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Porsche Macan airbag light comes on

12 of the 243 owner complaints about the Porsche Macan describe airbag warning light, most of them for the 2018 model year.

owner complaints
12
worst model year
2018
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2018
    5
  • 2017
    4
  • 2016
    2
  • 2015
    1

What owners say

Filed Mar 1, 2026 · Airbags · NV

Air bag light turns to "off" despite passenger sitting in seat. Took car to dealer (Bill Pearce Motors) who "verified customers concern" and "found fault present for passenger seat mat resistance to high" with a recommendation to replace "seat mat and module." This is at our expense (quote of $3700) and two trips to the dealer, being charged diagnostic fee each time. It is noted that a previous recall exists for this issue, however, it did not cover this vehicle. the federal safety agency ID 21V‑131

Filed Dec 11, 2025 · Airbags · OH

My airbag light has remained on, uninterrupted, for over about one month now. I had the fault code read by an independent shop and they informed me that the fault was the occupant sensor for the passenger seat (BodySense front passenger seat occupancy sensor mat). They also informed me that this was the subject of a recall. Recall 17V‑133/AMA2. I contacted a Porsche dealer as to the problem, made an appointment and took the car to the dealer. The dealer informed me that the recall on this part had already been completed. I expressed my concern that the recalled part obviously failed again, but the dealer indicated that corporate would not allow them to replace it again under the prior recall. I then filed a claim with Porsche NA. After weeks of back and forth with Porsche NA, they denied my claim, despite the fact that a previously recalled part had failed again. Performing some investigation since, I have learned that I am not alone and that the previously recalled Generation 1 seat occupancy sensor mat was replaced with a generation 2 mat, but that those were also failing. In fact, in January 2021 Porsche investigated this matter and did conduct another recall in February of 2021. However, for whatever reason my car was not part of that recall, though it suffers the same issue as to the failure of the Generation 2 mat. Any assistance you are able to provide is appreciated. Thank you. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 4, 2024 · Airbags · CA

On [XXX] at around 6pm the AIRBAG light displayed in instrument cluster and remained steady after vehicle was placed in motion. I called my nearest service dealer at Porsche Carlsbad and they ran a vehicle diagnosis using their scanning tool. The finding was that the Front Passenger Seat Occupancy Sensor / Module was defective and needs replacement. The dealer also said that a recall had been issued (for which my vehicle's VIN was not listed). I called Porsche Company North America and they said my VIN was not part of that campaign to fix this issue, but I feel that this recall related to vehicle safety should have included my vehicle since it was within the make/model/year and trim of those included in the recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 14, 2024 · Airbags, Engine · NY

airbag light comes on and off intermittently I am aware there were some problems with the airbag sensor that year and recalls for other models, not my vin, I have called and confirmed there are none for mine. seems to act up more after or while I have a passenger so I suspect (almost positive) this is for the passenger airbag. also when I have a passenger the amber indicator that says airbag on off will randomly switch to off and I'll get the dash light. this makes me think its the airbag weight sensor pad that deteriorates easily that other cars had a recall for but not mine. no water was spilled on the seat before it started acting up the way it has been. as well, the engine motor mounts have a tendency to break fairly easily and fast causing vibrations and possible safety issues.

Filed Feb 24, 2024 · Airbags · WA

The airbag light came on in the vehicle. We took it into the dealership, they said we need a passenger airbag sensor mat and seat cushion for the passenger seat airbag system. This item was recalled in 2018 Porche Macon the federal safety agency Campain ID 21V131000/Recall AMA2. Porche said since our VIN was not included in the recall we have to pay to fix it. They said the only way to get our VIN added was to contact the federal safety agency. The quote to fix an item that has been recalled was over $1,800. It doesn't seem fair to have to pay for something that has been recalled for this car and is known to be defective. The vehicle is ready for inspection anytime. The passenger safety is at risk as defined by the recall. "The air bag will not deploy during a crash if a front passenger is undetected, increasing the risk or injury." The problem first appeared last year around May 2023 and it took a while to get an appointment at the dealership. I was not aware of this recall until today when I did a Kelly Blue Book value on the vehicle. I just called Porche and they said there is nothing they can do and to contact the federal safety agency to get our VIN added to the recall list. Attached is the repair estimate from the Porche dealership.

Filed Feb 5, 2024 · Airbags · OH

The passenger airbag light always indicates that no one is sitting in the passenger seat even when it is occupied. This is apparently the same issue other 2018 Porsche Macan's have had but for some reason my car is not included. This is the same as the AMA2 airbag/SRS Fault - DTC B102204. recall.

Filed May 19, 2023 · Airbags, Electrical · NC

While in Dallas TX on Feb 23 2023 I took my car to dealer air bag light came on. Issue was seat belt sensor defective part number 95B 881 256 BA repair set seat occupancy sensor. Found out there are several Macan GTS 2018 same problem.

Filed Sep 21, 2022 · Airbags · CA

I fear a possible non-detection of front passenger. The “Airbag warning lamp” or “Passenger Airbag OFF” lamp is activated. I fear the front passenger airbag may not deploy in a type of a crash in which it is designed to deploy. My VIN is not falling under the AMA2 Recall campaign even though I feel it should be.

Filed Mar 14, 2022 · Airbags · WA

On November 26, 2021 I brought the vehicle in for service due to an airbag warning light. The dealer informed me that the front seat passenger occupancy sensor mat was faulty and must be replaced. The dealer disconnected the seat sensor, thus removing the air bag safety protection system for front seat passenger as the instrument panel shows no occupant in front passenger seat. I have repeated called the dealer only to be told the part was on back-order, but that was four months ago. I have also reached out to Porsche and they where not helpful. My concern is, in the vent of an accident, that the front seat passengers injuries could be fatal.

Filed Feb 1, 2021 · Airbags · 49,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 porsche macan. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the passenger's side air bag warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the air bag sensor was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

Related recalls

Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passengerReported March 3, 2021 · 39,547 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Macan, Macan Turbo Kits, Macan GTS, 2015-2018 Macan S, and Macan Turbo vehicles. The front passenger seat occupancy sensor mat may degrade and fail to detect a passenger in the front seat.
Risk
The air bag will not deploy during a crash if a front passenger is undetected, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sensor mat and seat cushion, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1‑800‑767‑7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMA2.

Recall number 21V131000 · Recall details

Questions about the Porsche Macan airbag light

Why does the airbag light come on in the Porsche Macan?

Owners who report it most often also describe no other single symptom.

Which Porsche Macan years have airbag warning light problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2018 (5 complaints), 2017 (4 complaints) and 2016 (2 complaints).

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