance when using the Residual Heat function. (This allows the vehicle to be heated after the ignition has been switched off, using the remaining heat in a warm engine). On vehicles fitted with a W12 engine, an Engine Management Light could also illuminate.

Dealers will replace the external coolant pump and will inspect and replace the plug-in connection, as necessary.
Porsche’s number for this recall is APA1and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-033
Bentley’s number for this recall is RE23/02 (RC67) and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-034.

Porsche North America, Inc. (Porsche) will be contacting the owners of certain 2021 Cayenne vehicles because of a problem affecting the rear axle suspension. The Porsche models affected include 2021 Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne GTS, Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne S Coupe, Cayenne Turbo Coupe, and Cayenne GTS Coupe.

According to the defect report, lock nuts on the trailing arm of the rear axle have not been manufactured according to specifications. The problem could cause a loose thread connection that may allow respective suspension components to move beyond the intended position. If the screw connection fails, the driver could experience a sudden loss of driving stability with a significant change to driving behavior and a loss of vehicle control. Drivers may notice noises and vibrations due to the loosening of the connection, but these warning sings are not guaranteed.

Porsche will instruct owners of affected vehicles to return to their dealers to have the lock nuts replaced. The recall is expected to begin June 2021. Porsche’s number for this recall is AMA9 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-271.

Porsche will be contacting the owners of certain 2015-2018 Macan SUVs because of a problem affecting the fuel system in their vehicles.

According to the defect report, under high load conditions there is a possibility that the fuel supply port at the filter flange of the fuel pump could contact the service cover. The supply port could develop hairline cracks over time, potentially leading to a fuel odor. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may increases the risk of fire.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their Porsche dealerships to have the fuel pump flange inspected and replaced as necessary. Technicians will also rework and apply a protective film to the fuel pump flange. Porsche’s number for this recall is ALA2 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-077.

Porsche will be contacting the owners of certain 2017 718 Boxster, 718 Cayman, and 911 vehicles regarding a defect affecting the seat mounted side air bag inflators. According to the defect report, Porsche may have been supplied with air bag initiators with deviations in the generant mix ratio. If the mix ratio does not meet specification, the initiators may not function properly, possibly leading to a non-deployment condition during a crash.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the affected air bag modules replaced. For more information about the problem, owners are asked to contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche’s number for this recall is AG10 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-946.

Porsche will be contacting the owners of certain 2015 918 Spyder vehicles, regarding a problem that could increase the risk of a crash. An analysis of a single observation in the field revealed that the lower control arms of the front axle may contain a manufacturing error at the ball joint. Due to variations of the surface coating processes, components and some of the underlying material may have been left unprotected, potentially leading to cathodic stress corrosion cracking (SCC). The problem could affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.

Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lower control arms. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche’s number for this recall is AG09 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-885.

Porsche will be contacting the owners of certain 2017 Macan sports cars about a problem that could lead to a loss of vehicle control. There is a possibility that the front anti-roll bar was fitted with defective connecting links that may allow the bushings to move out of the connecting link eyes. This can cause a rattling noise and could lead to the anti-roll bar to stop functioning during extreme driving maneuvers.

Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front anti-rollbar links and replace them as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche’s number for this recall is AG06 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-680.

A small number of 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder owners will be contacted by the manufacturer, regarding a problem affecting the seat belts in their vehicles. During servicing that requires the removal of the seat belt mount and/or the seat belt reel, the one-time-use mounting screws may have been reinstalled instead to being replaced with new ones and/or it is possible that the screws may have been installed in the wrong location. In the event of a crash, the incorrect bolts may not keep the seat belts properly anchored to the car. Continue reading