Porsche Macan 2014-2018 Reliability & Common Problems

Is the Porsche Macan reliable?

Data suggests the Porsche Macan is a reasonably reliable car: in the most recent What Car? Reliability Survey, the Macan came 12th out of 24 cars in the large SUV class. Its reliability score was 94.1% and that allowed it to rank higher than the Jaguar F-Pace and Range Rover Evoque. The Toyota RAV4 is more reliable, if you can sacrifice all the excitement of the Macan.

The Macan's most common issues were cited as non-engine electrics and these accounted for 9.9% of issues. Bodywork issues racked up 5.6% of complaints, while 2.8% related to interior trim and another 2.8% to suspension. As a car brand, Porsche came 20th out of 31 manufacturers featured – above Audi and Jaguar, but below BMW and Mini.

Although it's mostly good news, there are some keys things to watch out for...

Engine: Sluggish acceleration or reduced performance are signs of a clogged DPF. Typically the older diesel models are affected. Look for oil leaks, particularly on the V6 petrol: the timing case cover and turbo supply lines are often culprits. There's no dipstick either: you have to rely on the dashboard indicator. Engine mounts can wear on the V6 petrol. Listen for an unusual noise from the engine when you lift off the throttle. A rough idle or a misfire is often caused by a faulty ignition coil. It's not a cheap fix.

Suspension: Front and rear springs can corrode prematurely and snap. Porsche will need to replace the pair even if only one spring has failed. It can cost anywhere between £1500 and £2000 to fix. Make sure a Macan with air suspension sits level and that the compressor works as it should.

An owner's view

Toby Chappel: "I owned a number of two-seater Porsches but switched to a Macan diesel after the arrival of our first child. I was sceptical at first but soon warmed to the everyday ease and comfort. Sport mode really sharpens up the engine, but as a family wagon the Macan excels. We did 2500 miles around France last year, four up and loaded to the gills. The Macan returned 40mpg while averaging over 60mph. Servicing, brakes and tyres aside, the only other expense has been a new front driveshaft, which cost £750."

Also worth knowing

Porsche Centre servicing can be expensive, but the intervals are long (20,000 miles, alternating minor and major). If you want a Porsche Approved Warranty, you will need to take your car to a dealer for a 111-point inspection to see if it meets the manufacturer's standards. After 2021, the Turbo was dropped and the line-up was trimmed down to the basic Macan, S and GTS.

Sam Phillips

Title: Staff Writer

Sam joined the Autocar team in summer 2024 and has been a contributor since 2021. He is tasked with writing used reviews and first drives as well as updating top 10s and evergreen content on the Autocar website.

He previously led sister-title Move Electric, which covers the entire spectrum of electric vehicles, from cars to boats – and even trucks. He is an expert in new car news, used cars, electric cars, microbility, classic cars and motorsport.

Sam graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2021 with a BA in Journalism. In his final year he produced an in-depth feature on the automotive industry’s transition to electric cars and interviewed a number of leading experts to assess our readiness for the impending ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars.

Matt Prior

Title: Editor-at-large

Matt is Autocar’s lead features writer and presenter, is the main face of Autocar’s YouTube channel, presents the My Week In Cars podcast and has written his weekly column, Tester’s Notes, since 2013.

Matt is an automotive engineer who has been writing and talking about cars since 1997. He joined Autocar in 2005 as deputy road test editor, prior to which he was road test editor and world rally editor for Channel 4’s automotive website, 4Car.

Into all things engineering and automotive from any era, Matt is as comfortable regularly contributing to sibling titles Move Electric and Classic & Sports Car as he is writing for Autocar. He has a racing licence, and some malfunctioning classic cars and motorbikes.