What 90 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo S

While driving my Porsche Taycan through a high-speed intersection, the vehicle suddenly displayed battery and chassis system error messages instructing me to pull over immediately. Before I could safely move the vehicle to the side of the road, it completely lost propulsion, speed control, and steering capability, causing the vehicle to abruptly slow to 0 mph in active traffic and leaving me stranded in the middle of the roadway. This created an immediate safety hazard, as approaching vehicles nearly collided with my car because it effectively performed an unexpected emergency stop without warning. Approximately one month earlier, the vehicle experienced the exact same failure while parked, displaying battery and chassis errors and losing power and steering functionality. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Porsche dealership, where it remained for approximately one month; however, the dealer was unable to diagnose the problem and returned the vehicle to me, stating that no fault could be found. Just two days after the vehicle was returned, the identical failure occurred again while I was driving. After restarting the vehicle multiple times at the roadside, I was eventually able to move it to a safer location, where it failed again shortly thereafter. The vehicle is currently at the Porsche dealership and is available for inspection. The dealership has indicated that the issue may be related to the high-voltage battery but has not yet identified the root cause or completed repairs. The only prior warning of this defect was the nearly identical battery and chassis system failure that occurred approximately one month before this incident.

NHTSA ODI 11746390

During my ownership, the vehicle experienced multiple dangerous failures. It suddenly lost power while driving with my 2‑year‑old child onboard, and on another occasion the steering wheel locked for several seconds on the freeway. The car has had numerous recalls, and the dealer later confirmed an EV motor failure but offered no buyback. These defects created serious safety risks and caused significant financial loss, which I believe requires NHTSA’s attention.

NHTSA ODI 11697761

While driving my electric vehicle, I experienced a sudden loss of power. The car abruptly stopped, leaving tire marks on the street, and the steering wheel began shaking. At the same time, an error message appeared on the dashboard, indicating an engine failure and instructing me to pull over immediately for safety. Fortunately, I was driving alone that day and had chosen an alternative residential route, which allowed for slower speeds and less traffic. Had this incident occurred during my usual commute, where I typically travel at least 45 mph on a heavily trafficked three-lane road, the outcome could have been catastrophic. I am certain that the sudden loss of power in such conditions would have led to a serious accident, endangering not only myself but also other road users. The service center required a full week to duplicate the issue. While there were no prior warnings, messages, or symptoms leading up to this event on my car after researching the incident it is clear that this same instance occurred in over 10,000 like kind vehicles under NHTSA recall number 21V-486. This unexpected failure poses a significant safety risk, and I am deeply concerned about the potential for recurrence, especially in less forgiving traffic conditions.

NHTSA ODI 11627616

In the center of the lane on a straight highway, vehicle will suddenly brake without warning. There are no vehicles ahead. A warning light comes on the dash and says “Driver Control Required,” yet both my hands are on the steering wheel. The feeling is that of a brake check performed by the electronic sensors of the car, and not at the driver’s command. Had there been a car following behind me, he could have hit me in the rear. Dealer is aware of the complaint but says, “system is working as designed.” Manufacturer responds by directing me back to the dealership. Yet the problem persists.

NHTSA ODI 11471268

Was driving on freeway at 70mph and car suddenly lost power ....we were in furthest lane and had to attempt to get the car to safety on a busy LA freeway by crossing 4 lanes Extremely scary as had my children in the car... My family now refuse to get in the car for safety concerns Thankfully traffic wasn't at its peak as if it was i dread to think what would of happened

NHTSA ODI 11418705