Is the 2004 Porsche Cayenne S reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Porsche Cayenne S?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 Porsche Cayenne S have?

9 recalls on file for this model year.

2004 Porsche Cayenne S

○ Not enough data

2004 Porsche Cayenne S
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:51:21.979Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 48
Recalls: 9
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

2004: 48 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2003	4
2004	48
2005	10
2006	13
2007	1
2008	5
2009	0
2011	17
2012	6
2013	0
2014	0
2015	0
2019	0
2020	1
2021	0
2024	0

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

31% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) and driveshaft.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Porsche Cayenne S. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to respond when contact attempted to accelerate. The vehicle accelerated at once and jolted rapidly.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-26

Coolant level appears low all the sudden and pipes r leaking.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-10

Engine and engine cooling

23% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing cooling system and engine.

Fuel/propulsion system

15% · 7 reports

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Porsche Cayenne S. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 17V576000 (Fuel system); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-07

There is an open recall (NHTSA recall number 17V-576) for the fuel flange on my vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-29

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Porsche Cayenne S. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an unrelated repair.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-11-02

Electrical system

15% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing wiring.

Engine

13% · 6 reports

Show complaint excerpts

Porsche announced their "Campaign" (Recall) on November 14, 2017. I have called several Porsche dealers since that time, and the parts for this recall are not available.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-02

Safety timeline

9 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2003-12-22Equipment03V351000 On certain sport utility vehicles, the affected vehicles may be missing the gross vehicle weight rating (Gvwr) and gross axle weight ratings (Gawr) on the certification label as required by part…

Remedy: Dealers will apply the corrected label. Owner notification began on December 22, 2003. Owners should contact Porsche at 1-800-545-8039.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2004-03-29Electrical system04V069000 On certain sport utility vehicles, the main wiring harness was incorrectly routed. Damage to the main wiring harness can lead to the failure of various electrical systems.

Remedy: Dealers will re-route the wiring harness. Owner notification schedule began on March 29, 2004. Owners should contact Porsche at 1-800-545-8039.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2004-03-29Seats04V072000 On certain sport utility vehicles, the driver's side seat frames were not adequately welded.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's side seat frame. Owner notification began on March 29, 2004. Owners should contact Porsche at 1-800-545-8039.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2004-05-03Power train04V071000 Certain sport utility vehicles may have had a transfer case installed that could, due to changes in the housing casting, result in the oil pump rotation. Should this occur, oil starvation of the…

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transfer case housing and, if necessary, replace the transfer case. Owner notification began on May 3, 2004. Owners should contact Porsche at 1-800-545-8039.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2004-06-01Seat belts04V231000 On certain passenger vehicles, the rear seat belt latch attachment bolt is insufficient riveted.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the belt buckle latch and, if necessary, replace the latch. Owner notification began on June 1, 2004. Owners should contact Porsche at 1-800-545-8039.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2005-05-17Seat belts04V593000 Certain passenger cars fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant crash protection." All three rear seat positions and the front passenger…

Remedy: Dealers will permanently install a clip in either of the affected rear outboard seat belts and provide an owner's manual insert. The clips will prevent unwarranted conversion from alr to elr mode…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2005-11-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 2006-03-15 SRS warning light illumination
I
2006-03-15Engineering analysisClosed 2007-03-12 SRS warning light illumination
R

2018-07-06Fuel system, gasoline17V576000 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo vehicles, 2004-2006 Cayenne vehicles, and 2006 Cayenne S "Titanium" Edition vehicles.

Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter flanges with new filter flanges that have a protective film, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2018. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-08-09Power train19V446000 Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2022-10-28Exterior lighting22V656000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2004 Porsche Cayenne S — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 15 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 11 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 03V351000 · Equipment
Recall 04V069000 · Electrical system
Recall 04V072000 · Seats
Recall 04V071000 · Power train
Recall 04V231000 · Seat belts
Recall 04V593000 · Seat belts
Recall 17V576000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 19V446000 · Power train
Recall 22V656000 · Exterior lighting

FAQ

Is the 2004 Porsche Cayenne S reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Porsche Cayenne S?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Porsche Cayenne S have?: 9 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.