2012 Porsche Panamera

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Porsche Panamera
Pictured: Porsche 972 Turbo E-Hybrid IMG 0445. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Large Cars
Body styles
4/4s, Base/S, Gts, S Hybrid
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
25 combined · 22 city / 30 hwy
Length
195.7 in
Curb weight
3,880–4,409 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 32% better than the average 2012 large car (18.9 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • 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 23 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Porsche Panamera is a large car offered with 4 engines (3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl and 4.8L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version 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 4,012 lb (4/4s).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 30 highway), 32% better than the 2012 large car average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,300 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 13 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2012

  • New hybrid version
  • Engine added: 3.0L 6-cyl
  • Best combined MPG up from 21 to 25

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Panamera →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4/4s195.7 in76 in55.9 in115 in65 / 64.2 in4,012 lb54/46
Base/S195.7 in76 in55.9 in115 in65 / 64.2 in3,880 lb54/46
Gts195.7 in76 in55.9 in115 in65 / 64.2 in4,233 lb54/46
S Hybrid195.7 in76 in55.9 in115 in65 / 64.2 in4,409 lb54/46
Turbo/Turbo S195.7 in76 in55.9 in115 in65 / 64.2 in4,343 lb54/46

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Panamera S Hybrid Hybrid3.0L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive22 / 30 / 25+32%$3,300355
Panamera3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 7-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21+11%$3,900423
Panamera 43.6L 6-cylAutomatic 7-spd4-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21+11%$3,900423
Panamera S4.8L 8-cylAutomatic 7-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 24 / 19+1%$4,350468
Panamera 4S4.8L 8-cylAutomatic 7-spdAll-Wheel Drive16 / 24 / 19+1%$4,350468
Panamera Turbo4.8L 8-cyl turboAutomatic 7-spdAll-Wheel Drive15 / 23 / 18-5%$4,550494
Panamera Turbo S4.8L 8-cyl turboAutomatic 7-spdAll-Wheel Drive15 / 23 / 18-5%$4,550494
Spend $4,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.9 MPG2012 Large Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Porsche Panamera.

Similar 2012 large cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Porsche Panamera (this car)25 MPGNot rated6
2012 BMW 5 Series27 MPGNot rated0
2012 Audi A628 MPGNot rated8
2012 Lexus LS20 MPGNot rated0
2012 Tesla Model S265 miNot rated8
2012 Jaguar XJ19 MPGNot rated0
2012 Lexus ES22 MPGNot rated3

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Porsche Panamera is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

13Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
79,280 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine6
Electrical System3
Power Train2
Vehicle Speed Control2
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Unknown Or Other1
Exterior Lighting1
Wheels1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
16/08: 117/08: 217/09: 118/09: 119/07: 119/09: 120/02: 121/01: 121/05: 122/11: 124/08: 124/09: 116/0817/0919/0720/0221/0524/08max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Porsche Panamera buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 6 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 79,280 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Porsche Panamera. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Panamera years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Panamera21198.8 inNot rated21
2025 Panamera21198.8 inNot rated32
2024 Panamera21198.8 inNot rated22
2023 Panamera22198.8 inNot rated12
2022 Panamera22198.8 inNot rated11
2021 Panamera22198.8 inNot rated42
2020 Panamera23198.8 inNot rated25
2019 Panamera23198.8 inNot rated20
2018 Panamera24198.8 inNot rated812
2017 Panamera24198.8 inNot rated61
2016 Panamera25197.6 inNot rated43
2015 Panamera25197.6 inNot rated36

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Porsche. How we calculate this →