Most common 2011 Porsche Cayenne S problems
Share of the 17 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 →
2011 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.
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.
What 2011 Porsche Cayenne S owners say
Engine & cooling
I was pulling forward on a level city street and turning left from a stop sign. There was a significant amount of shuddering and feeling of a loss of power. This was a significant safety issue due to oncoming traffic. Over a period of several months this had been increasing in severity but the dealer could not identify the problem. I took it to the dealer and was able to repeat the problem for them. They identified the transfer case as the issue. It was replaced. I also had to replace the tires due to the dealers identification that the transfer case had caused differential tread wear damage to a rear tire. As a former military aviator, there is no doubt in my mind that this is a safety issue. Porsche needs to identify what the issues are (design, manufacturing, servicing, etc) and remedy them. …
Very scary and dangerous experience engine stalled after filling up with gas. The vehicle required two or three attempts to start. I exited the gas station onto the ramp for the interstate. The car suddenly locked up less than a mile down the interstate while driving 70, MPH. There was no power braking or power steering at all. Fortunately, I remained in the far right lane and momentum carried the vehicle off the next exit ramp before vehicle completely shut off. I have had a host of other issues including psm failures, start/stop mode deactivated errors, ignition problems, braking issues, unnecessary repairs, time/energy, missed work, rental cars, misdiagnoses, etc. I am certain the symptoms are consistent with camshaft defect affecting many other Cayenne s, turbo, and panamera s owners per several internet forum discussions. This is really dangerous. …
Transmission & drivetrain
I was pulling forward on a level city street and turning left from a stop sign. There was a significant amount of shuddering and feeling of a loss of power. This was a significant safety issue due to oncoming traffic. Over a period of several months this had been increasing in severity but the dealer could not identify the problem. I took it to the dealer and was able to repeat the problem for them. They identified the transfer case as the issue. It was replaced. I also had to replace the tires due to the dealers identification that the transfer case had caused differential tread wear damage to a rear tire. As a former military aviator, there is no doubt in my mind that this is a safety issue. Porsche needs to identify what the issues are (design, manufacturing, servicing, etc) and remedy them. …
Vehicle acts as if going over speed bump over 18mph also jerking and tugging on you as you accelerate making for hard turning in parking lots feels like front wheel is locking up also noticing safety concern wile coming to stop in traffic under about 3mph the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly learches forward as if engine has more power or something becomes un jammed. Transfer case has been replaced once already now out of warranty it feels as if a safety concern is the issue
2011 Porsche Cayenne S engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Porsche Cayenne S a good car?
Based on 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Cayenne S rates use caution: 2.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Cayenne S at the same age. It is one of the Cayenne S years we suggest avoiding. 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 2011 Porsche Cayenne S?
The engine & cooling — 12 complaints, 71% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (3) and brakes (2).
How many recalls does the 2011 Porsche Cayenne S have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2011 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 2011 Porsche Cayenne S problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 29% 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.