I own a 2018 Porsche Macan with approximately 98,000 miles. My vehicle has developed a strong gasoline odor, particularly near the rear fuel-filler area, along with visible liquid leaking underneath the vehicle. There are no warning signs or error codes on the dashboard at all. The car has not been inspected by the mechanic as I am afraid to drive it now because of fire risk. I discovered the federal safety agency Recall 20V‑077 (Porsche Campaign ALA2), which addresses fuel-pump flange cracking and potential gasoline leakage. I also located an XXX, as well as multiple 2026 the federal safety agency safety complaints involving other 2018 Macans with nearly identical symptoms, including a wet fuel-pump cover and strong gasoline odor. That vehicle's VIN was reportedly excluded from the recall. I am requesting that Porsche investigate this issue as a potential safety-related defect, verify my vehicle's complete recall and service history, and explain whether my vehicle is susceptible to the same fuel-pump flange failure. Please advise whether Porsche will cover the inspection and any necessary repairs given the potential fire hazard. I am not operating the vehicle because of the fuel leak. I am a single mother to a toddler and we have to go to work and school, please assist ASAP. Thank you very much! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Porsche Macan fuel smell problems
10 of the 243 owner complaints about the Porsche Macan describe gas smell in the cabin, most of them for the 2018 model year.
- owner complaints
- 10
- worst model year
- 2018
By model year
- 20185
- 20173
- 20152
Often reported together
What owners say
The contact owns a 2015 Porsche Macan. The contact stated that there was a fuel leak inside the cabin underneath the rear passenger’s seat, which caused a strong gasoline odor throughout the vehicle. The vehicle became inoperable. The contact observed a cracked filter flange underneath the seat, which resulted in a pooling of raw fuel. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V077000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer and the dealer were notified of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall. The failure mileage was 97,000.
In late August 2026 I noticed a strong gasoline odor in and around the vehicle, particularly after refueling, and stopped driving it immediately. On September 2, 2026, an independent Porsche specialist inspected the fuel-pump service area beneath the rear seat and documented: (1) the low-pressure fuel-pump filter/sender flange was actively leaking liquid fuel and venting gasoline vapor toward the passenger compartment; (2) liquid fuel was pooling on top of the flange assembly; (3) the fuel-pump service cover showed evidence of the earlier ALA2 recall rework, including modified structural reinforcement ribs and a relocated alignment marking; (4) despite the prior rework, the plastic fuel-pump flange developed structural stress cracking and failed; (5) the condition presented an immediate fire hazard and the vehicle could not safely be driven. This vehicle was subject to the federal safety agency Recall 20V‑077 / Porsche campaign ALA2 (fuel-pump service cover contacting the filter flange, causing cracks, fuel seepage and fire risk), and the ALA2 remedy was performed on this VIN in May 2020. The September 2026 failure involved the same components and the same failure mechanism the recall remedy was intended to permanently correct — a post-remedy failure of a federal safety recall. The vehicle was transported by flatbed tow to Porsche North Scottsdale, whose own inspection confirmed ‘THE FUEL TANK FLANGE IS LEAKING FUEL’; the dealer replaced the fuel-tank flange, adhesive film, gasket and related parts. No crash, fire, injuries or deaths occurred.
Fuel smell filling the cabin due to cracked fuel pump. Likely associated with fuel pump cover recall notice (recall code AH06) Dealerships refused coverage.
The contact owns a 2018 Porsche Macan. The contact stated that while driving or while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the vehicle, and the odor was coming from underneath the rear passenger’s seat. The contact raised the rear passenger’s seat and became aware that the cover of the fuel pump was wet. The contact had stopped driving the vehicle due to the possible safety risk. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V077000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,558.
The vehicle is leaking fuel from the top of the tank, filling the cabin with fuel odor. I contacted the dealership due to the recall for the 2018 Macans with this exact issue and my vehicle matches ever symptom of the recall yet they are stating my vehicle is not included and I must pay out of pocket for towing, diagnostics and repairs.
A strong gasoline odor developed around my 2018 Porsche Macan while parked in a closed garage. Over several days, the odor became noticeable inside the passenger compartment and was strongest near the rear passenger seat. No check-engine light or other warning appeared. Because of the potential fire hazard, the vehicle was towed to an authorized Porsche dealer rather than driven. The dealer confirmed the fuel odor from the rear-seat area. After removing the rear seat, the Porsche technician documented: “FOUND TOP HAT FOR FUEL SUPPLY IS CRACKED AND LEAKING FUEL.” The dealer replaced Porsche part PAC-919-679, identified on the invoice as “FLANGE WITH FUEL FILTER,” along with associated seals/parts. I learned that the federal safety agency Recall 20V‑077 / Porsche Campaign ALA2 involves certain 2015-2018 Macans and cracking/damage involving the fuel pump/filter flange that can result in fuel leakage, fuel odor, and increased fire risk. Porsche Cars North America states that my vehicle's VIN is not included in ALA2. However, an authorized Porsche dealer documented a cracked and leaking fuel-supply flange/top hat, which appears substantially similar to the failure addressed by ALA2. I asked Porsche to explain the technical or engineering difference between my vehicle's failure and the ALA2 condition. Porsche denied assistance because the vehicle is outside warranty and its VIN is not included in the campaign, but did not provide a technical explanation distinguishing the failures. I am reporting this because an actual fuel leak and gasoline fumes entering the passenger compartment created a serious fire/safety hazard without any dashboard warning. I am concerned substantially similar failures may be occurring in Macans outside the current ALA2 recall population and ask the federal safety agency to evaluate whether Recall 20V‑077 adequately identifies all susceptible vehicles. The Porsche dealer invoice documenting the crack, active fuel leak, diagnosis and repair is available upon request.
I am submitting this complaint regarding a known safety issue affecting my vehicle. I own a 2017 Porsche [2017 Macan GTS ], and I recently discovered that the fuel pump flange on my car has developed cracks, causing a noticeable fuel odor and potential fuel leakage. This component matches the description of the part listed under the federal safety agency Recall No. 17V‑289 (Porsche Campaign AH06), which addresses the same defect. However, when I contacted Porsche and checked my VIN, I was informed that my vehicle is not included in the recall, despite exhibiting the exact failure described in the recall documentation. This situation raises serious safety concerns, as fuel leaks pose a significant fire hazard. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate why vehicles experiencing the same defect are being excluded from the recall and ensure Porsche extends coverage to all affected vehicles. I am happy to provide photos, repair invoices, and inspection reports upon request. Thank you for your attention to this important safety matter. Recall Overview The recall campaign is identified as the federal safety agency Campaign No. 17V‑289 (also known internally by Porsche as AH06). the federal safety agency +2 RepairPal.com +2 Affected vehicles: 2015-2017 Macan S and Macan Turbo, and 2017 Macan, Macan Turbo (with Performance Package), and Macan GTS. Asbury Auto +2 the federal safety agency +2 Issue: The fuel-pump filter-flange may develop fine hairline cracks due to aging/oxidation and internal pressure, which can allow fuel seepage. Fuel leakage in presence of an ignition source increases fire risk. the federal safety agency +1 Remedy: Dealers will inspect the flange. If cracked, it will be replaced. If not cracked, a protective film will be applied to the flange to prevent external damage. This work is free of charge. RepairPal.com +1 Date of notice: June 13, 2017 for this recall
The fuel flange failed causing gas to leak from the vehicle and subsequent fumes from the gasoline leaking. The part was recalled by Porsche and repaired, however Porsche was not able to tell me when the repair was done, what was done nor where it was done. I paid out of pocket for the same failure to be fixed, meaning their previous covered repair either was never completed, or Porsche's solution was put a band-aid on the problem instead of a complete fix. Keep in mind, the car was parked in my garage that filled with the stench of gas (which explodes in high pressure or a spark). I have paid for the repair and it still smells of gas. This is a safety issue of possible fire/explosion due to fumes/gas that leaks due to a failure of the flange.
The contact owns a 2018 Porsche Macan. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle while driving and while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that fuel was leaking from the fuel pump. The dealer drained the fuel tank and replaced the fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Macan vehicles. The fuel pump service cover may contact the flow nozzle on the filter flange of the fuel pump, potentially causing cracks and a fuel leak.
- Risk
- Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Porsche will rework or replace and apply a protective film to the fuel pump flange. in addition, the fuel pump flange will be inspected and replaced if cracks are present. The recall began April 10, 2020. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1‑800‑767‑7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ALA2.
Recall number 20V077000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Macan S and Macan Turbo vehicles, and 2017 Macan, Macan Turbo with the Performance Package, and Macan GTS vehicles. The fuel pump flange on the affected vehicles may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the flanges, replacing any that are cracked. Flanges that aren't cracked will have a protective film applied. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on July 19, 2017. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1‑800‑767‑7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AH06.
Recall number 17V289000 · Recall details
Questions about the Porsche Macan fuel smell
Which Porsche Macan years have gas smell in the cabin problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2018 (5 complaints), 2017 (3 complaints) and 2015 (2 complaints).
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