Used Car Checklists

2019 Porsche Macan: What to check before buying

Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the wheels and tires and exterior lights. The 8 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.

Porsche Macan2019
Owner complaints
10
Recalls
1
Crashes reported
1
Reliability
Good
64/100 on Auto Reliability Index

Run the VIN before you go

A history report shows accidents, title brands, odometer readings, and open recalls for this 2019 Porsche Macan. Ask the seller for the VIN; it is also on the dash at the base of the windshield.

Your inspection sheet

Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.

0/8 checked

1

Paperwork and questions

Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3

2

Walk-around and cabin

Engine off, key in hand0/2

3

Test drive

At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3

These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.

Reported on other Macan years with the same design

These years share the 2019's design and most of its parts, so their problems are the ones to look for on this car too.

2020 Macan

17 owner complaints
  • Electrical 4
  • Exterior lights 3
  • Brakes 2

Worth adding to your 2019 checks

  • Switch on the low beams after dark and confirm the passenger-side headlight works.
  • Ask for records of any headlight assembly replacement, especially on the right side.
  • Shift into reverse several times and check the rear camera image for distortion or dropouts.
Open the 2020 checklist

2018 Macan

29 owner complaints
  • Airbags 7
  • Steering 6
  • Electrical 4

Worth adding to your 2019 checks

  • Seat an adult in the front passenger seat and confirm the passenger airbag indicator shows occupied and the airbag light stays off.
  • Have a Porsche dealer run the VIN for open recalls and confirm whether the passenger occupancy sensor mat was replaced.
  • With the car parked, rock the steering wheel up, down, and sideways and check for play or clunks in the column.
Open the 2018 checklist

2021 Macan

8 owner complaints
  • Body and structure 2

Worth adding to your 2019 checks

  • Stop on a steep hill with Auto Hold engaged and confirm the car holds without rolling backward.
  • Ask for service records showing any Auto Hold or brake software updates and any repeat visits for rollback.
  • Turn on the signals and leave a seatbelt unbuckled to confirm the warning chimes sound.
Open the 2021 checklist

Which Macan is it?

EPA figures for each version of the 2019 Porsche Macan. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.

VersionDriveEPA rating
2.0L 4-cylAWD21 mpg
3.0L 6-cylAWD20 mpg
  • The 2019 Porsche Macan was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
  • Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Macan that averages well under the EPA 20 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.

Why these checks: what owners reported

NHTSA complaints for the 2019 Porsche Macan, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.

  • Wheels and tires21 crash

    A front wheel locking during an emergency maneuver is the most serious report here. In 1 crash-related complaint, the wheel locked while the driver swerved to avoid a collision at under 30 mph, and the vehicle flipped. A separate complaint describes the car veering side to side at 60 mph or more. An alignment did not cure it. Independent mechanics checked the suspension and blamed the tires, and the owner replaced them at personal expense. With only 2 complaints, no repeat pattern is visible yet.

  • Exterior lights2No crashes

    Passenger-side headlights fail, and the driver gets no warning. Both complaints involve the right headlight. In one case the low beam quit while the daytime running light kept working, and no warning lamp or dash message came on. A driver could keep going at night without knowing a low beam is out. One owner calls the headlight assembly repair very expensive and believes the failure is common on this model year. With only 2 complaints, that claim can't be confirmed here.

In owners' own words

Excerpts from complaints Macan owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.

Exterior lights
Passenger side headlight failed and malfunctioned partially, DLR works properly but low beam light failed without notice. there is no warning lamp or message displayed to warn driver the headlight is failed

Filed with NHTSA, December 2025

Exterior lights
Right headlight assembly defective. Turns out MANY 2019 Macans have this same problem. Only 2019 and only the right side. VERY expensive repair, and many would put it off causing a safety issue

Filed with NHTSA, April 2023

How the 2019 compares with other Macan years

Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.

The 2019 ranks third for owner complaints among 8 Macan years, close to the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.

2019 Average of other years
  • Wheels and tires20
  • Exterior lights20

Where the 2019 fits in the Macan's history

Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.

The 2019 is the fifth model year of the Macan's first generation (2015–2026).

It is also the first year of a mid-cycle update.

What changed for 2019

  • Overhauled chassis
  • Gasoline particulate filter fitted as standard
  • New front and rear fascia with LED head- and tail-lights
  • Redesigned interior with Porsche Communication Management with 10.9-inch touchscreen display

Recalls to confirm (1)

Recall repairs are free at any Porsche dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.

  1. 23V443000Seat beltsJun 2023

    Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Macan S, 2017-2020 Macan, 2017 Panamera Turbo, 2018 and 2020 Macan Turbo and Panamera 4, 2018 Macan Sport Edition, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, and 2019 Panamera 4 Sport Turismo vehicles. The screw that attaches the lower seat belt anchor to the seat frame on the outboard rear seats may not have been tightened properly.

    Risk: An improperly tightened seat belt anchor can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Fix: Dealers will replace and tighten the lower rear outboard seat belt anchor screws, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2023. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is APA9.

Also looking at these instead of a Macan?

Cars shoppers compare with the Porsche Macan, with their own 2019 checklists.

2019 owner complaints, side by side