VehicleVerdict

2011 Porsche Panamera problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 50 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 10.0 times the median Panamera year — the 2011 model ranks #1 of 17 Panamera years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 44% of all reports (22 of 50), far ahead of electrical system at 9.

50

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Panamera years?

Panamera NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted50 complaints2010: 5 complaints2011: 50 complaints2012: 16 complaints2013: 18 complaints2014: 22 complaints2015: 6 complaints2016: 4 complaints2017: 1 complaints2018: 16 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 6 complaints2021: 2 complaints2022: 2 complaints2023: 6 complaints2024: 4 complaints2025: 4 complaints2026: 1 complaints
Panamera NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Panamera years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Porsche Panamera problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2244%
Electrical System918%
Transmission612%
Fuel System36%
Other36%
Tires & Wheels12%
Airbags12%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Brakes12%
Steering12%
Body & Structure12%
Suspension12%

Does the 2011 Porsche Panamera have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V656000LightingAugust 30, 2022 · 222,858 units

Defect

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. The caps that cover the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws are missing, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

Improperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ANB4.

19V446000TransmissionJune 12, 2019 · 99,665 units

Defect

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 Executive, Panamera Turbo S G1 II, Panamera Turbo S Executive, 2013 Panamera 4 Platinum Edition, Panamera Platinum Edition, 2016 Panamera 4 Edition, Panamera Edition, Panamera Turbo S Executive Luxury Sports vehicles. The bushing that attaches the gear selector lever to the gearbox may degrade over time, causing the bushing to detach. This condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.

Consequence

If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKB1.

19V322000Electrical SystemApril 24, 2019 · 33,206 units

Defect

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, Panamera Turbo Executive and Panamera Turbo S Executive, 2015 Panamera Diesel and 2016 Panamera 4 Edition, Panamera Edition and Panamera Turbo S Exclusive Series vehicles. Water may enter the A/C blower control unit, causing an electrical short circuit.

Consequence

An electrical short increases the risk of fire.

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. Porsche's number for this recall is AKA7. Note: Porsche recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.

17V368000EngineJune 7, 2017 · 18,005 units

Defect

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. The affected vehicles have camshaft controllers that may come loose inside the engine, potentially resulting in an engine stall.

Consequence

An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

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. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy is available. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AH08.

12V329000EngineJuly 12, 2012 · 270 units

Defect

PORSCHE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 PANAMERA TURBO, 2012 PANAMERA TURBO S, AND 2012 CAYENNE TURBO VEHICLES. THE TURBINE WHEEL OF A TURBOCHARGER MAY FRACTURE DUE TO A CASTING DEFECT. IF A FRACTURE OCCURS, VEHICLE PERFORMANCE WILL BE DECREASED AND THE TURBINE SHAFT MAY FRACTURE.

Consequence

IF THE SHAFT FRACTURES, OIL MAY BE DRAWN INTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, RESULTING IN SMOKE AND THE INCREASED RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy

PORSCHE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TURBINE WHEELS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 31, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-767-7243.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

Due to a problem with my car engine, the car would not accelerate and would move slowly despite pressing on the pedal. The car screen indicated that it was PCM problem (the gas would not come up) and it was a reduced engine problem. The car not accelerating despite pressing the pedal can pose…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 30, 2024

THE CAM SHAFT ADJUSTER BOLTS WERE BROKEN AND ARE TEARING APART WITH IN THE ENGINE AND CAUSING THE CAR TO STOP AND NOT START BACK AGAIN, THIS IS ALSO GIVING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, START STOP MODE DEACTIVATED, PSM FAILURE ERRORS, THERE IS A RECALL IN CHINA FROM PORSCHE ABOUT THE SAME ERRORS AND SAME…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 24, 2016

Due to a problem with my car engine, the car would not accelerate and would move slowly despite pressing on the pedal. The car screen indicated that it was PCM problem (the gas would not come up) and it was a reduced engine problem. The car not accelerating despite pressing the pedal can pose…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 30, 2024

My 2011 Porsche Panamera 4 has water coming through the AC vents. I noticed that the passenger rugs are wet and possibly shorting out my electrical modules.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 2, 2025

Due to a problem with my car engine, the car would not accelerate and would move slowly despite pressing on the pedal. The car screen indicated that it was PCM problem (the gas would not come up) and it was a reduced engine problem. The car not accelerating despite pressing the pedal can pose…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 30, 2024

2011 Porsche Panamera — common questions

Is the 2011 Porsche Panamera reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 50 complaints put the 2011 model at #1 of 17 Panamera years. It is one of the Panamera years to avoid.

What are the most common 2011 Panamera problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (22 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints), transmission (6 complaints).

Does the 2011 Porsche Panamera have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Porsche Panamera. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Porsche Panamera years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Panamera years to avoid are 2011, 2018, 2017. The cleanest record among Panamera years belongs to 2019.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.