2015 Porsche Macan diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2015 Porsche Macan diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2015 Porsche Macan diesel than on all cars registered in 2015.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints4.1× usual
  Porsche Macan

  6.9% All 2015 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 1% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Common 2015 Porsche Macan diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2015 Porsche Macan diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  21% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Suspension
  13% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  10% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Driveshafts and joints
  7% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• Lights and electrics
  6% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  4% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Known faults on the 2015 Porsche Macan diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Transfer box judder

  All engines

  Many owners report transfer box faults. A judder can mean it's failing, and one owner was quoted £1,750. It's only free under warranty.

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full lock and pull away gently, feeling for judder.

  Source: What Car?: used Porsche Macan (2014 on) reliability

• Fuel line recalls

  Some cars

  Recalls covered a leaking low-pressure fuel connector with a fire risk (2015, about 1,200 cars) and a fuel pump pipe that could be damaged (2020, about 7,400), plus brake servo, airbag and seatbelt recalls.

  At the viewing: Ask a Porsche centre to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: What Car?: used Porsche Macan (2014 on) reliability

• Oil leaks (V6 petrol) and spring corrosion

  Oil leaks: V6 petrol. Springs: all

  V6 petrols can leak oil, and the suspension springs can corrode early. Listen for knocks or bangs.

  At the viewing: Look for oil under the engine and listen over bumps.

  Source: What Car?: used Porsche Macan (2014 on) reliability

• Electrical and infotainment glitches

  All engines

  Some owners report electrical faults and infotainment glitches needing software updates.

  At the viewing: Test the screen and electrics.

  Source: What Car?: used Porsche Macan (2014 on) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2015 Porsche Macan diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the transfer box been repaired or replaced?
2. Have the fuel recalls been done?
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.1× as often on the 2015 Porsche Macan diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?