2020 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 2020 Porsche Cayenne problems
Based on the information from the sources provided, here are some common problems reported by owners of the 2020 Porsche Cayenne:
- Engine Failure (2020 Model): Some owners of the 2020 Cayenne have experienced engine failure at relatively low mileage, around 39,000 miles. Symptoms include a cylinder misfire, dashboard warnings, and metallic debris in the oil, leading to the need for engine replacement due to compression issues.
- Transmission Issues: Early Cayenne models have been known to exhibit heavy gear shifts, banging sounds from the transmission, and misdiagnosed physical failures. The valve body assembly within the transmission is often the culprit, causing wild gear shifts and clunking sounds.
- PCM (Porsche Communication Management) Problems: Many Cayenne owners have reported issues with the PCM system, including random restarts, map loading errors, language loading issues, and more. While some problems may require a complete PCM replacement, others can be resolved by resetting the system to factory defaults.
- Recalls: The 2020 Porsche Cayenne has been subject to recalls related to fuel line leaks, insufficient welds on transmission oil pipes leading to ATF leaks, and issues with the instrument cluster failing to provide a visual warning for worn-out brake pads. These recalls highlight safety concerns that owners should be aware of and address promptly.
These common problems reported by owners of the 2020 Porsche Cayenne highlight various issues ranging from engine and transmission failures to electronic system malfunctions. It is essential for Cayenne owners to stay informed about these issues and address any concerns promptly to ensure the longevity and safety of their vehicles.
Is the 2020 Porsche Cayenne reliable?
The 2020 Porsche Cayenne has a predicted reliability score of 78 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
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.
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.
Is it worth it to buy a Porsche Cayenne?
The Porsche Cayenne has long been one of the more compelling luxury SUVs, and it's one of a very few that delivers both an engaging driving experience and opulent interior while also providing the practicality that buyers are looking for with decent passenger and cargo room.
2020 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:
- Service brakes problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Power train problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2020 Porsche Cayenne vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2020 Porsche Cayenne complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Porsche Cayenne.
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-12
- VIN: WP1AA2AY7LD
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: hello i have cayenne 2020. this car has 360 surround view camera but its not working correctly. sometime its working sometimes some comeras not working maybe front maybe rear meybe both. as i read rennlist this is porshe forum everyone has same problem porshe in warranty replace modules or cameras but its not working i think its recall issue please help us.
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-12
- VIN: WP1AA2AY1LD
- Components: POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: When downshifting and just before Coming to a complete stop and vehicle lurches/surges forward even though my foot is on the brake pedal. This happens in every drive mode with or without Autostart/stop engaged. It is Significantly challenging in stop and go traffic because it’s difficult to gage when the car will come to a complete stop. I have to make accommodation for the car lunging forward which is unpredictable because sometimes it’s a subtle surge forward and other times I have no control or idea how far forward the car is going to move. This makes this is especially dangerous when cars are quickly changing lanes in front of me in stop and go traffic during rush hour. Emergency braking DOES not help this! I have experience this. The collision warning Went off in the car and emergency braking was engaged just at the Knick of time! Adverse weather conditions could have easily made that a very bad accident. I should be able to Do normal every day driving And stopping, for example stopping to a red light, or stop and go traffic without having to activate emergency functions in my car and putting myself at unnecessary risk because of a “glitch” with Porsche. This normal every day driving. I returned my car to the dealership who told me it’s normal performance for this car along with. I along with many other owners have researched this and found out that software upgrades have been done to correct this problem which are not available yet in the United States. This issue needs to be resolved immediately to prevent potential accidents.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-07
- VIN: WP1AA2AY5LD
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: beginning in August 2022, I have had repeated problems with the battery in my 2022 Cayenne. if the car is left sitting for approximately 48 hours, the battery dies and must be jumpstarted. we reported this issue to Porsche immediately and my car has been in with the Porsche service technicians at least three times (August 9, Sept 13, Nov 7) this fall with no success at fixing the problem. (we also had a call telling us to take the car outside for a "software update," which did not work.) we are told this is a problem somewhere in the electrical system and it is affecting other 2020 Cayennes and some 911s. But Porsche has not offered a solution, nor is it being at all proactive in offering assistance or support. we have compensated for the last four months by parking the car in a garage and keeping it on a trickle charger if we are not driving it regularly. However, we were out of town for two weeks over Thanksgiving and the car battery died in spite of being connected to the trickle charger. we had to jump start the car and reset all the car settings. in addition we have had sporadic issues with unlocking and locking the car doors via hand touch. Porsche has been treating this issue as an "inconvenience" rather than what it is - a serious life safety issue. One of the service technicians told me "the car was meant to be driven every day"! I hesitate to drive my car at night because I do not have confidence that the car will start for me on a dark street at night. every day when I come down to drive my car I allow extra time as the car may not start. I have more confidence in my 2013 Toyota Tacoma than in this car in terms of reliability. this is a problem where Porsche has not offered remediation or assistance, nor has it offered a any assistance (I.e., loaner car or any alternative) while my car either been in the shop (for a total of at least two weeks) or has been operating with the (acknowledged) defect.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-11
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WP1BF2AY3LD
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -THE TRUNK How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON, THE KEY WAS ON TEH VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION THE TRUNK POPPED OPEN ON IT'S OWN. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? -NO Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? -NO Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? -NO
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-09
- VIN: WP1BE2AYXLD
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I applied the gas pedal & the pedal seemed to stick . The vehicle kept accelerating after I took my foot off that pedal to apply brake . Car would slow when brake applied but immediately accelerated and kept increasing (speed was well over 90 mph & climbing ) when brake was released . This happened 3 times before the “stuck”pedal released. Another driver (retired mechanic) had driven the car and had similar experience a week prior and mentioned their experience. I didn’t realize how serious the incident could be. I called dealership but first available service appointment (scheduled) is Feb. 23,2022
BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-26
- VIN: WP1AB2AY5LD
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: The back up cameras and surround view have failed multiple times since August 2020. Back up cameras were made mandatory safety equipment requirements for all new cars manufactured after 2018 due to safety concerns. The federal government mandated the cameras to prevent “back over” accidents of young children who are not otherwise visible to the driver. There have been multiple attempts to repair the cameras on this vehicle, including replacing all cameras, replacing all wiring harnesses/pigtails, replacing the coax cable for the cameras as well as module/software updates. The vehicle has been at the authorized service center multiple times with it being there 105 out of the past 112 days; the vehicle was "fixed" for 4 days before the back up camera failed again. The manufacture has been unable to repair the vehicle to have reliable working cameras. We have spoken with others about the same failure of the back up camera system.
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-26
- VIN: WP1AB2AY9LD
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: MY PORSCHE 2020 S HAS BREAKING ISSUES WHEN IN SPORT MODE. WHEN THE CAR DOWNSHIFTS FROM 3RD TO 2ND GEAR, AND 2ND TO 1ST GEAR, THIS IS A SUDDEN JOLT FORWARD OR "LURGING" THAT OCCURS EVERY TIME. THIS IS A SAFETY RISK IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC AS THE CAR CAN SUDDENLY JUMP FORWARD A FEW FEET MORE THAN INTENDED BY NORMAL BREAKING. EVEN WHEN DRIVING AND BREAKING EXPLICITLY TO COMPENSATE FOR THIS TRANSMISSION / BREAKING DEFECT, THE LURGING ISSUE CANNOT BE AVOIDED. THE ONLY WAY TO AVOID THIS ISSUE IS TO (A) BREAK HARD FROM 3RD TO 1ST GEAR (SO FROM A FAIRLY HIGH SPEED DOWN TO 0, WHICH LENDS ADDITIONAL BREAKING SAFETY RISKS IN NON-IDEAL WEATHER CONDITIONS SUCH AS BREAKING DOWNHILL OR ON WET / ICY ROADS), OR (B) TO NOT DRIVE THE CAR IN ONE OF THE TWO DRIVING MODES OFFERED. THE MANUFACTURER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT CLAIMS THERE IS NO ISSUE, BUT SOME QUICK GOOGLE SEARCHES SHOW THIS ISSUE IS EXPERIENCED WIDELY AND WELL DOCUMENTED, AND A SOFTWARE FIX HAS BEEN ROLLED OUT OVERSEAS THAT ISN'T AVAILABLE IN NORTH AMERICA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-27
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WP1AA2AY3LD
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: THE CAR CAME WITH A FACTORY INSTALLED TOW SYSTEM. I RETURNED IT TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES AND IT DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. I WAS SHOCKED PLUGGING IN A TESTER TO THE 7 WAY CONNECTOR. THE DEALER SERVICE MANAGER ADVISED ME THAT I WAS NOT SHOCKED AND STATES THAT THE LIGHTS STATING THE 7 WAY CONNECTOR IS NORMAL. THIS IS NOT NORMAL. WHEN I CONNECT A DIGITAL BREAK CONTROLLER OR 7 PIN CABLE WITH A TRAILER THE CAR DOESN'T NOT COMMUNICATE WITH THE BREAK CONTROLLER. THE BREAK CONTROLLER EXPERT STATED THAT SINCE NO DIODE WAS SHOWING WHEN I PLUG THE CAR IN THAT THIS INDICATES THE BRAKES ARE NOT WIRED CORRECTLY. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS SINCE ANOTHER CAR WORKS THE SAME AS MINE THEY DON'T THINK IT IS A ISSUE. CORPORATE PORSCHE IS UNABLE TO ADVISE ON TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS OR INFORMATION ON A WIRING HARNESS TO ENABLE A WIRED BREAK CONTROLLER. I TOOK THE CAR OVER TO UHAUL AND DID REMOTE CALLS WITH THE BRAKE CONTROLLER MANUFACTURER. ALL STATE THAT IT IS SOMETHING WITH THE MANNER IT IS WIRED WITH A 'OPEN GROUND'. THIS IS UNSAFE AS I HAVE NO WAY SAFELY BRAKE OR UTILIZE A BRAKE CONTROLLER. SINCE OTHER 2020S BEHAVE THE SAME WAY THIS IS A SYSTEMWIDE ISSUE AND THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT TAKING ACTION SO IT SHOULD BE EVALUATED BY ENGINEERING.
2020 Porsche Cayenne recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2020 Porsche Cayenne.
- Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Cayenne GTS, Cayenne GTS Coupe, 2020-2021 Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne S Coupe, Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe vehicles. The passenger seat back heating element was not installed and may impact the calibration of the Occupant Classification System.
- Consequence: The front passenger air bag may fail to deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will install a heating element, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMB0.
- Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
- Summary: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2020 Cayenne vehicles. An insufficient weld on a transmission oil pipe may cause the vehicle to leak automatic transmission fluid (ATF).
- Consequence: If transmission fluid leaks while driving, the road surface may be made slippery, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission oil pipe and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 8, 2020. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ALA5.
- Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
- Summary: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017 Panamera 4, Panamera Turbo, Panamera Turbo Executive, 2017-2018 Panamera, Panamera 4S Executive, Panamera 4S, 2018 Panamera Turbo S Hybrid, Panamera 4 Hybrid Sport Turismo, Panamera 4 Sport Turismo, Panamera Turbo S Hybrid Sport Turismo, Panamera 4 Hybrid, Panamera 4 Executive, 2019 Cayenne Hybrid, 2019-2020 Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, 2020 Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne Turbo Coupe, and Cayenne S Coupe vehicles. The instrument cluster may not provide a visual warning when the brake pads are worn out. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light vehicle brake systems."
- Consequence: If the driver is not alerted when brake pads are worn out, the vehicle may not respond as expected when braking, increasing the risk of crash.
- Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall is began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKB8. Note: This recall supersedes recall 19V115 and includes vehicles that were previously remedied under that campaign.
Negative 2020 Porsche Cayenne car reviews
Positive 2020 Porsche Cayenne car reviews
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Unbelievable handling for a car of this size, that makes you feel it is smaller than it really is. The acceleration for the base model is more than adequate for your needs, making merging on the freeway effortless. The build and quality are immediately apparent when you enter this vehicle, just what you expect from Porsche. You and your spouse will be debating who gets to drive all the time. In this price segment for top tier SUVs, there is no question that the Cayenne is the right choice.
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When you get behind the wheel of a Porsche, you know you're in for a treat. During my test drive, the sales representative assured me that it would perform even better than my 2015 model. I was skeptical at first, but as soon as I started up the engine and put it in drive, I knew he was right. This car exudes nothing but class, and it's hard to believe, but Porsche manages to improve with every passing year.
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I went into the dealership wanting to order the new hybrid, but I ended up buying a beautiful new SUV and I absolutely love it!
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The vehicle has several issues, including problems with the window trim that required replacement, a persistent seat belt chime even when buckled, and a fluttering valve in the fuel system that sounds like a mini helicopter. Although there is a TSB on the fuel system issue, a fix has not yet been found. These issues are concerning for such an expensive vehicle, but I am confident that they can be resolved with the right expertise and attention.
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This SUV is truly stunning and well-crafted, and many would argue that it's the best-looking one on the market. The interior is beautifully designed, and it offers a smooth and quiet ride, while still handling like a sports car on winding roads. The transmission can be slow off the mark, unless you're in sports mode, or perhaps it's just turbo lag? Downshifts can be jerky, especially when coming to a stop. The motor is fast enough above 1500 RPMs, but you really have to put your foot down when passing. If you can afford it, the S model is definitely worth considering, but this model will satisfy most people.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2020 Porsche Cayenne problems:
2020 Cayenne base engine failure with 39K miles - Rennlist ...
Jun 7, 2023 ... 4. Is there any possibility of escalating the warranty case outside of Porsche North America? Thank you ...
Known Porsche Cayenne issues? : r/Porsche
Oct 11, 2023 ... Took the car (2020 Cayenne Base) to the dealership today, due to a really loud brake squeal. Shop foreman comes out, says yep, ...
2020 Porsche Cayenne Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2020 Porsche Cayenne? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...
2020 Porsche Cayenne Problems, Issues & Top Complaints ...
A complaint filed as a back-over prevention problem on July 29, 2021, states that the “back-up cameras and surround view” of the Cayenne have failed multiple ...
Other years of Porsche Cayenne
Are you having problems with your 2020 Porsche Cayenne?
Coby Gleichner 2024-11-01
The Porsche Cayenne hybrid unfortunately experienced a breakdown at 35,000 miles and was unable to be repaired. The offer to buy back the vehicle was not satisfactory and the overall experience was quite disappointing. As a previous owner of four Porsches, I was surprised by this negative experience and have decided not to purchase from them again. It is important to exercise caution when considering a purchase from this brand.
Laverna Orn 2024-10-25
The brakes on my 2019 Porsche Cayenne tend to squeal at low speeds, which is quite bothersome. According to my Porsche dealer, this is a common issue with all 2019 Porsche Cayenne models and there is no immediate solution. I find it unacceptable to have such noisy brakes in a vehicle that costs over $90,000. This experience has left me disappointed and I would not consider purchasing another one in the future.
Theron Kilback 2024-08-25
I've been driving my 2019 Cayenne Hybrid for a month now and it's been an absolute dream. The Sport and Sport Plus modes make it handle like a full-time sports car, while the Electric and Hybrid modes make my fuel last and last. There's plenty of room for golf clubs and camping gear, and the air-conditioned seats are a lifesaver in the desert. However, I did encounter an issue with the Apple Car Play installed in the car. Unfortunately, it's a stripped-down version that severely limits my ability to make phone calls. It's disappointing that Porsche would downgrade an otherwise great car with this software. I recommend that you have your dealer share all the Apple Car Play features with you before making a purchase. Overall, I'm still very happy with my Cayenne Hybrid and would highly recommend it.
Rick Kshlerin 2024-07-14
I found only one thing I love about this Cayenne Hybrid, the driving on the highway. It's fast and quiet, much better than my BMW and Volvo. However, there are some issues with the infotainment system, rear kick close truck defect, and occasional check engine light. Additionally, the music control doesn't allow for replay. Despite these drawbacks, I still enjoy driving this car on the highway.
Oren Kemmer 2024-04-07
I recently purchased a used base model with a couple of packages and I am very pleased with the car overall. As someone who has owned BMW and Mercedes previously, I can say that once underway, the ride, handling, and comfort are superb. The fit, finish, and quality of materials are also excellent. I really enjoy driving the car both on twisting back roads and on long cruising drives throughout the country. However, I have noticed that the first three gear changes from 0 mph up are normally terrible and choppy, as well as when backing down from 25 mph to 0. Additionally, the idling is not as smooth as it should be for a car in this price range. Another issue I have experienced is air buffeting at higher speeds, which can be quite annoying. Despite these issues, I still believe that for the money, the car is a good value. I am curious if these basic issues of shifting, wind buffeting, and gas tank rattling have been engineered out of the newer 21, 22, and 23 models. I have not experienced any of these issues in Mercedes, Toyota, or even Chevy. As a Porsche owner, I believe that these basic issues should not be present in the car.