2012 Porsche Cayenne S
Only 6 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 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2012
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2012: 6 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 6 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
5 of 6 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
When driving car, it feels rough and is hard to accelerate so I took it to the dealer and was told it was the transfer case. The transfer case seems to be a manufacture problem and is common among these cars.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-03-01
Faulty transfer case the car had a bumpy and violent shudder at slow speeds when attempting to accelerate. Feels like misfiring and then grinding and the car does not respond to the accelerator.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-03
Engine
1 of 6 total reports mentions: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Porsche Cayenne S. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V368000 (Engine). The parts to do the repair were unavailable.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-13
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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.
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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
2012 Porsche Cayenne S — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 12V065000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 22V656000 · Exterior lighting
FAQ
- Is the 2012 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 2012 Porsche Cayenne S?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 83% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Porsche Cayenne S have?
- 2 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.