Owners have filed 76 complaints
about the 2014 Porsche Cayenne with NHTSA between 2014 and 2025.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 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 — 100
Against the median year of the Porsche Cayenne. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 48
9.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 92
54% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2014 compares with every other Porsche Cayenne
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
714.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
816.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1020.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
816.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
510.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
816.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
12.1%
150,000+ miles
12.1%
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.
Jan 2014peak 6Jun 2025
Recalls on the 2014 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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Fayetteville, NC2 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
For the past nine years, my vehicle has recorded multiple safety issues (trunk not closing/breaking, check engine light, catalytic converter misfire, keyless electronic entry issues, glow bulb light, turn signal bulb light, windows not rolling up, leaking fluid on the passenger side, burning smell coming from the vents, electrical issues with the radio, sunroof intermittently not opening/closing and the key not turning the vehicle on. Over the past nine years, I have taken the vehicle to numerous Porsche dealerships per the federal mandate from Porsche USA / Porsche UK. To date, the Service Manager, Chris Sansbury and General Manager at Brian Harris Porsche, and Porsche USA, refuse to fix the vehicle. My vehicle is still under factory warranty. I am a person with multiple disabilities. The dealerships (Jim Ellis Porsche, Hennessy Porsche, Leith Porsche, Brian Harris Porsche) have charged me thousands of dollars. I have been extremely sick and desperately need your help. Please help me!
NHTSA complaint #11530716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fayetteville, NC2 injured
ENGINE
For the past nine years, my vehicle has recorded multiple safety issues (trunk not closing/breaking, check engine light, catalytic converter misfire, keyless electronic entry issues, glow bulb light, turn signal bulb light, windows not rolling up, leaking fluid on the passenger side, burning smell coming from the vents, electrical issues with the radio, sunroof intermittently not opening/closing and the key not turning the vehicle on. Over the past nine years, I have taken the vehicle to numerous Porsche dealerships per the federal mandate from Porsche USA / Porsche UK. To date, the Service Manager, Chris Sansbury and General Manager at Brian Harris Porsche, and Porsche USA, refuse to fix the vehicle. My vehicle is still under factory warranty. I am a person with multiple disabilities. The dealerships (Jim Ellis Porsche, Hennessy Porsche, Leith Porsche, Brian Harris Porsche) have charged me thousands of dollars. I have been extremely sick and desperately need your help. Please help me!
NHTSA complaint #11530716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fayetteville, NC2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
For the past nine years, my vehicle has recorded multiple safety issues (trunk not closing/breaking, check engine light, catalytic converter misfire, keyless electronic entry issues, glow bulb light, turn signal bulb light, windows not rolling up, leaking fluid on the passenger side, burning smell coming from the vents, electrical issues with the radio, sunroof intermittently not opening/closing and the key not turning the vehicle on. Over the past nine years, I have taken the vehicle to numerous Porsche dealerships per the federal mandate from Porsche USA / Porsche UK. To date, the Service Manager, Chris Sansbury and General Manager at Brian Harris Porsche, and Porsche USA, refuse to fix the vehicle. My vehicle is still under factory warranty. I am a person with multiple disabilities. The dealerships (Jim Ellis Porsche, Hennessy Porsche, Leith Porsche, Brian Harris Porsche) have charged me thousands of dollars. I have been extremely sick and desperately need your help. Please help me!
NHTSA complaint #11530716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pleasant Hill, CA1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE EDGES OF THE METAL PART THAT ENSURES CLOSURE OF THE TRUNK IS VERY SHARP. FINGER WAS SLICED ON THIS METAL PART.
NHTSA complaint #11276940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesMiramar Beach, FLFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 PORSCHE CAYENNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A SEPARATION BETWEEN THE BUMPER AND HEADLIGHTS. AS A RESULT, WATER ENTERED THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES AND CAUSED ELECTRICAL FAILURES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLAMP BULBS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF WATER DRAINING FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD ONTO THE FLOORBOARD. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR ON THE INSIDE AND THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BURNING ODOR WAS MORE PREVALENT AFTER THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED PER A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HENNESSEY PORSCHE (990 MANSELL RD, ROSWELL, GA 30076, (770) 643-6100) AND PORSCHE ATLANTA PERIMETER (4006 CARVER DR, ATLANTA, GA 30360, (888) 893-6299), BUT THE FAILURES COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. THE CONTACT STATED PORSCHE AND ITS VENDORS DAMAGED HER NEW TIRES. THE CONTACT REQUESTED THE TIRES BE PLUGGLED, BUT THE DEALERSHIP DECIDED TO DO OTHERWISE.
NHTSA complaint #11099474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesMiramar Beach, FLFire
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 PORSCHE CAYENNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A SEPARATION BETWEEN THE BUMPER AND HEADLIGHTS. AS A RESULT, WATER ENTERED THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES AND CAUSED ELECTRICAL FAILURES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLAMP BULBS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF WATER DRAINING FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD ONTO THE FLOORBOARD. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR ON THE INSIDE AND THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BURNING ODOR WAS MORE PREVALENT AFTER THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED PER A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HENNESSEY PORSCHE (990 MANSELL RD, ROSWELL, GA 30076, (770) 643-6100) AND PORSCHE ATLANTA PERIMETER (4006 CARVER DR, ATLANTA, GA 30360, (888) 893-6299), BUT THE FAILURES COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. THE CONTACT STATED PORSCHE AND ITS VENDORS DAMAGED HER NEW TIRES. THE CONTACT REQUESTED THE TIRES BE PLUGGLED, BUT THE DEALERSHIP DECIDED TO DO OTHERWISE.
NHTSA complaint #11099474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Lake Forest, CA
AIR BAGS
Posche dashboard leather coming apart at the staples. I was informed that if involved in an accident the airbags might not deploy. The Porsche dealer inspected and recommended replacing it. This issue has been on going with Porsche since it first began within the first few years of owning this brand new vehicle. I was informed that this is a very common issue, and a very serious safety issue with no recall issued as of yet. Please help us
NHTSA complaint #11666724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Forest, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Posche dashboard leather coming apart at the staples. I was informed that if involved in an accident the airbags might not deploy. The Porsche dealer inspected and recommended replacing it. This issue has been on going with Porsche since it first began within the first few years of owning this brand new vehicle. I was informed that this is a very common issue, and a very serious safety issue with no recall issued as of yet. Please help us
NHTSA complaint #11666724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntersville, NC
AIR BAGS
Dashboard leather has shrunk and removed staples. Dashboard leather is laying on top of airbag and may act as a deterrent to the airbag function. Was informed that the airbag may not deploy correctly. Cost to repair is >$10k due to a common material defect.
NHTSA complaint #11649179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntersville, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dashboard leather has shrunk and removed staples. Dashboard leather is laying on top of airbag and may act as a deterrent to the airbag function. Was informed that the airbag may not deploy correctly. Cost to repair is >$10k due to a common material defect.
NHTSA complaint #11649179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pompano Beach, FL
AIR BAGS
Leather dashboard is shrinking. The cut out for the passenger airbag is no longer in line and will likely result in the airbag not deploying correctly.
NHTSA complaint #11636428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New York, NY
AIR BAGS
Leather of the dashboard began to shrink on both driver and passenger sides. The shrunk leather exposed metal staples used to keep it in place and disfigured the passenger airbag compartment. An independent mechanic suggested that, in case of an accident, an airbag may not deploy correctly and the exposed staples may become a hazard. This appears to be a common problem of Porsche owners with leather dashboards.
NHTSA complaint #11627071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New York, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Leather of the dashboard began to shrink on both driver and passenger sides. The shrunk leather exposed metal staples used to keep it in place and disfigured the passenger airbag compartment. An independent mechanic suggested that, in case of an accident, an airbag may not deploy correctly and the exposed staples may become a hazard. This appears to be a common problem of Porsche owners with leather dashboards.
NHTSA complaint #11627071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Angeles, CA
AIR BAGS
Porsche dashboard leather shrunk and staples pulled out. I was told that if the vehicle was in an accident the airbag might not deploy correctly. The Porsche dealer looked at it and recommended replacing it. This is a very common issue on Porsche Cayennes.
NHTSA complaint #11625932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Angeles, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Porsche dashboard leather shrunk and staples pulled out. I was told that if the vehicle was in an accident the airbag might not deploy correctly. The Porsche dealer looked at it and recommended replacing it. This is a very common issue on Porsche Cayennes.
NHTSA complaint #11625932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Georgetown, TX
AIR BAGS
Porsche dashboard leather shrunk, shifted position, and staples pulled out. Repair technician said if vehicle was in an accident the airbag might not deploy correctly. Porsche dealer has stated if the dashboard leather material gets in this state, they recommend replacing it. This is a very common issue.
NHTSA complaint #11621328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Georgetown, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Porsche dashboard leather shrunk, shifted position, and staples pulled out. Repair technician said if vehicle was in an accident the airbag might not deploy correctly. Porsche dealer has stated if the dashboard leather material gets in this state, they recommend replacing it. This is a very common issue.
NHTSA complaint #11621328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shrewsbury, MA
AIR BAGS
Dashboard leather shrunk. If the vehicle gets into an accident the airbags might not deploy correctly. Very common issue on the cayenne models.
NHTSA complaint #11620034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shrewsbury, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dashboard leather shrunk. If the vehicle gets into an accident the airbags might not deploy correctly. Very common issue on the cayenne models.
NHTSA complaint #11620034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monroe, OH
AIR BAGS
Porsche Cayenne dashboard leather shrunk and staples pulled out. Leather is loose on dashboard. I was told that if the vehicle was in an accident the airbag might not deploy correctly. The Porsche dealer looked at it and recommended replacing it. This is a very common issue.
NHTSA complaint #11618475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monroe, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Porsche Cayenne dashboard leather shrunk and staples pulled out. Leather is loose on dashboard. I was told that if the vehicle was in an accident the airbag might not deploy correctly. The Porsche dealer looked at it and recommended replacing it. This is a very common issue.
NHTSA complaint #11618475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Last week I took my car to car wash, After that my right passenger side light went off. water went in the rear sound control module and I lost sound too. my gps sound comes from woofer only. I heard from a by other Porsche owners that porsche had recall on rear lights, But I was never informed.
NHTSA complaint #11614240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cerritos, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Catastrophic failure of Bosch CP4 high-pressure fuel pump in my 2014 Porsche Diesel Cayenne. Resulted in metal shavings/shrapnel throughout entire fuel system. Car abruptly stalled while pulling out of parking lot and was unable to restart. Had vehicle towed to nearest Porsche dealer for repairs. Quote for parts only (without labor) to repair vehicle is $29,440.47. With labor is in excess of $40,000. Car has been determined to be a total loss. My 2014 Porsche Diesel Cayenne has always been maintained at suggested intervals and all service work for the life of the car was performed by Porsche. It has been a wonderful, reliable and fun vehicle to drive prior to this horrible event. No warnings of fuel pump failure came up on vehicle warning and message system.
NHTSA complaint #11589558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FACTORY INSTALLED SPARE TIRE FAILED TO INFLATE AND ATTACH TO WHEEL RIM WHEN NEEDED TO REPLACE A FLAT TIRE. NONE OF THE SERVICE TECHNICIANS WITH AAA, DISCOUNT TIRE OR PORSCHE DEALERSHIPS WERE ABLE TO DO SO. THERE WERE NO VISIBLE DEFECTS ON OR IN THE SPARE. THE TIRE HAD BEEN USED POSSIBLY ONLY ONCE BEFORE THIS INCIDENT. PORSCHE REFUSED TO REPLACE IT AND I WAS FORCED TO BUY A NEW ONE BECAUSE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY
NHTSA complaint #11558975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kalamazoo, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The sunroof exploded going down the highway for no reason. It exploded from the inside outward.
NHTSA complaint #11545095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fayetteville, NC2 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
For the past nine years, my vehicle has recorded multiple safety issues (trunk not closing/breaking, check engine light, catalytic converter misfire, keyless electronic entry issues, glow bulb light, turn signal bulb light, windows not rolling up, leaking fluid on the passenger side, burning smell coming from the vents, electrical issues with the radio, sunroof intermittently not opening/closing and the key not turning the vehicle on. Over the past nine years, I have taken the vehicle to numerous Porsche dealerships per the federal mandate from Porsche USA / Porsche UK. To date, the Service Manager, Chris Sansbury and General Manager at Brian Harris Porsche, and Porsche USA, refuse to fix the vehicle. My vehicle is still under factory warranty. I am a person with multiple disabilities. The dealerships (Jim Ellis Porsche, Hennessy Porsche, Leith Porsche, Brian Harris Porsche) have charged me thousands of dollars. I have been extremely sick and desperately need your help. Please help me!
NHTSA complaint #11530716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fayetteville, NC2 injured
ENGINE
For the past nine years, my vehicle has recorded multiple safety issues (trunk not closing/breaking, check engine light, catalytic converter misfire, keyless electronic entry issues, glow bulb light, turn signal bulb light, windows not rolling up, leaking fluid on the passenger side, burning smell coming from the vents, electrical issues with the radio, sunroof intermittently not opening/closing and the key not turning the vehicle on. Over the past nine years, I have taken the vehicle to numerous Porsche dealerships per the federal mandate from Porsche USA / Porsche UK. To date, the Service Manager, Chris Sansbury and General Manager at Brian Harris Porsche, and Porsche USA, refuse to fix the vehicle. My vehicle is still under factory warranty. I am a person with multiple disabilities. The dealerships (Jim Ellis Porsche, Hennessy Porsche, Leith Porsche, Brian Harris Porsche) have charged me thousands of dollars. I have been extremely sick and desperately need your help. Please help me!
NHTSA complaint #11530716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fayetteville, NC2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
For the past nine years, my vehicle has recorded multiple safety issues (trunk not closing/breaking, check engine light, catalytic converter misfire, keyless electronic entry issues, glow bulb light, turn signal bulb light, windows not rolling up, leaking fluid on the passenger side, burning smell coming from the vents, electrical issues with the radio, sunroof intermittently not opening/closing and the key not turning the vehicle on. Over the past nine years, I have taken the vehicle to numerous Porsche dealerships per the federal mandate from Porsche USA / Porsche UK. To date, the Service Manager, Chris Sansbury and General Manager at Brian Harris Porsche, and Porsche USA, refuse to fix the vehicle. My vehicle is still under factory warranty. I am a person with multiple disabilities. The dealerships (Jim Ellis Porsche, Hennessy Porsche, Leith Porsche, Brian Harris Porsche) have charged me thousands of dollars. I have been extremely sick and desperately need your help. Please help me!
NHTSA complaint #11530716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,600 milesDelray Beach, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
The contact owns a 2014 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed while depressing the brake pedal, the brake lights became inoperable. Another motorist informed him that the brake lights were inoperable. The contact continued to drive with the hazard lights activated. The contact noticed that the plastic plugs were clogged with leaves and dirt and water had entered the vehicle which short-circuited the electrical system. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the sunroof plastic plugs were broken, and that water had entered the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 75,600.
NHTSA complaint #11502368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Collierville, TN
POWER TRAIN
When accelerating from a stop the car skips/shutters. This generally occurs gears 2-3. This problem has placed me in danger when trying to accelerate while making left hand turns.
NHTSA complaint #11496686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
After going through the car wash, I lost my rear brake lights and rear running lights. Still have the third brake light. From reading on many Porsche form sites, this is a common issue. The vehicle does not have adequate drains, in return, water leaks into multiple areas of the vehicle causing electrical shortages. You do not get any warning bells, or signs on the dash that you do not have rear taillights. It is a very dangerous issue.
NHTSA complaint #11452844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.