Most common 2006 Porsche Cayenne S problems
Share of the 13 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Porsche Cayenne S complaints by model year
Best Cayenne S years: 2003, 2008. Years to avoid: 2004, 2011. Compare all years →
2006 Porsche Cayenne S recalls (3)
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.
What 2006 Porsche Cayenne S owners say
Engine & cooling
I own a Porsche, Cayenne s 2006 model. I was traveling to las vegas, nv from home (garden grove, ca) . All of sudden there was coolant check signal came on so I have exited from freeway and added more coolant. However the coolant check signal wouldn't go off and the temp went up so high that I had to pull over to the side of the road. Make the story short, my whole family spent next 5 hours out on 110f sunlight without ac. I have found out that coolant pipes were made with plastic which cannot withhold the heat which vehicle generates. And although Porsche has changed the parts to aluminum they still haven't recalled these vehicles. They, Porsche, are aware of this issue and yet they are not recalling these vehicles. Also they are not willing to pay for my repair. …
The dealer sold the vehicle knowing coolant pipes were not updated. Just had the vehicle serviced in April had to pay for maintenance that should have been done before purchase. Then 1 June the warning light came on "check coolant level low". Then the warning light came on "engine too hot". I was forced to pay for repairs when the mechanic received a bulletin from Porsche about the problem. Contacted Porsche and they stated the dealer brumos Porsche should not have sold the car without updating the coolant pipes. I still had to pay over $2,000 dollars.
2006 Porsche Cayenne S engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 12 / 17 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Porsche Cayenne S a good car?
Based on 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Cayenne S rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Cayenne S at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 Porsche Cayenne S?
The engine & cooling — 4 complaints, 31% of all complaints for this model year, most often about cooling system. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (2) and fuel & propulsion system (2).
How many recalls does the 2006 Porsche Cayenne S have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2006 Porsche Cayenne S, the most recent from August 30, 2022 (headlights). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Porsche Cayenne S?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2003 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2004 and 2011. See the full Porsche Cayenne S years comparison.
At what mileage do 2006 Porsche Cayenne S problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 84,000 miles; 30% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.