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2021 Porsche Taycan: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 72 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Taycan, and the largest group is about the electrical system[1][2]. The model year also has 22 recalls, so check any car you are considering against the full list below[3].
Most reported problems
Owners filed 72 complaints with NHTSA for the 2021 Taycan[1]. Four mention a crash, 2 a fire and 2 an injury[1]. None report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several components, so the group counts below add up to more than 72[1].
- Electrical system: 39 complaints, including 2 fires[2].
- Engine: 17 complaints[4].
- Power train: 12 complaints[5].
- Brakes: 8 complaints, including 2 crashes[6].
- Back over prevention: 5 complaints[7].
- Forward collision avoidance: 5 complaints[8].
In a sample of 12 electrical system complaints we read, 9 describe a sudden loss of drive power while the car was moving, and 6 of those mention an error message such as "electrical system error" or "motor control error"[2]. Others describe a shutdown at a red light with no message, or a car that would not start or go into drive[2].
The engine group looks much the same. In a sample of 12 engine complaints, 9 describe a sudden loss of power while driving or accelerating, most with an engine control or electrical error message[4]. In a sample of 12 power train complaints, 10 describe the car losing acceleration or shutting down while driving, and some owners say repeat dealer visits did not end it[5].
In a sample of 8 brake complaints, 5 describe reduced or lost braking, such as a pedal that went to the floor or weaker braking in wet weather or on the first hard stop[6]. Two describe the car shutting off drive power or losing its gears[6].
Recall 21V486 describes a similar failure, where software can shut down the power train and cause a loss of drive power[9].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 22 recalls for the 2021 Taycan[3]. Some also cover other Porsche models or other model years, and some cover only a few cars. Each bullet below says what failed, the risk and the fix, newest first. Check a specific car's VIN against these recalls before buying.
- Rearview camera (25V896). The rearview image may not show when the car is put in reverse, which breaks the federal rear visibility rule. Dealers update the driver assistance software for free. The recall covers several Porsche models and years.[10]
- Battery short circuit (24V731). A short circuit inside a high-voltage battery module raises the risk of a fire. Until the repair is done, owners are told to charge to no more than 80%[11]. Dealers replace the affected modules for free.[11]
- Battery short circuit (24V732). Same fire risk, a larger group of cars. The final remedy is diagnostic software from the dealer, which the recall text said was anticipated in the first quarter of 2025. Porsche may tell owners to charge to 80% until the battery can be replaced[12]. For cars without online data, For cars without online data, dealers test the battery and swap the whole module unit if the test shows it is needed[12]..
- Front brake hoses (24V455). The front brake hoses can crack and leak brake fluid. That can lengthen stopping distance and raise crash risk. Dealers replace the hoses for free.[13]
- Battery short circuit (24V217). Fire risk from a battery short circuit. Owners are advised to charge to no more than 80% until the repair is done[14]. Dealers check the battery data and replace modules as needed.[14]
- Battery short circuit (24V215). Same defect and the same 80% charging advice. Dealers replace the affected high-voltage battery modules for free.[15]
- Battery short circuit (23V840). Same defect. Dealers inspect the battery and replace modules as needed, free of charge.[16]
- Portable charging cable (23V841). Some home outlets cannot handle the current of the compact charging cable on the 100% setting, so the outlet or cable can overheat, which raises the risk of a fire. Owners are told not to use the 220V/240V portable cable and to use the 110V home cable or public chargers[17]. Dealers will supply a new cable with a temperature sensor, and the recall text says owners get a second notice once parts become available. This recall lists various models and years.[17]
- Brake pad warning (23V347). The warning light for worn brake pads showed the wrong color, so a driver might keep driving on worn pads. Dealers update the instrument cluster software.[18]
- Body welds (23V313). A production line error may have left welds out of the body, which could reduce crash protection. Dealers inspect and repair the welds. This recall covers 3 vehicles across several models[19].
- Seat belt warning (23V176). With an unbelted passenger, the warning light and chime may not work. Dealers update the instrument cluster software.[20]
- Front suspension strut (22V921). A retaining ring on the top of an air suspension strut may come loose, which can dislodge the strut and cost the car handling and control. Dealers inspect the strut and replace it if needed.[21]
- Center screen and camera (22V404). A software error can leave the center screen and touch panel black after the car starts, and the top view image can flicker. That breaks the rear visibility rule and can block the driver's view of camera features. Dealers install new software.[22]
- Seat wiring (22V278). The seat wiring harness can be damaged when a seat is moved forward or back, which could switch off the air bags. Dealers inspect the harness, tape it and repair damaged wires.[23]
- Rear center seat belt (22V100). On cars with the optional rear center seat, the belt buckle wiring can get in the way of the right rear lower child seat anchors. Dealers reroute the wiring and replace a damaged buckle if needed.[24]
- Suspension alignment (22V052). The front and rear suspension of one car may be misaligned, which can wear tires unevenly. Dealers adjust the alignment and replace worn tires.[25]
- Hazard lights (21V794). The automatic hazard lights before a collision may come on when there is no emergency. Dealers reprogram the lights.[26]
- Brake booster rod (21V697). The brake booster input rod connection may be loose and could come off, which would make the brake pedal fail. Dealers repair or replace the booster. This recall also covers the 911 Carrera[27].
- Rear seat belt retractors (21V608). The automatic locking retractors may switch off too early, so a child seat may not be held securely. Dealers inspect the belts and replace them if needed. This recall covers several Porsche models.[28]
- Power shutdown software (21V486). Monitoring software can wrongly detect a fault and shut down the power train, so the car loses drive power. Dealers reload the software on the power electronics and the engine control unit.[9]
- Front lower trailing arms (21V362). The arms were not forged correctly and may break, which can cause a loss of control. Dealers replace the arms. This recall also lists Panamera models.[29]
- Suspension bolts (21V157). Some suspension nuts and bolts may not have been tightened correctly, so parts could come loose and cause a sudden loss of stability. Dealers replace the nuts and bolts and check nearby parts. This recall lists many Porsche models.[30]
Fuel economy and range
The EPA rates the 2021 Taycan between 70 and 79 MPGe combined, depending on the version[31][32]. MPGe is the electric car version of miles per gallon.
| Version | MPGe combined | EPA range |
|---|---|---|
| Taycan Perf Battery (rear-wheel drive)[33] | 79 | 200 miles |
| Taycan 4S Perf Battery[31] | 79 | 199 miles |
| Taycan 4S Perf Battery Plus[34] | 77 | 227 miles |
| Taycan 4 Cross Turismo[35] | 76 | 215 miles |
| Taycan Perf Battery Plus (rear-wheel drive)[36] | 75 | 225 miles |
| Taycan 4S Cross Turismo[37] | 75 | 215 miles |
| Taycan Turbo[38] | 73 | 212 miles |
| Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo[39] | 73 | 202 miles |
| Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo[40] | 72 | 204 miles |
| Taycan Turbo S[32] | 70 | 201 miles |
Range runs from 199 to 227 miles across these versions[31][34]. The Taycan Turbo S has the lowest combined rating on the list[32].
Safety ratings
NHTSA lists the 4 door all-wheel-drive Taycan Turbo and Turbo S as not rated in its 5-Star Safety Ratings[41][42]. That means there is no star score to compare.
Engine and size
The EPA lists the 2021 Taycan with an electric motor rated from 321 to 616 hp, depending on version[43].
Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[44].
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taycan 4 / 4S sedan[44] | 195 in | 78 in | 54 in | 114 in | 4,718 lb |
| Taycan 4 / 4S Cross Turismo[45] | 196 in | 78 in | 56 in | 114 in | 4,760 lb |
| Taycan Turbo / Turbo S sedan[46] | 195 in | 78 in | 54 in | 114 in | 5,060 lb |
| Taycan Turbo / Turbo S Cross Turismo[47] | 196 in | 78 in | 56 in | 114 in | 5,101 lb |
How 2021 compares with other Taycan years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 92 | 16 |
| 2021 | 72 | 22 |
| 2022 | 80 | 12 |
| 2023 | 21 | 11 |
| 2024 | 9 | 6 |
| 2025 | 2 | 4 |
Here are NHTSA counts for each Taycan model year[3].
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 92 | 16 |
| 2021 | 72 | 22 |
| 2022 | 80 | 12 |
| 2023 | 21 | 11 |
| 2024 | 9 | 6 |
| 2025 | 2 | 4 |
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
The 2021 model year has the most recalls of any year on the list[3]. For complaints it sits third, behind 2020 and 2022[3]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, and newer years may simply have fewer reports on file so far. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales.
Should you buy a used 2021 Taycan?
The 2021 Taycan has more recalls than any other Taycan year, including several for a battery short circuit that raises fire risk[3][11][16]. Owners in the complaint sample also describe sudden power loss, often with warning messages, and a software recall covers a similar shutdown[2][9]. On the other side, the battery recall repairs are free at a dealer[11][15][16], and the EPA rates the car at 70 to 79 MPGe[32][31]. Before buying, run the VIN on NHTSA.gov, ask for proof that each recall was repaired, and ask the seller about any battery charging limit the car was given. Our data does not cover price, warranty or battery health, so those need their own check.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Porsche Taycan?
- Electrical system complaints lead with 39 of 72 on file with NHTSA[1][2]. In the sample we read, owners describe a sudden loss of drive power, often with an error message[2].
- How many recalls does the 2021 Porsche Taycan have?
- NHTSA lists 22 recalls for model year 2021, the most of any Taycan year[3]. Several concern a battery short circuit with fire risk[11][14][16].
- What is the MPGe of a 2021 Porsche Taycan?
- EPA combined ratings run from 70 to 79 MPGe depending on the version, with range of 199 to 227 miles[31][34][32].
- Is the 2021 Taycan the worst year?
- Not on complaints. It has 72, fewer than 2020 with 92 and 2022 with 80, but it has the most recalls with 22[3].
- How much horsepower does the 2021 Taycan have?
- The EPA lists 321 to 616 hp depending on version[43].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 72 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Porsche Taycan (4 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 2 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 39 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Porsche Taycan model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 17 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 12 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the back over prevention component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 21V486, filed June 29, 2021: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Engine Control Module (Ecu / Ecm) › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V896, filed December 19, 2025: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V731, filed October 1, 2024: Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V732, filed October 1, 2024: Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V455, filed June 19, 2024: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V217, filed March 20, 2024: Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V215, filed March 20, 2024: Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V840, filed December 13, 2023: Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V841, filed December 13, 2023: Electrical System › Propulsion System › Charging › Cable / Cord › Onboard. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V347, filed May 16, 2023: Electrical System › Instrument Cluster / Panel. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V313, filed May 3, 2023: Structure › Body. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V176, filed March 17, 2023: Electrical System › Instrument Cluster / Panel. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V921, filed December 13, 2022: Suspension › Front › Macpherson Strut. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V404, filed June 8, 2022: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V278, filed April 26, 2022: Seats. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V100, filed February 22, 2022: Seat Belts › Rear / Other › Anchorage. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V052, filed February 2, 2022: Tires. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V794, filed October 13, 2021: Exterior Lighting › Hazard Flashing Warning Lights. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V697, filed September 8, 2021: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V608, filed August 4, 2021: Seat Belts › Rear / Other › Retractor. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V362, filed May 17, 2021: Suspension › Front. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V157, filed March 10, 2021: Suspension › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Taycan 4S Perf Battery, electric, Automatic (A2), Electricity: 79 MPGe combined, 199 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Taycan Turbo S, electric, Automatic (A2), Electricity: 70 MPGe combined, 201 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Taycan Perf Battery, electric, Automatic (A2), Electricity: 79 MPGe combined, 200 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Taycan 4S Perf Battery Plus, electric, Automatic (A2), Electricity: 77 MPGe combined, 227 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Taycan 4 Cross Turismo, electric, Automatic (A2), Electricity: 76 MPGe combined, 215 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Taycan Perf Battery Plus, electric, Automatic (A2), Electricity: 75 MPGe combined, 225 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Taycan 4S Cross Turismo, electric, Automatic (A2), Electricity: 75 MPGe combined, 215 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Taycan Turbo, electric, Automatic (A2), Electricity: 73 MPGe combined, 212 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo, electric, Automatic (A2), Electricity: 73 MPGe combined, 202 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo, electric, Automatic (A2), Electricity: 72 MPGe combined, 204 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2021 Porsche Taycan with electric motor: rated 321 to 616 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TAYCAN 4 / 4S 4DR SEDAN: length 195 in, width 78 in, height 54 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 4,718 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TAYCAN 4 / 4S CROSS TURISMO: length 196 in, width 78 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 4,760 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TAYCAN TURBO / TURBO S 4DR SEDAN: length 195 in, width 78 in, height 54 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 5,060 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TAYCAN TURBO / TURBO S CROSS TURISMO: length 196 in, width 78 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 5,101 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov