2008 Porsche Cayenne S
Only 5 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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
Only 5 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 5 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PORSCHE CAYENNE S. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180914
COOLANT DISTRIBUTOR BOLTED TO THE BACK OF ENGINE BLOCK HAS A GLUED -IN PIPE THAT CONNECTS TO A HOSE. THE GLUED-IN PIPE IS LEAKING AND HALF WAY PUSHED OUT OF THE DISTRIBUTOR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180122
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. ACCELERATING AS I WAS MERGING INTO THE HIGHWAY. I SAW SMOKE COMING OUT THE BACK. CHECK COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN I STOPPED I SAW COOLANT EVERYWHERE UNDERNEATH THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20161019
1 of 5 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
ON MY 2008 PORSCHE CAYENNE S ( PURCHASED IN MARCH 2007) I HAVE AT LEAST 3 TIMES EXPERIENCED A INCORRECT DOWNSHIFT INITIATED BY THE AUTOMOBILE IN ALL CASES THE CAR/COMPUTER OBVIOUSLY WANTED TO SHIFT DOWN TO A LOWER GEAR ( GOING UP A STEEP HILL AT...
NHTSA ODI report, 20100224
1 of 5 total reports mentions: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PORSCHE CAYENNE S. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180914
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 22V656000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Porsche Cayenne S — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 22V656000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2008 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 2008 Porsche Cayenne S?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 80% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Porsche Cayenne S have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.