2021 Porsche Cayenne
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2021 Porsche Cayenne. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2021 Porsche Cayenne. Newest first.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2019-2025 Cayenne, Cayenne E-Hybrid, 2020-2025 911, Taycan, 2024-2025 Panamera, and 2025 Panamera E-Hybrid vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the driver assistance software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2026. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ASB2. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 19, 2026.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cayenne vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-271 (AMA9) were performed.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 10, 2022. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ANA1.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Cayenne vehicles. The screw connection between the steering column and steering box may fail, which can result in a detached steering column.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A detached steering column can cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new screw, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMB4.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Cayenne GTS, Cayenne GTS Coupe, 2020-2021 Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne S Coupe, Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe vehicles. The passenger seat back heating element was not installed and may impact the calibration of the Occupant Classification System.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The front passenger air bag may fail to deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will install a heating element, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMB0.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne GTS, Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne S Coupe, Cayenne Turbo Coupe, and Cayenne GTS Coupe vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lock nuts, free of charge. The recall began on June 18, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMA9.
Owner complaints
21 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
On my 2021 Porsche Cayenne Base, which is equipped with the 3.0L V6 EA839 engine, I brought the vehicle to the dealership for a recall service. During inspection, the dealership found a leaking water pump and quoted $8,500 for repairs. There were no visible signs of a coolant leak on the ground…
On my 2021 Porsche Cayenne Base, which is equipped with the 3.0L V6 EA839 engine, I brought the vehicle to the dealership for a recall service. During inspection, the dealership found a leaking water pump and quoted $8,500 for repairs. There were no visible signs of a coolant leak on the ground, indicating an internal seal failure. My independent technician confirmed that coolant is leaking internally into the vacuum system. This EA839 engine architecture is shared across multiple Volkswagen Group models, including Audi A6, A7, A8, Q7, and Q8, where this water pump internal leak is a known, widespread manufacturer defect that has already triggered class action lawsuits.
- Seat belts
The contact owns a 2021 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front driver's side seat belt independently tightened and loosened. The emergency light illuminated, and a seat belt warning chime sounded continuously. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer…
The contact owns a 2021 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front driver's side seat belt independently tightened and loosened. The emergency light illuminated, and a seat belt warning chime sounded continuously. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the seat belt assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the local dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
- Air bags · Unknown or other
Over approximately the past month, the leather covering on the dashboard of my 2021 Porsche Cayenne has rapidly begun lifting, buckling, and separating across a substantial portion of the dashboard. The deformation has become increasingly pronounced in a short period of time despite normal use and…
Over approximately the past month, the leather covering on the dashboard of my 2021 Porsche Cayenne has rapidly begun lifting, buckling, and separating across a substantial portion of the dashboard. The deformation has become increasingly pronounced in a short period of time despite normal use and careful maintenance of the vehicle. I am concerned that this may present a safety issue because the passenger airbag deploys through the dashboard area. The dashboard material is visibly distorted and separating, and I am concerned that this deformation could potentially interfere with the intended deployment path or performance of the passenger airbag in a collision. This does not appear to be normal cosmetic wear. The affected area is not routinely touched or subjected to ordinary wear, and the condition developed quickly on a relatively recent vehicle. I have also found reports from other owners of similar Porsche Cayenne model years describing comparable dashboard leather lifting, bubbling, warping, or delamination. Because of the location of the defect and the potential relationship to the passenger-airbag deployment area, I am requesting that NHTSA review this condition as a possible safety-related defect. I have contacted Porsche Cars North America regarding the issue and am seeking inspection and repair through an authorized Porsche dealer.
- Electrical system
Battery completely discharged and the safety switch in the battery malfunctions and battery can not be charged again. There are many complaints seen online about the battery problems Porsche has. This strands the car and me the driver. The dealer and independent mechanics said the same. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure.
- Forward collision avoidance › Adaptive cruise control · Steering
Vehicle Information: 2021 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid (VIN: [XXX]) Description of Defect: While operating the vehicle, the steering column bolt physically backed out and detached, causing an immediate, complete loss of steering control. This exact mechanical failure mirrors NHTSA Safety Recall…
Vehicle Information: 2021 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid (VIN: [XXX]) Description of Defect: While operating the vehicle, the steering column bolt physically backed out and detached, causing an immediate, complete loss of steering control. This exact mechanical failure mirrors NHTSA Safety Recall 21V-493 (Porsche Campaign AMB4), which addressed loose, under-torqued steering column bolts leaving the factory. My specific VIN was excluded from the narrow initial recall population, proving a factory tracking failure by the manufacturer. The authorized Porsche dealership confirmed the failure stating the bolt backed out due to "vibrations." A vital steering bolt backing out under normal road vibrations on a 2021 luxury vehicle is a severe manufacturing defect and a life-threatening public safety hazard. Injuries/Crash: No Fire: No Speed at incident: 25 mph INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Electrical system · Visibility/wiper
Instrument cluster anti-glare film or delamination on center and left instrument cluster. The film is wearing away in certain irregular sport and shapes. The overall wear is impacting the visibility to the center cluster under certain conditions leading to obscure visibility to important…
Instrument cluster anti-glare film or delamination on center and left instrument cluster. The film is wearing away in certain irregular sport and shapes. The overall wear is impacting the visibility to the center cluster under certain conditions leading to obscure visibility to important information, including vehicle speed or other warning light. It has been raised to the dealer, then to Porsche NA, but the dealer has stated they (Porsche NA) will not cover the repair, even though the vehicle is under a CPO warranty. This first started appearing this year and has gotten worse over time. No unusual cleaning, harsh chemicals or other abrasive object were used. The nature of film is slick issue is inconsistent with this and does not appear on other parts of the user interface - just the more important ones. Porsche NA initially blamed the dealership, and then later denied my claim and now escalating.
- Back over prevention
The contact owns a 2021 Porsche Cayenne. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V896000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rearview camera failed to display a clear image on…
The contact owns a 2021 Porsche Cayenne. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V896000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rearview camera failed to display a clear image on the screen. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the rear vehicle detection sensor failed to alert the driver of a nearby vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
- Electrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2021 Porsche Cayenne. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase on 5/29/25, the mileage was 21,000. The contact had taken the vehicle to another dealer for other repairs, and the dealer…
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2021 Porsche Cayenne. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase on 5/29/25, the mileage was 21,000. The contact had taken the vehicle to another dealer for other repairs, and the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was flagged for Odometer Fraud, and the actual mileage was 90,000. The dealer found an odometer tampering device still located on the vehicle, but deactivated the device. The contact called the State Attorney General's Office for New Jersey.
- Air bags
I am reporting a safety defect with my 2021 Porsche Cayenne GTS. The leather dashboard is delaminating and lifting away from its underlying structure. This defect is concerning because: The delamination is occurring on the drivers side but will eventually expand in the area covering the…
I am reporting a safety defect with my 2021 Porsche Cayenne GTS. The leather dashboard is delaminating and lifting away from its underlying structure. This defect is concerning because: The delamination is occurring on the drivers side but will eventually expand in the area covering the passenger-side airbag. If the airbag deploys, the raised/lifted dashboard material may interfere with or obstruct proper deployment, posing a serious risk to passenger safety. Porsche Cars North America (PNA) has been notified, but they classify this issue as “cosmetic” and refuse to repair it voluntarily under warranty or goodwill. Furthermore, The issue was not disclosed by the dealer at purchase. I have consulted two Porsche dealerships, both of which confirmed Porsche considers this a cosmetic defect not covered by the Certified Pre Owned warranty. However, given the location and potential interaction with the airbag system, I strongly believe this constitutes a safety-related defect that requires investigation. Online forums show this is a common issue across many models made by Porsche during this time but specifically SUV's. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue to determine whether the delaminating dashboards in Porsche Cayenne models create a safety hazard that requires a recall and mandatory repair.
- Air bags · Unknown or other
Dashboard leather is separating and was told this could affect the airbag deployment in the case of an accident. Porsche dealership is asking 10k outside of warranty to replace the dash. If it was just cosmetic I could deal with it, but now that it is a safety concern for my passenger I feel forced…
Dashboard leather is separating and was told this could affect the airbag deployment in the case of an accident. Porsche dealership is asking 10k outside of warranty to replace the dash. If it was just cosmetic I could deal with it, but now that it is a safety concern for my passenger I feel forced to overspend. Even a reduced amount would help but a whole dash replacement sounds excessive to make sure the leather is not obstructing the airbag.
- Electrical system · Forward collision avoidance › Adaptive cruise control
Much like thousands of Cayenne drivers, I am constantly let down by an ongoing issue with Adaptive Cruise Control failures with an error message that reads, “Adaptive Cruise Control unavailable.” THIS MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IF NOT REPAIRED AS VEHICULAR COLLISION RATES INCREASE…
Much like thousands of Cayenne drivers, I am constantly let down by an ongoing issue with Adaptive Cruise Control failures with an error message that reads, “Adaptive Cruise Control unavailable.” THIS MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IF NOT REPAIRED AS VEHICULAR COLLISION RATES INCREASE DRAMATICALLY TO NO AVAIL. Porsche dealers are notoriously recalcitrant about taking adequate responsibility for these failures. The cost of repairing Porsche’s poor craftsmanship is either prohibitive or they are disinterested in repairing these problems within an acceptable timeframe. It is long past due for the Federal government to intervene and compel Porsche to recall and repair their Adaptive Cruise Control failures. I had my cameras recalibrated three (3) times in three (3) weeks and yet the problem persists without meaningful redress. HELP!
- Electrical system
I was driving the auto and parked in my garage without any indication of a fault. I attempted to start the car about 30 minutes later and the car would not start and gave an error message that said "change driver" I tried both keys and neither would allow the car to be started. There was no…
I was driving the auto and parked in my garage without any indication of a fault. I attempted to start the car about 30 minutes later and the car would not start and gave an error message that said "change driver" I tried both keys and neither would allow the car to be started. There was no starter noise indicating a weak battery. I had to have the car towed to the dealer after the tow company found a way to unlock the drive shaft with a key that is part of the car service tools. I could not move the car if I had stopped on a roadside. The dealer had never seen this issue before. The car was in the shop for a week to correct the fault from March 23 to March 31. The dealer claimed it was a software fault. There were no warning indicators or messages that something was wrong with any component or system.
- Electrical system · Engine
Problem with the hybrid system and the engine control system. Unit changed automatically and unexpectedly from battery power mode to engine power mode when on battery power mode only. This change is not supposed to happen. This failure happened when starting the unit, put on drive and starting…
Problem with the hybrid system and the engine control system. Unit changed automatically and unexpectedly from battery power mode to engine power mode when on battery power mode only. This change is not supposed to happen. This failure happened when starting the unit, put on drive and starting to move forward. This failure caused the unit to charge forward with more power unexpectedly. Causing almost to collide. At the time of the failure “engine control system” warning and “e power not available” warning lid up. The unit has been for service for 10 times with the same warnings powering up. At this time the unit has been on service for almost four month.
- Air bags
The car is notifying me that the drivers airbag is not working. the message that appears is: “Airbag system error, please visit workshop”
- Unknown or other
othe car's tach increase several hundred RPM as the computer tries to match revs when downshifting from 3rd to 2nd gear in Normal Mode and 2nd to 1st gear in Sport Mode.. When that happens, the car lurches forward. owhat seems to be happening is the engine is over-revving while disengaged from a gear on shifts from 3rd to 2nd and even more so on 2nd to 1st causing a lurch forward when the lower gear engages
- Steering
The contact owns a 2021 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop, the steering wheel felt loose. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the tie rod bolt, track bolt, and hexagon head bolt needed to…
The contact owns a 2021 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop, the steering wheel felt loose. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the tie rod bolt, track bolt, and hexagon head bolt needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted and the steering wheel was making abnormal sounds. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer - Porsche South Shore (185 W Sunrise Hwy, Freeport, NY 11520) who test drove the vehicle but could not determine the cause of the abnormal sounds. An unknown part was replaced. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving and she could not control the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the second dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 750.
- Engine · Power train
While coming to a stop the vehicle lurches around 1200 rpms as the rpms are falling. The vehicle appears to already be in 1st gear when this happens. This can be replicated in all driving modes. observation: when braking or even when coasting to a stop the vehicle will slow down rapidly, as if the…
While coming to a stop the vehicle lurches around 1200 rpms as the rpms are falling. The vehicle appears to already be in 1st gear when this happens. This can be replicated in all driving modes. observation: when braking or even when coasting to a stop the vehicle will slow down rapidly, as if the brakes are being tapped hard (the brake pressure is constant and occurs even when not braking) for a brief second and then release causing a lurching motion. This lurching motion is enough to concern while driving as a possible loss of traction. it feels as if the car is engine braking. This issue puts the driver, passengers, and other vehicles at a safety risk. I have had passengers state that it gives them motion sickness. I have reported this to the dealer and they had the car twice. The second time was for a substantial amount of time. The dealer is on record stating that they can recreate it, observe it, but have not been able to fix it. they have reset the software on several systems including the transmission. there are no third party devices on the car, the car is stock, there are no warning lights.This has been the case since day one of having the car (brand new).
- Service brakes
when decelerating and car is in gear 2 it lurches the car forward while braking, basically fighting the attempt to slow the car down. I attribute this to aggressive downshifting, but is a safety issue because the operator then needs to compensate by pressing down on the brake pedal harder to stop the car. This has happened inconsistently when driving, but occurs more frequently than not.
- Unknown or other
On my Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid model, the check engine light came on at less than 1000 miles. Porsche does not know why this happens but I've heard them claim that it's a software problem that has to do with how the car communicates with the charging system. Based on my research, there has been…
On my Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid model, the check engine light came on at less than 1000 miles. Porsche does not know why this happens but I've heard them claim that it's a software problem that has to do with how the car communicates with the charging system. Based on my research, there has been many other owners of the same vehicle with this problem. My vehicle has been in the shop for well over 30 days and Porsche still doesn't know what to do.
- Power train · Service brakes
When the vehicle is decelerating and the transmission is in gear 2 the vehicle will lurch forward interfering/fighting with the normal operation of the brakes. This consistently happens when braking to a stop. The vehicle has 260 miles and I have driven it perhaps 4 - 5 times for a total of 30 miles. This is demo vehicle bought from a Porsche dealership and under full warranty.
- Unknown or other
Check engine light thrown intermittently and dealer is unable to reproduce issue. Multiple incidents of the same issue by other owners. https://rennlist.com/forums/cayenne-9y0-2019/1248120-grr-cel-code-654-miles-on-new-21-cayenne.html Pattern is the same. Take delivery of new car, get CEL <1000 miles, take to the dealer and dealer is unable to permanently fix or reproduce.
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.
- 11011674Technical information for Fuel Gauge Fault Service NecessaryWarningMessage in Instrument Cluster: Re-Coding Control Unit for Rear-End Electronics
- 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.
- 11011179Technical information for Warranty Information: Carbon Roof Warranty Extension
- 11009908Instructions on advanced technical information for the Porsche mobile charger plus supply cable initialization failure
- 11009889Special tools and equipment information for the thatcham master wheel lock key set. All Porsche 2024 & UP equipped with Thatcham locks
- 11009882Instructions on advanced technical information for the mobile phone inductive charger information
- 11009877Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.048
- 11009872Technical information for WPK9 - check crankcase ventilation plug connection
- 11009862Special tools and equipment information for the mobile data signal strength in the workshop
- 11008685Information on a air separator membrane failure
- 11008672Manufacturers certificate with an overview on approved Porsche C30 engine oils. See attached for list of affected vehicles.
- 11008669Manufacturers certificate with an overview on approved Porsche C20 engine oils. See attached for list of affected vehicles.
- 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
- 11007110Instructions on advanced technical information for the Cayenne surround camera
- 11007107Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the wire set - 976971227 & 976971227A
- 11007096Information on PIWIS tester update 42.900.030
Every Porsche Cayenne model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.