2012 Porsche Cayenne
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2012 Porsche Cayenne. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2012 Porsche Cayenne. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Cayenne vehicles manufactured April 28, 2010, to January 11, 2016. The brake pedal pivot pin may be missing a circlip, allowing the pivot pin to move and the brake pedal to dislodge.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the brake pedal dislodges, the driver may not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly circlip, installing any missing circlips, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AG02.
Porsche IS recalling certain model year 2011-2012 panamera turbo, 2012 panamera turbo s, and 2012 cayenne turbo vehicles. the turbine wheel of a turbocharger may fracture due to a casting defect. if a fracture occurs, vehicle performance will be decreased and the turbine shaft may fracture.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the shaft fractures, oil may be drawn into the exhaust system, resulting in smoke and the increased risk of a fire.
Remedy
Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the turbine wheels, free of charge. the recall began on august 31, 2012. owners may contact porsche at 1-800-767-7243.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
27 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Porsche Cayenne. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale from Facebook Market Place. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 125,383, but after performing an AutoCheck of the vehicle, it was discovered that the mileage was 205,154.
- Air bags · Unknown or other
Porsche dashboard leather shrunk and staples pulled out around passenger side airbag. I was told that if the vehicle was in an accident the airbag might not deploy correctly. The Porsche dealer looked at it and recommended replacing it. This is a very common issue.
- Unknown or other
The transfer case on my car has been confirmed by two different mechanics that it needs to be replaced. Porsche no longer makes or sells the original transfer case and components, so the entire transfer case needs to be replaced, at a cost of approximately $5,000. Porsche extended the warranty…
The transfer case on my car has been confirmed by two different mechanics that it needs to be replaced. Porsche no longer makes or sells the original transfer case and components, so the entire transfer case needs to be replaced, at a cost of approximately $5,000. Porsche extended the warranty for the transfer case for up to 10 years, but I was never notified or made aware of this extension. Because my transfer case issue was identified 6 months outside of the extended warranty, the full cost of this repair is my liability. I believe that Porsche is aware that the original transfer case has design flaws and reliability issues, and while they did extend warranty coverage, they made no effort to communicate the extension. If so, I would have had the transfer case inspected while still under warranty.
- Engine · Unknown or other
I own a 2012 Porsche Cayenne. Transfer case broke at 33,000 miles and was replaced by the dealer, and now it broke again at 55,000 miles. Repair cost is $6,340 plus tax. It broke under the warranty period but Porsche gave me the runaround and told me they wouldn't check it until after some body…
I own a 2012 Porsche Cayenne. Transfer case broke at 33,000 miles and was replaced by the dealer, and now it broke again at 55,000 miles. Repair cost is $6,340 plus tax. It broke under the warranty period but Porsche gave me the runaround and told me they wouldn't check it until after some body damage was complete (more details below). Honestly feel like I'm getting gouged with faulty parts. Many other Porsche Cayenne owners seem to be reporting this problem on forums. (e.g. https://rennlist.com/forums/cayenne-958-2011-2018/1290994-transfer-case-failure-2.html) More details - 1. We asked the Porsche dealership to review the car for mechanical issues and repair bumper body damage while the transfer case was under warranty. 2. The Porsche dealer declined to review any mechanical issues until the bumper body damage repair was complete. 3. The Porsche was taken in for service to repair the body work first in late March per Porsche's guidance while the transfer case was still under warranty. 4. The body work was delayed due to Porsche's supply chain issues, and by the time it was complete it was after May 2nd which was when the warranty expired for the transfer case. 5. When the Porsche dealer received the car after May 2nd it identified the transfer case broke. This has been a recurring issue with a car as one transfer case broke at ~33,000 miles and was replaced at a Porsche dealership. Now the second transfer case broke at 55,000 miles (this case only lasted 22,000 miles). 6. Porsche declined to make an exception to the warranty and recommends replacing the transfer case at a price of $6,340 plus tax which will likely last for between 22,000 - 33,000 miles based on prior data points.
- Unknown or other
Recall work mishandled and caused problem: I went to porsche for a regular oil change. They said that there IS an active recall on camshaft and they can also be performed while the car IS in. Now when I went to get my car back they said the engine light was on and when they checked the tech…
Recall work mishandled and caused problem: I went to porsche for a regular oil change. They said that there IS an active recall on camshaft and they can also be performed while the car IS in. Now when I went to get my car back they said the engine light was on and when they checked the tech says the parts seems to be all new and it was done at a different work shop. They asked me to go to the shop and check with them. But I told them it was done few months back and I had no issues at all and the car didnt have any issues when I gave it for oil change( no check engine light). Also when I entered the car I was able to smell a thick oil smell which I informed becky the service consultant and I was told that it could be oil spill when they did oil change. I asked if the issue might be related to the camshaft work they did but they promptly said it was not related. So I took the car to the auto shop ( porsche certified shop) to have them check it. the shop checked and didnt find any issues with their parts they replaced since it was covered under warranty they went ahead replaced the part and the check engine light sign didnt go away, so they performed smoke test and found out the intake leak coming from a sensor seal on the valve cover. They said this IS because of the camshaft work that has caused a large air leak in the engine setting the check engine light. Also when they checked the covers they found that there were 2 aluminium screws that were broken . When the cover was removed the alumimium screws were supposed to be replaced which were not and the old ones were used which lead to tension and they were broken the auto shop has provided me with all the details and evidence of the issue along with video to showcase.i need nhtsa assistance to help me guide on this issue caused by the dealership to my car while working on the recall.
- Engine
I have a 2012 porsche cayenne s hybrid. It IS suffering from the defect described in this recall campaign: 17v36800. The bolts that hold the camshaft in place have sheared off. Porsche IS refusing any type of consideration because the vin IS not in the recall list, but it IS in the year of the…
I have a 2012 porsche cayenne s hybrid. It IS suffering from the defect described in this recall campaign: 17v36800. The bolts that hold the camshaft in place have sheared off. Porsche IS refusing any type of consideration because the vin IS not in the recall list, but it IS in the year of the recall and suffers from the issue. I was driving the vehicle on the highway and the check engine light came on. The vehicle lost power and the engine started knocking. I was able to coast to the shoulder. I had to call my wife and have it towed. The dealer told me it would cost 14K+ to repair and they would need the vehicle for a month. *tr
- Power train
The transfer case IS faulty. It was replaced at 26,000 miles and now it IS acting the same way again at 48.000 miles. I was entering the hwy and the car jumped forward and suddenly lost power before jumping into gear. This IS not safe considering there was a car in front of me and behind. Did not…
The transfer case IS faulty. It was replaced at 26,000 miles and now it IS acting the same way again at 48.000 miles. I was entering the hwy and the car jumped forward and suddenly lost power before jumping into gear. This IS not safe considering there was a car in front of me and behind. Did not cause an accident but could have. Dealer admits the transfer case has been a constant problem with 2011-2017 cayenne but refuses to totally cover replacement. This IS my second issue with the transfer case and after some light research have come across many owners with anywhere between 1 and 4 replacements. Porsche will not cover the total cost of the repair (approx. $6500). How can a company like porsche be so arrogant as to understand and accept it IS a faulty design but not make restitution to its loyal customers,
- Power train
The transfer case in this car IS failing at 53,000 miles causing unsafe, jerking acceleration leading to total breakdown/shutdown if not corrected. Numerous owners experience the same issue. The manufacturer acknowledges the defect and IS now providing newly designed repair parts described as permanently solving the problem and covered by a 2-year warranty at a cost in excess of $5,500 retail
- Seats
Power drivers seat moved fore/aft and up/down while driving on highway on 10.22.2019 on its own. moving driver away from contact with either brake or gas pedal and a unnaturally long reach to steering wheel. driver engaged buttons to move seat forward, pulled off to safe location and shut down/restarted car. problem continued upon restart
- Unknown or other
Dash board leather IS peeling and shrinking
- Power train
Clunking / surging (almost feels like a misfire) after car warms up in second and third gear. seems to be with the transfer case. purchases car used 30 days ago and this issue started to appear after I had the vehicle and driving it for a couple of days. now find that this IS a common issue with cayennes.
- Power train
2012 porsche cayenne with 47,000 miles. Noticed jerking when turning left and some slippage in transmission. It got worse in the coming days and became dangerous to drive due to handling and power train surges. I took it to southpoint porsche in durham, nc, this week and was told it needs a new…
2012 porsche cayenne with 47,000 miles. Noticed jerking when turning left and some slippage in transmission. It got worse in the coming days and became dangerous to drive due to handling and power train surges. I took it to southpoint porsche in durham, nc, this week and was told it needs a new $4,435 transfer case. A local porsche shop directed me to reviews which note the same 'known' issue - due to a known defect that drains fluid by transfer case and gets moisture into the case. Porsche has issued corrective instructions for repairs but no recall (known) or callback to repair at their cost. Transmission can lock up during driving causing serious injuries or death. I asked dealership to contact porsche and regional rep and to share my concerns and links to forums where this issue IS outlined in many other porsche cayenne cases.
- Power train
The transfer case in this car IS failing at 53,000 miles causing unsafe, jerking acceleration leading to total breakdown/shutdown if not corrected. Numerous owners experience the same issue. the manufacturer acknowledges the defect and IS now providing newly designed repair parts described as permanently solving the problem and covered by a 2-year warranty at a cost in excess of $5,500 retail.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Fuel/propulsion system
Hybrid default multiple times in past years electrical system? fault generator check engine light
- Power train
I got the cayenne from 2012 in 01/17/2017 tree days after buying the SUV transfer case was not working correctly, when shifting to 3RD gear noise and lost of power this at 39,273 miles repair was done now only 20,000 miles later same problem. When I called porsche dealer to check on warranty there…
I got the cayenne from 2012 in 01/17/2017 tree days after buying the SUV transfer case was not working correctly, when shifting to 3RD gear noise and lost of power this at 39,273 miles repair was done now only 20,000 miles later same problem. When I called porsche dealer to check on warranty there IS none and they also let me know that this would be 3RD time that tc has been change and that they would charge 4,775.00 to repair.
- Power train
Transfer case in the rear jerking loss of power and noises in the gears 2-4
- Power train
Transfer case failure. Causes intermittent rough stuttering when depressing gas pedal on highway especially on incline. Car dealer did not detect problem when performing diagnostics. Went to another dealer service location. Service representative drove the car and quickly confirmed the cause IS a…
Transfer case failure. Causes intermittent rough stuttering when depressing gas pedal on highway especially on incline. Car dealer did not detect problem when performing diagnostics. Went to another dealer service location. Service representative drove the car and quickly confirmed the cause IS a transfer case failure. We were told our car can stall at anytime which IS a clear safety hazard. After a lot of research, we found out transfer case failure IS a consistent and recurring issue for porsche cayenne's manufactured in 2011 to 2017.
- Power train
It IS a very common problem for 2011+ cayenne that has the transfer case problem. The car won't accelerate smoothly during 1-2 gear and 3-4-5 gear. It IS very dangerous while trying to merge on the freeway. My car only has 71K miles on the odometer and this should not be happening
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2012 porsche cayenne. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v368000 (engine). The part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 porsche cayenne. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v368000 (engine). The part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer (porsche of livermore, 3100 las positas road, livermore, ca 94551) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. *Tt
- Power train
Car had a skipping feeling when driving especially when turning. vehicle has only 20,000 miles and transfer box has to be replaced. They charged me 4660.47 for the replacement claiming the five year warranty expired. the car IS always garaged and used during the winter. When I complained to porsche they sent me a check for $950.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
Gps malfunction while driving , service test no error code but visible gps malfunction ! manufacture can't identify the problem suggest to replace the new pcm. it IS very dangerous for driver to believe on the gps while driving on it. It IS design fraud and careless of service when the device…
Gps malfunction while driving , service test no error code but visible gps malfunction ! manufacture can't identify the problem suggest to replace the new pcm. it IS very dangerous for driver to believe on the gps while driving on it. It IS design fraud and careless of service when the device IS malfunction and system can't detect it. customer has pictures and videos support the claim. video link: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0b1w2q8jzjub7rgzsbhntq0o1s1k
- Power train
Camshaft adjuster bolts failed... Vehicle lost power while driving, including braking system and power steering. Porsche recalled some 2011s, but no 2012 were recalled for the same problem. I have kept the faulty parts which match part number with known defect. Porsche would not honor goodwill or any discount, even with proof of matching numbers per the manufacturer.
- Power train
Porsche cayenne 2012. Has transmission casing issues and they are not recalling it! had transmission casing replaced with unmodified part and in less that 25K its broken again. Worry about my safety on the road as im traveling with kids and elderly a lot. They covered first emplacement as the…
Porsche cayenne 2012. Has transmission casing issues and they are not recalling it! had transmission casing replaced with unmodified part and in less that 25K its broken again. Worry about my safety on the road as im traveling with kids and elderly a lot. They covered first emplacement as the vehicle was under warranty, but refuse to cover second replacement labor costs! Its unacceptable! Porsche does not honor their quality, when the part was replaced unmodified in 2015, they were fully aware that this would be a problem down the road and sure enough, it IS!! $650 dollars in labor must have been covered as was the second replacement part!!
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2012 porsche cayenne. While driving approximately 30 mph downhill and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes failed. The contact coasted the vehicle over to the side of the road and had to repeatedly depress the brake pedal for the brakes to operate. The vehicle was not…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 porsche cayenne. While driving approximately 30 mph downhill and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes failed. The contact coasted the vehicle over to the side of the road and had to repeatedly depress the brake pedal for the brakes to operate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vin was included in nhtsa campaign number: 16v169000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.
- Visibility
TL* the contact owns a 2012 porsche cayenne. The contact stated that he noticed an abnormal glare from the windshield while entering a residential garage. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 50.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011666Parts information with parts withdrawal involving the hydro-mounting - 992199384F The affected vehicles are cars that use the part number mentioned.
- 11011572Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the oil separator. The affected vehicles are cars that use part number 0PC115099A
- 11011570Special tools and equipment information for the WiScope UV upgrade - affecting all Porsche models
- 11011563Information on PIWIS tester update 43.000.020 & .021. PIWIS tester updates applies to all Porsche models that have an OBD2 port.
- 11011561Information on PIWIS tester update 43.000.017. PIWIS tester updates applies to all Porsche models that have an OBD2 port.
- 11011552Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the camera and control unit with the camera - PAD980551 & PAD980568C. The affected vehicles are cars that use the part numbers mentioned.
- 11011200Information on PIWIS tester update 43.000.016. PIWIS tester updates applies to all Porsche models with an OBD2 port.
- 11011195Information on PIWIS tester update 43.000.010, .011 & .015. PIWIS tester updates applies to all Porsche models with an OBD2 port.
- 11009877Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.048
- 11009862Special tools and equipment information for the mobile data signal strength in the workshop
- 11008666Manufacturers certificate with an overview on approved Porsche A40 engine oils. See attached for list of affected vehicles.
- 11008662Manufacturers certificate with an overview on approved Porsche C40 engine oils. See attached for list of affected vehicles.
- 11008661Manufacturers certificate with an overview on approved Porsche C30 engine oils. See attached for list of affected vehicles. All MY04-20
- 11008658Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the windscreen. Vehicles affected are cars that use part numbers 992845011Q, 992845011AN, 992845011S, 992845011AM, 992845011BL, 992845011DB, 992845047DY, 992845047FY
- 11008657Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.040. PIWIS tester updates applies to all Porsche models that have an OBD2 port.
- 11008637Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.032. PIWIS tester updates applies to all Porsche models that have an OBD2 port.
- 11008636Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.030. PIWIS tester updates applies to all Porsche models that have an OBD2 port.
- 11008635Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the booster - 7PP035223M, 7PP035223AA, 99164548000. Vehicles affected are cars that use the part numbers listed.
- 11008624Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.025
- 11008610Technical information for the installation of wire harness for roof power supply
- 11008603Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the windscreen. The cars involved are cars that use the part numbers 992845011Q, 992845011AN, 992845011S, 992845011AM, 992845011BL, 992845011DB, 992845047DY, 992845047FY
- 11008598Technical information on replacement of thermostat housing for the Cayenne
- 11008486Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.021
- 11008479Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the chain tensioner - 0PB109507D
- 11008476Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.020
- 11008473Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the seat frame - 992885456CY
- 11008470Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.015
- 11008454Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the booster - 7PP035223M, 7PP035223AA, and 99164548000
- 11008449Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.010 & .011
- 11008441Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the engine oil (00004321093)
- 11008440Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.000 & .001
- 11007107Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the wire set - 976971227 & 976971227A
- 11007096Information on PIWIS tester update 42.900.030
- 11007041Information on PIWIS tester update 42.900.020
- 11007037Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the ball screw - PAF004835
- 11007036Information on PIWIS tester update 42.900.010
- 11006874Parts information for parts withdrawal involving a number of parts for the flange, fuel pump, and fuel filter
- 11006858Product Knowledge on the chassis/VIN numbering systems
- 11006850Information on PIWIS tester update 42.900.000
- 11005806Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the charger for the high-voltage battery
Every Porsche Cayenne model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.