2011 Porsche Cayenne S
Only 17 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 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 17
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2011
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2011: 17 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
Only 17 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine
12 of 17 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
I was pulling forward on a level city street and turning left from a stop sign. There was a significant amount of shuddering and feeling of a loss of power. This was a significant safety issue due to oncoming traffic.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-04
Also filed under Power train
Engine stalled while driving. Car taken to Porsche dealership where they determined the camshaft controller needed to be replaced as it was broken. Paid $4000 in repairs in 2016.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-26
While driving on the road in a remote national park, the tubing that returns coolant to the engine block from the radiator on my 2011 Porsche Cayenne S completely blew apart.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-09-08
Power train
3 of 17 total reports mention: power train.
Service brakes
2 of 17 total reports mention: service brakes.
Visibility
1 of 17 total reports mentions: visibility.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Porsche Cayenne S. The contact stated that an extreme glare was reflecting from the dashboard onto the windshield, obstructing his vision.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-07-21
Exterior lighting
1 of 17 total reports mentions: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2011 Porsche Cayenne S. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights failed to illuminate properly. The contact stated that there was water intrusion in the headlight housings.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-04-23
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2012-03-09Exterior lighting12V065000 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…
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.
-
R
2018-01-12Engine17V368000 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2010-2012 Panamera S, Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo vehicles, 2011-2012 Panamera and Panamera 4 vehicles, and 2011 Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo vehicles.
Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fastening screws for the camshaft adjusters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 12, 2018. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy is available.
-
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2011 Porsche Cayenne S — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 12V065000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 17V368000 · Engine
- Recall 22V656000 · Exterior lighting
FAQ
- Is the 2011 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 2011 Porsche Cayenne S?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 71% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2011 Porsche Cayenne S have?
- 3 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.