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Porsche Panamera Mk1 (970) (2010-2016) reliability

At a glance

Porsche Panamera Mk1 (970) built around 2016: about average at the MOT

Porsche Panamera Mk1 (970) models built around 2016 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Porsche Panamera Mk1 (970) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

15% of MOT tests on Porsche Panamera Mk1 (970) models built around 2016 ended in a fail (retests included), against 13% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Porsche Panamera Mk1 (970) models built around 2016 involves the tyres.

No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2010-2016SaloonPETROL / HYBRID ELECTRIC / DIESEL

Based on 4,092 tests of Panamera models registered 2010-2016.

About 1 in 20 Panamera Mk1 (970) MOTs (4.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2016 (9 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 529 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 3.1% and 6.7%. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 20 Panamera Mk1 (970) MOTs (4.7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2016 (9 years old).

Based on 529 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 3.2% and 6.9%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 (970) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
606.7%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
52915.1%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
81712.4%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
85811.7%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
75015.2%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
61710.9%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
2609.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
20112.9%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 12 years old.

How the Panamera Mk1 (970) compares

At each age below, see how the Panamera Mk1 (970) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 12,036 tests across 6 Porsche models, built around 2016 (9 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail ratePorsche average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
606.7%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
52915.1%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
81712.4%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
85811.7%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
75015.2%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
61710.9%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
2609.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
20112.9%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Panamera Mk1 (970).

  1. 1

    Audi A8

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    8.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2%
    Dangerous
    2.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    84%

    Lower fail rate: 8.6%, against 15.1% for the Porsche Panamera Mk1 (970), both built around 2016.

    1,004 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  2. 2

    Lexus IS

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.8%
    Dangerous
    4.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    79.4%

    Lower fail rate: 12.3%, against 15.1% for the Porsche Panamera Mk1 (970), both built around 2016.

    2,747 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  3. 3

    BMW 7 Series

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.9%
    Dangerous
    4.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    79.9%

    Lower fail rate: 12.0%, against 15.1% for the Porsche Panamera Mk1 (970), both built around 2016.

    6 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,204 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  4. 4

    Mercedes-Benz S-Class

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.5%
    Dangerous
    4.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    74.5%

    Lower fail rate: 12.6%, against 15.1% for the Porsche Panamera Mk1 (970), both built around 2016.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    2,675 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

86%of all Porsche Panamera cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

24 recalls in all

15 of the 24 Panamera Mk1 (970) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 13 more

Top concerns

  • On affected vehicles there is a possibility of humidity ingress into the control unit for the auxiliary pump of the clim
  • Fuel may leak - possibility of fire
  • ARA1 replacing front right wheel carrier

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How Panamera Mk1 (970) cars have aged

How Panamera Mk1 (970) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%579111315Age at MOTBuilt around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 13.1% (252 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 10.7% (234 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.6% (242 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 10.5% (229 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 15.4% (228 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 11.5% (506 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 11.7% (503 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 12.1% (478 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 11.5% (454 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 12.5% (449 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 12.7% (504 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 11.5% (470 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 10.0% (450 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 12.0% (467 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 10.6% (443 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 14.2% (423 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 12.1% (406 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 13.6% (382 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 12.6% (364 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 15.5% (393 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 14.4% (436 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 14.4% (437 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 12.8% (399 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 14.4% (376 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 9.0% (366 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 13.1% (176 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 17.8% (174 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 17.3% (162 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 20.5% (132 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 8.0% (112 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 13.8% (224 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 10.7% (206 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 14.7% (211 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 14.3% (210 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 12.9% (201 tests, 2025 data)2010
First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2013
Mk1 (970) variants compared
All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common issues on Porsche Panameras of this age

This list covers every Porsche Panamera built around 2016, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (970) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    14.4%
    Advisory: 133Fail: 9 (6% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    7.4%
    Advisory: 46Fail: 5 (10% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    7.4%
    Advisory: 48Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    5.7%
    Advisory: 23Fail: 15 (39% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Minor

    Windscreen damaged, but the driver can still see clearly

    4.3%
    Advisory: 0Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 529 tests

Looking at a Porsche Panamera Mk1 (970) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2016 (9 years old), the Porsche Panamera Mk1 (970) (2010-2016) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 529 9-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 4,092 MOT tests on Porsche Panameras first registered between 2010-2016. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.