Porsche Cayenne years to avoid (and the best years)
320 NHTSA owner complaints and 18 recalls across 11 model years, 2011 to 2021. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 320complaints
- 18recalls
- 4reported crashes
- 1reported fires
- 6reported injuries
Which Porsche Cayenne years should you avoid?
No Porsche Cayenne model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical Porsche Cayenne year has 27 complaints on file. The busiest year is the 2014 (53).
What are the best Porsche Cayenne years?
The Porsche Cayenne years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2018 (13), 2015 (13) and 2017 (17). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 21 | 0.8× | 5 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2020 | 24 | 0.9× | 4 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2019 | 42 | 1.6× | 6 | 1 | 0 | Few red flags | Airbags |
| 2018 | 13 | 0.5× | 1 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2017 | 17 | 0.6× | 2 | 1 | 0 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2016 | 40 | 1.5× | 2 | 0 | 2 | Few red flags | Airbags |
| 2015 | 13 | 0.5× | 2 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2014 | 53 | 2.0× | 3 | 0 | 3 | Some concerns to check | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2013 | 40 | 1.5× | 3 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2012 | 27 | 1.0× | 4 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2011 | 30 | 1.1× | 3 | 1 | 0 | Few red flags | Engine |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 77 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain44 (57%)
- Electrical & infotainment12 (16%)
- Airbags & seat belts11 (14%)
- Other systems6 (8%)
- Steering, suspension & tires2 (3%)
Recalls (18)
Safety · 25V896000 · Dec 2025 · model years 2019, 2020, 2021
A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 22V656000 · Aug 2022 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017
Improperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Suspension · 22V040000 · Jan 2022 · model year 2021
Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Steering · 21V493000 · Jun 2021 · model year 2021
A detached steering column can cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 21V318000 · May 2021 · model years 2020, 2021
The front passenger air bag may fail to deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Suspension · 21V271000 · Apr 2021 · model year 2021
A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 20V271000 · May 2020 · model year 2020
If transmission fluid leaks while driving, the road surface may be made slippery, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 19V735000 · Oct 2019 · model years 2019, 2020
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.
Body & glass · 19V111000 · Feb 2019 · model year 2019
A rearview camera display that does not function as designed can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the car, increasing the risk of a crash.
Suspension · 19V112000 · Feb 2019 · model year 2019
Loose shock absorbers may impair vehicle steering, increasing the risk of crash.
Electrical system · 19V115000 · Feb 2019 · model year 2019
If the driver is not alerted when brake pads are worn out, the driver may lose control of the vehicle while attempting to brake, increasing the risk of crash.
Safety · 18V844000 · Nov 2018 · model years 2017, 2018
If the ski bag detaches during a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Seat belts · 18V751000 · Oct 2018 · model year 2019
If the seat belt buckle breaks in the event of a crash, the occupant will not be properly restrained, increasing their risk of injury.
Brakes · 16V169000 · Mar 2016 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
If the brake pedal dislodges, the driver may not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Suspension · 14V824000 · Dec 2014 · model year 2015
If the suspension alignment was incorrectly performed, vehicle handling could be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 13V506000 · Oct 2013 · model years 2013, 2014
The fuel display inaccuracies may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine · 12V329000 · Jul 2012 · model year 2012
IF THE SHAFT FRACTURES, OIL MAY BE DRAWN INTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, RESULTING IN SMOKE AND THE INCREASED RISK OF A FIRE.
Exterior lighting · 12V065000 · Feb 2012 · model years 2011, 2012
A DETACHED HEADLIGHT COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VISIBILITY AND AN INCREASED RISK OF A CRASH.