Porsche Panamera 970
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
519–570 PS
4.8L V8 Turbo Benzin
Panamera Turbo 970.2 — the refined V8 express
Legendary!420 PS
3.0L V6 Turbo Benzin
7 weaknesses
Good Choice500–551 PS
4.8L V8 Turbo Benzin
7 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Porsche Panamera 970 is available with 10 engine variants — from 250 to 570 hp. 8 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Porsche Diesel (Diesel, 250–300 PS) comes with 2 different engines: CRCC (2011–2013, Be Careful) und CWJA (2013–2016, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the Diesel!
The Porsche 3.6L V6 (Benziner, 299–310 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M46.20 (2010–2013, Be Careful) und CWAA (2013–2016, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 3.6L V6!
The Porsche 4 (Benziner, 299–310 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M46.20 (2010–2013, Be Careful) und CWAA (2013–2016, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 4!
The Porsche 4S (Benziner, 400–420 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M48.20 (2009–2013, Stay Away!) und CWDA (2013–2016, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the 4S!
The Porsche GTS (Benziner, 430–441 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M48.40 (2011–2013, Stay Away!) und CXPA (2013–2016, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the GTS!
The Porsche S (Benziner, 400–420 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M48.20 (2009–2013, Stay Away!) und CWDA (2013–2016, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the S!
The Porsche Turbo (Benziner, 500–519 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M48.70 (2010–2013, Stay Away!) und CWBA (2013–2016, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the Turbo!
The Porsche Turbo S (Benziner, 551–570 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M48.70 (2011–2013, Stay Away!) und CWBA (2015–2016, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the Turbo S!
The Porsche S Hybrid (Benziner Hybrid, 380 PS) has the CGEA (3.0L V6 Hybrid) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The Porsche S E-Hybrid (Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid, 416 PS) has the CGEA (3.0L V6 Hybrid) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Air suspension fails Air bags and compressor are common wear items. Vehicle sags or sits unevenly. Repair is labour-intensive and expensive. Symptoms: Suspension warning, vehicle sits unevenly or sags overnight, compressor runs constantly from 80,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 87 weaknesses have been documented for the Porsche Panamera 970 (2009–2016) — 79 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. 3 problem engines: M48.20 (4.8L V8), M48.40 (4.8L V8), M48.70 (4.8L V8 Turbo). Typical issues affect Suspension, Electronics, Brakes, Steering. Considered reliable: CWDA (3.0L V6 Turbo).
Panamera (CRCC, 2011–2013) — Be Careful: Turbo failure at high mileage, Timing chain tensioner wears out, Timing chain tensioner ('banana tensioner') wears out. Power: 250 PS.
Panamera (CWJA, 2013–2016) — Be Careful: Turbo failure at high mileage, Timing chain rattles after brief idle, Timing chain tensioner wears out. Power: 300 PS.
Panamera (M48.20, 2009–2013) — Stay Away!: Camshaft adjuster bolts break (NHTSA 17V368), Camshaft adjuster bolt failure (Recall AH08), Coolant bridge bursts (rear of engine). Power: 400 PS.
Panamera (M46.20, 2010–2013) — Be Careful: Timing chain guides break, Coolant vent line breaks, PDK pressure sensor failure. Power: 299 PS.
Panamera (M48.70, 2010–2013) — Stay Away!: Camshaft adjuster bolts break (NHTSA 17V368), PDK mechatronics unit faulty, Coolant bridge bursts at rear of engine. Power: 500 PS.
Panamera (M48.40, 2011–2013) — Stay Away!: Plastic coolant pipes under intake bridge leaking, Camshaft adjuster bolt failure (Recall AH08), Coolant bridge at rear of engine detaches. Power: 430 PS.
Panamera (M48.70, 2011–2013) — Stay Away!: Camshaft adjuster bolts break (NHTSA 17V368), PDK mechatronics unit faulty, Coolant bridge bursts at rear of engine. Power: 551 PS.
Panamera (CWAA, 2013–2016) — Be Careful: Camshaft adjuster bolt breakage, Timing chain tensioner wears out, Elevated oil consumption from piston ring wear. Power: 310 PS.
Panamera (CXPA, 2013–2016) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation at high mileage, Plastic coolant pipes fracture, Coolant bridge bursts (rear of engine). Power: 441 PS.
Panamera (CWBA, 2013–2016) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation at high mileage, Plastic coolant pipes fracture, Rear engine coolant bridge failure (critical). Power: 519 PS.
Panamera (CWBA, 2015–2016) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation at high mileage, Plastic coolant pipes fracture, Rear engine coolant bridge failure (critical). Power: 570 PS.
Panamera (CGEA, 2011–2013) — Be Careful: Timing chain on gearbox side — extreme repair effort, High-voltage hybrid battery defective, Coolant pipe adhesive bond fails. Power: 333 PS.
Panamera (CGEA, 2013–2016) — Be Careful: Timing chain on gearbox side — extreme repair effort, High-voltage hybrid battery defective, Coolant pipe adhesive bond fails. Power: 330–333 PS.
What to watch out for with the Porsche Panamera? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee