2016 Porsche Cayenne
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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.
- Complaints
- 40
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2016
Opened by NHTSA
28% of complaints
Complaints per year
2016: 40 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
28% · 11 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Porsche dashboard leather shrunk. Safety hazard for airbag not deploying properly. This is a common issue reported.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-13
Power train
18% · 7 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Vibration from vehicle causes ear damage to occupants, whether vehicle is stationary or moving.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-05-22
Also filed under Engine
While driving vehicle, noticed some slippage/clunking when turning. Took vehicle to Porsche dealer, they said transfer case needed to be replaced. Car has 12,600 original miles on it.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-26
Exterior lighting
15% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing headlights.
Fuel/propulsion system
13% · 5 reportsShow complaint excerpts
car had a smell of gas diesel fumes inside cabin from air conditioning system. number of oil leaks over the years as well. now car at dealer for repair over 10 month. not fixed yet.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-07
Also filed under Engine
Engine
13% · 5 reportsSafety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
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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I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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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
2016 Porsche Cayenne — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 6 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V169000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 22V656000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →Worst years1 year
FAQ
- Is the 2016 Porsche Cayenne reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Porsche Cayenne is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Porsche Cayenne?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Porsche Cayenne 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.