Owners have filed 55 complaints
about the 2013 Porsche Cayenne with NHTSA between 2015 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 11 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 — 73
Against the median year of the Porsche Cayenne. 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 — 37
21% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2013 compares with every other Porsche Cayenne
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
13.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
414.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
310.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1346.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
27.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
414.3%
150,000+ miles
13.6%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2013 Porsche Cayenne SUV AWD
—
—
—
—
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.
Mar 2015peak 4Apr 2026
Recalls on the 2013 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.
13V506000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cayenne and Cayenne GTS, model year 2013 Cayenne Diesel and model year 2014 Cayenne S, S Hybrid, Turbo, and Turbo S vehicles manufactured May 27, 2013, through July 10, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the calculated range of the remaining fuel displayed on the instrument cluster may be higher than the actual range. Additionally, the fuel level indicated by the fuel gauge may also be higher than actual amount in the tank.
Risk: The fuel display inaccuracies may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202630115,515 units in Canada
Other
Issue: On certain vehicles, the immobilizer system may not meet certain requirements of Canadian regulations. Safety Risk: This small error does not affect safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. Porsche has made changes to ensure that all new vehicles meet Canadian regulations.
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 201335431 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain vehicles, the fuel gauge may indicate a greater quantity of fuel than what remains in the tank. As a result, if the tank were to become empty, engine stalling could occur which, in conjunction with traffic, road conditions, and driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will recalibrate the instrument cluster.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Lugoff, SC
AIR BAGS
The leather dash has "shrunk" so badly and is so distorted that there is no way the passenger airbag would properly inflate in an accident. Porsche tells me that this defect is "cosmetic" and of no consequence to vehicle safety. I do not agree with this position and feel that Porsche should be liable for this defect.
NHTSA complaint #11729798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lugoff, SC
STRUCTURE:BODY
The leather dash has "shrunk" so badly and is so distorted that there is no way the passenger airbag would properly inflate in an accident. Porsche tells me that this defect is "cosmetic" and of no consequence to vehicle safety. I do not agree with this position and feel that Porsche should be liable for this defect.
NHTSA complaint #11729798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakeway, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This vehicle qualified for the Volkswagen Emissions Recall, yet from the start of the recall through 2018 settlement lawsuit dates , no correspondence was sent (by Porsche nor VW). According to all recall regulations, my vehicle should have among the ‘recall’ with the 85K plus others, yet no correspondence was sent (by Porsche nor VW) & now the local Porsche dealership is denying in, According to all recall regulations, even still with the EPA, the vehicle was to receive an initial emissions test, then undergo all related repairs/part replacements before the issue resulted in toxic emissions, NOX sensor failures, & premature problems with the DPF system, leading to thermostat problems & the failure of the diesel turbo. Federal regs mandate that vehicle & vehicle equipment manufacturers comply with Early Warning Reporting requirements, submit to NHTSA copies of their manufacturer communications. & update all communications including warranty, policy extensions & product improvement communication sent to dealers, distributors, owners, purchasers, etc. regarding any defect, failure or malfunction beyond normal deterioration in use, failure of performance, flaw or other unintended deviation from design specifications whether it is safety-related or not. Porsche now says my vehicle never showed the recall, despite court mandates that all affected vehicles will be notified communication failed on the sides of both manufacturers. In 2026, if one possesses an eligible vehicle but never received a "Dieselgate" recall notice, options for financial compensation from the original U.S. settlements stated to be likely limited, & I’m not able to find how to proceed with Volkswagen, but regardless, according to EPA and all vehicle standards, I read my vehicle is still entitled to receive an emissions modification at no cost, and that I should be covered by an extended emissions warranty to address all current & related issues.
NHTSA complaint #11724527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakeway, TX
ENGINE
This vehicle qualified for the Volkswagen Emissions Recall, yet from the start of the recall through 2018 settlement lawsuit dates , no correspondence was sent (by Porsche nor VW). According to all recall regulations, my vehicle should have among the ‘recall’ with the 85K plus others, yet no correspondence was sent (by Porsche nor VW) & now the local Porsche dealership is denying in, According to all recall regulations, even still with the EPA, the vehicle was to receive an initial emissions test, then undergo all related repairs/part replacements before the issue resulted in toxic emissions, NOX sensor failures, & premature problems with the DPF system, leading to thermostat problems & the failure of the diesel turbo. Federal regs mandate that vehicle & vehicle equipment manufacturers comply with Early Warning Reporting requirements, submit to NHTSA copies of their manufacturer communications. & update all communications including warranty, policy extensions & product improvement communication sent to dealers, distributors, owners, purchasers, etc. regarding any defect, failure or malfunction beyond normal deterioration in use, failure of performance, flaw or other unintended deviation from design specifications whether it is safety-related or not. Porsche now says my vehicle never showed the recall, despite court mandates that all affected vehicles will be notified communication failed on the sides of both manufacturers. In 2026, if one possesses an eligible vehicle but never received a "Dieselgate" recall notice, options for financial compensation from the original U.S. settlements stated to be likely limited, & I’m not able to find how to proceed with Volkswagen, but regardless, according to EPA and all vehicle standards, I read my vehicle is still entitled to receive an emissions modification at no cost, and that I should be covered by an extended emissions warranty to address all current & related issues.
NHTSA complaint #11724527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakeway, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This vehicle qualified for the Volkswagen Emissions Recall, yet from the start of the recall through 2018 settlement lawsuit dates , no correspondence was sent (by Porsche nor VW). According to all recall regulations, my vehicle should have among the ‘recall’ with the 85K plus others, yet no correspondence was sent (by Porsche nor VW) & now the local Porsche dealership is denying in, According to all recall regulations, even still with the EPA, the vehicle was to receive an initial emissions test, then undergo all related repairs/part replacements before the issue resulted in toxic emissions, NOX sensor failures, & premature problems with the DPF system, leading to thermostat problems & the failure of the diesel turbo. Federal regs mandate that vehicle & vehicle equipment manufacturers comply with Early Warning Reporting requirements, submit to NHTSA copies of their manufacturer communications. & update all communications including warranty, policy extensions & product improvement communication sent to dealers, distributors, owners, purchasers, etc. regarding any defect, failure or malfunction beyond normal deterioration in use, failure of performance, flaw or other unintended deviation from design specifications whether it is safety-related or not. Porsche now says my vehicle never showed the recall, despite court mandates that all affected vehicles will be notified communication failed on the sides of both manufacturers. In 2026, if one possesses an eligible vehicle but never received a "Dieselgate" recall notice, options for financial compensation from the original U.S. settlements stated to be likely limited, & I’m not able to find how to proceed with Volkswagen, but regardless, according to EPA and all vehicle standards, I read my vehicle is still entitled to receive an emissions modification at no cost, and that I should be covered by an extended emissions warranty to address all current & related issues.
NHTSA complaint #11724527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kissimmee, FL
AIR BAGS
The factory leather dashboard has detached/ungluded in places both on the driver and passenger side. Now the dashboard cover in the passenger area does not properly line up and has bubbled up on top of the passenger air bag door. There is a high possibility that this defect will prevent the passenger air bag from properly functioning or not function at all during an accident. Several Cayenne owners have reported this problem to Porsche USA however they will only replace at the owner's request and owners expense which is in the thousands of dollars. Porsche USA said that this is not a recall item therefore they will not pay for the repair.
NHTSA complaint #11684455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kissimmee, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The factory leather dashboard has detached/ungluded in places both on the driver and passenger side. Now the dashboard cover in the passenger area does not properly line up and has bubbled up on top of the passenger air bag door. There is a high possibility that this defect will prevent the passenger air bag from properly functioning or not function at all during an accident. Several Cayenne owners have reported this problem to Porsche USA however they will only replace at the owner's request and owners expense which is in the thousands of dollars. Porsche USA said that this is not a recall item therefore they will not pay for the repair.
NHTSA complaint #11684455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manvel, TX
AIR BAGS
Porsche dashboard leather has shrunk and now doesn’t properly cover airbag which is a major safety hazard. Porsche said they would not cover cost to replace which they quoted $9k. There are tons of reports of this happening to other Porsche cayenne owners and need to be addressed via recall
NHTSA complaint #11652153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manvel, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Porsche dashboard leather has shrunk and now doesn’t properly cover airbag which is a major safety hazard. Porsche said they would not cover cost to replace which they quoted $9k. There are tons of reports of this happening to other Porsche cayenne owners and need to be addressed via recall
NHTSA complaint #11652153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hickory, NC
AIR BAGS
Leather dashboard cover is separating from the dashboard with staples being pulled up. I am concerned the airbag in the dash may deploy improperly and/or dangerously.
NHTSA complaint #11636420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hickory, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Leather dashboard cover is separating from the dashboard with staples being pulled up. I am concerned the airbag in the dash may deploy improperly and/or dangerously.
NHTSA complaint #11636420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nantucket, MA
AIR BAGS
Porsche Cayenne dashboard leather shrunk and staples pulled out. The airbag in the dashboard may not deploy properly in the event when there is an accident. Porsche dealer recommended the dashboard to be replaced. Many vehicles have this issue after warranty is out
NHTSA complaint #11618766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nantucket, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Porsche Cayenne dashboard leather shrunk and staples pulled out. The airbag in the dashboard may not deploy properly in the event when there is an accident. Porsche dealer recommended the dashboard to be replaced. Many vehicles have this issue after warranty is out
NHTSA complaint #11618766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middletown, DE
POWER TRAIN
The Drive train consists of an engine, transmission, transfercase, driveshafts and differentials. The Transfercase has failed prior to the normal life cycle. Porsche recognizes this problem on this series of SUV and extends the warranty for 10 years and unlimited mileage. Porsche announced this extension in June 2024. However this does not cover the early models in this series 2011-2013 with the same drivetrain and transfercase. So in effect this failure of the transfer case is not covered on 2014 - 2011 Porsche Cayenne's models with the same transfercase because Porsche delayed the notification to customers. Even though the SUV may have low mileage, they will not warranty or cover my failure.
NHTSA complaint #11615239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Commerce Township, MI
SEAT BELTS
Just purchased this vehicle from an independent dealer. Each time I test drove the vehicle, I put my seat belt on and after a few seconds of driving the driver's seat belt would come unlatched. Sales person told me that perhaps I wasn't latching it (false latch). After purchase, it has unlatched during my first day of driving it. I see that there are other customers complaining of the same issue on the NHTSA website.
NHTSA complaint #11609423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
AIR BAGS
The optional Leather Dashboard is peeling away from the base of the windshield. The cutout in the leather that aligns with the passenger airbag is now out of alignment and there is concern if the airbag will deploy properly in an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11605224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The optional Leather Dashboard is peeling away from the base of the windshield. The cutout in the leather that aligns with the passenger airbag is now out of alignment and there is concern if the airbag will deploy properly in an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11605224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Peyton, CO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Engine light came on and vehicle decelerated while making a turn in traffic. Based on the owners manual and code test, it comes up as a DPF issue. We could have been seriously injured had the oncoming traffic been closer to us or had someone attempted to follow me on the turn. When the car lost power, I could not accelerate to complete my turn. The problem has been duplicated by my husband who has some mechanical expertise, but the next step would be to take it to a dealer. It is available for inspection, but it is not safe to drive. The check engine light and the glow plug lamp came on at the same time. It happened once before on the interstate coming across I-80 on the interstate. In the middle of nowhere with no cell phone service, we were able to pull over, shut off and restart the engine which cleared the code for the rest of the trip. Then it didn’t do this again for nearly two months.
NHTSA complaint #11568669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,123 milesArlington, VA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2013 Porsche Cayenne. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V656000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the headlamps illumination had started to become dull. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 154,123. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11494018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,300 milesEdison, NJ
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2013 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal noise while shifting from first to second gear. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,300.
NHTSA complaint #11493099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesNEW Hartford, NY
POWER TRAIN
GRINDING & CLUNKING NOISE FROM DRIVE TRAIN AT LOW ENGINE SPEEDS. TOOK IT TO PORSCHE DEALERSHIP IN OCTOBER, 2020. THEY DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM AND I WAS TOLD IT IS OK TO DRIVE. THE NOISE IS GETTING WORSE FROM INITIAL WHINING TO GRINDING & CLUNKING NOISE. ONLINE FORUMS INDICATE THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH CAYENNE & MACAN MODELS OF PORSCHE. PORSCHE HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THE ISSUE ON THERE WEBSITE WITH WARRANTY EXTENSION. WHEN I CALL THE PORSCHE CUSTOMER SUPPORT. THEY ARE NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THE WARRANTY EXTENSION. I THINK IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND NEED TO BE ADDRESS BY PORSCHE
NHTSA complaint #11414407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesWest Palm Beach, FL
POWER TRAIN
CAR HAS PROBLEM WITH ACCELERATION. IT HESITATES AND DRIVES LIKE THE CAR IS BEING HELD BACK. ACCELERATION IS NOT SMOOTH. ROUGH AND SHUDDER AND HERKY JERKY. IT HAS A FAULTY TRANSFER CASE WHICH IS WELL KNOWN AND SHOULD BE RECALLED.
NHTSA complaint #11376082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesAtlanta, GA
SEAT BELTS
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT UNLATCHES, EVEN WHEN IT APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN PROPERLY LATCHED AND I PULL ON IT TO CONFIRM THAT IT IS LATCHED. THIS HAPPENS WHETHER OR NOT THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THIS IS HAPPENING CONSTANTLY, BUT I WILL FILL IN TODAY'S DATE BELOW.
NHTSA complaint #11331553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesMenlo Park, CA
POWER TRAIN
MULTIPLE TRANSFER CASE FAILURES. FIRST AT 50K MILES (SLIPPING BETWEEN GEARS, FOLLOWED BY A SEVERE JOLT AS THE GEAR FINALLY CHANGED)'TRANSFER CASE WAS REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE ($7000K LATER). SECOND FAILURE OCCURRED LESS THAN 6 MONTHS LATER AT 55K MILES (SEVERE JOLT WHEN SHIFTING FROM 3RD TO 4TH GEAR)'TRANSFER CASE REPLACED UNDER PARTS WARRANTY. THIRD FAILURE HAPPENED ANOTHER 6 MONTHS LATER AT 60K MILES (SEVERE JOLT WHEN SHIFTING FROM 3RD TO 4TH GEAR). THIS LAST FAILURE'YET TO BE FIXED'HAS HAPPENED WHILE I AM ON A ROAD TRIP, AND IT RISKS ME BEING STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. THIS ISSUE IS RAMPANT AMONG 958S. PORSCHE REALLY NEEDS TO STEP UP AND FIX THIS ISSUE. IT'S REPORTED RAMPANTLY ON FORUMS, WITH MANY OWNERS REPORTING MULTIPLE SUCCESSIVE FAILURES LIKE I HAVE EXPERIENCED.
NHTSA complaint #11325912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesNEW Orleans, LA
SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 PORSCHE CAYENNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SECURE THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE INTO THE RECEIVER, THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO LATCH. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
NHTSA complaint #11315886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.