The main water pump on my 2018 Porsche Panamera 4S failed prematurely. This is not a simple external coolant leak; the internal seal failed, allowing pressurized engine coolant to migrate into the vehicle's vacuum system. The coolant traveled through the vacuum lines and contaminated the vacuum solenoids and change-over valves. This failure mode presents a significant safety hazard because the vacuum system controls critical engine components, including turbocharger wastegates and exhaust flaps. Contamination of these components can lead to sudden loss of power, "limp mode" activation while driving at highway speeds, or unexpected engine behavior, increasing the risk of a crash. Cross-Reference to Known Defects: This vehicle utilizes the EA839 V6 engine platform, which is shared with Volkswagen and Audi vehicles (specifically the Audi S4, S5, SQ5, and Q7). Audi and Volkswagen have already acknowledged this specific manufacturing defect in the class action settlement Fiscina v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Case No. 2:21-cv-11251). Under that settlement, Audi extended the warranty on this water pump to 10 years/80,000+ miles for the exact same failure mode (coolant migration into the vacuum system). Despite my vehicle using the same engine and suffering the exact same mechanical failure, Porsche refuses to offer coverage or acknowledge the defect. I am requesting an investigation into why Porsche models equipped with the defective EA839 engine are excluded from the safety remedies and warranty extensions provided to Audi owners.
Porsche Panamera loss of power problems
11 of the 114 owner complaints about the Porsche Panamera describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2011 model year.
- owner complaints
- 11
- worst model year
- 2011
- typical mileage
- 65,000
By model year
- 20181
- 20142
- 20122
- 20115
- 20101
Often reported together
What owners say
I own a 2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid (VIN XXX). I experienced repeated hybrid system warning lights and high-voltage battery fault codes. I brought the vehicle to Porsche Atlanta Perimeter for a safety inspection. The dealership did NOT perform the required PIWIS Hybrid Battery Test Plan, did NOT check individual cell voltages, and did NOT assess the hybrid battery control unit. Instead, they provided a basic code scan and immediately recommended a $37,000 battery replacement without verifying the root cause. This is a high-voltage system handling 300+ volts, and an improper or incomplete diagnosis is a safety concern. Porsche headquarters was contacted by the dealership, but the dealership stated they received no technical support or guidance. Porsche appears unable or unwilling to diagnose early-generation hybrid vehicles properly, leaving customers without accurate safety assessment of the high-voltage system. I am filing this complaint because improper hybrid battery diagnosis can lead to thermal events, sudden loss of power, or misinterpretation of critical battery faults. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review Porsche’s handling of hybrid diagnostics for this model. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I own a 2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid (VIN XXX). I experienced repeated hybrid system warning lights and high-voltage battery fault codes. I brought the vehicle to Porsche Atlanta Perimeter for a safety inspection. The dealership did NOT perform the required PIWIS Hybrid Battery Test Plan, did NOT check individual cell voltages, and did NOT assess the hybrid battery control unit. Instead, they provided a basic code scan and immediately recommended a $37,000 battery replacement without verifying the root cause. This is a high-voltage system handling 300+ volts, and an improper or incomplete diagnosis is a safety concern. Porsche headquarters was contacted by the dealership, but the dealership stated they received no technical support or guidance. Porsche appears unable or unwilling to diagnose early-generation hybrid vehicles properly, leaving customers without accurate safety assessment of the high-voltage system. I am filing this complaint because improper hybrid battery diagnosis can lead to thermal events, sudden loss of power, or misinterpretation of critical battery faults. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review Porsche’s handling of hybrid diagnostics for this model. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 porsche panamera. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idle for a few minutes, the contact attempted to place their vehicle in drive and accelerated forward but the vehicle suddenly shook and powered off. The contact had a mobile mechanic diagnose the vehicle. The mechanic stated that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The fuel pump was replaced and the diagnosing codes were reset, however, the issue persisted. The mechanic then stated the fuel pump body control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that approximately 2 months after the repair, the failure reoccurred while driving approximately 70 MPH. The contact stated that during the time in between failures they have consistently smelt a fuel odor emitting from the vehicle. The contact had to have the vehicle towed to the mechanic, who reset the codes. The vehicle lost power again and had not received any additional repairs since. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case regarding the matter. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Camshaft causes delay in acceleration and loss of power check engine light on while driving and stationary
Failure of the high pressure fuel pump caused loss of power. Vehicle driven to porsche dealer who was too busy to do a scan for an entire week and sent me away on a 65 MPH highway. My repair shop scanned and identified the problem. Car at home to be towed into porsche dealer for repairs. Cannot be driven because loss of power could cause sudden stop and serious accident on highway.
Earlier this year, I was driving approximately at 55 MPH, my 2011 porsche panamera's engine lost power and power steering,. Electronic system seemed to have power, battery was not dead but engine was dead resulting in loss of power steering and brakes. A similar problem was also reported by numerous drivers within a three year period on this model car (web search). When I asked if porsche was aware of a similar issue, porsche refused to provide an answer.
I was driving approx. At 55 MPH, engine lost power, lost power steering, brakes felt like having no power and it was very difficult to brake. Electronic system seemed to have power, battery was not dead but engine was dead resulting in loss of power steering and break. A similar problem was also reported by another driver on july 12, 2012 on this model car (web search). Porsches has checked my car and they report that there is no error code and it meets their specification. When I asked if porsche was aware of a similar issue, porsche refused to provide an answer. When I requested to have the contact information to a technical rep in germany or porsche quality representative, it was refused by porsche. When I asked if porsche has done a fault simulation specific to my problem, they refused to answer. Loss of engine power while driving can be catastrophic and life threatening. I would like an official investigation into this defect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 porsche panamera. While driving 35 -40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the speed dropped to 10 MPH. The engine power reduced warning light and the traction control disabled warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, who diagnosed that the cam shaft adjuster detached and may have caused an engine block, resulting in a loss of engine power. The manufacturer was notified and advised the contact to see a local dealer. The failure mileage was 46,000.
I was driving approx. At 55 MPH, engine lost power, lost power steering, brakes felt like having no power and it was very difficult to brake. Electronic system seemed to have power, battery was not dead but engine was dead resulting in loss of power steering and break. A similar problem was also reported by another driver on july 12, 2012 on this model car (web search). Porsches has checked my car and they report that there is no error code and it meets their specification. When I asked if porsche was aware of a similar issue, porsche refused to provide an answer. When I requested to have the contact information to a technical rep in germany or porsche quality representative, it was refused by porsche. When I asked if porsche has done a fault simulation specific to my problem, they refused to answer. Loss of engine power while driving can be catastrophic and life threatening. I would like an official investigation into this defect.
Related recalls
Engine
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 17V368000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: turbo/supercharger
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 12V329000 · Recall details
Questions about the Porsche Panamera loss of power
Which Porsche Panamera years have sudden loss of power problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2011 (5 complaints), 2012 (2 complaints) and 2014 (2 complaints).
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