Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2021 Porsche Taycan
The 2021 Porsche Taycan is a ev that earns a Carivo score of 8.1/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 9.3/10, while Value at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.2/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. On safety, it scores 8.6/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Few rivals match it for performance: 9.2/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining evs to actually drive. On technology it rates 9.3/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $84,539–$112,752, 97 MPG, seating 5, the Porsche Taycan sits in the luxury tier of the ev market. The value score of 6.5/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2021 Porsche Taycan will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on value if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good ev should — quietly and competently.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among EVs
The 2021 Porsche Taycan ranks #31 of 268 evs in the Carivo database — better than 89% of the segment. Its 8.1/10 overall score is 0.5 points above the segment average of 7.6/10. Its $84,539 starting price is about 60% above the segment's median of $52,750.
$0 — 21 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Taycan Year Should You Buy?
Across the Taycan model years we've scored, the 2021 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Engaging driving dynamics with class-leading power and handling
Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features
Exceptional fuel efficiency at 97 MPG — among the best in its class
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Premium price bracket — make sure the score justifies the outlay vs. segment alternatives
NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Porsche Taycan (21 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Suspension 10/03/2021 · 21V157000
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo, Taycan Turbo S, Taycan, Taycan 4S, 911 Turbo S Coupe, Cayman, Cayman T, Cayman S, Cayman GT4, 911 Carrera Coupe, 911 Carrera S Coupe, 911 Carrera 4S Coupe, 911…
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 911 Carrera Coupe, 911 Carrera S Coupe, 911 Carrera 4 Coupe, 911 Carrera 4S Coupe, 911 Turbo Coupe, 911 Turbo S Coupe, Panamera, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, Panamera 4S, Panamera GTS, Panamera…
Service brakes, hydraulic / Foundation components 08/09/2021 · 21V697000
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2020-2021 911 Carrera and Taycan vehicles. The pressure input rod connection on the brake booster may be loose and could detach.
Suspension / Front 17/05/2021 · 21V362000
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Taycan, Panamera, Panamera Turbo S, Panamera GTS, Panamera 4, Panamera 4 Sport Turismo, Panamera 4 Executive, Panamera 4S Executive, Panamera 4S, Panamera 4S E-Hybrid, and Panamera 4…
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Taycan vehicles. The pre-collision automatic hazard lights may activate in non-emergency situations. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor…
Showing 5 of 21 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Own a 2021 Porsche Taycan that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2021 Porsche Taycan
Is the 2021 Porsche Taycan reliable?
We rate the 2021 Porsche Taycan's reliability 7.2/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 21 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2021 Porsche Taycan have?
21 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2021 Porsche Taycan worth buying?
It scores 8.1/10 overall, ranking #31 of 268 evs in our database (better than 89% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2021 Porsche Taycan cost?
The 2021 Porsche Taycan starts at $84,539 and ranges up to $112,752 across trims (MSRP when new). At 97 MPG, expect roughly $541/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Taycan years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 7 Taycan model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (8.2/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2021 Porsche Taycan have?
The documented issues for the 2021 Porsche Taycan are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Suspension, Seat belts, Service brakes, hydraulic, Exterior lighting (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Porsche Taycan
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More Porsche Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Porsche models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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