2004 Porsche Cayenne Turbo

Routine

Owners filed 15 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the vehicle speed control. It has been recalled 8 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Vehicle Speed Control4
000
Suspension › Front2
000
Engine2
000
Tires › Tread/Belt1
000
Suspension › Front › Springs › Air Suspension › Springs/Bags1
000
Steering › Column1
000
Service Brakes1
000
Fuel System, Gasoline1
010
Electrical System1
000
Air Bags1
000

8 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (prndl)19V446000
Filed Jun 12, 201999,665 vehiclesPorsche Cars North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump17V576000
Filed Sep 20, 201750,145 vehiclesPorsche Cars North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Seat Belts04V593000
Filed Dec 15, 200431,000 vehiclesPorsche Cars North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Seat Belts › Rear/Other04V231000
Filed May 17, 200419,175 vehiclesPorsche Cars North America, Inc.

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR SEAT BELT LATCH ATTACHMENT BOLT IS INSUFFICIENT RIVETED.

Risk. 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.

Seats04V072000
Filed Feb 18, 20044,144 vehiclesPorsche Cars North America, Inc.

Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT FRAMES WERE NOT ADEQUATELY WELDED.

Risk. 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.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission04V071000
Filed Feb 18, 20044,099 vehiclesPorsche Cars North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood04V069000
Filed Feb 18, 200410,637 vehiclesPorsche Cars North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Equipment › Other › Labels03V351000
Filed Sep 24, 2003326 vehiclesPorsche Cars North America, Inc.

Defect. 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).

Risk. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Dec 27, 2018170,000 milesTX

I HEARD SOME KNOCKING FROM THE AREA OF THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR. I STOPPED AND INSPECTED UNDER THE CAR AND SAW NOTHING. SO I DECODED TO BRING IT TO MY SERVICE PROVIDER. I DROVE ABOUT 3 MILES AT SLOW SPEEDS TO GET TO THE SERVICE PROVIDER. AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM. ONE OF THE BOLTS THAT HOLDS THE KNUCKLE TO THE WHEEL HAD BACKED OUT AND WAS BANGING AROUND THE BREAK SYSTEM. THEY SAID I COULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL IT WAS FIXED.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 12, 201868,162 milesNV

TAKATA AIRBAG FAILURE LIGHT IS ON!

Engine
Filed Jan 11, 201829,000 milesFL

LEAKING PLASTIC COOLING PIPES, VEHICLE IN MOTION, CITY STREET BOCA RAYON FL

Engine
Filed Nov 18, 201361,100 milesFL

OWNER OPERATES A 2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO, 4.5L V8 ENGINE. THIS VEHICLE, WITH JUST OVER 61,000 MILES BEGAN TO OVERHEAT FOUR DAYS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT (DETECTED BY FLUCTUATING TEMPERATURE GAUGE). THE ENGINE COOLANT WAS FOUND TO BE LOW IN THE SERVICE BOTTLE BY APPX. 2 QUARTS WHEN CHECKED AND WAS REFILLED. THE EVENING BEFORE THE INCIDENT OWNER'S SPOUSE REPORTED A LOW COOLANT ALARM MESSAGE HAD DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, COOLANT WAS ABOUT 2 QUARTS LOW IN THE SERVICE BOTTLE AND WAS REFILLED. THE NEXT DAY THE VEHICLE WAS BEING RUN AT 1500 RPM (FAST IDLE) IN A PARKED POSITION IN THE OWNER'S DRIVEWAY FOR A TEST WHEN A FLOOD OF ENGINE COOLANT WAS OBSERVED COMING FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE ENGINE WAS IMMEDIATELY SECURED TO AVOID DAMAGE. AT THIS POINT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED DRIVABLE AND WOULD NEED TO BE TOWED TO A SERVICE FACILITY. AN INVESTIGATIVE TEARDOWN REVEALED A RUPTURED PLASTIC COOLING PIPE INSIDE THE VALLEY OF THE ENGINE, THIS FAILURE REQUIRED REMOVAL OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD TO DIAGNOSE AND IS NOT A ROADSIDE-REPAIRABLE EVENT. THE EVENT CAUSED LOSS OF MORE THEN 50% OF TOTAL COOLANT VOLUME AS ONLY APPX. 1 GALLON WAS RECOVERED FROM THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO TEARDOWN. A PRESCRIBED REPAIR KIT FOR THIS FAILURE (REPLACEMENT COOLING PIPES KIT) WAS OBTAINED FROM SONNEN PORSCHE, SAN FRANCISCO CA AND INSTALLED BY VEHICLE OWNER. AFTER FILLING OF COOLANT AND TEST DRIVING, NO FURTHER PROBLEM WAS NOTED. *TR

Suspension › Front
Filed Jul 12, 201160,000 milesTX

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO. THE LEFT FRONT AIR SUSPENSION COLLAPSED WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH. THE AIR SUSPENSION BAG ALSO EXPLODED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO MOVE UNCONTROLLABLY TO THE LEFT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT IT WAS A FAULT OR DEFECTON TO THE FRONT LEFT SIDE SUSPENSION AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE SUSPENSION WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY AND PORSCHE HAVE NO INTEREST IN HELPING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND WILL COST APPROX $4,000 TO REPLACE THROUGH A PORSCHE DEALERSHIP. *TT

Suspension › Front › Springs › Air Suspension › Springs/Bags
Filed Nov 17, 200943,000 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO. THE AIR SUSPENSION COLLAPSED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH. THE AIR SUSPENSION BAG ALSO EXPLODED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO MOVE UNCONTROLLABLY FROM THE RIGHT TO THE LEFT LANE. THE VEHICLE ALMOST ROLLED OVER DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. THE DEALER ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THE COLLAR WHICH IS METAL SPLIT AND PUNCTURED THE SUSPENSION BAG. THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE SUSPENSION WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000. UPDATED 2/17/10 *CN UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE COLLAR ON THE AIR SUSPENSION BELLOW ON THE RIGHT FRONT HAD SHEARED AND PUNCTURED THE AIR SUSPENSION BAG THAT CAUSED THE SUSPENSION TO DROP SUDDENLY. UPDATED 02/22/10.

Suspension › Front
Filed Nov 9, 200939,989 milesPA

DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT AROUND 64 MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE ENTIRE FRONT TRANSMISSION DROPPED AND WE NEARLY ROLLED OVER ON OUR VEHICLE WITH A 4 YEAR OLD CHILD IN THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY. FORTUNATELY WE WERE IN THE LEFT LANE WHEN THIS HAPPENED. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Nov 13, 2008MA

HORN DOSE NOT WORK, NAVIGATION SYSTEM NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, RADIO NO LONGER WORKS. REFERENCE CAMPAIGN ID 04V069000. *TR

Fuel System, GasolineFire
Filed Aug 28, 200839,991 milesAZ

PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE DRIVING ON THE 101 FREEWAY. EXPERT DETERMINED THAT THE CAUSE WAS THE FUEL HOSE FAILING WHERE IS CONNECTS TO THE ENGINE MOUNTED FUEL SYSTEM. *TR

Steering › Column
Filed Sep 21, 200542 milesCA

DT: THERE WAS VIBRATION THAT AFFECTED THE STEERING COLUMN, AND IT WAS FELT THROUGH OUT THE STEERING WHEEL. ONE COULD FEEL VIBRATION WHEN THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD FORTY-TWO MILES ON IT. ONE COULD HEAR A NOISE WHEN MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT HAND TURNS. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON AUGUST 28, 2004, AND WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP ON AUGUST 31, 2004. THE DEALER BALANCED THE TIRES. ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2004 IT WAS BACK AT THE DEALER FOR VIBRATION, AND THE DEALER SAID THE TIRES WERE WORN OUT. THEY ATTEMPTED TO FIX THE VEHICLE SIX DIFFERENT TIMES. THEY REMOVED AND REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN, AND PUT ON NEW TIRES AND WHEELS. BUT STILL WAS HAVING THIS PROBLEM. CONSUMER IS A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR FOR THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AND HE WANTED TO ADD THAT DURING AN ARBITRATION HEARING PORSCHE WAS UPSET WITH THE MENTIONING OF NHTSA. *AK

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Nov 22, 2004FL

THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRES HAD WIRES COMING OUT FROM THEM. THE CONSUMER HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT ALL FOUR TIRES NEEDED REPLACEMENT DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION AND WARE AND TEAR. THE PIRELLI PO ROZOSSO 275/45CR191084N0/DOT NUMBER XNR3D631D103. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 1, 20044,559 milesCO

WHILE PULLING OUT FROM A PARKING LOT INTO MAJOR CITY STREET THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO RESPOND TO ACCELERATOR INPUT WITH APPROACHING TRAFFIC.*AK THE VEHICLE MOVED OFF FROM A STOP AND INTO THE CLOSEST LANE FINE BUT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AS MORE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED. THERE WAS NOTICEABLE DELAY/HESITATION, AS TRAFFIC BORE DOWN ON ME, BEFORE THE CAYENNE DECIDED TO ACCELERATE. CONTACTED DEALER WHO NOTED THAT THERE WAS AN UNOFFICIAL FIX THAT MAY ADDRESS THE ISSUE.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 1, 20046,017 milesCO

WHILE MERGING FROM HIGHWAY 141 ONTO I-70 THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO ACCELERATE FROM HIGHWAY SPEED TO MERGE INTO INTERSTATE TRAFFIC AND NO NOTICEABLE ACCELERATION WAS APPARENT. THE EXTREMELY CONCERNING ABOUT THIS INCIDENT WAS THAT THIS MERGE WAS BEING EXECUTED BETWEEN TWO 18-WHEELERS. WHILE THERE WAS AMPLE SPACE TO MERGE IF THE VEHICLE HAD RESPONDED WITHOUT HESITATION TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL INPUTS, THE EXPERIENCED HESITATION MADE THE MERGE DICEY.*AK

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 1, 20048,541 milesCO

WHILE TURNING ACROSS TRAFFIC FROM E 2ND AVE ONTO JOSEPHINE ST. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE JUST ABOVE THE FLOOR AND NO DISCERNABLE ACCELERATION RESPONSE WAS NOTICEABLE FOR A SECOND OR TWO. WHEN THERE WAS AN ACCELERATION RESPONSE IT WAS AN EXPLOSIVE, 'OFF TO THE RACES' ONE. THIS INCIDENT TOOK PLACE AFTER THE DEALER ADVISED THAT: UNOFFICIAL FIXES (DME UPDATE AND TRANSMISSION ADAPTATION) ISSUE HAD BEEN IN PLACE SINCE THE DELIVERY OF THE VEHICLE; VEHICLE HAD BEEN INTO THE DEALER TO EVALUATE/ADDRESS THIS ISSUE THREE TIMES; ON THE THIRD VISIT THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED/UPDATED/ADAPTED AND DME CONTROL UNIT WAS REMAPPED.*AK

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 2, 2004CA

CUSTOMER CAMPAIGN NOTICE RECEIVED REGARDING MAIN WIRING HARNESS ROUTING. AS WELL AS PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE NOT RESPONDING TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL.*MR THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE UNEXPECTEDLY DOES NOT RESPOND TO INPUT ON THE ACCELERATOR PEAL. THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED SO MANY TIMES THAT THE CONSUMER DECIDED TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN STORAGE AND NO LONGER DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER HAS COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES TO NO AVAIL. THE DEALER INSIST THAT THIS IS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE. *NM

15 of 15 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2004
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20200100Routine
20190100Routine
20150100Routine
20140100Routine
20130100Routine
20122200Routine
201111300Routine
20100100Routine
20090100Routine
20087100Routine
20061300Routine
20054300Routine
2004 — this page15810Routine
20031800Routine

Compare every Cayenne Turbo year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jun 12, 2019. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.