2021 Porsche Taycan
The 2021 Porsche Taycan marked the second model year of Porsche’s groundbreaking all-electric sports sedan. Available in several trims, including the base Taycan, 4S, Turbo, and Turbo S, the 2021 model delivers impressive performance and luxury. The Taycan Turbo S, for example, boasts up to 750 horsepower and over 774 lb-ft of torque with Overboost engaged, allowing for blistering acceleration. Owners appreciate the Taycan’s engaging driving dynamics, sleek design, and rapid charging capabilities. However, some common complaints involve software glitches and occasional issues with the charging system.
Electric Motor
Performance Battery / Performance Battery Plus
- High Voltage Battery Failure/Degradation
- Description/Symptoms: Premature degradation of the high voltage battery pack leading to reduced range, failure to charge, or complete battery failure. Owners may experience warning lights, error messages, or a significant drop in the vehicle’s stated range.
- Solution: Battery replacement. In some cases, a software update might be attempted first.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $20,000 - $40,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical System
- 12V Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: The 12V battery, used for auxiliary functions, drains prematurely, leading to starting problems or electrical malfunctions. Symptoms include the car failing to start, error messages on the dashboard, and issues with the infotainment system.
- Solution: Replacement of the 12V battery, diagnosis of parasitic drain, and potentially software updates to manage power consumption.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Infotainment System Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system experiences glitches, freezes, reboots, or connectivity problems. This can affect navigation, audio, climate control, and other vehicle functions controlled through the touchscreen interface.
- Solution: Software updates, system resets, or in some cases, replacement of the PCM unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Charging System Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty charging, slow charging speeds, or complete charging failure. This can be related to the onboard charger, the charging port, or the external charging equipment.
- Solution: Diagnosis of the charging system components, repair or replacement of faulty parts, and verification of compatibility with charging equipment.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Gateway Control Unit Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Can be caused by a software defect that can cause the gateway control unit to reset. This can cause the vehicle to enter emergency mode.
- Solution: Software updates.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update)
- Recalls: 21V-178
Exterior
- Automatic Door Handle Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Failure of the automatic door handles to extend or retract properly. This can prevent entry or exit from the vehicle.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the door handle mechanism or related sensors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- HVAC Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: Issues with the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, such as inconsistent temperatures, weak airflow, or failure to switch between modes.
- Solution: Diagnosis of the HVAC system, repair or replacement of faulty components such as the blower motor, actuator, or control module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2021 Porsche Taycan, while lauded for its performance and innovation, has exhibited several common issues. The most concerning, and potentially most expensive, relate to the high voltage battery, with premature degradation and complete failures being reported. Electrical system glitches, particularly with the infotainment system and 12V battery, are also prevalent. Exterior and interior issues are less frequent but can still lead to unexpected repair costs. Overall, while many issues can be addressed with software updates, some may require significant investment to resolve.