FaultScore

FaultScore report

2023 Porsche Cayenne problems

Owners have filed 11 complaints about the 2023 Porsche Cayenne with NHTSA between 2024 and 2026. The largest single group is the other & unspecified. Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 18 worst.

C

FaultScore 47/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Porsche Cayenne.

How this is worked out

The numbers

11

Complaints

3

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries reported

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 15 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure not reported
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 15
Against the median year of the Porsche Cayenne. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
54.5% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.

How 2023 compares with every other Porsche Cayenne

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2023 Porsche Cayenne

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Other & Unspecified 3 27.3%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 2 18.2%

2 crashes, 0 fires

Electrical System 2 18.2%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 1 9.1%
Acceleration & Cruise Control 1 9.1%
Brakes 1 9.1%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Steering 1 9.1%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
2023 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.

May 2024 peak 3 Jun 2026

Recalls on the 2023 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.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2025716 25,175 units in Canada

Visual System

Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to appear on the display. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse gear. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Porsche will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the driver assistance system control unit software.

Recall 2023662 5,071 units in Canada

Accessories

Issue: Under certain conditions, the 220 V vehicle charging cable plug could become damaged by the house power outlet. As a result, the charging cable could overheat while charging. Note: This recall only affects electric and plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) models. Safety Risk: A charging cable that overheats could create a fire risk. Corrective Actions: Porsche will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your 220 V vehicle charger to a dealership to replace the vehicle charging cable.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Hicksville, NY Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

On the afternoon of June 24, 2026, at approximately 5:40 PM, I experienced a severe, sudden braking system failure that directly caused a rear-end collision. I was driving my 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid on the highway, traveling to a concert scheduled for 7:00 PM. The highway traffic was heavy and slow-moving (stop-and-go). I was cruising at a moderate speed of approximately 40 to 50 mph. The vehicle ahead of me applied its brakes and came to a gradual, normal stop. I was maintaining a very safe following distance of approximately 30 meters (around 100 feet) behind that vehicle. As I perceived the traffic stopping, I immediately attempted to apply my brakes. However, the brake pedal instantly became extremely hard, felt completely locked up like a stone, and was impossible to press down. Despite having ample distance to stop and applying all my body weight and force onto the brake pedal, there was zero brake assistance from the vehicle, and the brakes failed to engage. The onboard Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking also failed to prevent the accident. As a result, I was completely unable to reduce the speed of the car, and my vehicle rolled forward and collided into the rear of the car in front of me. This was entirely a mechanical/electronic safety system failure. The vehicle is currently available for inspection, and I am requesting a full diagnostic download of the EDR and DME data before any repairs are performed.

NHTSA complaint #11747086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hicksville, NY Crash

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

On the afternoon of June 24, 2026, at approximately 5:40 PM, I experienced a severe, sudden braking system failure that directly caused a rear-end collision. I was driving my 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid on the highway, traveling to a concert scheduled for 7:00 PM. The highway traffic was heavy and slow-moving (stop-and-go). I was cruising at a moderate speed of approximately 40 to 50 mph. The vehicle ahead of me applied its brakes and came to a gradual, normal stop. I was maintaining a very safe following distance of approximately 30 meters (around 100 feet) behind that vehicle. As I perceived the traffic stopping, I immediately attempted to apply my brakes. However, the brake pedal instantly became extremely hard, felt completely locked up like a stone, and was impossible to press down. Despite having ample distance to stop and applying all my body weight and force onto the brake pedal, there was zero brake assistance from the vehicle, and the brakes failed to engage. The onboard Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking also failed to prevent the accident. As a result, I was completely unable to reduce the speed of the car, and my vehicle rolled forward and collided into the rear of the car in front of me. This was entirely a mechanical/electronic safety system failure. The vehicle is currently available for inspection, and I am requesting a full diagnostic download of the EDR and DME data before any repairs are performed.

NHTSA complaint #11747086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hicksville, NY Crash

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

On the afternoon of June 24, 2026, at approximately 5:40 PM, I experienced a severe, sudden braking system failure that directly caused a rear-end collision. I was driving my 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid on the highway, traveling to a concert scheduled for 7:00 PM. The highway traffic was heavy and slow-moving (stop-and-go). I was cruising at a moderate speed of approximately 40 to 50 mph. The vehicle ahead of me applied its brakes and came to a gradual, normal stop. I was maintaining a very safe following distance of approximately 30 meters (around 100 feet) behind that vehicle. As I perceived the traffic stopping, I immediately attempted to apply my brakes. However, the brake pedal instantly became extremely hard, felt completely locked up like a stone, and was impossible to press down. Despite having ample distance to stop and applying all my body weight and force onto the brake pedal, there was zero brake assistance from the vehicle, and the brakes failed to engage. The onboard Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking also failed to prevent the accident. As a result, I was completely unable to reduce the speed of the car, and my vehicle rolled forward and collided into the rear of the car in front of me. This was entirely a mechanical/electronic safety system failure. The vehicle is currently available for inspection, and I am requesting a full diagnostic download of the EDR and DME data before any repairs are performed.

NHTSA complaint #11747086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lemont, IL 1 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

i was driving my car and at a stop sign i started accelerating when the light turned green - i must have been going 45 mPH after the light and all of a sudden my car went into hyper acceleration speeding up to 80 mph, i was pumping my brakes and the car was still raging to accelerate. I almost ran into a semi truck in front of me becuase i could not stop my car from accelerating, my foot was on the brake padel not the accelerator and it would slow down but as soon as I take the foot off of the brake - it would go into a rage accelration again, my car also gave WBA restricted warnings while accelerating. I was finally about 2 miles of stoping and accelerating pull into a sholder with my brakes slammed, and parking brake pulled, the car finally came to a stop. I was also being followed by other cars and could have caused them to run into me as i tried to stop the car.

NHTSA complaint #11687005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lemont, IL 1 injured

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

i was driving my car and at a stop sign i started accelerating when the light turned green - i must have been going 45 mPH after the light and all of a sudden my car went into hyper acceleration speeding up to 80 mph, i was pumping my brakes and the car was still raging to accelerate. I almost ran into a semi truck in front of me becuase i could not stop my car from accelerating, my foot was on the brake padel not the accelerator and it would slow down but as soon as I take the foot off of the brake - it would go into a rage accelration again, my car also gave WBA restricted warnings while accelerating. I was finally about 2 miles of stoping and accelerating pull into a sholder with my brakes slammed, and parking brake pulled, the car finally came to a stop. I was also being followed by other cars and could have caused them to run into me as i tried to stop the car.

NHTSA complaint #11687005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lemont, IL 1 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

i was driving my car and at a stop sign i started accelerating when the light turned green - i must have been going 45 mPH after the light and all of a sudden my car went into hyper acceleration speeding up to 80 mph, i was pumping my brakes and the car was still raging to accelerate. I almost ran into a semi truck in front of me becuase i could not stop my car from accelerating, my foot was on the brake padel not the accelerator and it would slow down but as soon as I take the foot off of the brake - it would go into a rage accelration again, my car also gave WBA restricted warnings while accelerating. I was finally about 2 miles of stoping and accelerating pull into a sholder with my brakes slammed, and parking brake pulled, the car finally came to a stop. I was also being followed by other cars and could have caused them to run into me as i tried to stop the car.

NHTSA complaint #11687005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Hicksville, NY Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

On the afternoon of June 24, 2026, at approximately 5:40 PM, I experienced a severe, sudden braking system failure that directly caused a rear-end collision. I was driving my 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid on the highway, traveling to a concert scheduled for 7:00 PM. The highway traffic was heavy and slow-moving (stop-and-go). I was cruising at a moderate speed of approximately 40 to 50 mph. The vehicle ahead of me applied its brakes and came to a gradual, normal stop. I was maintaining a very safe following distance of approximately 30 meters (around 100 feet) behind that vehicle. As I perceived the traffic stopping, I immediately attempted to apply my brakes. However, the brake pedal instantly became extremely hard, felt completely locked up like a stone, and was impossible to press down. Despite having ample distance to stop and applying all my body weight and force onto the brake pedal, there was zero brake assistance from the vehicle, and the brakes failed to engage. The onboard Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking also failed to prevent the accident. As a result, I was completely unable to reduce the speed of the car, and my vehicle rolled forward and collided into the rear of the car in front of me. This was entirely a mechanical/electronic safety system failure. The vehicle is currently available for inspection, and I am requesting a full diagnostic download of the EDR and DME data before any repairs are performed.

NHTSA complaint #11747086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hicksville, NY Crash

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

On the afternoon of June 24, 2026, at approximately 5:40 PM, I experienced a severe, sudden braking system failure that directly caused a rear-end collision. I was driving my 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid on the highway, traveling to a concert scheduled for 7:00 PM. The highway traffic was heavy and slow-moving (stop-and-go). I was cruising at a moderate speed of approximately 40 to 50 mph. The vehicle ahead of me applied its brakes and came to a gradual, normal stop. I was maintaining a very safe following distance of approximately 30 meters (around 100 feet) behind that vehicle. As I perceived the traffic stopping, I immediately attempted to apply my brakes. However, the brake pedal instantly became extremely hard, felt completely locked up like a stone, and was impossible to press down. Despite having ample distance to stop and applying all my body weight and force onto the brake pedal, there was zero brake assistance from the vehicle, and the brakes failed to engage. The onboard Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking also failed to prevent the accident. As a result, I was completely unable to reduce the speed of the car, and my vehicle rolled forward and collided into the rear of the car in front of me. This was entirely a mechanical/electronic safety system failure. The vehicle is currently available for inspection, and I am requesting a full diagnostic download of the EDR and DME data before any repairs are performed.

NHTSA complaint #11747086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hicksville, NY Crash

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

On the afternoon of June 24, 2026, at approximately 5:40 PM, I experienced a severe, sudden braking system failure that directly caused a rear-end collision. I was driving my 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid on the highway, traveling to a concert scheduled for 7:00 PM. The highway traffic was heavy and slow-moving (stop-and-go). I was cruising at a moderate speed of approximately 40 to 50 mph. The vehicle ahead of me applied its brakes and came to a gradual, normal stop. I was maintaining a very safe following distance of approximately 30 meters (around 100 feet) behind that vehicle. As I perceived the traffic stopping, I immediately attempted to apply my brakes. However, the brake pedal instantly became extremely hard, felt completely locked up like a stone, and was impossible to press down. Despite having ample distance to stop and applying all my body weight and force onto the brake pedal, there was zero brake assistance from the vehicle, and the brakes failed to engage. The onboard Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking also failed to prevent the accident. As a result, I was completely unable to reduce the speed of the car, and my vehicle rolled forward and collided into the rear of the car in front of me. This was entirely a mechanical/electronic safety system failure. The vehicle is currently available for inspection, and I am requesting a full diagnostic download of the EDR and DME data before any repairs are performed.

NHTSA complaint #11747086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lemont, IL 1 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

i was driving my car and at a stop sign i started accelerating when the light turned green - i must have been going 45 mPH after the light and all of a sudden my car went into hyper acceleration speeding up to 80 mph, i was pumping my brakes and the car was still raging to accelerate. I almost ran into a semi truck in front of me becuase i could not stop my car from accelerating, my foot was on the brake padel not the accelerator and it would slow down but as soon as I take the foot off of the brake - it would go into a rage accelration again, my car also gave WBA restricted warnings while accelerating. I was finally about 2 miles of stoping and accelerating pull into a sholder with my brakes slammed, and parking brake pulled, the car finally came to a stop. I was also being followed by other cars and could have caused them to run into me as i tried to stop the car.

NHTSA complaint #11687005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lemont, IL 1 injured

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

i was driving my car and at a stop sign i started accelerating when the light turned green - i must have been going 45 mPH after the light and all of a sudden my car went into hyper acceleration speeding up to 80 mph, i was pumping my brakes and the car was still raging to accelerate. I almost ran into a semi truck in front of me becuase i could not stop my car from accelerating, my foot was on the brake padel not the accelerator and it would slow down but as soon as I take the foot off of the brake - it would go into a rage accelration again, my car also gave WBA restricted warnings while accelerating. I was finally about 2 miles of stoping and accelerating pull into a sholder with my brakes slammed, and parking brake pulled, the car finally came to a stop. I was also being followed by other cars and could have caused them to run into me as i tried to stop the car.

NHTSA complaint #11687005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lemont, IL 1 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

i was driving my car and at a stop sign i started accelerating when the light turned green - i must have been going 45 mPH after the light and all of a sudden my car went into hyper acceleration speeding up to 80 mph, i was pumping my brakes and the car was still raging to accelerate. I almost ran into a semi truck in front of me becuase i could not stop my car from accelerating, my foot was on the brake padel not the accelerator and it would slow down but as soon as I take the foot off of the brake - it would go into a rage accelration again, my car also gave WBA restricted warnings while accelerating. I was finally about 2 miles of stoping and accelerating pull into a sholder with my brakes slammed, and parking brake pulled, the car finally came to a stop. I was also being followed by other cars and could have caused them to run into me as i tried to stop the car.

NHTSA complaint #11687005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

el Dorado Hills, CA

STEERING

In-car entertainment, transmissions controls, audio controls, climate controls (front and rear) , car will shut off without turning the key in off position, often times the vehicle will just terminate a call with no warning - no explantion, the rear camera on the screen in reverse show the rear of the car but it stays on for like 10 seconds when moving forward in drive, all of these are selected one the center console but placing your hand and fingers on the panel you accidentally select features or controls - this is dangerous because you hit things that you don't want and is distracting. the entertainment system does not have the features they represent that they do and you are constantly distracted with trying to find a feature that it doesn't have or can't find; using the phone will not allow you to use the keypad until stopped. so what you end up doing is using your iPhone which becomes a safety issue. there are so many problems that I can't message all. If you can give me a link I can't send or upload about 50 videos. I think all around to use the center counsel because hazardous design as to how to use a feature - it's a massive safety issue and hazard. I believe that many owners have been in accidents and caused damages and perhaps deaths. Porsche will not respond after the first call a few months ago. I was told by a dealer to contact the BBB - they told me that Porsche cars of America has a D minus rating and never has responded to customer complaints. I did discover that they made massive changes in the 2024 model. no wonder - I will stop here - will; attach a few photo's but there is no explanation. please help!!

NHTSA complaint #11634723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

el Dorado Hills, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

In-car entertainment, transmissions controls, audio controls, climate controls (front and rear) , car will shut off without turning the key in off position, often times the vehicle will just terminate a call with no warning - no explantion, the rear camera on the screen in reverse show the rear of the car but it stays on for like 10 seconds when moving forward in drive, all of these are selected one the center console but placing your hand and fingers on the panel you accidentally select features or controls - this is dangerous because you hit things that you don't want and is distracting. the entertainment system does not have the features they represent that they do and you are constantly distracted with trying to find a feature that it doesn't have or can't find; using the phone will not allow you to use the keypad until stopped. so what you end up doing is using your iPhone which becomes a safety issue. there are so many problems that I can't message all. If you can give me a link I can't send or upload about 50 videos. I think all around to use the center counsel because hazardous design as to how to use a feature - it's a massive safety issue and hazard. I believe that many owners have been in accidents and caused damages and perhaps deaths. Porsche will not respond after the first call a few months ago. I was told by a dealer to contact the BBB - they told me that Porsche cars of America has a D minus rating and never has responded to customer complaints. I did discover that they made massive changes in the 2024 model. no wonder - I will stop here - will; attach a few photo's but there is no explanation. please help!!

NHTSA complaint #11634723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

el Dorado Hills, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

In-car entertainment, transmissions controls, audio controls, climate controls (front and rear) , car will shut off without turning the key in off position, often times the vehicle will just terminate a call with no warning - no explantion, the rear camera on the screen in reverse show the rear of the car but it stays on for like 10 seconds when moving forward in drive, all of these are selected one the center console but placing your hand and fingers on the panel you accidentally select features or controls - this is dangerous because you hit things that you don't want and is distracting. the entertainment system does not have the features they represent that they do and you are constantly distracted with trying to find a feature that it doesn't have or can't find; using the phone will not allow you to use the keypad until stopped. so what you end up doing is using your iPhone which becomes a safety issue. there are so many problems that I can't message all. If you can give me a link I can't send or upload about 50 videos. I think all around to use the center counsel because hazardous design as to how to use a feature - it's a massive safety issue and hazard. I believe that many owners have been in accidents and caused damages and perhaps deaths. Porsche will not respond after the first call a few months ago. I was told by a dealer to contact the BBB - they told me that Porsche cars of America has a D minus rating and never has responded to customer complaints. I did discover that they made massive changes in the 2024 model. no wonder - I will stop here - will; attach a few photo's but there is no explanation. please help!!

NHTSA complaint #11634723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Atlanta, GA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Remote lock using a phone app locks the door while the trunk is open. This is considered a health and safety concern as individuals assume the vehicle is locked and secured while the vehicle is exposed to theft, misuse, or even the safety of passenger

NHTSA complaint #11595414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Westerville, OH

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The drivers side wiper leaves a streak at drives eye level during most rain events. My dealer has replaced the wiper 3 times but this has not fixed the issue. My Dealer has verified this is happening and verified this happens on all Porsche Cayenne vehicles of this age and model. According to FMVSS 104 and SAE J1903 the area A (drivers viewing area) must be 99% cleaned. This streak is an arc about 2" tall and the full length of the wiper travel. Changing the speed of the wiper system does not eliminate the streak. This has not caused a crash yet but I feel it may in the future.

NHTSA complaint #11591516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.