Porsche Cayenne problems
The Porsche Cayenne is a series of automobiles manufactured by the German company Porsche since 2002. It is a luxury crossover SUV and has been described as both a full-sized and a mid-sized vehicle. The first generation was known internally within Porsche as the Type 9PA (955/957) or E1. It was the first V8-engined vehicle built by Porsche since 1995, when the Porsche 928 was discontinued. It is also Porsche's first off-road variant vehicle since its Super and Junior tractors of the 1950s, and the first Porsche with four doors. Since 2014, the Cayenne has been sold alongside a smaller Porsche SUV, the Macan.
The second-generation Cayenne (Type 92A or E2) was unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March. The Cayenne shares its platform, body frame, doors and electronics with the similar Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q7. It received a facelift in 2014 with minor external changes, and introduced a new plug-in E-Hybrid version, with its public launch at the Paris Motor Show. Since 2008, all engines have featured direct injection technology. The third generation (Type PO536) was unveiled in 2017 at Stuttgart.
First generation (E1 9PA; 2002)
The original Porsche Cayenne entered into the global market to a mixed reception, but it proved itself to have excellent performance for an SUV and had comparably good handling as well as powerful engines. The lineup initially consisted of the V8-powered Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo. Later in the model cycle, VR6 and diesel-powered versions joined the lineup. In the eight model years of the E1 generation, a total of 276,652 units were produced.
The base model Cayenne is powered by a 3.2-L VR6 engine producing 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp). The intake manifold is unique to Porsche, but otherwise the engine is largely the same as the VW engine. Acceleration from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) is 9.1 seconds with the manual transmission and 9.7 seconds with the Tiptronic S.
Social links
Porsche Cayenne model years
Common Porsche Cayenne problems
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury SUV that has been popular among consumers for its performance and features. However, like any vehicle, the Cayenne has had its share of common problems reported by owners. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:
- Heavy Gear Changes & Noisy Transmission: Early Porsche Cayenne owners commonly experienced a heavy downshift from the transmission, accompanied by much louder gear shifts and clunking sounds from the transmission. This problem is often misdiagnosed as a physical failure in the transmission itself, when the more likely cause is in fact the valve body assembly within the transmission.
- Cooling System Problems: The 2004 Porsche Cayenne has had a high number of complaints related to the cooling system, with multiple cars experiencing plastic coolant lines breaking and the center carrier bearing of the driveshaft failing. This has resulted in some cars refusing to start, and repairs can cost upwards of $3,000 in some instances.
- Drivetrain Problems: The 2011 Porsche Cayenne has had complaints from customers about overheating at only 15,000 miles, as well as a complete engine failure at under 40,000 miles. Premature brake wear is another known issue, potentially happening as early as 21,000 miles and costing $3,000 to fix.
- High Maintenance and Repair Costs: The Porsche Cayenne has been reported to have higher than average maintenance and repair costs, with an estimated $20,552 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This is more than the industry average for luxury SUV models by $4,838.
It is important to note that not all Porsche Cayenne models will experience these problems, and many owners have reported positive experiences with the vehicle. However, these common issues are worth considering when purchasing a used Porsche Cayenne.
What are the main problems with Porsche Cayenne?
Porsche Cayenne Problem Counts by Year
These are the most common problems reported by owners on platforms such as carproblems.com, carcomplaints.com, and Car Talk Community. The most frequently reported issues are engine failures, electrical problems, and broken plastic coolant lines.
Are Porsche Cayenne reliable cars?
Those behind the wheel of the Porsche Cayenne report taking it to the repair shop an average of 1.1 times a year for unexpected repairs, compared to . 4 for similar options. The Porsche Cayenne scores terribly in the reliability department for luxury midsize vehicle choices.
Is Porsche Cayenne high maintenance?
Yes, Porsches are expensive to maintain compared to most automakers' vehicles. Estimates from RepairPal show maintaining a Porsche costs an average of about 83% more than the industry average.
What is the disadvantage of Porsche Cayenne?
Cons: More expensive than competitors; limited cargo space; you'll be forking out big money for every last option. The 2024 Porsche Cayenne is one of the best do-it-all machines in existence, and it also happens to be heavily updated for the 2024 model year.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Porsche Cayenne years
We have researched Porsche problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Porsche Cayenne cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Porsche Cayenne model years:
- Porsche Cayenne 2004
- Porsche Cayenne 2011
- Porsche Cayenne 2006
- Porsche Cayenne 2014
- Porsche Cayenne 2005
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Porsche Cayenne model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Porsche Cayenne years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Porsche Cayenne car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Porsche Cayenne , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Power train problems
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Porsche Cayenne vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Cayenne model years
A total of 15 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Cayenne model years
There were a total of 8 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Cayenne model years
There were a total of 11 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Cayenne model years
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 528 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Porsche Cayenne . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Porsche Cayenne vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Porsche Cayenne 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: WP1BA2AY4LD
- Components: POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: The car is very jerky, I bought in for engine or transmission mount because the idle shakes the whole car. They said its normal. Which I don't think it's normal.
Porsche Cayenne 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: WP1AD2A25EL
- Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Porsche dashboard leather shrunk, shifted position, and staples pulled out. Repair technician said if vehicle was in an accident the airbag might not deploy correctly. Porsche dealer has stated if the dashboard leather material gets in this state, they recommend replacing it. This is a very common issue.
Porsche Cayenne 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-17
- VIN: WP1AC2A21JL
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: This is not accident related, but what appears to be a systemic issue related to Cayenne and Macan leather dashboards. The issue is related to delamination of the leather dash cover that can impede the safe deployment of the passenger airbag. Many cars are affected and the repair can be a significant expense to owners (~$10K) for vehicles less than 8 years old. There should be a recall to address a largely unaware owner base for a potential safety issue.
Porsche Cayenne 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-16
- VIN: WP1AD2A24EL
- Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Dashboard leather shrunk. If the vehicle gets into an accident the airbags might not deploy correctly. Very common issue on the cayenne models.
Porsche Cayenne 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-02
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-08
- VIN: WP1AB2A24DL
- Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Porsche Cayenne dashboard leather shrunk and staples pulled out. The airbag in the dashboard may not deploy properly in the event when there is an accident. Porsche dealer recommended the dashboard to be replaced. Many vehicles have this issue after warranty is out
Porsche Cayenne 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-29
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-07
- VIN: WP1AD2A25EL
- Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Porsche Cayenne dashboard leather shrunk and staples pulled out. Leather is loose on dashboard. I was told that if the vehicle was in an accident the airbag might not deploy correctly. The Porsche dealer looked at it and recommended replacing it. This is a very common issue.
Porsche Cayenne 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-22
- VIN: WP1AD2A24GL
- Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Porsche leather dashboard shrunk and staples pulled out. I was told by a Porsche service technician that if the vehicle was in an accident, the air bag might not deploy correctly. The Porsche dealer diagnosed it and recommended replacing it. This is a very common issue.
Porsche Cayenne 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-18
- VIN: WP1AD2A28DL
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The Drive train consists of an engine, transmission, transfercase, driveshafts and differentials. The Transfercase has failed prior to the normal life cycle. Porsche recognizes this problem on this series of SUV and extends the warranty for 10 years and unlimited mileage. Porsche announced this extension in June 2024. However this does not cover the early models in this series 2011-2013 with the same drivetrain and transfercase. So in effect this failure of the transfer case is not covered on 2014 - 2011 Porsche Cayenne's models with the same transfercase because Porsche delayed the notification to customers. Even though the SUV may have low mileage, they will not warranty or cover my failure.
Porsche Cayenne 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-12
- VIN: WP1AB2A28EL
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
Porsche Cayenne 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-05
- VIN: WP1AD2A22GL
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: **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.
Porsche Cayenne 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-23
- VIN: WP1AC2A23BL
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2011 Porsche Cayenne Turbo. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. Additionally, while driving, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist, and the brake pedal was firm while depressed. The vehicle failed to come to a complete stop. The traction control, check engine, oil pressure, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the passenger's side camshaft controller and bolts had failed. The dealer determined that both the driver's and passenger's side camshaft controllers and bolts needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the camshaft adjusters and bolts under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V368000 (Engine) associated with the VIN; however, the contact was not satisfied with the remedy for the recall. The contact stated that the dealer failed to recover all the failed bolts inside the engine. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 131,046.
Porsche Cayenne 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-21
- VIN: WP1AA2A23GK
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Backup Camera Intermittent, Yes, available for inspection. Unexpected blackout of the screen. Cannot see pedestrians behind when backing out and expecting to see from the camera instead of rear view mirror. Yes, reproduced by the Dealer. Yes, by the Dealer representing the manufacturer. No warning of any kind. First appeared 9/19/23 Unknown.
Porsche Cayenne 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-21
- VIN: WP1AB2A21JL
- Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The Porsche Cayenne that equipped with leather dashboard are peeling off over the time. If the vehicle in an accident, the airbag on the passenger side dashboard may not deploy correctly. I am finding many cayenne owners are having this issue. I really hope NTSB can issue a recall.
Porsche Cayenne 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-19
- VIN: WP1AA2AY3KD
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: When car downshifts from 2nd gear to 1st gear, it lunges / jerks forward, even as brakes are applied. Porsche mechanic and Porsche Cars North America both indicate nothing is wrong with the transmission. THIS IS A CONSTANT ISSUE. EVERYDAY FOR THE LAST TWO WEEKS. EVERY STOP.
Porsche Cayenne 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-19
- VIN: WP1AB2A29DL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: Just purchased this vehicle from an independent dealer. Each time I test drove the vehicle, I put my seat belt on and after a few seconds of driving the driver's seat belt would come unlatched. Sales person told me that perhaps I wasn't latching it (false latch). After purchase, it has unlatched during my first day of driving it. I see that there are other customers complaining of the same issue on the NHTSA website.
Latest 5 recalls Porsche Cayenne
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 56 recalls for different components of the Porsche Cayenne.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Porsche Cayenne 2024
- Report Received Date: 2024-07-16
- Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
- Park It: 1
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM
- Summary: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2024 Cayenne vehicles. The drivers side front axle upper left control arm installed on the vehicles may have been installed with cracks. which can result in front axle control arm breaking and an unexpected loss of steering and wheel control.
- Consequence: A sudden loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver side left upper control arm, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 13, 2024. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ARB2.
- Model: Porsche Cayenne 2024
- Report Received Date: 2023-07-27
- Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2024 Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne Turbo GT, and Cayenne S Coupe vehicles. After the vehicle is turned off, the rear hazard warning lights and the parking lights may not illuminate if they are activated within 10 seconds after the gateway control unit shuts off. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence: Rear hazard warning lights and parking lights that fail to illuminate can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the gateway control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 26, 2023. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is APB1.
- Model: Porsche Cayenne 2011
- Report Received Date: 2022-08-30
- Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: 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. The caps that cover the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws are missing, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence: Improperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
- 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. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ANB4.
- Model: Porsche Cayenne 2008
- Report Received Date: 2022-08-30
- Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: 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. The caps that cover the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws are missing, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence: Improperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
- 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. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ANB4.
- Model: Porsche Cayenne 2009
- Report Received Date: 2022-08-30
- Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: 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. The caps that cover the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws are missing, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence: Improperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
- 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. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ANB4.
Latest negative Porsche Cayenne car reviews
Latest positive Porsche Cayenne car reviews
-
Vehicle year: 2005
I have thoroughly enjoyed my vehicle for the past year, particularly its safety and handling features. The handling and braking are exceptional, making it the perfect car to drive in rainy conditions. Although I still use my Explorer for loading purposes, this vehicle has exceeded my expectations in terms of safety and performance. However, I was recently informed that the staged air bags listed on my paperwork were not available at the time of purchase. While the airbags do exceed requirements, I am looking for a vehicle that offers this feature as it is a top priority for me. As a long-time Porsche owner since 1964, I can confidently say that this vehicle has met my high standards. It achieves 16 MPG around town.
-
Vehicle year: 2016
The Porsche Cayenne is an excellent SUV that offers great performance on the highway, comfortable cruising during long distance travel, and easy stop-and-go driving on city streets, especially when in electric mode. Personally, I prefer to use the SUV as electric-only on city streets or in slow traffic, and in comfort cruise mode or sports plus mode on the highway, depending on my mood. I have driven this vehicle at very high speeds, and it handles them with ease. However, the transitions in low gears when in electric drive can be a bit clunky, and the downshift can be a bit hard before braking when driving at slower speeds on city streets. It's important to note that servicing can be expensive due to the vehicle being a Porsche. The Cayenne is built like a tank and is extra heavy due to the battery pack in the trunk. Unfortunately, due to the battery taking up space, there is no spare tire. The 8-speed automatic with shift pads allows for quasi-manual shifts, but I prefer using the shift pads. One of the coolest features is the ability to choose e-drive on and off, as well as the ability to recharge the battery while driving, where the engine allocates a bit of its power to charge the battery. This feature is really useful when expecting slower traffic or city driving. The premium leather interior and the way the steering and instrumentation are set up make it a driver's paradise. Most of the charging is done overnight on a 110-volt outlet with the charger provided with the car. Depending on the season, the all-electric range is between 7-17 miles, with a drastic reduction in cold weather. It's important to note that this was a tail-end 2nd generation of the Cayenne, so the infotainment system reflects that. For me, this reduces distractions, and Bluetooth does the job just fine. However, if Apple CarPlay is needed, you would need to get a 3rd generation Cayenne or opt for some custom solutions that would require a $600 investment and professional installation on the infotainment apparatus. Overall, I am happy with the vehicle, even though I needed a radio replacement that cost $2,000.I'm not sure how gracefully it will age, but based on the first generation, these vehicles age really well because they are built to last. If you maintain them well, they will hold up for a long time.
-
Vehicle year: 2017
I won't be purchasing another new Porsche as they are all Turbos now. Although I have experienced some issues such as premature leather seat wear, sport exhaust corrosion, and tail light delamination/quality concerns, Porsche has been very helpful in addressing these issues free of charge under warranty. At 40,000 miles, I have not experienced any mechanical issues and the car has been incredibly reliable. However, the quality of parts is not up to par, especially when considering the costs. Unfortunately, maintenance costs will be too high for me to keep the car much longer. The dealer charges $100 to mount one tire, $400 for an alignment, $350 for an oil change, and $2,000 for a tune-up that consists of about $300 in parts. Brake repairs can cost thousands per axle! Although the car is fast and handles great, there are other cars that are half the price and much easier on the wallet to maintain.
-
Vehicle year: 2005
You made a great choice with your purchase of a used but untitled Porsche Cayenne Turbo! It's impressive that you've already put 10,000 miles on it in just 8 months. It's wonderful to hear that you haven't experienced any problems with it. The acceleration and handling are top-notch, comparable to most sports cars. Additionally, the off-road handling is excellent, and the adjustable ride height is a fantastic feature for both off-road and daily driving. It's great that you can set a lower ride height for a more car-like feel. Keep enjoying your amazing Porsche!
-
Vehicle year: 2016
Hi there! I'm so glad to hear that you're completely pleased with your 2016 Porsche Cayenne, even with the more expensive check-ups. It sounds like this car is worth every penny! It's impressive that it's built like a tank and can handle towing several boats, driving in dirt fields, and flying down the interstate. The LED headlights are some of the best you've seen and it drives like a sports car with confident handling. Thanks for sharing your positive experience with us!
Are you having problems with your Porsche Cayenne?
Johan Christiansen 2025-07-09
Vehicle year: 2020
This is my third Porsche. The car is exceptionally fast and handles superbly well, especially in Sport or Sport+ mode. The seats are comfortable and there is ample room in the back seat. The battery provides a speedy 20 miles of range on fully electric, making short errands a breeze. While the MSRP of around $91K for my vehicle may seem steep, it is worth it for the premium package and ventilated seats. The hybrid technology is truly amazing and the engineers did a great job. The cons are that the fit and finish quality could be improved. The paint scratches easily and there are some alignment issues with the panels inside the car. Additionally, there are some rattles with certain radio songs at moderate volume. However, these issues do not detract from the overall exceptional performance of the car. If I were buying and not leasing, I would opt for the base model over the S, as the government subsidy makes the e-hybrid the better choice. If you are considering owning a hybrid Porsche, it is important to consider the long-term impact of the hybrid drive and power train on the engine. The car requires the ICE engine to engage at any time, even when cold, which can be a lot for any engine to handle. Additionally, the limited range of 20 miles can be very limiting and once it is over, the car loses its speed and becomes heavy. In conclusion, if you are looking for an electric car, Tesla is the way to go. Porsche is not there yet and the uncertainty of long-term residuals makes it a better option to lease rather than buy. Furthermore, Porsche should consider improving the ergonomics of their cars, as they are not up to par with other car brands. The controls in the new Cayenne are a step back from the previous generation, making simple tasks like selecting previous tracks on the steering wheel or hanging grocery bags in the back seats impossible. Lastly, the Bose Stereo system is not up to the same quality as other Porsche products. It only sounds slightly better than the system in a Jeep Grand Cherokee and does not feel special. Porsche should consider bringing production back to Germany to improve the quality of their products. I will report back after a few months.
Celestino Reinger 2025-07-04
Vehicle year: 2017
The 2017 Cayenne Platinum Edition may not be the best value for your money, and some customers have reported issues with Porsche USA customer support. Additionally, there have been some concerns raised online about certain aspects of the vehicle that may not be immediately apparent. For example, some drivers have found the placement and design of the driver controls and gauges to be less than ideal. There have also been reports of an obtrusive protrusion on the passenger side dash that can be hazardous in certain lighting conditions. It is worth noting that some customers have reported that the engine and drive line may require software updates, which can be expensive if not covered under warranty. Transfer case issues have also been reported, although these are not unique to the Cayenne. Finally, some customers have reported issues with tire and brake wear. While the 2017 and 2018 Cayenne models may not be for everyone, it is important to note that litigation is currently pending and that Porsche USA is committed to addressing any concerns that customers may have.
Kyleigh Schamberger 2025-07-01
Vehicle year: 2005
I recommend thoroughly test driving the Porsche Cayenne before making a purchase. While some may find the ride quality to be comparable to a sports car, my personal experience has been that it is more similar to that of a truck. Additionally, I have had to bring my vehicle in for repairs multiple times, including a six-week stay in the shop. Based on my experience, I cannot confidently recommend this car.
Jeramy Hansen 2025-06-29
Vehicle year: 2024
Maybe because PORSCHE was supposed to be 'the little extra' that I expected from this kind of luxury vehicle, but unfortunately, that was not the case. I purchased the car in late 2019, and it was delivered to me on the 20th of December (2019). So, I have now owned my Cayenne for one year and almost three months, with 30 thousand km on the meter. Problems started from the first week with the gear shifter that didn't want to enter D nor R after starting up. I had to turn off and on the ignition two or three times before it worked. At first, I thought that perhaps I was not holding down the brake pedal hard enough or too hard, just because I was not completely familiar with the new car. Then, before reporting this issue, I experienced a couple of times that the car was unlocked, and the hatch door was wide open when I came to the car in the morning. Luckily, I was at my own house with a good-secured parking and with video surveillance. So, I went through the videos minute by minute and saw the hatch door when it opened. It was a cat walking under the tail bumper that set off the automatic door opener. The problem is that my bedroom, where my key was, is about 60 meters away from the car. Also, the fuel lid started to open while I was driving on the highway. Of course, I then went to the Porsche Center (3 hours drive) to seek out the problems. After one day at the garage, they told me that the problem should now have been resolved by a complete update of the computer. The service was good, and the personnel were polite. I drove back home and expected everything to be as it should. But when parking my car in the garage, the hatch door opened by itself and scratched off the car paint towards the brick wall. I called the Porsche Center, and they promised to do their very best to solve this. Of course, they will have the door fixed and painted, but they asked me to give them some time while they contact the Porsche main office to see if it is a known problem with a solution.One weekend, I went on a beach trip with my family. Unfortunately, the electronic key to my car was not working, and even the manual key failed to open it. The car was completely locked and dead. After waiting for four hours, the Porsche team arrived with a service car and a Macan to lend me while my Cayenne was at the garage. Although the service was good, I started to regret my purchase due to the ongoing electronic issues and updates that failed to solve the problems. I decided to communicate with the sales guy and the director of Porsche to find a solution. I even offered to exchange my Cayenne for a Panamera and pay the difference of more than 100,000 US dollars. However, they only offered me 90,000 US dollars for the Cayenne (which I had bought for 150,000 US dollars just seven months before) and delivery of the new car in May-June 2021. To put things into perspective, we are living in Costa Rica, Central America. Despite the ongoing issues, I still drive the Porsche since they are not able to fix the problems nor willing to exchange it within reasonable terms. However, I am now waiting for my new BMW X5M Competition, which offered me 110,000 US dollars for the Cayenne and a discount of 8%. They will deliver my new car in April, and I can drive the Cayenne until then without any restrictions on km or other issues. That is what I call service with respect and honor! PORSCHE, LEARN YOUR LESSON.
Elwyn Kihn 2025-06-27
Vehicle year: 2005
I appreciate the vehicle overall, however, the ride quality is comparable to that of a heavy truck. Unfortunately, the local service is less than desirable, with only one service available in the area. Despite this, I have achieved a mileage of 14.9, including highway driving. As a former owner of a M.B. S320V, I have become accustomed to a smoother ride, which is why I am hesitant to purchase another vehicle of this type.