2009 Porsche Cayenne

Routine

Owners filed 15 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train. It has been recalled 2 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train4
000
Fuel/Propulsion System2
000
Fuel System, Gasoline2
000
Electrical System2
000
Unknown or Other1
000
Seats1
000
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft1
000
Equipment1
000
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer1
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Headlights22V656000
Filed Aug 30, 2022222,858 vehiclesPorsche Cars North America, Inc.

Defect. 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."

Risk. 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.

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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Jun 16, 2026209,000 milesNE

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Porsche Cayenne. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to O’Reilly's for a diagnostic test, the diagnostic report listed the mileage at 209,000; however, at the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 105,000. The dealer was not notified of the discrepancy, as per the Attorney's advice.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 9, 2026157,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2009 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated there was visible damage to the fuel tank flange, and there was a leak coming from the fuel tank. The contact stated that the OBD port provided a code and that the fuel was too lean, causing the RPM to fluctuate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for throttle body repair, but the failure persisted. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 157,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 11, 2023MD

Fuel leaking from fuel tank

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 4, 2023CA

Very strong gas smell at driver side rear tire area.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 2, 2020190,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PORSCHE CAYENNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE EMANATING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SUGGESTED THE CONTACT HAVE THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 190,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 25, 2020HI

ABOUT COUPLE/FEW WEEKS AGO UNABLE TO OPEN DRIVER SIDE DOOR EVEN WHEN UNLOCKED IN PARK POSITION AND WHEN CAR IS TURNED OFF. IT IS A KNOWN COMMON PROBLEM THAT HAVE BEEN POSTED ON YOUTUBE. IN AN EMERGENCY & ACCIDENT DRIVER IS UNABLE TO IMMEDIATELY ESCAPE/GET OUT OF VEHICLE BECAUSE DOOR WON'T OPEN EVEN WITH NUMEROUS TRIES FROM INSIDE & OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE. WE HAVE A YOUNG CHILD AND IN THE EVENT I NEED TO GET HER OUT IMMEDIATELY I AM UNABLE TO SINCE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WON'T OPEN. MY WIFE BEEN HAVING TO CRAWL OUT/ENTER FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR IN ORDER TO ENTER/EXIT CAR & GET OUR DAUGHTER OUT OF HER CAR SEAT. I'M TAKING CAR TO DEALER ON 6/26/2020 FOR REPAIRS BECAUSE WE FEEL UNSAFE ESPECIALLY WITH A YOUNG CHILD. . *TR

Seats
Filed Aug 15, 2019107,000 milesTX

I WAS DRIVING HOME ABOUT 10:44 PM ON AUGUST 14 2019 WHEN I HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A EXPLOSION TO MY WINDOWS BUT I WAS AFRAID TO PULL OVER BECAUSE IT WAS A DARK ROAD SO I GOT TO THE FIRST GAS STATION AND CHECKED FOR DAMAGE WINDOWS BUT COME TO FIND OUT IT WAS THE DRIVERS BACK SEAT WHICH HAD I GUES SWOLLEN AND BUST OUT OR COMPLETELY DISENGAGED FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE SEAT.

Power Train
Filed Jul 10, 201967,500 milesMN

DRIVE SHAFT GOES OFF UNEXPECTEDLY RESULTING IN VIOLENT SHAKING OF VEHICLE AND LOSS OF CONTROL WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION

Power Train
Filed Oct 15, 2018130,000 milesCA

DRIVE SHAFT MOUNT FAILED

Electrical System
Filed Aug 30, 2018101,000 milesVA

DURING NORMAL COMMUTE TO WORK DRIVING, A MESSAGE "CHECK DIM BEAM" APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD MESSAGE BOARD. UPON ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE A FAULTY DIM BEAM HEADLAMP BULB, I FOUND HEADLAMP HARNESS WIRING AND ALL INTERNAL HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY WIRING IS CRACKED AND CRUMBLING AND CONDUCTORS ARE EXPOSED AND CAUSING SHORTS AND APPARENT LAMP FAILURE. OTHER HEADLAMP LIGHTING (SIDE DIRECTIONAL LAMP) LIGHTING FLASHED ON AND OFF WHEN HARNESS WAS TOUCHED, AND OTHER COMPONENTS OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FLASHED AND TURNED OFF AND ON BY THEMSELVES, PARTICULARLY THE RADIO. WHEN THE SUSPECT DIM BEAM LAMP WAS SWAPPED WITH OPPOSITE (PASSENGER SIDE, THE REPLACEMENT LAMP DID NOT WORK BUT THE SUSPECT LAMP FROM DRIVER SIDE WORKED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE LEADING ME TO BELIEVE THE LAMP ASSEMBLY WAS SUSPECT. UPON OPENING THE ACCESS POINTS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE ASSEMBLY, THE WIRING WAS SEEN TO BE CRUMBLING AND UNSAFE. I AM WORRIED THAT A FIRE MAY START AND HAVE DISCONTINUED USE OF THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME.

Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Filed Sep 3, 201450,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PORSCHE CAYENNE. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVE SHAFT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

Power Train
Filed Aug 27, 201450,000 milesNM

VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN GARAGE. WENT TO USE IT, OPENED DOOR TO DRIVERS SIDE, DASH READS IGNITION LOCK FAULT. WOULD NOT START, WOULD NOT COME OUT OF PARK. TOWED TO DEALER (AFTER TOWING CO. DID EMERGENCY UNLOCK OF TRANSMISSION TO GET OUT OF GARAGE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT PORSCHE DEALERSHIP FOR A WEEK NOW, TOLD AT FIRST IGNITION SWITCH WAS BAD. REPLACED AND STILL NOT FUNCTIONING (NO START) NOW TOLD CONTROL MODULE MUST BE REPLACED AS IT GOT "WET" AND VEHICLE INTERIOR FLOOR HAD GOTTEN WET. RESEARCH ON INTERNET SHOWS MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS GETTING WET FROM A DEFECT IN CAR. *TR

Equipment
Filed Apr 17, 20109,960 milesNJ

UNABLE TO LISTEN TO RADIO STATIONS ON RADIO DUE TO STATIC NOISE AND HEAVY SOUND INTERFERENCES EVEN ON LOCAL NJ FM RADIO STATIONS. THIS DEFECT SUBSTANTIALLY IMPAIRS THE USE, VALUE OR SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE, AS THIS IS CAUSING DRIVER FRUSTRATION AND REDUCED DRIVER FOCUS WHICH I AM AFRAID WILL LEAD TO A POTENTIAL ACCIDENT DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO LISTEN OR LISTEN WITH STATIC AND HEAVY SOUND INTERFERENCES TO THE RADIO FOR NEWS, MUSIC AND RADIO TALK. THIS HAS BEEN CONFIRMED AND TESTED BY AN INDEPENDENT AUDIO PROFESSIONAL IN WRITING AND REPORT CONCLUSION IS "RADIO STATIONS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY, HEAVY INTERFERENCES. TESTED ON LOCAL NJ STATIONS 94.3FM AND 101.5FM", *TR

Power Train
Filed Apr 2, 20094,466 milesCA

I OWN A 2009 PORSCHE CARRERA CONVERTIBLE WITH PDK TRANSMISSION. IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AND CAR SHIFTS INTO NEUTRAL FOR A SPLIT SECOND OR TWO BEFORE ENGAGING INTO FIRST GEAR. MY CAR ONLY HAS 4,300 MILES AND THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE AS TIME GOES ON. PORSCHE TOLD ME THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WITH NO SOLUTION AT THIS TIME. THIS SITUATION IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN I AM WAITING IN AN INTERSECTION WANTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND THEN WHEN I FINALLY IT IS CLEAR TO TURN THE CAR WOULD SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL FOR ABOUT A SECOND BEFORE ENGAGING INTO FIRST GEAR. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Mar 9, 20091,001 milesFL

THE ELECTRONICS ON THE CAR ARE SHOWING A SUSPENSION ISSUE. AND THE ELECTRONICS ON THE CAR DO NOT WORK FOR MORE THAN 5-7 MIN BEFORE SHUTDOWN AND RESTART. THIS INCLUDES RADIO, BLUETOOTH, GPS, ETC. WHEN THE ELECTRONICS START BACK UP THE RADIO IS TURNED ON. *TR

15 of 15 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2014
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20263100Routine
20255200Routine
20245400Do not drive
20235100Routine
20223200Routine
202121500Routine
202024400Routine
201942600Routine
201813100Routine
201717200Routine
201640200Routine
201513200Routine
201453310Routine
201340300Routine
201227400Routine
201130300Routine
20101200Routine
2009 — this page15200Routine
200827300Routine
200641312Fatalities reported
200532410Routine
200438620Routine
20032200Routine

Compare every Cayenne 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: Aug 30, 2022. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.