2003 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.
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Common 2003 Porsche Cayenne problems
Based on the information from the sources provided, here is a list of common problems with the Porsche Cayenne 2003 based on complaints from owners:
- Electrical Problems: Owners have experienced electrical issues with the 2003 Porsche Cayenne, including problems with the antenna and wiper fluid tube. The antenna, located in the rear window, can cause reception problems for the car radio when using the window heater. Additionally, the wiper fluid tube can break in cold weather, causing fluid to drip onto the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), potentially leading to ECU damage and high repair costs .
- Engine Troubles: The Cayenne S model from the first generation, particularly before the 2007 facelift, has been known to have issues with the nickel coating of the cylinders. When this coating deteriorates, it can result in a ticking sound from the engine, indicating a serious problem that may lead to engine failure. Repairing or replacing the engine due to this issue can be extremely expensive, sometimes resulting in the car being written off .
- Maintenance Costs: Due to its nature as a premium SUV, the Porsche Cayenne 2003 can incur higher maintenance costs compared to average cars. Owners should be prepared for more expensive tire replacements, brake services, and overall servicing. Keeping a Porsche Cayenne in good condition can be costly, reflecting its premium status in terms of maintenance expenses .
These common problems highlight the importance of thorough inspections and maintenance when considering purchasing a Porsche Cayenne 2003. Owners should be aware of these issues to address them promptly and ensure the longevity and reliability of their vehicle.
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.
How much is a 2003 Porsche Cayenne worth?
For reference, the 2003 Porsche Cayenne originally had a starting sticker price of $56,665, with the range-topping Cayenne Turbo Sport Utility 4D starting at $89,665.
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.
2003 Porsche Cayenne car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Porsche Cayenne problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Power train problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Porsche Cayenne vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2003 Porsche Cayenne complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Porsche Cayenne.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-08-16
- VIN: WP1AB29P34L
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PORSCHE CAYENNE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V576000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (PORSCHE ROCHESTER, 3955 W HENRIETTA RD, ROCHESTER, NY 14623, (585) 334-1600) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-12-07
- VIN: WP1AB29P63L
- Components: POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PORSCHE CAYENNE. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVE SHAFT WOULD VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE CONTACT STATED THE VIBRATION WENT FROM A PART TIME OCCURRENCE TO BEING A CONSISTENT OCCURRENCE. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE SUPPORT BEARING FAILED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THE SUPPORT BEARING WAS BEING HELD TOGETHER BY A PIECE OF RUBBER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,350 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 52,000. UPDATED 03/05/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE DRIVESHAFT FAILED PREMATURELY. UPDATED EVOQ 03/08/12 UPDATED EVOQ 04/12/12
2003 Porsche Cayenne recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2003 Porsche Cayenne.
- 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.
- 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.
Negative 2003 Porsche Cayenne car reviews
Positive 2003 Porsche Cayenne car reviews
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Hi there! I wanted to share my experience with my previous car, a 4.6is BMW X5. In my opinion, the S version is a great car, especially in the Black/Black combination which gives it an aggressive look. I also purchased a Turbo, but I'm still waiting for the European version to become available at my dealer, Van Vliet Automobildrijven in Holland. In the meantime, I'm enjoying driving the S which is fast and fun to drive. Although the S version may be a little slower than the X5 4.6is, it's still a blast to drive, especially after 2500RPM when it accelerates like a plane! I'm really looking forward to getting my hands on my future cayenne Turbo because I've heard it's truly unique.
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This is the finest vehicle you have ever driven. The turbo provides great power and performance. The ride is smooth in all the choices of ride. The interior is very comfortable. It must be driven to appreciate the handling and performance.
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I'm thrilled with the performance of this vehicle. It's not even in the same category as the FX45.
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Best driving experience ever had!
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I'm so excited to share that I've been driving this SUV for a week now and I absolutely love it! I have to admit, I was hesitant about the look of it and it took me about 6 months to finally decide to buy it. But once I got behind the wheel, there was no turning back. I used to own a BMW X5 4.4, but this SUV is hands down a better overall vehicle. In fact, I'm even planning to sell my Acura MDX now. I truly believe that Porsche has done an amazing job with this SUV, just like they have been doing with their cars for many years. They really know how to make driving fun!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Porsche Cayenne problems:
Cayenne Turbo 03 -06' (955) known issues.. - Rennlist - Porsche ...
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 ...
2003 Porsche Cayenne Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues
Problem with your 2003 Porsche Cayenne? Our list of 7 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2003 Porsche Cayenne.
Any problems with 2003 Porsche Cayenne S? - Rennlist - Porsche ...
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 ...
Nov 1, 2021 ... At least you get some reliability for your money with the GX. Upvote
Porsche Cayenne Reliability and Problems - Rennlist - Porsche ...
May 5, 2015 ... Porsche Cayenne Reliability and Problems · 1. Petrol / Gas leak from gas filter replaced · 2. AC Compressor replacement · 3. Car start cutting ...
Other years of Porsche Cayenne
Are you having problems with your 2003 Porsche Cayenne?
Jamarcus Bartell 2025-01-04
The engine did not stop and the key got stuck. Additionally, the rear door would not close and there was no spare tire. The car is currently at the dealer awaiting parts from Germany. While this experience was not what I was expecting from my first Porsche, I am confident that the necessary repairs will be made to restore the car to its full potential.