2003 Porsche Cayenne s problems

General information about Porsche-Cayenne s
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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

Common 2003 Porsche Cayenne s problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the Porsche Cayenne S 2003, several common problems have been identified:

Coolant Distribution Pipe: The coolant distribution pipe is prone to breaking, causing coolant leaks and potential overheating issues. This problem can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance checks.

Center Carrier Bearing of Driveshaft Failure: The center carrier bearing of the driveshaft is reported to fail in some cases, affecting the vehicle's drivability and potentially causing further damage to the drivetrain. This issue highlights the importance of inspecting the driveshaft components regularly to prevent costly repairs.

Antenna Reception Issues: The built-in antenna in the rear window of the car may experience reception problems, especially when using the rear window heater, affecting the car radio's reception . This problem is more of a convenience issue but can be frustrating for owners who rely on good radio reception.
Wiper Fluid Tube Breakage: In cold weather conditions, the wiper fluid transport tube can break, leading to wiper fluid leaking onto the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the car . This issue can potentially damage the ECU, affecting the car's electronic systems and requiring costly repairs.
Engine Ticking Sound: Some Cayenne S models from the first generation before the 2007 facelift have reported trouble with the nickel coating of the cylinders, leading to a distinct ticking sound from the engine . This ticking sound serves as an indicator of potential engine damage, emphasizing the need for immediate inspection and repair to avoid catastrophic engine failure.

These common problems with the Porsche Cayenne S 2003 highlight the importance of regular maintenance, prompt attention to any warning signs, and thorough inspections to ensure the vehicle's safety, performance, and longevity. Owners of this model should be vigilant in addressing these issues to prevent costly repairs and maintain the vehicle's reliability.

Is Porsche Cayenne 2003 reliable?

No major issues. I've owned this car for 4 years and had no major issues. I did have to replace the drive shaft after 80K miles but it was covered under my extended warranty. Can't find a faster car that looks as nice inside and out as this turbo.

What is the common problem with Porsche Cayenne?

Common Porsche Cayenne Problems

Engine troubles - According to owners, one of the worst problems of the Cayenne is its engine. The usual symptoms include illuminating check engine light, loud noises, and the engine abruptly shutting off while in traffic. The typical fix is to replace the engine altogether.

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.

Are Porsche Cayenne S a good car?

After a sporty, premium large SUV? The Porsche Cayenne should fit the bill. It's engaging to drive, offers impressive levels of comfort and refinement, plus its excellent build quality only adds to the upmarket feel.

2003 Porsche Cayenne s car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Porsche Cayenne s problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Fuel/propulsion system problems
Power train problems
Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Porsche Cayenne s vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2003 Porsche Cayenne s complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Porsche Cayenne s.

2018-02-09

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2017-11-29
VIN: WP1AB29P73L
Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: PORSCHE NOTIFIED ME OF RECALL NOVEMBER 29 2017

Add Complaint

2017-12-20

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2016-10-16
VIN: WP1AB29P64L
Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: DEAR SIR/ MADAM THANK YOU FOR YOUR LETTER OF NOVEMBER 29, 2017, REGARDING RECALL OF OUR VEHICLE PORSCHE CAYENNE S #[XXX] (RECALL # 17V-576). PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO THE PROBLEM I EXPERIENCED WITH THE FUEL PUMP IN THE VEHICLE, I HAD TO REPLACE THE PUMPS RH AND LH, WITH REQUIRED ACCESSORIES. A TOTAL COST OF THE REPAIR, INCLUDING PARTS AND LABOR, WAS $2,640. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF THE ABOVE IS SUFFICIENT, OR I SHOULD STILL NEED ADDITIONAL REPAIR. ALSO LET ME KNOW IF YOU COULD BE ABLE TO REIMBURSE THE TOTAL OR PARTIAL COST OF THE ABOVE REPAIR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

Add Complaint

2009-06-18

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2009-06-11
VIN: WP1AB29P64L
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: FAILURE OF DRIVESHAFT AND TRANSMISSION 6 YEAR HISTORY OF "HESITATION" WHENEVER CAR ACCELERATED. *TR

Add Complaint

2004-04-26

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2004-04-01
Crash: 1
Components: TIRES
Summary: IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS, CONSUMER HAD TWO ACCIDENT DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE PERELLI TIRE TREAD. (NAR) *PH *CB

Add Complaint

2003 Porsche Cayenne s recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 9 recalls for different components of the 2003 Porsche Cayenne s.

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.

2019-06-12

Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Summary: 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 Executive, Panamera Turbo S G1 II, Panamera Turbo S Executive, 2013 Panamera 4 Platinum Edition, Panamera Platinum Edition, 2016 Panamera 4 Edition, Panamera Edition, Panamera Turbo S Executive Luxury Sports vehicles. The bushing that attaches the gear selector lever to the gearbox may degrade over time, causing the bushing to detach. This condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
Consequence: If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKB1.

2017-09-20

Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
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. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AH10.

2004-12-15

Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: CERTAIN PASSENGER CARS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." ALL THREE REAR SEAT POSITIONS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER POSITION ARE EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELT RETRACTORS THAT HAVE A LOCKING FEATURE WHICH CONVERTS THE RETRACTOR FROM AN EMERGENCY LOCKING RETRACTOR (ELR) MODE TO AN AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR (ALR) MODE FOR THE PURPOSES OF CHILD RESTRAINT INSTALLATION. THE BELT MAY DEACTIVATE THE ALR MODE WITH CERTAIN CHILD RESTRAINTS.
Consequence: WHEN INVOLVED IN A CRASH, THE CHILD RESTRAINTS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SECURED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY INSTALL A CLIP IN EITHER OF THE AFFECTED REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELTS AND PROVIDE AN OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT. THE CLIPS WILL PREVENT UNWARRANTED CONVERSION FROM ALR TO ELR MODE WITH CHILD SEAT INSTALLATION. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 17, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-545-8039.

2004-05-17

Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR SEAT BELT LATCH ATTACHMENT BOLT IS INSUFFICIENT RIVETED.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BELT BUCKLE LATCH AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE LATCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 1, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-545-8039.

2004-02-18

Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Summary: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS WAS INCORRECTLY ROUTED. DAMAGE TO THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS CAN LEAD TO THE FAILURE OF VARIOUS ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS.
Consequence: IN EXTREME CASES, TO A CABLE FIRE BENEATH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RE-ROUTE THE WIRING HARNESS. OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-545-8039.

2004-02-18

Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
Summary: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IF THE GROUND CONNECTION BETWEEN THE SPIRAL RING OF THE TANK FILLER NECK AND THE CONNECTING PIPE TO THE FUEL TANK IS INADEQUATE, THE FLOW OF FUEL DURING REFUELING CAN CREATE AN ELECTROSTATIC CHARGE, WHICH COULD DISCHARGE AND SPARK. THIS SPARK COULD IGNITE FUEL VAPORS IN THE AREA OUTSIDE THE TANK FILLER NECK THAT COULD LEAD TO A MUFFLED DETONATION.
Consequence: DUE TO SUCH A STARTLING EVENT, THE INDIVIDUAL REFUELING THE VEHICLE COULD REMOVE THE FUEL NOZZLE AT PRECISELY THE MOMENT OF THE DETONATION WITHOUT FIRST STOPPING THE FUELING PROCESS. IN SUCH A CIRCUMSTANCE, FUEL ESCAPING OUTSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK MAY IGNITE, RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE GROUND CONNECTION AND, IF NECESSARY, CORRECTED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-545-8039.

2004-02-18

Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Components: SEATS
Summary: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT FRAMES WERE NOT ADEQUATELY WELDED.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT FRAME COULD BREAK, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT FRAME. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-545-8039.

2003-09-24

Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Summary: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY BE MISSING THE GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR) AND GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATINGS (GAWR) ON THE CERTIFICATION LABEL AS REQUIRED BY PART 567.4(G)(3) AND (G)(4).
Consequence: THE VEHICLE OPERATOR WILL NOT BE INFORMED OF THE VEHICLE'S GVWR AND GAWR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL APPLY THE CORRECTED LABEL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-545-8039.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2003 Porsche Cayenne s problems:

Any problems with 2003 Porsche Cayenne S? - Rennlist - Porsche ...

https://rennlist.com/forums/cayenne-955-957-2003-2010/643471-any-problems-with-2003-porsche-cayenne-s.html

Jul 10, 2011 ... Cayenne 955-957 2003-2010 - Any problems with 2003 Porsche Cayenne S? - I am thinking to buy a 2003 Porsche Cayenne S with 68K miles on it.

Thinking of buying a 2003-2006 Porsche Cayenne S (955) with the ...

https://www.reddit.com/r/overlanding/comments/qjp8ad/thinking_of_buying_a_20032006_porsche_cayenne_s/

Nov 1, 2021 ... At least you get some reliability for your money with the GX. Upvote

Cayenne Turbo 03 -06' (955) known issues.. - Rennlist - Porsche ...

https://rennlist.com/forums/cayenne-955-957-2003-2010/777679-cayenne-turbo-03-06-955-known-issues.html

Sep 22, 2013 ... A common problem is harsh down shifts most commonly from 5th to 4th. It had to do with a sticking valve body silenoid. I believe the 03-04 are ...

2003 Porsche Cayenne Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues

https://repairpal.com/2003-porsche-cayenne/problems

Top 2003 Porsche Cayenne Problems · No Start or Stalling Due to Failed Fuel Pump · Coolant Leak from Thermostat Housing · Brake Pads and Rotors May Wear Out ...