2011 Porsche Panamera
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4s, Base/S/4, S Hybrid, Turbo
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 195.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,968–4,343 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Porsche Panamera is a large car offered with 3 engines (3.6L 6-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl and 4.8L 8-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 196 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,101 lb (4s).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 26 highway), 12% better than the 2011 large car average of 18.8 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2011
- Engine added: 3.6L 6-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 19 to 21
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Panamera →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4s | 195.7 in | 76 in | 55.9 in | 115 in | 65 / 64.2 in | 4,101 lb | 54/46 |
| Base/S/4 | 195.7 in | 76 in | 55.9 in | 115 in | 65 / 64.2 in | 3,968 lb | 54/46 |
| S Hybrid | 195.7 in | 76 in | 55.9 in | 115 in | 65 / 64.2 in | – | 54/46 |
| Turbo | 195.7 in | 76 in | 55.9 in | 115 in | 65 / 64.2 in | 4,343 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panamera | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | +12% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Panamera 4 | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | +12% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Panamera S | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | +1% | $4,350 | 468 |
| Panamera 4S | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | +1% | $4,350 | 468 |
| Panamera Turbo | 4.8L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -4% | $4,550 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Porsche Panamera.
Similar 2011 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Porsche Panamera (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2011 BMW 5 Series | 25 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Audi A6 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2011 Lexus LS | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Jaguar XJ | 19 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2011 Lexus GS | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2011 Lexus ES | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (6)
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Aug 30, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V656000 · 222,858 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2020 Porsche Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Cayman S, 2001-2004 Boxster, Boxster S, 2004 Boxster 50 JAHRE SPYDER 550 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all affected models and model years. The caps that cover the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws are missing, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- Improperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the headlights for sealing caps and install missing caps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ANB4.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (Prndl) · Jun 12, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V446000 · 99,665 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, 2004-2010 Cayenne, 2006 Cayenne Turbo S, 2010-2016 Panamera S, Panamera 4 S, Panamera Turbo, 2011-2016 Panamera, Panamera 4, 2012-2013 Panamera Turbo S, 2013-2016 Panamera 4 GTS, 2014-2016 Panamera 4 S Executive, Panamera Turbo Executive, Panamera Turbo S G1 II, Panamera Turbo S Executive, 2013 Panamera 4 Platinum Edition, Panamera Platinum Edition, 2016 Panamera 4 Edition, Panamera Edition, Panamera Turbo S Executive Luxury Sports vehicles. The bushing that attaches the gear selector lever to the gearbox may degrade over time, causing the bushing to detach. This condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
- Risk
- If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. Owners are instructed to use the parking brake until their vehicle is repaired. The recall began August 9, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKB1.
Electrical System · Apr 24, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V322000 · 33,206 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2010-2016 Panamera 4S and Panamera S, 2011-2016 Panamera, Panamera 4 and Panamera Turbo, 2012-2016 Panamera Turbo S and Panamera S E-Hybrid, 2013-2016 Panamera GTS, 2013 Panamera Platinum Edition and Panamera 4 Platinum Edition, 2014-2016 Panamera 4S Executive, Panamera Turbo Executive and Panamera Turbo S Executive, 2015 Panamera Diesel and 2016 Panamera 4 Edition, Panamera Edition and Panamera Turbo S Exclusive Series vehicles. Water may enter the A/C blower control unit, causing an electrical short circuit.
- Risk
- An electrical short increases the risk of fire.
- Fix
- Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the blower control unit, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 10, 2020. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKA7. Note: Porsche recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.
Engine · Jun 7, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V368000 · 18,005 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2010-2012 Panamera S, Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo vehicles, 2011-2012 Panamera and Panamera 4 vehicles, and 2011 Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo vehicles. The affected vehicles have camshaft controllers that may come loose inside the engine, potentially resulting in an engine stall.
- Risk
- An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fastening screws for the camshaft adjusters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 12, 2018. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy is available. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AH08.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Jan 20, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V016000 · 1,368 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cayenne S Hybrid, and 2012 Panamera S Hybrid vehicles manufactured April 26, 2011, to August 2, 2012. The fuel injection system may leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increasea the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails, free of charge. The recall began on April 17, 2015. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger · Jul 12, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V329000 · 270 vehicles
- Problem
- PORSCHE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 PANAMERA TURBO, 2012 PANAMERA TURBO S, AND 2012 CAYENNE TURBO VEHICLES. THE TURBINE WHEEL OF A TURBOCHARGER MAY FRACTURE DUE TO A CASTING DEFECT. IF A FRACTURE OCCURS, VEHICLE PERFORMANCE WILL BE DECREASED AND THE TURBINE SHAFT MAY FRACTURE.
- Risk
- IF THE SHAFT FRACTURES, OIL MAY BE DRAWN INTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, RESULTING IN SMOKE AND THE INCREASED RISK OF A FIRE.
- Fix
- PORSCHE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TURBINE WHEELS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 31, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-767-7243.
Not every 2011 Porsche Panamera is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Porsche Panamera buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 24 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 7 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 82,224 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Porsche Panamera. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Panamera years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Panamera | 21 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 1 |
| 2025 Panamera | 21 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 2 |
| 2024 Panamera | 21 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 2 |
| 2023 Panamera | 22 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 2 |
| 2022 Panamera | 22 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2021 Panamera | 22 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 2 |
| 2020 Panamera | 23 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 5 |
| 2019 Panamera | 23 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2018 Panamera | 24 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 8 | 12 |
| 2017 Panamera | 24 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 6 | 1 |
| 2016 Panamera | 25 | 197.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 3 |
| 2015 Panamera | 25 | 197.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 6 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Porsche. How we calculate this →