2003 Porsche Cayenne turbo problems

General information about Porsche-Cayenne turbo
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.

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Common 2003 Porsche Cayenne turbo problems

Based on complaints from owners of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo 2003, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:

Turbocharger Problems:
- Symptoms: Owners have reported that the turbocharger does not reach the expected boost pressure, staying below 0.4 Bar instead of the normal 0.8 Bar.
- Possible Causes: Boost leaks in the pipework from the turbo to the intake or damaged turbine wheels on the turbos.
- Diagnostic Steps: Check for boost leaks in the pipework and inspect the condition of the turbine wheels for any damage.
Vibration and Clicking Sounds:
- Symptoms: Hard vibrations felt from the front wheels when starting to drive, accompanied by clicking sounds from the bottom of the vehicle, especially when engaging the 4X4 mode.
- Possible Causes: Issues related to the transfer case or front differential.
- Diagnostic Steps: Check the transfer case, front differential, and front axle shafts for any faults or misalignments that could cause these symptoms.

These problems can significantly impact the performance and driving experience of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo 2003. Owners experiencing these issues should consider thorough diagnostics and repairs to ensure the vehicle's optimal functioning and safety.

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 most common problem with the Porsche Cayenne?

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 expensive to maintain?

Are Porsches expensive to maintain? 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.

How fast is the 2003 Porsche Cayenne Turbo?

From the Archive: A 450-hp twin-turbo V-8 propelled Porsche's original Cayenne Turbo to 161 mph. From the August 2003 issue of Car and Driver. We like numbers.

2003 Porsche Cayenne turbo car problems categorized by type of issue

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

Engine problems

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

2003 Porsche Cayenne turbo complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Porsche Cayenne turbo.

2014-02-10

ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2014-02-05
Components: ENGINE
Summary: WHILE DRIVING UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS THE CHECK/ADD COOLANT ALARM/ICON APPEARED IN THE DASH DISPLAY. AFTER LETTING THE VEHICLE COOL DOWN, CHECKED THE RADIATOR COOLANT RESERVOIR TANK AND FOUND LITTLE TO NO COOLANT IN SIDE THE RESERVOIR TANK. SUBSEQUENTLY AS I CLOSED THE HOOD I HAPPENED TO SEE A FRESH TRAIL OF COOLANT FROM WHERE I HAD BACKED INTO THE PARKING SPOT. LOOKED UNDER THE CAR AND THE COOLANT WAS STEADILY LEAKING OUT FROM THE REAR, CENTER LEFT BOTTOM OF THE ENGINE SPLASH/COVER. AFTER GETTING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY THE REPAIR FACILITY, THE VEHICLE WAS FOUND TO HAVE SUFFERED A COOLANT PIPE FAILURE. *TR

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2003 Porsche Cayenne turbo recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the 2003 Porsche Cayenne turbo.

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 turbo problems:

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 ... Cayenne 955-957 2003-2010 - Cayenne Turbo 03 -06' (955) known issues.. - Im looking into getting a Cayenne Turbo (955) 03 - 06' as my daily ...

03 - 05 Cayenne reliability / DD w higher Miles? - 6SpeedOnline ...

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/cayenne-955-957/210885-03-05-cayenne-reliability-dd-w-higher-miles.html

May 13, 2010 ... The Cayenne is the LEAST RELIABLE of any Porsche every built. The facts I own one and that Porsche produces probably the most reliable motor ...

About to purchase '04-'05 Cayenne Turbo - Need advice/help ...

https://rennlist.com/forums/cayenne-955-957-2003-2010/677302-about-to-purchase-04-05-cayenne-turbo-need-advice-help.html

Jan 27, 2012 ... Cayenne 955-957 2003-2010 - About to purchase '04-'05 Cayenne Turbo ... Is there any other common problems with these that I should be aware of/ ...

Reliability factor 06 cayenne turbo s 90k miles - 6SpeedOnline ...

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/cayenne-955-957/351198-reliability-factor-06-cayenne-turbo-s-90k-miles.html

Nov 9, 2014 ... Btw porsche has not diagnosed the problem but thinks it's either the key programming, ignition sensors or the steering column. I'm hoping it's ...