Owners have filed 20 complaints
about the 2011 Porsche Cayenne S with NHTSA between 2011 and 2025.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 34
Against the median year of the Porsche Cayenne S. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 26
15% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2011 compares with every other Porsche Cayenne S
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
15.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
15.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
315.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
630.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
420.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
525.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2011peak 3Apr 2025
Recalls on the 2011 Porsche Cayenne S
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20172961,823 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, the fasteners of the camshaft adjusters could fail due to an assembly problem. If this occurs, this could cause abnormal engine noises, vibrations, illumination of the check engine light and could cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the fastening screws of the camshaft adjusters and if necessary, replace the camshaft adjuster assemblies.
Recall 201613110,370 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, a circlip at the brake pedal hinge may not have been installed at the time of assembly. This could allow the pivot pin to move out of position, which would allow the pedal to wobble, and could fracture the brake pedal pivot through continued use. A fractured hinge would allow the pedal to separate from its pivot, which could lead to impaired brake function and increase stopping distances, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect and add a circlip as necessary.
Recall 20120701,840 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain vehicles, the headlamp assemblies may not have been secured correctly during vehicle assembly. As a result, the headlamps could loosen and detach from the vehicle, which could compromise the driver's ability to see the road and its users. In addition, the errant headlamp module could strike a vehicle, a stationary object, or a bystander. These issues could result in property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the headlamp locking components.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 90,000 milesMilwaukee, WI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2011 Porsche Cayenne S. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights failed to illuminate properly. The contact stated that there was water intrusion in the headlight housings. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the headlamps needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V656000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the contact had not yet received the notification. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11656251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 milesSomersworth, NH
SERVICE BRAKES
I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP ON A CITY STREET. I LET MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, THEN APPLIED MY FOOT BACK ON THE BRAKE AND THE BRAKE PAD WOULDN'T GO DOWN, IT WAS HARD.
NHTSA complaint #11235289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,000 milesLynnwood, WA
ENGINE
THE COOLANT PIPE DESIGN IS FLAWED. THE BARB IS GLUED AND PRESSED IN THE ALUMINUM BODY. OVER TIME THE GLUE LOSES ITS PROPERTIES AND THE BARB COMES OUT THUS CAUSING MASSIVE COOLANT LEAK AND THE ENGINE CAN OVERHEAT. THE PART WAS REDISGNED AROUND 2015 WHERE THE BARB IS NOW THREADED, BUT THE ORIGINAL PART IS A SAFEY HAZARD FOR THE OLDER MODELS WITH POTENTIAL HUGE REPAIR COSTS.
NHTSA complaint #11183714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesGrove City, OH
POWER TRAIN
VEHICLE ACTS AS IF GOING OVER SPEED BUMP OVER 18MPH ALSO JERKING AND TUGGING ON YOU AS YOU ACCELERATE MAKING FOR HARD TURNING IN PARKING LOTS FEELS LIKE FRONT WHEEL IS LOCKING UP ALSO NOTICING SAFETY CONCERN WILE COMING TO STOP IN TRAFFIC UNDER ABOUT 3MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY LEARCHES FORWARD AS IF ENGINE HAS MORE POWER OR SOMETHING BECOMES UN JAMMED. TRANSFER CASE HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE ALREADY NOW OUT OF WARRANTY IT FEELS AS IF A SAFETY CONCERN IS THE ISSUE
NHTSA complaint #11092619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesWhite Stone, VA
POWER TRAIN
TRANSFER CASE FAILED 2016 ; WAS REPLACED BY DEALER AND FAILED AGAIN 2017. WHILE DRIVING FAILURE AFFECTS SHIFTING AND ACCELERATION.
NHTSA complaint #11089889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesCalifornia, MD
POWER TRAIN
I WAS PULLING FORWARD ON A LEVEL CITY STREET AND TURNING LEFT FROM A STOP SIGN. THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SHUDDERING AND FEELING OF A LOSS OF POWER. THIS WAS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. OVER A PERIOD OF SEVERAL MONTHS THIS HAD BEEN INCREASING IN SEVERITY BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS ABLE TO REPEAT THE PROBLEM FOR THEM. THEY IDENTIFIED THE TRANSFER CASE AS THE ISSUE. IT WAS REPLACED. I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRES DUE TO THE DEALERS IDENTIFICATION THAT THE TRANSFER CASE HAD CAUSED DIFFERENTIAL TREAD WEAR DAMAGE TO A REAR TIRE. AS A FORMER MILITARY AVIATOR, THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. PORSCHE NEEDS TO IDENTIFY WHAT THE ISSUES ARE (DESIGN, MANUFACTURING, SERVICING, ETC) AND REMEDY THEM. SURPRISINGLY, THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BECAUSE THE SERVICE ADVISER INFORMED ME THAT THEY KEEP TRANSFER CASES IN STOCK. THEY RETAIL FOR $3944, PLUS THE NEW VENT KIT (MINE DOES NOT HAVE IT) AND THEN ADD LABOR, AND TIRES IF THEY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED. THAT IS A LOT OF EXPENSIVE INVENTORY TO HAVE ON HAND IF PORSCHE WANTS TO CLAIM THERE IS NOT A PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11058495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesCalifornia, MD
ENGINE
I WAS PULLING FORWARD ON A LEVEL CITY STREET AND TURNING LEFT FROM A STOP SIGN. THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SHUDDERING AND FEELING OF A LOSS OF POWER. THIS WAS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. OVER A PERIOD OF SEVERAL MONTHS THIS HAD BEEN INCREASING IN SEVERITY BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS ABLE TO REPEAT THE PROBLEM FOR THEM. THEY IDENTIFIED THE TRANSFER CASE AS THE ISSUE. IT WAS REPLACED. I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRES DUE TO THE DEALERS IDENTIFICATION THAT THE TRANSFER CASE HAD CAUSED DIFFERENTIAL TREAD WEAR DAMAGE TO A REAR TIRE. AS A FORMER MILITARY AVIATOR, THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. PORSCHE NEEDS TO IDENTIFY WHAT THE ISSUES ARE (DESIGN, MANUFACTURING, SERVICING, ETC) AND REMEDY THEM. SURPRISINGLY, THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BECAUSE THE SERVICE ADVISER INFORMED ME THAT THEY KEEP TRANSFER CASES IN STOCK. THEY RETAIL FOR $3944, PLUS THE NEW VENT KIT (MINE DOES NOT HAVE IT) AND THEN ADD LABOR, AND TIRES IF THEY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED. THAT IS A LOT OF EXPENSIVE INVENTORY TO HAVE ON HAND IF PORSCHE WANTS TO CLAIM THERE IS NOT A PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11058495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,365 milesAlpharetta, GA
ENGINE
ENGINE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. CAR TAKEN TO PORSCHE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY DETERMINED THE CAMSHAFT CONTROLLER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS IT WAS BROKEN. PAID $4000 IN REPAIRS IN 2016. PORSCHE HAS SINCE ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE, HOWEVER THEY WILL NOT REIMBURSE FOR THE PREVIOUS REPAIRS AS THEY NOTED. NO RESPONSE ON TIMING.
NHTSA complaint #11056633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesSewell, NJ
ENGINE
THE SCREWS HOLDING MY CAMSHAFT ACTUATOR FAILED AND I EXPERIENCED IMMEDIATE ENGINE LOSE AS WELL AS BRAKING LOSE DUE TO NO VACUUM. AT THE TIME OF MY ENGINE FAILURE IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR PORSCHE (SEE WC-22) WHEREAS THEY DID NOT MAKE PUBLIC AWARE OR PROACTIVELY FIX THE ISSUE. THIS ENDED UP COSTING ME APPROXIMATELY $7500 OUT OF POCKET (IN ADDITION TO SEVERAL EMOTIONAL DAMAGE DUE TO FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS AND THE IMMEDIATE DANGER WHEN THE ENGINE FAILED AT HIGHWAY SPEED IN THE FAR LEFT LANE). PORSCHE HAS SUBSEQUENTLY ISSUED A RECALL (RECALL AH-08 AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN 17V368000) BUT HAD NOT CONTACTED AFFECTED OWNERS YET. I'D LIKE A FULL REFUND OF MY EXPENSES PLUS INTEREST. I ALSO FEEL THEY SHOULD BE FINED OR PAY IMPACTED OWNERS LIKE MYSELF A PENALTY DUE TO THEIR IMPROPER MISHANDLING.
NHTSA complaint #11004844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesNashville, TN
ENGINE
VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS EXPERIENCE ENGINE STALLED AFTER FILLING UP WITH GAS. THE VEHICLE REQUIRED TWO OR THREE ATTEMPTS TO START. I EXITED THE GAS STATION ONTO THE RAMP FOR THE INTERSTATE. THE CAR SUDDENLY LOCKED UP LESS THAN A MILE DOWN THE INTERSTATE WHILE DRIVING 70, MPH. THERE WAS NO POWER BRAKING OR POWER STEERING AT ALL. FORTUNATELY, I REMAINED IN THE FAR RIGHT LANE AND MOMENTUM CARRIED THE VEHICLE OFF THE NEXT EXIT RAMP BEFORE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. I HAVE HAD A HOST OF OTHER ISSUES INCLUDING PSM FAILURES, START/STOP MODE DEACTIVATED ERRORS, IGNITION PROBLEMS, BRAKING ISSUES, UNNECESSARY REPAIRS, TIME/ENERGY, MISSED WORK, RENTAL CARS, MISDIAGNOSES, ETC. I AM CERTAIN THE SYMPTOMS ARE CONSISTENT WITH CAMSHAFT DEFECT AFFECTING MANY OTHER CAYENNE S, TURBO, AND PANAMERA S OWNERS PER SEVERAL INTERNET FORUM DISCUSSIONS. THIS IS REALLY DANGEROUS. I AM DISAPPOINTMENT EARLIER NOTIFICATIONS WERE NOT ISSUED AND I HOPE THIS MATTER IS ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE DIES.
NHTSA complaint #11000763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesNashville, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS EXPERIENCE ENGINE STALLED AFTER FILLING UP WITH GAS. THE VEHICLE REQUIRED TWO OR THREE ATTEMPTS TO START. I EXITED THE GAS STATION ONTO THE RAMP FOR THE INTERSTATE. THE CAR SUDDENLY LOCKED UP LESS THAN A MILE DOWN THE INTERSTATE WHILE DRIVING 70, MPH. THERE WAS NO POWER BRAKING OR POWER STEERING AT ALL. FORTUNATELY, I REMAINED IN THE FAR RIGHT LANE AND MOMENTUM CARRIED THE VEHICLE OFF THE NEXT EXIT RAMP BEFORE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. I HAVE HAD A HOST OF OTHER ISSUES INCLUDING PSM FAILURES, START/STOP MODE DEACTIVATED ERRORS, IGNITION PROBLEMS, BRAKING ISSUES, UNNECESSARY REPAIRS, TIME/ENERGY, MISSED WORK, RENTAL CARS, MISDIAGNOSES, ETC. I AM CERTAIN THE SYMPTOMS ARE CONSISTENT WITH CAMSHAFT DEFECT AFFECTING MANY OTHER CAYENNE S, TURBO, AND PANAMERA S OWNERS PER SEVERAL INTERNET FORUM DISCUSSIONS. THIS IS REALLY DANGEROUS. I AM DISAPPOINTMENT EARLIER NOTIFICATIONS WERE NOT ISSUED AND I HOPE THIS MATTER IS ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE DIES.
NHTSA complaint #11000763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesNashville, TN
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS EXPERIENCE ENGINE STALLED AFTER FILLING UP WITH GAS. THE VEHICLE REQUIRED TWO OR THREE ATTEMPTS TO START. I EXITED THE GAS STATION ONTO THE RAMP FOR THE INTERSTATE. THE CAR SUDDENLY LOCKED UP LESS THAN A MILE DOWN THE INTERSTATE WHILE DRIVING 70, MPH. THERE WAS NO POWER BRAKING OR POWER STEERING AT ALL. FORTUNATELY, I REMAINED IN THE FAR RIGHT LANE AND MOMENTUM CARRIED THE VEHICLE OFF THE NEXT EXIT RAMP BEFORE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. I HAVE HAD A HOST OF OTHER ISSUES INCLUDING PSM FAILURES, START/STOP MODE DEACTIVATED ERRORS, IGNITION PROBLEMS, BRAKING ISSUES, UNNECESSARY REPAIRS, TIME/ENERGY, MISSED WORK, RENTAL CARS, MISDIAGNOSES, ETC. I AM CERTAIN THE SYMPTOMS ARE CONSISTENT WITH CAMSHAFT DEFECT AFFECTING MANY OTHER CAYENNE S, TURBO, AND PANAMERA S OWNERS PER SEVERAL INTERNET FORUM DISCUSSIONS. THIS IS REALLY DANGEROUS. I AM DISAPPOINTMENT EARLIER NOTIFICATIONS WERE NOT ISSUED AND I HOPE THIS MATTER IS ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE DIES.
NHTSA complaint #11000763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesSAN Francisco, CA
ENGINE
THE COOLANT PIPE CRACKS AND CAUSE LEAK
NHTSA complaint #10949611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesSAN Francisco, CA
ENGINE
THE CAMSHAFT ACTUATOR BOLTS BREAK AND CAUSING INTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE LOSE POWER SUDDENLY AND DIFFICULT TO ENGAGE THE BRAKE PEDAL.
NHTSA complaint #10949610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesLexington, KY
ENGINE
SNAPPED ALUMINUM CAMSHAFT SENSOR BOLT RESULTED IN TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BY PORSCHE AG HAS RESULTED IN AN AMENDMENT IN AN EXISTING SERVICE BULLETIN (WC-22) AND ALSO A RECALL OF OVER 14000 CAYENNES AND PANAMERAS IN CHINA.
NHTSA complaint #10949006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,215 milesMilford, CT
ENGINE
FAULTY CAMSHAFT BOLTS IN EARLY V8'S OF THIS GENERATION (2011 MODELS) RESULTING IN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, AND SOMETIMES BRAKES. VEHICLE BROKE DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY ROAD, LUCKILY WAS NOT AT HIGHWAY SPEED OR IT COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #10918673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesHouston, TX
ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD IN A REMOTE NATIONAL PARK, THE TUBING THAT RETURNS COOLANT TO THE ENGINE BLOCK FROM THE RADIATOR ON MY 2011 PORSCHE CAYENNE S COMPLETELY BLEW APART. THIS ALUMINUM TO ALUMINUM TUBING CONNECTION APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN HELD TOGETHER EXCLUSIVELY BY A THIN, INCOMPLETE RING OF EPOXY GLUE. THIS IS GROSSLY SUBSTANDARD ENGINEERING FOR ANY SUCH VITAL CONNECTION WITHIN THE ENGINE. PORSCHE HAS NEGLECTED TO REPAIR THIS KNOWN ISSUE IN MODEL YEARS SUCH AS MINE, BUT HAS CHANGED ITS DESIGN IN THE SUBSEQUENT MODEL YEARS (LIKELY BECAUSE THEY REALIZED THIS WAS DANGEROUS AND SUBSTANDARD ENGINEERING). THEY HAVE NOT SENT OUT ANY BULLETIN OR RECALL TO ADVISE DRIVERS OF THIS DEFECTIVE CONSTRUCTION OR PREEMPTIVELY REPAIR IT. I WAS LEFT STRANDED IN A DESERT WHERE I HAD TO WALK FOR HOURS TO GET HELP AND HAD TO HAVE $1000 TOW TO THE NEAREST CITY, ALL BECAUSE OF THIS DANGEROUS DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF WHICH PORSCHE IS ALREADY AWARE.
NHTSA complaint #10762247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,123 milesHillsborough, CA
ENGINE
ON FREEWAY 65-70 MPH WHEN PSM FAILURE LIGHT CAME ON AND LOS OF POWER JUST MADE OFF FREE WITH CHUGGING AND TO A STOP . TOWED TO DEALER ON A SUNDAY 8/2/15 MONDAY CALL ALUMINUM BOLTS IN VALVE ADJUSTERS ? CAN DAMAGE OR DID THE ENGINE . NO RECALLS ON THEM AND IS A KNOWN PROBLEM .
NHTSA complaint #10746230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesSAN Clemente, CA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 PORSCHE CAYENNE S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE AND STABILITY WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT STATED THAT THEY HAD NO AVAILABILITY TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE CEASED FOUR DAYS LATER BUT SOON RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 09/17/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED PORSCHE IS MAKING THE NECESSARY REPAIRS. UPDATE 09/18/13
NHTSA complaint #10538107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 400 milesLajolla, CA
VISIBILITY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 PORSCHE CAYENNE S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN EXTREME GLARE WAS REFLECTING FROM THE DASHBOARD ONTO THE WINDSHIELD, OBSTRUCTING HIS VISION. THE DEALER OFFERED TO PLACE A BLANKET OVER THE DASHBOARD AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 400 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,000.
NHTSA complaint #10413941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.