2012 Porsche Cayenne
Only 27 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 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 27
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2012
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2012: 27 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 2 |
| 2004 | 38 |
| 2005 | 32 |
| 2006 | 41 |
| 2008 | 27 |
| 2009 | 15 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 30 |
| 2012 | 27 |
| 2013 | 40 |
| 2014 | 53 |
| 2015 | 14 |
| 2016 | 40 |
| 2017 | 17 |
| 2018 | 13 |
| 2019 | 47 |
| 2020 | 24 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Known problem areas
Only 27 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
12 of 27 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
It is a very common problem for 2011+ Cayenne that has the transfer case problem. The car won't accelerate smoothly during 1-2 gear and 3-4-5 gear. It is very dangerous while trying to merge on the freeway.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-02
Car had a skipping feeling when driving especially when turning. Vehicle has only 20,000 miles and transfer box has to be replaced. They charged me 4660.47 for the replacement claiming the five year warranty expired.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-25
Engine
4 of 27 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Porsche Cayenne. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V368000 (Engine). The part to do the recall repair was unavailable.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-11
The engine of my Porsche Cayenne Turbo was shut off completely while turning left on a two-lane highway. The opposite car had to veered off to avoid collision. The car kept moving forward until it hit the curb.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-03
Electrical system
3 of 27 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing speedometer/odometer.
Show complaint excerpts
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Porsche Cayenne. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale from Facebook Market Place.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-07
Seats
2 of 27 total reports mention: seats.
Show complaint excerpts
I recently purchased Porsche Cayenne S 2012 and I'm happy about the SUV but the comfort entry feature does not work all the time so I took it to the dealer and dealer also acknowledged the problem but didn't offer any solution.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-02-27
Also filed under Equipment adaptive/mobility
Visibility
1 of 27 total reports mentions: visibility.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that he noticed an abnormal glare from the windshield while entering a residential garage. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-09-03
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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.
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2012-09-19Engine and engine cooling12V329000 Porsche is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Panamera Turbo, 2012 Panamera Turbo S, and 2012 Cayenne Turbo vehicles. The turbine wheel of a turbocharger may fracture due to a casting defect.…
Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the turbine wheels, free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2012. Owners may contact Porsche at 1-800-767-7243.
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2016-07-08Service brakes, hydraulic16V169000 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Cayenne vehicles manufactured April 28, 2010, to January 11, 2016.
Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly circlip, installing any missing circlips, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact Porsche customer service 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 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 12V065000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 12V329000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 16V169000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 22V656000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →Worst years1 year
FAQ
- Is the 2012 Porsche Cayenne 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?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Porsche Cayenne have?
- 4 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.