Skip to content
VINDecoder360
Menu

NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2003–2024

Porsche Cayenne S recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns and 105 owner complaints for the Porsche Cayenne S, covering model years 2003 to 2024. The 2004 model year drew the most complaints (48), and Power Train is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Porsche Cayenne S VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 15 recall campaigns on file
  • 105 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 16 model years with data (2003–2024)
  • most complaints: 2004 (48 for that model year)
  • top component: Power Train (27 complaints)
  • latest recall 23V527000 (reported Jul 27, 2023)
  • 6 complaints reporting a crash (5.7%)
  • 1 complaint reporting a fire (1.0%)
  • 3 complaints reporting an injury (2.9%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Porsche Cayenne S complaints by model year

9 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2004 model year has the most complaints: 48 of 105, or 45.7%. Next come 2011 (17) and 2006 (13). The fewest are for 2020, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Porsche Cayenne S owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2003–2020Column chart of 105 complaints across 18 model years. The highest is 2004 with 48. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2003: 4 complaints420032004: 48 complaints4820042005: 10 complaints1020052006: 13 complaints1320062007: 1 complaint120072008: 5 complaints520082009: 0 complaints20092010: 0 complaints20102011: 17 complaints1720112012: 6 complaints620122013: 0 complaints20132014: 0 complaints20142015: 0 complaints20152016: 0 complaints20162017: 0 complaints20172018: 0 complaints20182019: 0 complaints20192020: 1 complaint12020
Porsche Cayenne S complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Porsche Cayenne S complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
200341000
2004482020
2005101000
2006131010
200710000
200850000
2011170000
201261100
202010000
All model years1056130

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Porsche Cayenne S components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Power Train is the component named most often, in 27 complaints (25.7% of all 105), followed by Engine (24) and Engine and Engine Cooling (18).

Components named most often in Porsche Cayenne S complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Porsche Cayenne S complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Power Train2725.7%
Engine2422.9%
Engine and Engine Cooling1817.1%
Fuel/Propulsion System1312.4%
Electrical System87.6%
Tires87.6%
Exterior Lighting54.8%
Latches/Locks/Linkages43.8%
Vehicle Speed Control43.8%
Air Bags32.9%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic32.9%
Structure32.9%
Visibility32.9%
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)21.9%
Fuel System, Gasoline21.9%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Porsche Cayenne S recalls

15 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Cayenne S, newest first. The 15 campaigns cover model years 2003 to 2024. The 2003 and 2004 model years appear in the most campaigns (9 each).

  • 15 recall campaigns
Porsche Cayenne S recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2003: 9 campaigns2004: 9 campaigns2005: 4 campaigns2006: 3 campaigns2007: no campaigns2008: 1 campaign2009: 1 campaign
2010: no campaigns2011: 3 campaigns2012: 2 campaigns2013: 1 campaign2014: 1 campaign2015: 1 campaign2016: no campaigns2017: no campaigns2018: no campaigns2019: 1 campaign
2020: 1 campaign2021: 1 campaign2022: no campaigns2023: no campaigns2024: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 23V527000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Lighting Control Module › Software

    Model year 2024

    Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2024 Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne Turbo GT, and Cayenne S Coupe vehicles. After the vehicle is turned off, the rear hazard warning lights and the parking lights may not illuminate if they are activated within 10 seconds after the gateway control unit shuts off. 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:
    Rear hazard warning lights and parking lights that fail to illuminate can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the gateway control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 26, 2023. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is APB1.

    Filed by Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 22V656000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Headlights

    Model years 2003–2006, 2008–2009, 2011–2015

    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.

    Filed by Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 21V318000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger; Seats

    Model years 2020–2021

    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.

    Filed by Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 19V446000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (PRNDL)

    Model years 2003–2006

    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.

    Filed by Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 19V115000

    Reported

    Service Brakes; Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel

    Model year 2019

    Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2018 Panamera 4 Executive, Panamera 4S Sport Turismo, Panamera 4 Hybrid, Panamera 4 Hybrid Executive, Panamera 4 Hybrid Sport Turismo, Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo, Panamera Turbo S Hybrid Executive, Panamera Turbo S Hybrid, Panamera 4 Sport Turismo and Panamera Turbo S Hybrid Sport Turismo vehicles, 2017-2018 Panamera, Panamera 4, Panamera Turbo Executive, Panamera 4S, Panamera Turbo and Panamera 4S Executive vehicles and 2019 Cayenne S and Cayenne 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 driver may lose control of the vehicle while attempting to brake, increasing the risk of crash.
    Remedy:
    Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began April 19, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKA1/AKA0.

    Filed by Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 17V576000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

    Model years 2003–2006

    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.

    Filed by Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

  7. NHTSA campaign 17V368000

    Reported

    Engine

    Model year 2011

    Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2010-2012 Panamera S, Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo vehicles, 2011-2012 Panamera and Panamera 4 vehicles, and 2011 Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo vehicles. The affected vehicles have camshaft controllers that may come loose inside the engine, potentially resulting in an engine stall.

    Consequence:
    An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fastening screws for the camshaft adjusters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 12, 2018. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy is available. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AH08.

    Filed by Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

  8. NHTSA campaign 12V065000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Headlights

    Model years 2011–2012

    Porsche is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne S hybrid, and cayenne turbo vehicles manufactured from March 8, 2010, through January 31, 2012 because the headlamps may come loose and detach from the fender.

    Consequence:
    A detached headlight could lead to loss of visibility and an increased risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlamp locking assemblies, free of charge. The safety recall began on March 9, 2012. Owners may contact Porsche at 1-800-767-7243.

    Filed by Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

  9. NHTSA campaign 04V593000

    Reported

    Seat Belts

    Model years 2003–2005

    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.

    Filed by Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

  10. NHTSA campaign 04V231000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Rear/Other

    Model years 2003–2004

    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.

    Filed by Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Show 5 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 04V072000

    Reported

    Seats

    Model years 2003–2004

    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.

    Filed by Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 04V071000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission

    Model year 2004

    Certain sport utility vehicles may have had a transfer case installed that could, due to changes in the housing casting, result in the oil pump rotation. Should this occur, oil starvation of the internal gears might result.

    Consequence:
    Continued operation of the vehicle could result in a fracture of the transfer case housing. Incorrect torque would then be applied to the driven wheels or oil could leak and contact the tires.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the transfer case housing and, if necessary, replace the transfer case. Owner notification began on May 3, 2004. Owners should contact Porsche at 1-800-545-8039.

    Filed by Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 04V069000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood

    Model years 2003–2004

    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.

    Filed by Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 04V068000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap

    Model year 2003

    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.

    Filed by Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 03V351000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Labels

    Model years 2003–2004

    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.

    Filed by Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Porsche Cayenne S questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Porsche Cayenne S have?

NHTSA lists 15 vehicle recall campaigns for the Porsche Cayenne S, covering model years 2003 to 2024. The most recent, 23V527000, was reported on July 27, 2023 and is filed under “Exterior lighting”. The 2003 and 2004 model years are covered by the most campaigns (9 each).

Which Porsche Cayenne S model year has the most complaints?

The 2004 model year, with 48 of the 105 complaints in NHTSA’s file (45.7%). The next are 2011 (17) and 2006 (13). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Porsche Cayenne S complaint?

Power Train is the component named most often: 27 complaints, or 25.7% of all 105. Engine (24) and Engine and Engine Cooling (18) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Porsche Cayenne S?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Porsche dealer.

How many Porsche Cayenne S complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 105 complaints, 6 report a crash, 1 a fire, 3 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Porsche models

8 models · most complaints first

The Porsche models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Porsche VIN decoder with every Porsche model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Porsche models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.