Porsche Cayenne Complaints

666 consumer complaints on file.

#11721832March 3, 2026
ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
A coolant hose located on the top of the engine developed a leak that caused the engine to overheat. It was necessary to remove several components of the engine to reach and replace the leaking hose. This repair cost over 5000 dollars with the associated labor cost. Vehicle had less than 6000 miles on it at the time of the incident. It took several weeks to get the needed parts.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721661March 3, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2022 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that the message that the mileage could not be recorded was intermittently displayed while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the rearview camera was intermittently inoperable after shifting to reverse(R). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the cameras were replaced; however, the failure recurred approximately 5 months later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired because the failure could not be duplicated. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V896000 (Back Over Prevention), which the contact associated with the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721015February 27, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2019 Porsche Cayenne. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V896000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact called a local dealer and the manufacturer but was advised that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718212February 16, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The attached photos show several instances where the car’s safety systems failed. These cases have been erratic, and begin and end frequently. The car is under warranty, but my dealer cannot discern what causes the problems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715977February 5, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The car was driven from Cheshire, CT to Old Tappan, NJ about 90 miles, just under two hours drive time. Combination of highway and back roads. The car was in drive in comfort mode proceeding slowly (approx 20 mph) down a street within a condo complex. As I approached the driveway I lightly braked, turned into the driveway then lightly pressed the accelerator to bring the car up the driveway apron onto the single car length driveway. At that point the car accelerated to what felt like max power. The car accelerated uncontrollably causing the car to advance in a right turn through the closed garage door striking a garaged vehicle in the right rear quarter and the right wall of the garage. Fortunately no one was hurt but this could have resulted on severe injury or death. No pre warning lights just a slight burning smell just before. This unrequested acceleration occurred twice before the crash incident leaving a traffic light from stop. Porsche has analyzed the car and find no fault. The insurance company has sent an adjuster. Damage estimated at $73,000.00.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711993January 20, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Last month I began experiencing a strong fuel odor after driving, most noticeable outside the driver-side rear door area, which aligns with the warning sign described in the recall report. This is a time-sensitive safety concern. [XXX] (PCNA 573 filing with NHTSA). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710843January 14, 2026
AIR BAGS, VISIBILITY/WIPER
SAFETY ASSESSMENT: 2019 Porsche Cayenne S Dashboard Material Failure Vehicle Identification: VIN [XXX] , Current Odometer: 46639 Assessment Date: 12/11/2025 Evaluator: [XXX] , Registered Owner/Operator ________________________________________ EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The dashboard upper assembly in this vehicle exhibits progressive adhesive delamination and synthetic leather separation (colloquially “bubbling”) across the instrument cluster housing and passenger airbag deployment zone. This defect, while initially cosmetic, presents measurable safety risks under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) by compromising passive restraint systems, driver visibility, and interior structural integrity during collision events. The failure pattern is consistent with documented manufacturing defects affecting 2018-2022 Cayenne production units. ________________________________________ TECHNICAL ANALYSIS Defect Manifestation: •Multi-point adhesive failure between dashboard substrate and synthetic leather wrap •Bubbles ranging 2-8cm diameter directly above passenger-side airbag module •Progression rate: 15% surface area increase over 4-month observation period •Material: Thermoplastic olefin (TPO) substrate with polyurethane coating exhibiting UV-degradation and outgassing Root Cause: Inadequate adhesive curing during manufacturing combined with incompatible material expansion coefficients, resulting in progressive de-lamination under thermal cycling. ________________________________________ SAFETY CONCERNS 1. PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT (FMVSS 208 Violation Risk) 2. DRIVER VISIBILITY IMPAIRMENT (FMVSS 101 Violation Risk) 3. INTERIOR STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY (FMVSS 201/214) 4. SECONDARY PROJECTILE HAZARD 5. OCCUPANT HEALTH & COGNITIVE LOAD This defect constitutes a latent safety hazard that degrades over time, not a static cosmetic issue. The combination of airbag deployment trajectory interference, driver visibility impairment, structural integrity compromise. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FO
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709777January 8, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2006 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in the garage and exiting the vehicle, the contact smelled an abnormal fuel odor outside the vehicle. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was diagnosed with a crack in the filter flange informed the contact was informed that the filter flange needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V576000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 135,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707762December 30, 2025
AIR BAGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Porsche leather dashboard shrunk and is loose; I was told airbags may not deploy correctly. Porche recommended replacing the dashboard. This is a very common issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706265December 20, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Driving through a parking lot, less than five miles an hour, and suddenly heard a horrible knocking sound. Stopped and looked under the car. Nothing. Drove it very slowly to mechanic less than a mile away. Front drive shaft had collapsed and fallen down, according to the mechanic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704535December 11, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Case Number: 1170739 – Additional Evidence Submission I would like to provide an additional document for Case #1170739. The manufacturer (Porsche Cars North America) stated in writing that the vehicle is “safe to drive even with warning indicators illuminated,” but in the same communication offered a rental vehicle if I found this “inconvenient.” These two statements cannot logically coexist, and they raise concerns that the manufacturer may be minimizing or mischaracterizing a potential safety-related defect. Furthermore: The warning indicators involve the coolant and fuel systems of an E-Hybrid model, which may be connected to thermal management and combustion-related safety. The vehicle remained in the dealer’s possession for an extended period during repeated repair attempts. During a visit, I found the hood partially open while the vehicle was being stored long-term, raising questions regarding proper safety and storage protocols. Additional system warnings appeared after prolonged non-operation, suggesting possible deterioration related to improper storage or incomplete diagnostics. I respectfully request NHTSA’s assessment of whether it is appropriate for a dealer or the manufacturer (Porsche Cars North America) to advise a customer to operate a vehicle on public roads while warning indicators are illuminated. From a consumer’s standpoint, this does not appear reasonable or safe, and I wish to operate my vehicle only in a condition that is objectively safe for road use. The fact that such guidance was provided to me is deeply concerning, and I would appreciate the agency’s evaluation of whether this type of advice aligns with I am submitting the manufacturer’s email for your review, as it appears inconsistent with standard safety guidance and may reflect an attempt to address the matter through customer-service accommodations rather than technical evaluation. Please add this information and attached documentation to my existing case file. Thank you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703693December 8, 2025
AIR BAGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Porsche dashboard leather shrunk and staples pulled out. I was told that if the vehicle was in an accident the airbag might not deploy correctly. The Porsche dealer looked and recommended replacing it. This is a very common issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703739December 8, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
I am reporting a series of safety-related defects involving the electrical, cooling, and fuel systems of my 2021 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid. The vehicle was initially brought to the authorized Porsche dealership due to an electrical system error, and the dealer kept the vehicle for an extended period. After approximately five months, the vehicle was returned to me without a clear explanation of the root cause or details of the repair. The very next day after receiving the vehicle, a coolant temperature warning appeared while driving, indicating abnormal engine overheating. This created an immediate safety hazard, as overheating can lead to sudden engine failure, loss of power, or a potential fire risk. I returned the vehicle to the dealership again for further repairs. Afterward, another serious issue occurred: because this is a hybrid vehicle, I went to refuel, but the fuel door would not open, and a fuel system error warning appeared again. This made the vehicle unsafe to operate, especially while already on the road. Due to these repeated failures, I was required to tow the vehicle multiple times. These problems — electrical malfunction, coolant overheating during driving, fuel system errors, and a non-functional fuel door — occurred repeatedly even after prolonged service by the dealership. The combination of electrical faults, overheating risk, hybrid system malfunction, and fuel system failure presents a significant safety concern. I will provide additional documentation to support this report. I request that NHTSA review this case to determine whether an investigation is warranted, as these issues may indicate a broader defect affecting this model.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702288December 1, 2025
AIR BAGS
The dashboard material cover is pulling away lifting up from the dashboard where air bags are located.Not safe
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702293December 1, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The rotary volume control knob on the center console of my 2024 Porsche Cayenne Coupe detached during normal, routine interior cleaning while the vehicle was stationary. The knob lifted off the control shaft with minimal contact from a standard handheld vacuum nozzle. This indicates that the retention mechanism of the control knob is insufficient and may represent a manufacturing or design defect. A loose or detachable interior control is a safety concern because it distracts the driver from the road when attempting to adjust audio, alerts, or climate menu functions. The control knob is part of an interface that the driver must use while driving, and if it unexpectedly detaches or becomes loose, it can impair the ability to safely manage vehicle settings. The issue was reported to the Porsche dealership and Porsche Cars North America. Both declined warranty coverage and classified the problem as “customer damage,” despite the failure occurring under normal usage conditions and without misuse. A properly secured interior control knob should not detach during light interior cleaning, and this may indicate a broader quality-control issue affecting similar vehicles. There were no warning lights prior to the failure. The problem is reproducible because the knob no longer attaches securely to the shaft. I am reporting this to NHTSA because an interior control that detaches under normal use may distract drivers, impair safe operation of infotainment and climate systems, and may indicate a defect in the design or construction of the control assembly.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699714November 16, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Multiple dash messages indicating failure of driver assistance systems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698394November 9, 2025
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, POWER TRAIN
While driving my 2019 Porsche Cayenne S on the freeway, the check-engine light came on, followed by a message on the dashboard that read “Engine Control fault – Driving permitted – Visit workshop.” Moments later, the vehicle suddenly lost power and decelerated from about ~75 mph to around 55 mph, even though my foot was still on the accelerator. I am [XXX] pregnant and had our [XXX] child in the car at the time. The unexpected loss of speed in fast-moving traffic was frightening. I had to quickly change lanes to reach the slower lane and avoid being hit by other vehicles. After reaching safety, I drove the car to an authorized Porsche dealership, where technicians found an active water-pump leak with coolant entering the vacuum system, which may have caused turbocharger and engine-power failure. This is after I replaced the water pump last year at another porsche dealership. A photo taken during the incident shows the dashboard warning message as it appeared. This incident created a serious safety hazard, as the vehicle displayed “driving permitted” even though it was at risk of a sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds. The car and the failed components are available for inspection. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695787October 27, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2005 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that fuel was leaking from the vehicle. There was an abnormal fuel odor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V576000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact replaced the fuel filter and repaired the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that parts were on back order. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 157,290.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695576October 25, 2025
AIR BAGS
passenger side leather covered dashboard delaminated making air bag deployment inpossible
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693403October 14, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2008 Porsche Cayenne. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V446000 (Power Train) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer previously completed the recall remedy. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was sent confirmation of the VIN being clear of recalls. In addition, the contact stated that the VINTool shows 1 recall associated with the VIN however, per the NHTSA VIN Tool shows no recalls associated with the VIN.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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