Owners have filed 37 complaints
about the 2011 Porsche Cayenne with NHTSA between 2015 and 2024.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 16 of 18 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 — 49
Against the median year of the Porsche Cayenne. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 14
2.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 8
5% 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
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
14.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
419.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
628.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1047.6%
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 2015peak 6Dec 2024
Recalls on the 2011 Porsche Cayenne
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.
United States — NHTSA
22V656000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2020 Porsche Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Cayman S, 2001-2004 Boxster, Boxster S, 2004 Boxster 50 JAHRE SPYDER 550 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all affected models and model years. The caps that cover the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws are missing, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Improperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
16V169000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Cayenne vehicles manufactured April 28, 2010, to January 11, 2016. The brake pedal pivot pin may be missing a circlip, allowing the pivot pin to move and the brake pedal to dislodge.
Risk: If the brake pedal dislodges, the driver may not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
12V065000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
PORSCHE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 CAYENNE, CAYENNE S, CAYENNE S HYBRID, AND CAYENNE TURBO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 8, 2010, THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2012 BECAUSE THE HEADLAMPS MAY COME LOOSE AND DETACH FROM THE FENDER.
Risk: A DETACHED HEADLIGHT COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VISIBILITY AND AN INCREASED RISK OF A CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202248758,856 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Issue: On certain vehicles, covers were not installed over the horizontal headlamp adjusters. As a result, the headlamps may be adjusted horizontally. Canadian regulations do not allow for horizontal headlamp adjustment unless the vehicle is equipped with a built-in aiming device. Safety Risk: Headlamps that are not properly adjusted could cause reduced visibility or glare for oncoming drivers, and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Porsche will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to install caps over the headlamp adjustment screws.
Recall 201919233,832 units in Canada
Label
Issue: Certain wheels were made without a marking that is required by Canadian regulations. Safety Risk: This small error does not affect safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has made changes to include the required marking on all new parts.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Texarkana, ARCrash
ENGINE
My vehicle has camshaft and crankshaft correlation problems due to the well-known problem with its screws and other things. I reported it to Porsche and they told me that it has already been repaired but I don't understand how to fail again and deny help for its repair.
NHTSA complaint #11584086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Patriot, IN
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, RANDOMLY A SERIOUS UNSAFE TO OPERATE 'SERVICE NECESSARY' WARNING APPEARS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONS; ABRUPTLY SHUTTING OFF. WITH THE SERVICE NECESSARY WARNING INDICATED, THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO OPERATE. THIS UNSAFE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVE-ABLE WITH CRUISE CONTROL. ERROR WILL GO AWAY ON ITS OWN. THIS BREAKDOWN APPEARS TO BE KNOWN TO PORSCHE BASED ON WHAT I HAVE SEEN ON INTERNET COMMUNITY SITES
NHTSA complaint #11633034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dublin, OH
AIR BAGS
The original Porsche leather upper dashboard has shrunk, causing exposed staples, and rippling of the leather , including rippling and bunching of the leather that is covering the passenger dash airbag assembly. I have been informed that in the event of an accident causing airbags to deploy, the passenger airbag would likely not deploy correctly, and further injury could also occur because of exposed staples and hardware that should not be exposed. My Porsche dealer and independent dealer have both advised replacement of dash (for a very large sum of money). I have also taken the vehicle to multiple upholstery shops and all have declined to fix the problem solely due to the airbag risk/liability. This is very common issue for late model porsche full leather option dashes, and specifically Cayenne models seem to be heavily affected. At this point, I am worried about the safety of my vehicle, and continue usage, and the dealer price to fix out of pocket is prohibitive (the part itself from the porsche dealer is >$6000, not including significant labor charges to remove and replace the full dash). Cayenne owners have been quoted over $10,000 to fix the issue from dealers. Thank you for your time
NHTSA complaint #11627391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Belmont, CA
AIR BAGS
Porsche dash material is separating from the substrate of the structure. This material is directly between the airbag and the now loose material on the surface of the dash (leather). Porsche will not repair this and recommends a replacement at an estimated $10,000 USD. There is a significant risk to safety as the now loose upper material will interfere with the deployment of the airbag on the passenger side, adding potential harm and injury to a passenger inside the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11627588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dublin, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The original Porsche leather upper dashboard has shrunk, causing exposed staples, and rippling of the leather , including rippling and bunching of the leather that is covering the passenger dash airbag assembly. I have been informed that in the event of an accident causing airbags to deploy, the passenger airbag would likely not deploy correctly, and further injury could also occur because of exposed staples and hardware that should not be exposed. My Porsche dealer and independent dealer have both advised replacement of dash (for a very large sum of money). I have also taken the vehicle to multiple upholstery shops and all have declined to fix the problem solely due to the airbag risk/liability. This is very common issue for late model porsche full leather option dashes, and specifically Cayenne models seem to be heavily affected. At this point, I am worried about the safety of my vehicle, and continue usage, and the dealer price to fix out of pocket is prohibitive (the part itself from the porsche dealer is >$6000, not including significant labor charges to remove and replace the full dash). Cayenne owners have been quoted over $10,000 to fix the issue from dealers. Thank you for your time
NHTSA complaint #11627391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Belmont, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Porsche dash material is separating from the substrate of the structure. This material is directly between the airbag and the now loose material on the surface of the dash (leather). Porsche will not repair this and recommends a replacement at an estimated $10,000 USD. There is a significant risk to safety as the now loose upper material will interfere with the deployment of the airbag on the passenger side, adding potential harm and injury to a passenger inside the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11627588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, OR
AIR BAGS
The leather on my Porsche Cayenne dashboard has shrunk and is pulling away from the front of the dashboard. My mechanic tells me that this is a possible safety issue because if the vehicle is in an accident, the front passenger airbag may not deploy correctly and recommends replacing (expensive). In checking various Porsche online forums, this appears to be a common issue among owners with the more expensive leather dashboards.
NHTSA complaint #11626222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, OR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The leather on my Porsche Cayenne dashboard has shrunk and is pulling away from the front of the dashboard. My mechanic tells me that this is a possible safety issue because if the vehicle is in an accident, the front passenger airbag may not deploy correctly and recommends replacing (expensive). In checking various Porsche online forums, this appears to be a common issue among owners with the more expensive leather dashboards.
NHTSA complaint #11626222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Texarkana, ARCrash
ENGINE
My vehicle has camshaft and crankshaft correlation problems due to the well-known problem with its screws and other things. I reported it to Porsche and they told me that it has already been repaired but I don't understand how to fail again and deny help for its repair.
NHTSA complaint #11584086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boca Raton, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
2011 Porsche Cayenne S Model- Consumer is writing in reference to Porsche Recall ANB4. Requesting investigation into the rubber sealer replacements and ordering the Porsche Cars North America to redo the recall for all subjected vehicles after providing enough headlight rubber sealers to dealerships. Recall letter & pictures attached.
NHTSA complaint #11522393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sullivans Island, SC
POWER TRAIN
I have a 2011 model Porsche Cayenne S. From the service records, I can tell the car has had two transfer cases already replaced and is in need of another. The first transfer case was replaced in mid-2016 by the dealer at about 46,000 miles. The second transfer case was replaced just over 12,000 miles later, at 58,500 miles, in late 2019. Both replacements were done by the previous owner. This should have been the newest and most updated transfer case with the new control modules and GNC-coated plates, but this does not appear to have solved the problems Porsche is having with the transfer cases. It is now mid-2023, and an independent shop says I need another transfer case in my car at 76,000 miles. It is hard to believe that Porsche considered the upgraded parts (2018+) to be a permanent solution, especially when it only lasted about 17,000 miles. I will hopefully be able to have my local dealership dissect the transfer case I am replacing so that I can learn more about what actually failed on this updated unit. Transfer cases are a major part of the vehicle and should be expected to last just as long as other major components (ex. engine, transmission). It is very unsafe when any major part of the drive train fails. PS. One of the main reasons for purchasing this specific cayenne was because I believed the transfer case it had installed in 2019 would have solved all of these issues and I would not need to replace it again.
NHTSA complaint #11521164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesCamarillo, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 Porsche Cayenne. The contact noticed that the smoke light stop functioning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the fuse for the smoke light was replaced. On another occasion, the contact noticed that the passenger-side headlight to the vehicle stop functioning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the light bulb was replaced but the failure reoccurred, and the passenger side headlight light bulb was replaced. On another occasion, the air condition stops functioning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the blower motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not under NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V069000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) and did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 20,000. The contact stated that the failure mileage was between 60,000 and 80,000. The recall for a faulty main wiring harness does not include the contact's VIN. The contact has concerns about the bad wiring eventually causing a fire. No repairs have been made. The contact stated the problem still persists, and informed there is a electrical problem.
NHTSA complaint #11521031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shaker Heights, OH
POWER TRAIN
2011 Cayenne Turbo: Vehicle has had recent transfer case servicing. Experiencing a grinding sensation on roundabouts, and turns that almost feels as if the brake is applied. If issue continues to worsen, it could easily cause an accident as a sudden speed reduction on a roundabout, or turn may prompt unaware/inattentive drivers to rear-end me, or worse. Dealership is citing transfer case failure, however, my vehicle is one year removed from the end of the extended warranty campaign and is no longer eligible for a replacement unit.
NHTSA complaint #11501597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carolina, PR
ENGINE
INTAKE CAMSHAFTS ADJUSTER BOLTS BROKE WHILE IN MOTION ON CITY STREET C@P CASE WITH PORSCHE # 0005611574 MANUFACTURER CAMPAIGN NUMBER : AH08
NHTSA complaint #11385083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Juan, PR
ENGINE
ENGINE STOPPED WORKING.
NHTSA complaint #11349020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,000 milesLittleton, CO
ENGINE
THE ALUMINUM BOLTS ON THE TIMING COVER ARE BROKEN CAUSING AN OIL LEAK. IF THE ALL BOLTS ARE MADE OF ALUMINUM THEN WHAT ABOUT THE TRANSFER CASE? I'VE HEARD ABOUT NEAR ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF BOLTS BREAKING EITHER BECAUSE OF THE MATERIAL DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE BOLTS AND THE MAGNESIUM IN THE MOTOR. IT HAS OCCURRED ON OTHER MODELS OF PORSCHES. PORSCHE SHOULD RECALL AND FIX THE ALUMINUM BOLTS ON ALL PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #11337058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesArmonk, NY
POWER TRAIN
VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH MY 2011 CAYENNE S -- JUST REPLACED TRANSFER CASE IN JULY 2017 (LESS THAN 3 YEARS AGO) DUE TO UNEXPECTED PAUSING/HESITATING WHEN ACCELERATING, AND NOW THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN!!! SEARCHED ONLINE AND READ SIMILAR COMMENTS MADE BY OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. PORSCHE HAS TO RECALL AND FIX THIS -- IT'S VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD BE LIFE-THREATENING.
NHTSA complaint #11328197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesMadison, WI
POWER TRAIN
TRANSFER CASE WHILE DRIVING STARTED JERKING WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY.. IT HAS SLOWLY GOTTEN WORSE AND HAS BECOME DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AS I ALMOST HAVE GOT INTO A FEW ACCIDENTS DUE TO THE SURGE IN SUDDEN JERKS. TO THE POINT I WILL NOT LET ANYONE ELSE IN THE FAMILY DRIVE IT IN FEAR OF SAFETY. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND WAS TOLD IT NEEDS A NEW $5,000 TRANSFER CASE. A LOCAL PORSCHE SHOP TOLD ME THIS IS A KNOWN MANUFACTURER'S ISSUE AND VERY COMMON IN THESE CARS - DUE TO A KNOWN DEFECT IN THE TRANSFER CASE AND CAN BE DANGEROUS, BUT NO RECALL (KNOWN) SO FAR. I WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION CAN LOCK UP DURING DRIVING AND COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURIES OR DEATH. I AM NOW SCARED TO DRIVE IT. I HAVE A LUXURY VEHICLE THAT I AM PAYING INSURANCE ON OF WHICH I CAN'T DRIVE THAT IS USELESS SITTING IN MY GARAGE. THIS WAS MY 1ST PORSCHE AND SADLY MAY BE MY LAST IF THIS IS NOT RESOLVED. I HAVE READ TONS OF REPORTS ON FORUMS CITING THIS SAME PROBLEM. IF THIS IS SUCH A KNOWN HAZARD WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO HAVE PORSCE DO THE RIGHT THING AND RECALL & GET THIS FIXED? I PRAY THEY ARE NOT WAITING FOR A DEATH FIRST.
NHTSA complaint #11324569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Union, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
COOLANT LEAKS WHILE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY. LEAK IS DUE TO FAULTY PLASTIC THAT WAS REDESIGNED TO METAL TUBING DUE TO COMMON REPORTED ISSUES. PLASTIC TUBING CONNECTED TO COOLANT SYSTEM WILL BECOME BRITTLE AND CRACKED, CAUSING OVERHEATING AND LOST OF COOLANT. THIS ISSUE IS COMMONLY REPORTED ABOUT THE 2011 CAYANNE WITH A DEALERSHIP COST OF UP TO $4500.
NHTSA complaint #11299300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Union, NJ
ENGINE
COOLANT LEAKS WHILE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY. LEAK IS DUE TO FAULTY PLASTIC THAT WAS REDESIGNED TO METAL TUBING DUE TO COMMON REPORTED ISSUES. PLASTIC TUBING CONNECTED TO COOLANT SYSTEM WILL BECOME BRITTLE AND CRACKED, CAUSING OVERHEATING AND LOST OF COOLANT. THIS ISSUE IS COMMONLY REPORTED ABOUT THE 2011 CAYANNE WITH A DEALERSHIP COST OF UP TO $4500.
NHTSA complaint #11299300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesRedoondo Beach, CA
POWER TRAIN
CAR HAD TRANSFER CASE REPLACED AT 20K AND NOW TOLD TO DO AGAIN AT 46K. SUDDEN JERK AND LOSS OF ACCELERATION WHEN CAR IS GOING FROM 3 TO 4 GEAR OR UNDER 25MPH. ISSUE SEEMS TO BE PRETTY MUCH ON MOST CAYENNES AND COST $5000 TO REPAIR. MINE IS A 2014 MODEL
NHTSA complaint #11298556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesCordova, TN
POWER TRAIN
TRANSFER CASE HAS FAILED, JERKING AND INTERRUPTION OF ACCELERATIONS. ALMOST CAUSED A WRECK. VERY WELL KNOWN PROBLEM AND THERE ARE A LOT OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON THE NHTSA COMPLAINT LOG SYSTEM AS WELL AS DOCUMENTED ONLINE. I CALLED PORSCHE AND THEY DENIED KNOWING ABOUT ANY PROBLEM WITH IT BUT YOU CAN CALL THE SERVICE DEPARTMENTS AT ANY PORSCHE DEALER AND THEY IMMEDIATELY KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM. I CALLED TWO AND THEY KNOW OF IT AS A COMMON PROBLEM. EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE TO CORRECT ($5,000).
NHTSA complaint #11267906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesPark Ridge, NJ
POWER TRAIN
I HAVE HAD THE TRANSFER CASE REPLACED IN THIS VEHICLE TWICE IN THE LAST 25K MILES. AT 65K MILES THE CAR IS DOING THE FAMILIAR GRINDING AND SURGING AGAIN, EVIDENT IT WILL NEED A THIRD $5-6000 TRANSFER CASE. THE DEALER HAS NEVER BEEN ABLE TO EXPLAIN OR REPAIR THE ISSUE EFFECTIVELY. THE MANUFACTURER DOES NOT REPLY TO INQUIRIES, IT IS MY REQUEST THAT THEY BE FORCED TO PROVIDE A PERMANENT, RELIABLE FIX FOR THIS ISSUE. I'M WORRIED THIS COULD CAUSE A SAFETY ISSUE UNDER THE RIGHT CIRCUMSTANCE SINCE IT HAPPENS WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. THE MECHANICS AT THE VARIOUS DEALERS HAVE TOLD ME ITS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE SPANNING PORSCHE SUVS FROM 2008 THROUGH THE PRESENT. GOTTA WONDER WHAT THIS MANUFACTURER IS THINKING HERE AND WHY THEY ARE HIDING THE DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #11180247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesPark Ridge, NJ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I HAVE HAD THE TRANSFER CASE REPLACED IN THIS VEHICLE TWICE IN THE LAST 25K MILES. AT 65K MILES THE CAR IS DOING THE FAMILIAR GRINDING AND SURGING AGAIN, EVIDENT IT WILL NEED A THIRD $5-6000 TRANSFER CASE. THE DEALER HAS NEVER BEEN ABLE TO EXPLAIN OR REPAIR THE ISSUE EFFECTIVELY. THE MANUFACTURER DOES NOT REPLY TO INQUIRIES, IT IS MY REQUEST THAT THEY BE FORCED TO PROVIDE A PERMANENT, RELIABLE FIX FOR THIS ISSUE. I'M WORRIED THIS COULD CAUSE A SAFETY ISSUE UNDER THE RIGHT CIRCUMSTANCE SINCE IT HAPPENS WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. THE MECHANICS AT THE VARIOUS DEALERS HAVE TOLD ME ITS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE SPANNING PORSCHE SUVS FROM 2008 THROUGH THE PRESENT. GOTTA WONDER WHAT THIS MANUFACTURER IS THINKING HERE AND WHY THEY ARE HIDING THE DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #11180247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesHolland, MI
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 PORSCHE CAYENNE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11150150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesSpringfield, VA
POWER TRAIN
THE TRANSFER CASE IN THIS CAR IS FAILING AT 50,000 MILES LEADING TO POTENTIAL LOCK UP OF WHEELS, AXLES, OR TOTAL BREAKDOWN/SHUTDOWN AT HIGHWAY SPEED IF NOT CORRECTED. THERE ARE NUMEROUS KNOWN OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11073089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.