35 of the
702 complaints filed about the Porsche Cayenne
are about the lighting —
5% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2016.
During rain events, headlight housings are becoming inundated with moisture (L and R sides). A quick search on multiple forums shows this is a known issue with all Porsche models. During night driving this issue reduces visibility significantly. Yes, this puts my occupants and other drivers at risk. Porsche is famous for not acknowledging and addressing out of warranty manufacturing defects, even safety issues. They would not address this issue. Brief warning lights and flashing of the headlight system was evident. This has been happening for a few years and is getting progressively worse.
NHTSA complaint #11689861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seals around both headlights appear to be improperly/weakly sealed. Water intrusion is coming in from light rain or even a car wash causing entire headlight system to shut off until the moisture dries up often while driving. This vehicle has matrix adaptive led headlights and there is no self service bulb to replace since they’re leds. Local Porsche dealer service advisors appear to know this is a common issue but state Porsche has yet to do a recall and they have no fix option and only offer to sell me a full headlight assembly replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11671492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
June 7-8, 2024 driving in rain, the #17- 25 amp headlight fuse blew, leaving my family and me stranded without headlights in the dark on I-70 highway. When headlights quit during this drive and it became Very Very dangerous! After getting the 2015 Cayenne home, I inspected both headlights. Driver's side headlight had a lot of moisture on the inside of lens. The passenger side headlight had about 1 cup of water inside headlight. Reading about Porsche Cayenne headlights leaking online, this issue should be a recall. I am going to take to dealership have them work on unrelated recall. I will ask them to inspect Cayenne. I can not drive this vehicle during inclimate weather or at night for an emergency or otherwise. I have been really busy at work and personally to take 60 miles to dealership. I have another vehicle I have been driving.
NHTSA complaint #11629837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
**Subject**: Urgent Safety Concern: Headlight Condensation and Water Damage in 2015-2018 Porsche Cayenne 958.2 Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report a serious safety issue with the LED matrix headlights on my 2016 Porsche Cayenne GTS (958.2). The problem involves severe condensation buildup within the headlight assembly, leading to water damage and electrical failures. This defect has caused my headlights to fail, particularly during nighttime driving in heavy rain, which significantly reduced visibility. This failure could have resulted in a major accident, putting my life and the lives of others at risk. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The issue first became noticeable after a rainstorm, where condensation started to build up inside the headlights. Despite multiple visits to my local Porsche dealership, where they confirmed the problem and attempted repairs, the issue continues to persist. I also notified Porsche corporate directly, but neither the dealership nor Porsche offered any assistance or permanent resolution. Both have failed to take responsibility for what I believe is a widespread defect, as I have found numerous similar reports from other owners. No warning lights or messages were displayed prior to the headlight failure, which made the issue even more dangerous. Without any prior indication, I was left driving without functioning headlights at night, in poor weather conditions. Given the potential for catastrophic consequences, I strongly urge NHTSA to investigate this issue. A recall or other corrective action is necessary to prevent further risks to drivers. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
NHTSA complaint #11612920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When I start the vehicle I get an error message that the rear lights are not working properly, but they are functioning well. This message is random and it can show up at anytime. I have contacted Porsche about this and they said that this is due to a faulty part that can be replaced, but requires 5000 USD. This problem was there when the vehicle was under warranty, but they never pursued or investigated it.
NHTSA complaint #11579292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2024 Cayenne is outfitted with the LED HD Matrix headlights. The low beam lights "when adjusted to specifications" only project 30-40ft down the road. This is very dangerous not being able to see adequately in front of the car especially where I live which have many deer. I'm told this is partially because the US does not allow full HD Matrix functionality. Porsche should not sell vehicle which do not function properly in the USA>
NHTSA complaint #11575222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The backup lights of the 2024 Porsche Cayenne Coupe when the car is put into reverse are extremely dim, and do not adequately highlight what is behind the car. I learned this the first time on September 8th when I tried to back out of my friend’s narrow windy tree lined driveway at night. Something that usually took a few minutes took more than 15 minutes because I could not see where I was going. I took my Cayenne to Amityville Porsche Service and was told the car is “working as designed.” I also escalated it to Porsche's national customer service organization sending them pictures of my new Cayenne in reverse backing up and a Porsche Macan loaner in same place. While the person acknowledged there was a major difference, they said the Cayenne was working as designed. I am concerned I will not see someone behind the car or hit a tree or obstruction. I currently cannot go to my friend's with fear of hitting a tree. I have tried to upload pictures showing a marked difference, but it is not working on your site. The upload box just disappears. Porsche needs to improve the back up lights. please! Happy to send you pictures.
NHTSA complaint #11564216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that water had leaked inside the front driver's side and passenger's side headlamps. The contact stated that the failure caused the headlights to become foggy and significantly dim, reducing the visibility of the roadway. The contact stated that he had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V656000 (Exterior Lighting) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that the dealer sealed the headlamps while there was water inside. The dealer declined to perform additional repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
NHTSA complaint #11562147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The two headlights have appeared to have condensation due to sealing problem of the headlight. When the light bulbs and beam heat up the air with moisture, it will leave water inside of the headlight cover. This will increase the safety risks when we were driving on the road. There is no warning message for that. The problem should not be normal and this should really be manufacturer’s problem to fix.
NHTSA complaint #11560518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
MY CAR STOP SUDDENLY, IGNITION KEY FAILURE, THEN LIKE TRANSMISSION HESUTATION UNTIL THE CAR STOP COMPLETELY WHERE AT THAT MOMENT CALL A TOLL THAT COST ME $650 DLS. SINCE THAT DAY CAR HAVING ELECTRIC PROBLEMS AND EVEN TRANSMISSION GET STUCK SOMETIMES, HAVE TO TO DO IT MANUALLY.
NHTSA complaint #11512514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Our 2018 Porsche Cayenne has a problem with the headlights and water intrusion that is affecting the functioning of the headlights. I took it to someone to look at and they said this should not be happening, that it is a manufacturer defect. I googled my car / year and there is a recall for headlight issues but for some reason my VIN is not included. It should be. How do I go about having Porsche North America fix this issue for me?
NHTSA complaint #11512414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that moisture was entering the headlights on both sides of the vehicle. Over time, the condensation in the passenger’s side headlight was burned out with a message on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The dealer gave the contact an estimate without a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was called and informed that they would provide a nominal portion of the repair cost. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. The contact stated that they took their vehicle to a couple dealerships and mechanics before the issue was diagnosed as a design flaw. Therefore, simply changing the headlights out would not fix the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11506274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2006 Porsche Cayenne. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V656000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact became aware of condensation in the headlights and that the headlights were very dim. The contact made an appointment with a dealer and had the recall repair performed; however, the headlights were still dim while in operation. The vehicle was returned to the dealer however, no additional assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11502619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2004 Porsche Cayenne. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V656000 (Exterior Lighting), 19V446000 (Power Train), and 17V576000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the fuel gauge failed to read accurately. The headlamp wiring had been deteriorating causing the headlights to malfunction. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000. Parts distributions disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11491915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.