Owners have filed 19 complaints
about the 2004 Porsche Cayenne Turbo with NHTSA between 2004 and 2018.
The largest single group is the acceleration & cruise control.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2004 Porsche Cayenne Turbo
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Acceleration & Cruise Control
421.1%
Median failure at 6,017 miles
Suspension
315.8%
Median failure at 43,000 miles
Tires
210.5%
Median failure at 42 miles
Steering
210.5%
Median failure at 85,021 miles
Electrical System
210.5%
Engine & Cooling
210.5%
Median failure at 45,050 miles
Wheels
15.3%
Median failure at 170,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
15.3%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 39,991 mi
Brakes
15.3%
Median failure at 170,000 miles
Airbags
15.3%
Median failure at 68,162 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
213.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
320.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
426.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
320.0%
150,000+ miles
320.0%
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.
Jun 2004peak 4Dec 2018
NHTSA investigations into the 2004 Porsche Cayenne Turbo
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA06005Opened 15 Mar 2006Closed 12 Mar 2007AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
SRS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATION
PORSCHE IS INITIATING A CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION ACTION TO ADDRESS A CONDITION RELATED TO A FAULTY OR LOOSE CONNECTOR IN THE SIDE AIRBAG SYSTEM.PORSCHE'S TESTING HAS SHOWN THAT THE FAULTY CONNECTOR WILL NOT PREVENT SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.THE FAULTY CONNECTOR WILL CAUSE THE CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TO EXCEED THE THRESHOLD FOR ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT.PORSCHE HAS REPORTED A LARGE NUMBER OF WARRANTY CLAIMS FOR ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND MANY VEHICLES HAVE BEEN SERVICED TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION AS DESCRIBED IN THE CAYENNE TECHNICAL INFORMATION BULLETIN: GROUP 6, #11/04...
PE05060Opened 10 Nov 2005Closed 15 Mar 2006AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
SRS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATION
DURING THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PHASE, ODI IDENTIFIED 76 OWNER COMPLAINTS AND 6,582 WARRANTY CLAIMS RELATED TO AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATION FROM EITHER A FAULTY SIDE-IMPACT AIRBAG MODULE OR WIRING HARNESS.TO DATE, THERE HAS BEEN NO ALLEGATION OF CRASH, INJURY OR DEATH REPORTED.PORSCHE REPORTS THAT A BAD BATCH OF MODULES WAS PRODUCED DURING MID-NOVEMBER TO MID-DECEMBER, 2003.HOWEVER, PORSCHE?S WARRANTY DATA INDICATES THAT MOST OF THE MODULES REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY WERE ON VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE AND AFTER THIS PERIOD INDICATING THAT THE ISSUE COULD BE MORE WIDESPREAD.PORSCHE REPORTS THAT...
Recalls on the 2004 Porsche Cayenne Turbo
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 20192908,742 units in Canada
Powertrain
Issue: On certain vehicles, the transmission shifter could detach from the transmission. This could cause the transmission not to shift gears when the shifter is moved. As a result, the transmission could be in a different gear than the gear shifter indicates. If a driver attempts to exit the vehicle while the transmission is not in Park, and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle could move suddenly. Safety Risk: Sudden and unexpected movement of the vehicle could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Porsche will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to replace the shifter cable bushing. Owners are reminded to use the parking brake anytime the vehicle is parked.
Recall 20174574,817 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, the fuel pump flange may develop fine cracks or fissures, which could result in a fuel leak. Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, could lead to a fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel pump flange.
Recall 20041931,447 units in Canada
Other
Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 114. The steering wheel does not lock when the key is removed from the ignition switch using the optionally provided override device that permits key removal in the event of electrical system failure or when the transmission is not in the PARK position. Correction: Since this does not pose any safety risk, no corrective action is required.
Recall 20041681,023 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the rear seat safety belt latch attachment bolt may be insufficiently riveted, which could result in a reduced capability of the belt latch to withstand the applied loads. During a crash, the occupant may not be restrained as intended, which could result in injuries. Correction: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat belt buckle.
Recall 2004065289 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the driver's seat frame may have inadequate welds and could break in a crash. If this were to happen, the driver could be injured. Correction: Dealer will replace the driver's seat frame.
Recall 2004063151 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the transfer case could, due to changes in the housing casting, allow the oil pump to rotate. Should this occur, oil starvation of the internal gears could result. If this happens and the vehicle continues to be operated, fracture of the transfer case housing can occur. Correction: Dealer will inspect the housing casting number, and replace the transfer case if required.
Recall 200323133 units in Canada
Label
On certain vehicles, the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were omitted from the certification label. Correction: Dealer will install a corrected compliance label.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 39,991 milesScottsdale, AZFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE DRIVING ON THE 101 FREEWAY. EXPERT DETERMINED THAT THE CAUSE WAS THE FUEL HOSE FAILING WHERE IS CONNECTS TO THE ENGINE MOUNTED FUEL SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #10240066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 170,000 milesHouston, TX
WHEELS
I HEARD SOME KNOCKING FROM THE AREA OF THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR. I STOPPED AND INSPECTED UNDER THE CAR AND SAW NOTHING. SO I DECODED TO BRING IT TO MY SERVICE PROVIDER. I DROVE ABOUT 3 MILES AT SLOW SPEEDS TO GET TO THE SERVICE PROVIDER. AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM. ONE OF THE BOLTS THAT HOLDS THE KNUCKLE TO THE WHEEL HAD BACKED OUT AND WAS BANGING AROUND THE BREAK SYSTEM. THEY SAID I COULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL IT WAS FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #11163732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesHouston, TX
STEERING
I HEARD SOME KNOCKING FROM THE AREA OF THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR. I STOPPED AND INSPECTED UNDER THE CAR AND SAW NOTHING. SO I DECODED TO BRING IT TO MY SERVICE PROVIDER. I DROVE ABOUT 3 MILES AT SLOW SPEEDS TO GET TO THE SERVICE PROVIDER. AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM. ONE OF THE BOLTS THAT HOLDS THE KNUCKLE TO THE WHEEL HAD BACKED OUT AND WAS BANGING AROUND THE BREAK SYSTEM. THEY SAID I COULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL IT WAS FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #11163732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesHouston, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
I HEARD SOME KNOCKING FROM THE AREA OF THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR. I STOPPED AND INSPECTED UNDER THE CAR AND SAW NOTHING. SO I DECODED TO BRING IT TO MY SERVICE PROVIDER. I DROVE ABOUT 3 MILES AT SLOW SPEEDS TO GET TO THE SERVICE PROVIDER. AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM. ONE OF THE BOLTS THAT HOLDS THE KNUCKLE TO THE WHEEL HAD BACKED OUT AND WAS BANGING AROUND THE BREAK SYSTEM. THEY SAID I COULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL IT WAS FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #11163732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,162 milesLAS Vegas, NV
AIR BAGS
TAKATA AIRBAG FAILURE LIGHT IS ON!
NHTSA complaint #11062396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,000 milesFT Lauderdale FL, FL
ENGINE
LEAKING PLASTIC COOLING PIPES, VEHICLE IN MOTION, CITY STREET BOCA RAYON FL
NHTSA complaint #11062117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,100 milesRockledge, FL
ENGINE
OWNER OPERATES A 2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO, 4.5L V8 ENGINE. THIS VEHICLE, WITH JUST OVER 61,000 MILES BEGAN TO OVERHEAT FOUR DAYS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT (DETECTED BY FLUCTUATING TEMPERATURE GAUGE). THE ENGINE COOLANT WAS FOUND TO BE LOW IN THE SERVICE BOTTLE BY APPX. 2 QUARTS WHEN CHECKED AND WAS REFILLED. THE EVENING BEFORE THE INCIDENT OWNER'S SPOUSE REPORTED A LOW COOLANT ALARM MESSAGE HAD DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, COOLANT WAS ABOUT 2 QUARTS LOW IN THE SERVICE BOTTLE AND WAS REFILLED. THE NEXT DAY THE VEHICLE WAS BEING RUN AT 1500 RPM (FAST IDLE) IN A PARKED POSITION IN THE OWNER'S DRIVEWAY FOR A TEST WHEN A FLOOD OF ENGINE COOLANT WAS OBSERVED COMING FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE ENGINE WAS IMMEDIATELY SECURED TO AVOID DAMAGE. AT THIS POINT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED DRIVABLE AND WOULD NEED TO BE TOWED TO A SERVICE FACILITY. AN INVESTIGATIVE TEARDOWN REVEALED A RUPTURED PLASTIC COOLING PIPE INSIDE THE VALLEY OF THE ENGINE, THIS FAILURE REQUIRED REMOVAL OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD TO DIAGNOSE AND IS NOT A ROADSIDE-REPAIRABLE EVENT. THE EVENT CAUSED LOSS OF MORE THEN 50% OF TOTAL COOLANT VOLUME AS ONLY APPX. 1 GALLON WAS RECOVERED FROM THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO TEARDOWN. A PRESCRIBED REPAIR KIT FOR THIS FAILURE (REPLACEMENT COOLING PIPES KIT) WAS OBTAINED FROM SONNEN PORSCHE, SAN FRANCISCO CA AND INSTALLED BY VEHICLE OWNER. AFTER FILLING OF COOLANT AND TEST DRIVING, NO FURTHER PROBLEM WAS NOTED.
NHTSA complaint #10552741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesHouston, TX
SUSPENSION:FRONT
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO. THE LEFT FRONT AIR SUSPENSION COLLAPSED WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH. THE AIR SUSPENSION BAG ALSO EXPLODED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO MOVE UNCONTROLLABLY TO THE LEFT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT IT WAS A FAULT OR DEFECTON TO THE FRONT LEFT SIDE SUSPENSION AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE SUSPENSION WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY AND PORSCHE HAVE NO INTEREST IN HELPING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND WILL COST APPROX $4,000 TO REPLACE THROUGH A PORSCHE DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #10412012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO. THE AIR SUSPENSION COLLAPSED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH. THE AIR SUSPENSION BAG ALSO EXPLODED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO MOVE UNCONTROLLABLY FROM THE RIGHT TO THE LEFT LANE. THE VEHICLE ALMOST ROLLED OVER DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. THE DEALER ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THE COLLAR WHICH IS METAL SPLIT AND PUNCTURED THE SUSPENSION BAG. THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE SUSPENSION WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000. UPDATED 2/17/10 *CN UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE COLLAR ON THE AIR SUSPENSION BELLOW ON THE RIGHT FRONT HAD SHEARED AND PUNCTURED THE AIR SUSPENSION BAG THAT CAUSED THE SUSPENSION TO DROP SUDDENLY. UPDATED 02/22/10.
NHTSA complaint #10292462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,989 milesLanghorne, PA
SUSPENSION:FRONT
DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT AROUND 64 MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE ENTIRE FRONT TRANSMISSION DROPPED AND WE NEARLY ROLLED OVER ON OUR VEHICLE WITH A 4 YEAR OLD CHILD IN THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY. FORTUNATELY WE WERE IN THE LEFT LANE WHEN THIS HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #10291551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waltham, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
HORN DOSE NOT WORK, NAVIGATION SYSTEM NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, RADIO NO LONGER WORKS. REFERENCE CAMPAIGN ID 04V069000.
NHTSA complaint #10248722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waltham, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HORN DOSE NOT WORK, NAVIGATION SYSTEM NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, RADIO NO LONGER WORKS. REFERENCE CAMPAIGN ID 04V069000.
NHTSA complaint #10248722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,991 milesScottsdale, AZFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE DRIVING ON THE 101 FREEWAY. EXPERT DETERMINED THAT THE CAUSE WAS THE FUEL HOSE FAILING WHERE IS CONNECTS TO THE ENGINE MOUNTED FUEL SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #10240066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42 milesFreedom, CA
TIRES
DT: THERE WAS VIBRATION THAT AFFECTED THE STEERING COLUMN, AND IT WAS FELT THROUGH OUT THE STEERING WHEEL. ONE COULD FEEL VIBRATION WHEN THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD FORTY-TWO MILES ON IT. ONE COULD HEAR A NOISE WHEN MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT HAND TURNS. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON AUGUST 28, 2004, AND WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP ON AUGUST 31, 2004. THE DEALER BALANCED THE TIRES. ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2004 IT WAS BACK AT THE DEALER FOR VIBRATION, AND THE DEALER SAID THE TIRES WERE WORN OUT. THEY ATTEMPTED TO FIX THE VEHICLE SIX DIFFERENT TIMES. THEY REMOVED AND REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN, AND PUT ON NEW TIRES AND WHEELS. BUT STILL WAS HAVING THIS PROBLEM. CONSUMER IS A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR FOR THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AND HE WANTED TO ADD THAT DURING AN ARBITRATION HEARING PORSCHE WAS UPSET WITH THE MENTIONING OF NHTSA.
NHTSA complaint #10137195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42 milesFreedom, CA
STEERING:COLUMN
DT: THERE WAS VIBRATION THAT AFFECTED THE STEERING COLUMN, AND IT WAS FELT THROUGH OUT THE STEERING WHEEL. ONE COULD FEEL VIBRATION WHEN THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD FORTY-TWO MILES ON IT. ONE COULD HEAR A NOISE WHEN MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT HAND TURNS. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON AUGUST 28, 2004, AND WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP ON AUGUST 31, 2004. THE DEALER BALANCED THE TIRES. ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2004 IT WAS BACK AT THE DEALER FOR VIBRATION, AND THE DEALER SAID THE TIRES WERE WORN OUT. THEY ATTEMPTED TO FIX THE VEHICLE SIX DIFFERENT TIMES. THEY REMOVED AND REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN, AND PUT ON NEW TIRES AND WHEELS. BUT STILL WAS HAVING THIS PROBLEM. CONSUMER IS A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR FOR THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AND HE WANTED TO ADD THAT DURING AN ARBITRATION HEARING PORSCHE WAS UPSET WITH THE MENTIONING OF NHTSA.
NHTSA complaint #10137195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boca Raton, FL
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRES HAD WIRES COMING OUT FROM THEM. THE CONSUMER HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT ALL FOUR TIRES NEEDED REPLACEMENT DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION AND WARE AND TEAR. THE PIRELLI PO ROZOSSO 275/45CR191084N0/DOT NUMBER XNR3D631D103. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #10101546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,559 milesDenver, CO
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE PULLING OUT FROM A PARKING LOT INTO MAJOR CITY STREET THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO RESPOND TO ACCELERATOR INPUT WITH APPROACHING TRAFFIC.*AK THE VEHICLE MOVED OFF FROM A STOP AND INTO THE CLOSEST LANE FINE BUT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AS MORE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED. THERE WAS NOTICEABLE DELAY/HESITATION, AS TRAFFIC BORE DOWN ON ME, BEFORE THE CAYENNE DECIDED TO ACCELERATE. CONTACTED DEALER WHO NOTED THAT THERE WAS AN UNOFFICIAL FIX THAT MAY ADDRESS THE ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10098089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,017 milesDenver, CO
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE MERGING FROM HIGHWAY 141 ONTO I-70 THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO ACCELERATE FROM HIGHWAY SPEED TO MERGE INTO INTERSTATE TRAFFIC AND NO NOTICEABLE ACCELERATION WAS APPARENT. THE EXTREMELY CONCERNING ABOUT THIS INCIDENT WAS THAT THIS MERGE WAS BEING EXECUTED BETWEEN TWO 18-WHEELERS. WHILE THERE WAS AMPLE SPACE TO MERGE IF THE VEHICLE HAD RESPONDED WITHOUT HESITATION TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL INPUTS, THE EXPERIENCED HESITATION MADE THE MERGE DICEY.
NHTSA complaint #10098103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,541 milesDenver, CO
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE TURNING ACROSS TRAFFIC FROM E 2ND AVE ONTO JOSEPHINE ST. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE JUST ABOVE THE FLOOR AND NO DISCERNABLE ACCELERATION RESPONSE WAS NOTICEABLE FOR A SECOND OR TWO. WHEN THERE WAS AN ACCELERATION RESPONSE IT WAS AN EXPLOSIVE, 'OFF TO THE RACES' ONE. THIS INCIDENT TOOK PLACE AFTER THE DEALER ADVISED THAT: UNOFFICIAL FIXES (DME UPDATE AND TRANSMISSION ADAPTATION) ISSUE HAD BEEN IN PLACE SINCE THE DELIVERY OF THE VEHICLE; VEHICLE HAD BEEN INTO THE DEALER TO EVALUATE/ADDRESS THIS ISSUE THREE TIMES; ON THE THIRD VISIT THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED/UPDATED/ADAPTED AND DME CONTROL UNIT WAS REMAPPED.
NHTSA complaint #10098104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alpine, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CUSTOMER CAMPAIGN NOTICE RECEIVED REGARDING MAIN WIRING HARNESS ROUTING. AS WELL AS PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE NOT RESPONDING TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL.*MR THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE UNEXPECTEDLY DOES NOT RESPOND TO INPUT ON THE ACCELERATOR PEAL. THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED SO MANY TIMES THAT THE CONSUMER DECIDED TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN STORAGE AND NO LONGER DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER HAS COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES TO NO AVAIL. THE DEALER INSIST THAT THIS IS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10075619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.