Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 6 | typical | 2 | Transmission | Average |
| 2011 | 17 | 2.3× | 3 | Engine | Caution |
| 2008 | 5 | −38% | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 2006 | 13 | typical | 3 | Engine | Average |
| 2005 | 10 | typical | 4 | Engine | Average |
| 2004 | 48 | 4.3× | 9 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2003 | 4 | −50% | 9 | Fuel System | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median Cayenne S year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Porsche Cayenne S problems
Latest Porsche Cayenne S recalls
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the headlights for sealing caps and install missing caps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (PRNDL)
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, 2004-2010 Cayenne, 2006 Cayenne Turbo S, 2010-2016 Panamera S, Panamera 4 S, Panamera Turbo, 2011-2016 Panamera, Panamera 4, 2012-2013 Panamera Turbo S, 2013-2016 Panamera 4 GTS, 2014-2016 Panamera 4 S Executive, Panamera Turbo…
Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. Owners are instructed to use the parking brake until their vehicle is repaired. The recall began August 9, 2019.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo vehicles, 2004-2006 Cayenne vehicles, and 2006 Cayenne S "Titanium" Edition vehicles. These gasoline-powered vehicles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter flanges with new filter flanges that have a protective film, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2018.
Engine
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2010-2012 Panamera S, Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo vehicles, 2011-2012 Panamera and Panamera 4 vehicles, and 2011 Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo vehicles.
Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fastening screws for the camshaft adjusters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 12, 2018.
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.
Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlamp locking assemblies, free of charge. The safety recall began on March 9, 2012. Owners May contact Porsche at 1-800-767-7243.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Porsche Cayenne S should you avoid?
2004 and 2011 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Cayenne S years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2004.
What is the best year for the Porsche Cayenne S?
2003 has the fewest complaints compared with other Cayenne S years at the same age, followed by 2008. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Porsche Cayenne S problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (42), transmission & drivetrain (26) and fuel & propulsion system (14). Engine complaints peak in the 2004 model year.
How many recalls has the Porsche Cayenne S had?
12 recalls across 2003–2012. The model year with the most is 2003. See all Porsche Cayenne S recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.