If you’re eyeing Porsche’s first EV, you’ve probably heard mixed stories about 2021 Porsche Taycan problems, everything from sudden power loss to software gremlins. The truth is more nuanced: the Taycan is an impressive performance EV, but the early model years did come with some high-profile issues you should understand before you buy used.
Quick takeaways
Overview: How Reliable is the 2021 Porsche Taycan?
The 2021 Taycan sits in an awkward spot. It’s not a first-year experiment, that was 2020, but it’s still an **early production EV** from a brand new platform. That shows up in owner reports and safety investigations, which highlight more software and electrical issues than you typically see in mature Porsche products. At the same time, many owners rack up tens of thousands of miles with few complaints beyond the usual EV quirks.
2021 Taycan Reliability Snapshot (Context, Not Guarantees)
None of this makes the 2021 Taycan a bad car, but it does mean you should treat it more like an early-production luxury EV: verify software, recall, and battery history carefully, and budget for the possibility of complex repairs once the basic warranty expires.
The Biggest 2021 Taycan Problems at a Glance
Most-Reported 2021 Taycan Issues
High-tech car, high-tech failure modes
Sudden loss of power or drive
High-voltage battery concerns
Charging and 12V issues
Infotainment & software glitches
Why this matters on a used Taycan
Sudden Loss of Power or Drive
One of the most serious 2021 Porsche Taycan problems involves sudden loss of propulsion. Owners have reported cruising at freeway speeds when the car abruptly loses power, forcing them to coast across lanes to the shoulder. Others encounter a loud thump from the rear, followed by the inability to select Drive, Reverse, or Park.
What typically happens
- Warning messages like "motor control error" or generic electrical-system alerts appear.
- The car may drop into a low‑power "turtle" mode or lose drive entirely.
- Steering and some braking remain, but acceleration disappears.
- A restart sometimes restores operation, but the underlying fault usually returns.
Probable root causes
- Early software logic in the inverters and power electronics that can falsely detect a communication fault and shut down propulsion.
- Known transmission or drive-unit defects in rare cases, sometimes just outside factory warranty, requiring replacement parts.
- Related technical service bulletins (TSBs) where Porsche advises dealers to replace components rather than attempt lengthy diagnosis.
Safety angle
The good news is that software-based shutdown issues are usually addressed by dealer updates and recalls. The less-good news: if a physical component like a transmission or inverter fails outside warranty, repair costs climb quickly on a six‑figure German EV.
Battery and Charging Problems
Every EV lives or dies by its battery and charging reliability, and the Taycan is no exception. For 2021 cars, there are **two broad categories** of concern: high-voltage battery safety and everyday charging/12‑volt quirks.
- High‑voltage battery short‑circuit risk: a broad recall now covers 2020–2024 Taycans for potential internal short circuits that could pose a fire risk. The fix starts with diagnostic software and, in some cases, replacement battery modules at no charge.
- Inconsistent fast charging: some owners report charge sessions that cut out early, won’t reach expected speeds, or throw error messages, often fixed by software updates or, occasionally, hardware replacement.
- 12‑volt battery failures: if the 12‑volt support battery dies while the car sits, a Taycan can effectively "brick" itself. Doors may not open electronically and the car can’t shift into gear, requiring mechanical access and a tow.
- Battery degradation: most real‑world reports suggest degradation has been moderate rather than catastrophic, but repeated high‑power DC fast charging and hot‑climate use can still eat into range over time.
Smart questions to ask a seller
Electrical and Infotainment Glitches
High-end EVs are rolling computers, and the Taycan packs multiple screens, controllers, and over‑the‑air update capability. That opens the door to **electrical and software problems** that don’t strand the car but do frustrate owners.
Common Non-Drivetrain Issues on 2021 Taycans
Infotainment freezing
Connectivity woes
Inaccurate range display
Backup camera issues
HVAC/preconditioning errors
Keyless entry glitches
The upside of software-heavy problems
Major Recalls Affecting the 2021 Taycan
By 2026, several key recalls have touched the 2021 Taycan. Any used example you’re considering should show these as completed. You can check a specific car using its VIN on the NHTSA or Porsche recall site.
Key Recalls to Verify on a 2021 Taycan
Names and wording vary slightly between campaigns, but these are the big ones to look for.
| Issue | Model years affected (approx.) | What happens | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loss of propulsion / motor control error | 2020–2021 | Car can lose drive power without warning due to inverter/control software logic. | Dealer software update to power electronics; in rare cases, hardware replacement. |
| High-voltage battery short-circuit fire risk | 2020–2024 | Potential internal short in battery modules could increase fire risk, even without prior symptoms. | Diagnostic software installed; suspect modules or full packs replaced at no cost. |
| Rear-view camera image failure | 2020–2025 | Backup camera may not display due to signal noise between control unit and cameras. | Free software update to camera/infotainment systems. |
| Other safety/electrical campaigns | Varies by build | Smaller campaigns may address airbag occupancy detection, low-voltage wiring, or other electrical issues. | Targeted hardware replacement and/or software patches. |
Always run the VIN through official recall tools before you buy; don’t rely solely on a seller’s word.
Good news on recall work
Is the 2021 Taycan a Good Used EV to Buy?
From a driving standpoint, the answer is yes. The Taycan still sets the benchmark for **steering feel, chassis balance, and fast-charging performance** among performance EVs. From an ownership standpoint, the answer is: it depends on the specific car in front of you.
Why a 2021 Taycan is appealing
- Depreciation works in your favor: Early Taycans have dropped far below their original six‑figure stickers.
- Still under key warranties: Many 2021 cars retain high‑voltage battery and corrosion coverage.
- Phenomenal fast charging: Taycan’s 800‑volt architecture enables very high, sustained DC fast‑charge rates.
- Timeless design: Inside and out, it still looks and feels like a modern Porsche, not last decade’s EV experiment.
Where you need to be careful
- Early-build gremlins: Software bugs and electrical issues are more common than in later model years.
- Complex, expensive hardware: Out‑of‑warranty repairs to power electronics, transmissions, or air suspension aren’t cheap.
- Patchy service histories: Skipped software updates or recall work can leave early problems unresolved.
- Charging-network expectations: If you road-trip often, make sure you’re comfortable with the charging networks available where you live, not just Porsche’s marketing claims.
Early EV rule of thumb
Checklist: What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Taycan
Pre-Purchase Checklist for a 2021 Taycan
1. Run a full recall and campaign check
Use the VIN to look up open recalls and service campaigns. Confirm with documentation that propulsion, battery, and camera recalls have been completed, and note the dates.
2. Review complete service history
Ask for dealer invoices, not just a stamped book. You want to see software updates, high-voltage system work, and any repeated complaints about charging, power loss, or warning lights.
3. Inspect battery health, not just range
Range on a test drive can be misleading. Look for a <strong>quantitative battery-health assessment</strong> (like a Recharged Score report) that measures usable capacity and flags abnormal degradation.
4. Test DC fast charging and Level 2
If possible, plug into both a home-style Level 2 and a DC fast charger. Watch for error messages, unusually low charge rates, or sessions that terminate early.
5. Exercise every electrical feature
Cycle the screens, HVAC, drive modes, cameras, audio, and driver-assistance systems. Note any lag, freezing, or warning messages that appear during a longer drive.
6. Pay attention to low-speed drivability
On a thorough test drive, listen for clunks or thumps from the rear when shifting between Drive, Reverse, and Park. Any hesitation or refusal to select gears deserves immediate diagnosis.
7. Confirm remaining warranty coverage
The original bumper-to-bumper warranty may be short on time now, but the high-voltage battery and some emissions-related components can still be under factory coverage. Get these dates in writing.
8. Get an independent EV-focused inspection
A pre-purchase inspection by someone experienced with high-voltage systems is strongly recommended. Traditional shops may not have the right tools, or clearance, to evaluate a Taycan thoroughly.
How Recharged Helps You Shop a Used Taycan Confidently
If you love what the Taycan offers but you’re wary of 2021 Porsche Taycan problems, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why Recharged was built, to make **used EV ownership simpler and more transparent**, especially with complex performance models like this.
Why Consider a Taycan Through Recharged
Verified battery health
Transparent pricing & history
EV-specialist support
Flexible ways to sell or trade
Nationwide delivery
Financing built for EVs
A smarter way to buy a complex EV
2021 Porsche Taycan Problems: FAQ
Common Questions About 2021 Taycan Problems
Bottom Line: Should You Worry About 2021 Taycan Problems?
The 2021 Porsche Taycan has had more than its fair share of early-EV headaches: sudden power-loss incidents, battery and charging recalls, and a laundry list of software gremlins. But thanks to ongoing recalls, software updates, and the underlying strength of its core engineering, it’s also turned into one of the most compelling used performance EVs on the market, if you buy carefully.
If your heart is set on a Taycan, don’t let scare stories alone chase you away. Instead, use them as a checklist. Verify recall completion, scrutinize battery health, demand documentation, and lean on EV specialists who see these cars every day. Do that, and a 2021 Taycan can deliver exactly what you’re hoping for: a genuinely special Porsche that just happens to run on electrons.
