Porsche Macan Gen 1 Reliability Guide - Common Problems & Tips

Inspired by the triumph of their first sports crossover Cayenne, Porsche decided to consolidate their success by releasing a more compact model. This became the Macan, which proved so appealing to active driving enthusiasts that in some years it even surpassed its older sibling in popularity. Today we'll discuss the operating and maintenance features of pre-facelift versions of the first generation of these "Porsche tigers" — this is exactly how the word "macan" translates from Indonesian.

Model History and Engine Lineup

The production version of the first Macan was presented in late 2013 simultaneously at two auto shows — in Los Angeles and Tokyo. All cars were equipped with a seven-speed preselective PDK robot and all-wheel drive. The first modifications to reach the market were equipped with a three-liter V-shaped six-cylinder engine with index MCT.MA, as well as with the MCT.LA engine with 3.6-liter displacement.

Subsequently, the list of units expanded mainly with similar gasoline V-shaped sixes. It included the three-liter MDC.NA, as well as the MDH.KA with 3.6-liter displacement. Additionally, the lineup included the only inline four — a two-liter gasoline MCY, as well as the only diesel — a V-shaped three-liter six MCT.BA.

However, the fate of the diesel engine proved unfortunate. Having barely appeared, it immediately became part of the massive dieselgate scandal. In September 2016, a voluntary recall of 10.5 thousand diesel Macans was announced — they had their engine management software reinstalled. However, by May 2018, 53 thousand diesel crossovers fell under recall. The investigation revealed that these vehicles had up to five illegal devices installed for manipulating harmful emissions levels. Therefore, the diesel engine didn't survive the 2018 facelift, leaving the lineup even before the update.

Gasoline Engines and Their Features

Three-Liter MCT.MA — Problematic Engine

This engine was plagued by cylinder wall scoring. Moreover, no pattern in their appearance could be identified, because scoring occurred under absolutely different circumstances: on low mileages and high ones, among those who drive "pedal to the metal" and calm drivers, among those who practice frequent cold starts with immediate load application, and those who thoroughly warm up the engine.

Furthermore, there are many cars with this unit that have driven over a hundred thousand kilometers but never encountered this problem. If you want to purchase such a modification, don't be lazy to examine the engine internals with an endoscope during inspection. Engine restoration through sleeving is not a cheap operation.

Interestingly, among 360-horsepower engines, extremely similar in design, such an epidemic of scoring is not observed, but it's still better to inspect them with an endoscope before purchase.

Common Problems of Three-Liter Engines

Another typical malfunction of three-liter engines is engine mount wear around 100 thousand km. You're unlikely to make a mistake in diagnosis because impacts during sharp starts or accelerations are unmistakable, and characteristic vibrations during driving will also make themselves known. Generally, it's better to change all mounts at once, because usually if one dies, the turn of all others will follow.

Another ailment is a leaking cooling system tube. As practice shows, plastic connectors located at the ends of this tube begin to deteriorate after 5-6 years of operation. First, they gradually leak antifreeze, then, falling off, can easily drain it in seconds. To prevent such troubles from catching you on the road, experienced Macan owners recommend preventively replacing this tube. An important signal that you need to visit service will be the characteristic smell of antifreeze in the cabin.

Diesel Engine — Most Reliable Option

Diesel cars are at the other pole of reliability. There are few of them on the secondary market — at most 10-15%, but this is perhaps the most successful engine of the first Macan in terms of service life and predictability. Its only requirement is refueling with quality fuel. It doesn't forgive surrogates, additives, and moisture.

Therefore, if you refuel with decent fuel, then all you need to do in terms of service up to 140-150 thousand km is just change oil. And at the above-mentioned mileage, replace the drive belt with roller and tensioners. It's possible that the starter will require investment by this milestone — it will most likely start acting up, but this is not a problem, it can be easily repaired.

Up to 190-200 thousand km, forget about the engine until it's time to replace the timing chains. This engine is really trouble-free. True, such bliss doesn't exclude increased attention to the particulate filter and EGR, as well as corresponding high-quality maintenance.

Two-Liter Four-Cylinder Engine

The remaining engines are already some kind of compromise intermediate option with their own ailments. Thus, the universally recognized Achilles' heel of two-liter engines is rather weak camshafts. Bearings quickly wear out their service life.

The timing chain should be replaced in the middle of the second hundred thousand kilometers of mileage, and it's strongly not recommended to delay this. After all, the chain won't give characteristic sounds indicating its extreme stretching — it will just jump at one moment.

3.6-Liter Engines

The 3.6-liter engine can also experience scoring, but in this case everything is clear with them. Scoring is a consequence of negligent attitude toward the car, which is expressed in irregular maintenance, use of low-quality consumables, as well as abuse of increased loads.

Cooling system tubes here also don't differ in reliability, and with substantial mileages, antifreeze leaks can occur with frightening regularity. Dynamic interruptions or acceleration dips may be caused by malfunction of the lift pump located in the fuel tank. It's also not particularly durable here.

Macan owners with such engines also complain about low service life of turbines and ignition coils.

Transmission and Drive

Seven-Speed PDK Robot

Pre-facelift Macans are equipped with a seven-speed preselective robot with two wet clutches. This unit is quite reliable and doesn't burden with excessive headaches, but provided regular oil changes, which should be performed at least every 60 thousand km. And better, considering Macan's specifics, perform this operation every 40 thousand km.

However, surprisingly, several crossover owners appeared on forums with electronic control unit failure that occurred beyond the warranty period. The dashboard displays "PSM malfunction" or "Incomplete all-wheel drive. Rear only", as well as a whole scatter of various errors. Unfortunately, it's not possible to restore the unit to life programmatically — a new one needs to be installed, moreover with reflashing and adaptation.

Transfer Case

Amazing incidents also occurred with Macan's transfer case — several cases of warranty replacement were recorded at mileages around 60-80 thousand km. The reason for contacting dealers were vibrations and jerks after warm-up, as well as intensifying jerks during acceleration and under load. At the same time, gears shifted without flaws, and no errors appeared in memory.

Someone blamed spark plugs, someone blamed the clutch, but then it turned out that the source of jerking is the transfer case, in which, despite regular oil changes, splines wore out and bearings on the shaft broke. Dealers in this case replaced the unit with a new one without unnecessary questions, because official regulations don't provide for transfer case repair.

Suspension and Chassis

Air Suspension

Air suspension — both front and rear — as practice shows, usually fails in the interval of 90-150 thousand km. The front slightly earlier, and the rear later. This becomes clear from rather rough overcoming of artificial irregularities, because when the system is working, the crossover overcomes them elastically, like a well-inflated ball. In addition to everything else, a "Chassis system malfunction" message may light up on the instrument cluster.

True, the same message will light up, for example, in case of compressor failure or body level sensor failure. The service life of air suspension naturally depends largely on driving conditions, but on average with an adequate approach to vehicle use, we get exactly such mileages.

During work, you need to be very careful and attentive, because due to age during the repair itself, the steering knuckle in the upper part, where two arms adjoin, may crack. From age and mileage, but as luck would have it, this is usually discovered not in the repair zone, but after the car leaves the service gates.

General Suspension Problems

It must be acknowledged that mileage around 100 thousand km usually coincides with the beginning of extensive chassis repairs even with the most careful handling of the car. What can you do — time takes its toll.

In the interval from 80 to 130 thousand km, it's necessary to replace:

• Stabilizer bar links
• Bushings
• Wheel bearings
• Upper front arms (because separate silent blocks for them are not offered)

That is, a complete suspension overhaul is actually performed, which shouldn't be delayed. Experienced Macan owners advise proceeding as follows: as soon as something starts knocking or squeaking, you need to drive a little while the noises are not critical and the car doesn't wander in the lane, and then do everything at once, so you don't have to visit service twice or three times.

Brake System

Macan's brake system also doesn't boast record longevity. Pads usually last 15-20 thousand kilometers, and discs twice as much — and this is with fairly calm driving modes without abusing aggressive driving.

At the same time, the internet is full of advice to get off original factory products and install something more effective, although complaints about the performance of standard components are practically non-existent, just like complaints about their squeaking or noise.

Exhaust System

Six-cylinder Macan owners more often complain about crackling under the bottom during cold start, which confidently progresses over time and develops into constant clanging around one and a half to two thousand RPM.

Finding the cause is not difficult — it's a broken bridge between two exhaust pipes, located approximately in the middle of the car. It's quickly welded, however after a short period — approximately 10 thousand km — the crackling may return again.

Owners initially install new bridges, someone also changes corrugations, but crackling appears again and again. In desperation, owners throw out this ill-fated bridge, and nothing — literally nothing terrible happens. There are no extraneous noises, and the exhaust system works absolutely normally.

Interior and Sound Insulation

The interior of pre-facelift Macans also becomes more and more noisy during operation. The higher the mileage, the more sources of extraneous sounds. Someone in this case even achieves warranty replacement of individual elements or application of additional sealant.

However, experience shows that the only effective remedy is enhancing sound insulation at specialized centers.

Selection Recommendations

When choosing a used first-generation Porsche Macan, pay attention to the following points:

1. Avoid the three-liter MCT.MA — high risk of cylinder scoring
2. Diesel versions are most reliable, but there are few on the market
3. Two-liter engines require attention to the timing chain
4. Definitely check service history — regular oil changes are especially important
5. Inspect the suspension — by 100 thousand km many elements require replacement
6. Check air suspension operation and absence of errors
7. Ensure transmission serviceability — no jerks or vibrations

Conclusion

The first-generation Porsche Macan is a bright and dynamic crossover capable of providing many positive emotions. However, this is a car requiring a competent approach to selection and maintenance.

All remarks about the Porsche Macan are not systemic in nature and are more than compensated by the bright emotions this car provides. These emotions will be especially positive if you find yourself a crossover with a diesel engine that doesn't burden with excessive worries.

The main thing is to make the right choice, thoroughly checking the specific specimen and its service history. With a competent approach, the Macan will become an excellent companion for those who value the combination of practicality and sporty character in one vehicle.

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