2013 Porsche Cayenne
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Porsche › Cayenne › 2013
These records cover every 2013 Porsche Cayenne. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2013 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 Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cayenne and Cayenne GTS, model year 2013 Cayenne Diesel and model year 2014 Cayenne S, S Hybrid, Turbo, and Turbo S vehicles manufactured May 27, 2013, through July 10, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the calculated range of the remaining fuel displayed on the instrument…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The fuel display inaccuracies may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software free of charge. The recall began on December 5, 2013. Owners may contact Porsche at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's recall number is AD03.
Owner complaints
40 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Structure › Body
The leather dash has "shrunk" so badly and is so distorted that there is no way the passenger airbag would properly inflate in an accident. Porsche tells me that this defect is "cosmetic" and of no consequence to vehicle safety. I do not agree with this position and feel that Porsche should be liable for this defect.
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
This vehicle qualified for the Volkswagen Emissions Recall, yet from the start of the recall through 2018 settlement lawsuit dates , no correspondence was sent (by Porsche nor VW). According to all recall regulations, my vehicle should have among the ‘recall’ with the 85K plus others, yet no…
This vehicle qualified for the Volkswagen Emissions Recall, yet from the start of the recall through 2018 settlement lawsuit dates , no correspondence was sent (by Porsche nor VW). According to all recall regulations, my vehicle should have among the ‘recall’ with the 85K plus others, yet no correspondence was sent (by Porsche nor VW) & now the local Porsche dealership is denying in, According to all recall regulations, even still with the EPA, the vehicle was to receive an initial emissions test, then undergo all related repairs/part replacements before the issue resulted in toxic emissions, NOX sensor failures, & premature problems with the DPF system, leading to thermostat problems & the failure of the diesel turbo. Federal regs mandate that vehicle & vehicle equipment manufacturers comply with Early Warning Reporting requirements, submit to NHTSA copies of their manufacturer communications. & update all communications including warranty, policy extensions & product improvement communication sent to dealers, distributors, owners, purchasers, etc. regarding any defect, failure or malfunction beyond normal deterioration in use, failure of performance, flaw or other unintended deviation from design specifications whether it is safety-related or not. Porsche now says my vehicle never showed the recall, despite court mandates that all affected vehicles will be notified communication failed on the sides of both manufacturers. In 2026, if one possesses an eligible vehicle but never received a "Dieselgate" recall notice, options for financial compensation from the original U.S. settlements stated to be likely limited, & I’m not able to find how to proceed with Volkswagen, but regardless, according to EPA and all vehicle standards, I read my vehicle is still entitled to receive an emissions modification at no cost, and that I should be covered by an extended emissions warranty to address all current & related issues.
- Air bags · Unknown or other
The factory leather dashboard has detached/ungluded in places both on the driver and passenger side. Now the dashboard cover in the passenger area does not properly line up and has bubbled up on top of the passenger air bag door. There is a high possibility that this defect will prevent the…
The factory leather dashboard has detached/ungluded in places both on the driver and passenger side. Now the dashboard cover in the passenger area does not properly line up and has bubbled up on top of the passenger air bag door. There is a high possibility that this defect will prevent the passenger air bag from properly functioning or not function at all during an accident. Several Cayenne owners have reported this problem to Porsche USA however they will only replace at the owner's request and owners expense which is in the thousands of dollars. Porsche USA said that this is not a recall item therefore they will not pay for the repair.
- Air bags · Unknown or other
Porsche dashboard leather has shrunk and now doesn’t properly cover airbag which is a major safety hazard. Porsche said they would not cover cost to replace which they quoted $9k. There are tons of reports of this happening to other Porsche cayenne owners and need to be addressed via recall
- Air bags · Unknown or other
Leather dashboard cover is separating from the dashboard with staples being pulled up. I am concerned the airbag in the dash may deploy improperly and/or dangerously.
- Air bags · Unknown or other
Porsche Cayenne dashboard leather shrunk and staples pulled out. The airbag in the dashboard may not deploy properly in the event when there is an accident. Porsche dealer recommended the dashboard to be replaced. Many vehicles have this issue after warranty is out
- Power train
The Drive train consists of an engine, transmission, transfercase, driveshafts and differentials. The Transfercase has failed prior to the normal life cycle. Porsche recognizes this problem on this series of SUV and extends the warranty for 10 years and unlimited mileage. Porsche announced this…
The Drive train consists of an engine, transmission, transfercase, driveshafts and differentials. The Transfercase has failed prior to the normal life cycle. Porsche recognizes this problem on this series of SUV and extends the warranty for 10 years and unlimited mileage. Porsche announced this extension in June 2024. However this does not cover the early models in this series 2011-2013 with the same drivetrain and transfercase. So in effect this failure of the transfer case is not covered on 2014 - 2011 Porsche Cayenne's models with the same transfercase because Porsche delayed the notification to customers. Even though the SUV may have low mileage, they will not warranty or cover my failure.
- Seat belts
Just purchased this vehicle from an independent dealer. Each time I test drove the vehicle, I put my seat belt on and after a few seconds of driving the driver's seat belt would come unlatched. Sales person told me that perhaps I wasn't latching it (false latch). After purchase, it has unlatched…
Just purchased this vehicle from an independent dealer. Each time I test drove the vehicle, I put my seat belt on and after a few seconds of driving the driver's seat belt would come unlatched. Sales person told me that perhaps I wasn't latching it (false latch). After purchase, it has unlatched during my first day of driving it. I see that there are other customers complaining of the same issue on the NHTSA website.
- Air bags · Unknown or other
The optional Leather Dashboard is peeling away from the base of the windshield. The cutout in the leather that aligns with the passenger airbag is now out of alignment and there is concern if the airbag will deploy properly in an accident.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Engine light came on and vehicle decelerated while making a turn in traffic. Based on the owners manual and code test, it comes up as a DPF issue. We could have been seriously injured had the oncoming traffic been closer to us or had someone attempted to follow me on the turn. When the car lost…
Engine light came on and vehicle decelerated while making a turn in traffic. Based on the owners manual and code test, it comes up as a DPF issue. We could have been seriously injured had the oncoming traffic been closer to us or had someone attempted to follow me on the turn. When the car lost power, I could not accelerate to complete my turn. The problem has been duplicated by my husband who has some mechanical expertise, but the next step would be to take it to a dealer. It is available for inspection, but it is not safe to drive. The check engine light and the glow plug lamp came on at the same time. It happened once before on the interstate coming across I-80 on the interstate. In the middle of nowhere with no cell phone service, we were able to pull over, shut off and restart the engine which cleared the code for the rest of the trip. Then it didn’t do this again for nearly two months.
- Exterior lighting
The contact owns a 2013 Porsche Cayenne. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V656000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…
The contact owns a 2013 Porsche Cayenne. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V656000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the headlamps illumination had started to become dull. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 154,123. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Power train
The contact owns a 2013 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal noise while shifting from first to second gear. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the…
The contact owns a 2013 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal noise while shifting from first to second gear. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,300.
- Power train
Grinding & clunking noise from drive train at low engine speeds. Took it to porsche dealership in october, 2020. they did not fix the problem and I was told it IS ok to drive. the noise IS getting worse from initial whining to grinding & clunking noise. online forums indicate that it IS a common…
Grinding & clunking noise from drive train at low engine speeds. Took it to porsche dealership in october, 2020. they did not fix the problem and I was told it IS ok to drive. the noise IS getting worse from initial whining to grinding & clunking noise. online forums indicate that it IS a common problem with cayenne & macan models of porsche. Porsche has acknowledged the issue on there website with warranty extension. when I call the porsche customer support. They are not acknowledging the warranty extension. I think it IS a major safety issue and need to be address by porsche
- Power train
Car has problem with acceleration. it hesitates and drives like the car IS being held back. acceleration IS not smooth. rough and shudder and herky jerky. It has a faulty transfer case which IS well known and should be recalled.
- Seat belts
The driver's side seat belt unlatches, even when it appears to have been properly latched and I pull on it to confirm that it IS latched. this happens whether or not the vehicle IS in motion. This IS happening constantly, but I will fill in today's date below. *tr
- Power train
Multiple transfer case failures. First at 50K miles (slipping between gears, followed by a severe jolt as the gear finally changed)'transfer case was replaced at my expense ($7000k later). Second failure occurred less than 6 months later at 55K miles (severe jolt when shifting from 3RD to 4TH…
Multiple transfer case failures. First at 50K miles (slipping between gears, followed by a severe jolt as the gear finally changed)'transfer case was replaced at my expense ($7000k later). Second failure occurred less than 6 months later at 55K miles (severe jolt when shifting from 3RD to 4TH gear)'transfer case replaced under parts warranty. Third failure happened another 6 months later at 60K miles (severe jolt when shifting from 3RD to 4TH gear). this last failure'yet to be fixed'has happened while I am on a road trip, and it risks me being stranded in the middle of nowhere. this issue IS rampant among 958S. porsche really needs to step up and fix this issue. It's reported rampantly on forums, with many owners reporting multiple successive failures like I have experienced.
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 2013 porsche cayenne. The contact stated that while attempting to secure the driver's seat belt buckle into the receiver, the seat belt failed to latch. The failure recurred multiple times. The dealer was not informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2013 porsche cayenne. The contact stated that while dirving there was an abnormal noise coming form the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The contact mentioned that this occasion was the third time the part needed to be…
TL* the contact owns a 2013 porsche cayenne. The contact stated that while dirving there was an abnormal noise coming form the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The contact mentioned that this occasion was the third time the part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2013 porsche cayenne. While driving, a loud unknown noise was heard from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
- Engine · Power train · Vehicle speed control
Purchased a 2013 cayenne porsche gts with 67K miles on it. Noticed a kind of thumping sound when accelerating, usually appearing at 3K rpms. Vehicle shudders and almost feels like the transmission IS slipping. Took the vehicle to a mechanic to diagnose the fault and they immediately knew what it…
Purchased a 2013 cayenne porsche gts with 67K miles on it. Noticed a kind of thumping sound when accelerating, usually appearing at 3K rpms. Vehicle shudders and almost feels like the transmission IS slipping. Took the vehicle to a mechanic to diagnose the fault and they immediately knew what it was, engine transfer case failure. this IS due to a design flaw allowing water into the transfer case that porsche IS aware of and yet to address. On some occasions porsche will pay for the $5K repair but the part IS still replaced with a transfer case with the same flaw. Transfer case failure can lead to a sudden lose of power and potentially cause death or serious injury if someone IS traveling at highway speeds. highly recommend addressing this with a recall for 2013 and 2014 cayennes. I have experienced sudden lose of power due to transfer case failure, neatly resulting in a highway collision.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel gauge malfunction,engine light goes on,the vehicle then hesitated and jerks when I drive it in motion.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Vehcile IS showing faulty fuel gauge and suspension needs to be replaced.
- Power train
While driving back home on the highway doing about 30 mph in stop and go traffic my 2013 cayenne gts started to jerk between shifting gears. I thought it was a bumpy road at least but then after the traffic was over and I was able to pick up some speed to up to around 40-45mph the car shut off in…
While driving back home on the highway doing about 30 mph in stop and go traffic my 2013 cayenne gts started to jerk between shifting gears. I thought it was a bumpy road at least but then after the traffic was over and I was able to pick up some speed to up to around 40-45mph the car shut off in the middle of the highway not knowing what to do. My life literally flashed in my eyes I was so lucky to get out of it with no injuries after researching and visiting my mechanic I was told that it was a transfer case issue and it's a very common thing to happen on cayennes with gasoline engine
- Power train · Unknown or other
Transmission transfer case issues immediately after acceleration between 3RD and 4TH gear. Vehicle stumbles while attempting to turn left from a standstill, known issue in the porsche community, my issue first started at 68K miles, got the transfer case replaced, now same issue with the transfer…
Transmission transfer case issues immediately after acceleration between 3RD and 4TH gear. Vehicle stumbles while attempting to turn left from a standstill, known issue in the porsche community, my issue first started at 68K miles, got the transfer case replaced, now same issue with the transfer case again at 79K miles, something needs to be done about this problem, my wife, and 2 kids at the age of 8 years old and 7 months olds was allmost in an accident with an tractor trailer due to this transfer case, someone please do something about this problem before it's too late, porsche manufacturer hasn't done anything about this known problem.
- Power train
Failure of transfer case at 51,000 miles and again at 78,000 miles. Porsche acknowledges problem nationwide but will not cover repair. Vehicle shutters/stutters and does not shift into gears (4 to 5). this failure IS described countless number of times on the internet in various forums. Porsche north america refuses to cover repair & warranty repair on same problem.
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
- 11007088Instructions on advanced technical information for various vehicles - engine start inhibited and fault code present
- 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
Every Porsche Cayenne model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.