Used Porsche Cayenne 2010-2017 reliability
Category: Large SUV
A used Porsche Cayenne is rapid, luxurious and surprisingly good to drive, but it won't be cheap to run.
What should I look for in a used Porsche Cayenne 4x4?
The Porsche Cayenne will have had the double whammy of being used as a family SUV in the give and take of supermarket car parks and urban rat-runs, and being used enthusiastically by drivers anxious to show off their prowess. Check the bodywork for scuffs picked up in the urban part of that predicament, and make sure those expensive alloy wheels haven’t picked up too much damage from kerbs. Check the interior and the operation of the rear seats, as these will have been used to accommodate shopping and indivisible items.
When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.
What are the most common problems with a used Porsche Cayenne 4x4?
On the whole, engines and gearboxes are working and lasting well. However, as you would if buying a car potentially 10 years old or more, it's worth checking the basic areas, such as the condition of the oil and listening for any untoward noises when turning or accelerating or braking. It's also worth checking whether to car has a full service history.
At the time of writing, the 2010-2017 Porsche Cayenne has seven recalls listed. To check whether the issues have been rectified, or to check whether your car has been affected, you can contact your local Porsche dealer. You will not need to pay for anything involving the recall.
Reason for recall
If a headlight module is not locked correctly relative movements with respect to the wing can occur. In rare cases this can cause the headlight to become detached from the wing. Based on results from internal quality control checks and individual complaints Porsche has decided to incorporate measures to make the locking system more robust into standard production and they will retrofit these changes on existing models.
How the manufacturer will repair: Affected vehicles will be recalled to have the locking mechanism on both headlights replaced.
Number of affected vehicles: 3154
Date of recall: 23/02/2012
Reason for recall
The turbochargers fitted to the affected vehicles may not be manufactured to the required standard. The result of one or both of the turbo chargers failing is rough running and lack of power. In the worst case scenario there is a possibility that fire could occur.
How the manufacturer will repair: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the turbo chargers.
Number of affected vehicles: 54
Date of recall: 20/07/2012
Reason for recall
The circlip on the bearing bracket for the pedals may detach. If this occurs the brake pedal will become unsecured axially and come out of one of the two bearings leading to decreased brake functionality.
How the manufacturer will repair: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the fitment of the circlip and replace as necessary.
Number of affected vehicles: 13,680
Date of recall: 31/03/2016
Reason for recall
The transmission selector lever plastic sleeve does not have the required durability.
How the manufacturer will repair: Replace the plastic sleeve on the selector cable.
Number of affected vehicles: 11,745
Date of recall: 29/07/2019
Reason for recall
The affected vehicle may not meet prescribed emission limits.
How the manufacturer will repair: The engine control unit must be updated in order to improve the engine control system.
Number of affected vehicles: 1456
Date of recall: 29/03/2020
Reason for recall
Improve the engine control system in terms of nitrogen oxide emissions.
How the manufacturer will repair: Engine control software will be updated.
Number of affected vehicles: 8111
Date of recall: 14/01/2022
Reason for recall
The software version of the engine control unit does not correspond to the software version that should be on the vehicle.
How the manufacturer will repair: Review the software version of the engine control unit and if necessary update it to the correct software version.
Number of affected vehicles: 100
Date of recall: 01/12/2024
Is a used Porsche Cayenne 4x4 reliable?
This generation of Cayenne didn't get enough responses to feature in the luxury car reliability section of our Reliability Survey, but its successor, the current Porsche Cayenne, came last out of eight cars with a score of 84.6%. That places it below most of its rivals, including the 2018-present BMW X5 and 2014-2022 Range Rover Sport.
Porsche finished in a disappointing 21st place out of 31 manufacturers in the car brand reliability section of the survey. That's better than Audi and Land Rover, but worse than BMW and Lexus.
Used Porsche Cayenne reliability: the owners' view
In our latest Reliability Survey, 2010-2017 Porsche Cayenne owners reported a mixed experience with dependability and dealer service. Several owners praised the car’s robust build quality, reporting few serious faults even on higher-mileage petrol and diesel models. However, some readers highlighted persistent issues with electrical systems, including faulty warning lights and intermittent sensor failures. A handful also mentioned costly repairs to air suspension components and engine management systems.
Feedback on Porsche’s dealer network was similarly varied. Some owners were impressed by prompt service and comprehensive repairs under warranty. Others, however, criticised high labour costs and slow diagnosis times, particularly when dealing with complex electronic faults. A few owners felt that dealerships were reluctant to authorise goodwill repairs outside of warranty periods. Overall, while many Cayenne owners enjoyed largely trouble-free motoring, a minority experienced expensive setbacks and inconsistent dealer support.
