2021 Porsche Taycan Safety Report

2021 Porsche Taycan plagued by numerous recalls, electrical system failures, and propulsion loss issues, lacking NHTSA crash test ratings.

69Complaints
21Recalls
45/100Reliability Score
4Crash Reports
2Fire Reports
2Injuries
Most reported components: Electrical System (21)Power Train (6)Service Brakes (5)Electrical System,Engine (4)Engine (4)Forward Collision Avoidance (4)Back Over Prevention (4)Power Train,Electrical System,Engine (3)Unknown Or Other (2)Visibility/Wiper (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Porsche Taycan

The 2021 Porsche Taycan presents a mixed safety picture, marked by a significant number of recalls, particularly concerning its high-voltage battery and braking system, alongside a notable pattern of propulsion loss complaints. With 69 total complaints to NHTSA, including 4 crashes, 2 fires, and 2 injuries, the vehicle's incident rate is concerning for its relatively low production volume. A critical area of concern is the electrical system, which accounts for 21 complaints and is directly linked to multiple recalls regarding the high-voltage battery's potential for short circuits and fire risk. Owners have reported instances of the vehicle losing propulsion and displaying 'Engine Control Error' messages, sometimes at speed, which poses a severe safety hazard. Recall history is extensive, with 21 recalls issued. Several recalls address the high-voltage battery, citing short circuit risks that could lead to fires (e.g., NHTSA Campaign Numbers 24V732000, 24V215000, 23V834000, 23V790000, 23V789000). The braking system is also a significant concern, with recalls for front brake hoses developing cracks and leaking fluid (24V069000) and incorrect warning indicators for worn brake pads (20V675000). Additionally, a recall for the rearview camera not displaying properly (24V732000) impacts driver visibility. Despite these issues, NHTSA has not provided official crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover are all N/A) for the 2021 Taycan, making it difficult to assess its passive safety performance. However, the high volume of recalls and the nature of the complaints, particularly those involving sudden power loss and fire risk, suggest that active safety systems and fundamental vehicle reliability have significant shortcomings. The recurring 'Engine Control Error' leading to vehicle shutdown is a critical safety flaw that has been reported by multiple owners.

Reliability Score

The 2021 Porsche Taycan receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2021 Porsche Taycan

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Porsche Taycan:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
High-Voltage Battery Short Circuit/Fire Risk
Multiple recalls (e.g., 24V732000, 24V215000) indicate a risk of short circuits within the high-voltage battery modules, increasing fire risk. Several complaints mention charging issues and battery failures.		 High Common all miles
Sudden Loss Of Propulsion / 'Engine Control Error'
Numerous complaints describe the vehicle suddenly losing power, displaying an 'Engine Control Error' message, and coming to a stop, often while driving, posing a significant crash risk.		 High Common low-60000 miles
Brake Fluid Leaks / Reduced Braking Performance
Recall 24V069000 addresses front brake hoses developing cracks and leaking fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase stopping distance.		 High Occasional all miles
Rearview Camera Malfunction
Recall 24V732000 indicates the rearview camera may not display properly, reducing the driver's view and increasing crash risk.		 Medium Occasional all miles
Heater/Hvac System Failure
Several complaints report the cabin heater failing, blowing only cold air, leading to ice buildup on interior windows and reduced visibility.		 Medium Occasional 10000-40000 miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Porsche Taycan:

Electrical System 30% of complaints

The most reported component, with 21 complaints, often related to battery issues, sudden power loss, and charging problems, leading to multiple recalls.

Power Train 9% of complaints

6 complaints, frequently associated with the 'Engine Control Error' and sudden loss of propulsion, indicating issues with the electric motor or transmission.

Service Brakes 7% of complaints

5 complaints, including issues with reduced braking performance and an incorrect warning indicator, supported by recalls for brake fluid leaks.

Engine 6% of complaints

4 complaints, often intertwined with 'Engine Control Error' messages and vehicle shutdown, despite the Taycan being an EV, indicating propulsion system faults.

Forward Collision Avoidance 6% of complaints

4 complaints, suggesting potential issues with the vehicle's advanced safety systems.

Back Over Prevention 6% of complaints

4 complaints, including issues related to the rearview camera, which is also subject to a recall.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Porsche Taycan

Is the 2021 Porsche Taycan safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Porsche Taycan has a concerning safety record. It has 69 total complaints, including 4 crashes, 2 fires, and 2 injuries. There are 21 recalls, many related to critical safety components like the high-voltage battery (fire risk) and brake system (fluid leaks). Owners frequently report sudden loss of propulsion and 'Engine Control Error' messages, which are severe safety hazards. NHTSA has not provided crash test ratings for this model.

What are common problems with the 2021 Porsche Taycan?

The most reported issues for the 2021 Porsche Taycan are related to the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (21 complaints), often involving battery failures, charging problems, and sudden power loss. POWER TRAIN (6 complaints) and SERVICE BRAKES (5 complaints) are also frequently cited, with issues like 'Engine Control Error' leading to vehicle shutdown and brake fluid leaks. The heater/HVAC system also has multiple complaints about failure.

Are there any recalls for the 2021 Porsche Taycan?

Yes, the 2021 Porsche Taycan has a significant number of recalls, totaling 21. Key recalls include those for the high-voltage battery due to short circuit and fire risk (e.g., 24V732000, 24V215000), front brake hoses that can leak fluid (24V069000), and rearview camera malfunctions (24V732000). There are also recalls for charging cable overheating and incorrect brake warning indicators.

Has the 2021 Porsche Taycan been crash tested?

No, the 2021 Porsche Taycan has not received official crash test ratings from NHTSA. All categories, including Overall, Frontal, Side, and Rollover, are listed as 'N/A'.

What should I do if my 2021 Porsche Taycan displays an 'Engine Control Error'?

If your 2021 Porsche Taycan displays an 'Engine Control Error' and loses propulsion, it is critical to safely pull over immediately. This is a known and frequently reported issue that can lead to the vehicle stopping unexpectedly. Contact Porsche service as soon as possible, as this indicates a serious underlying problem that has been linked to multiple complaints and potential safety hazards.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the high number of critical recalls and recurring complaints about sudden power loss and battery issues, potential buyers should exercise extreme caution and ensure all 21 recalls have been addressed and verified by a Porsche dealership before purchase.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Porsche Taycan

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Porsche Taycan. The data includes 69 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 21 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.