2021 Porsche Cayenne
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 PER YEAR
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 | 13 |
| 2016 | 38 |
| 2017 | 15 |
| 2018 | 13 |
| 2019 | 39 |
| 2020 | 20 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 17 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 17 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
Much like thousands of Cayenne drivers, I am constantly let down by an ongoing issue with Adaptive Cruise Control failures with an error message that reads, âAdaptive Cruise Control unavailable.â THIS MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IF NOT...
NHTSA ODI report, 20240608
I was driving the auto and parked in my garage without any indication of a fault.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230908
3 of 17 total reports mention: air bags.
2 of 17 total reports mention: steering.
2 of 17 total reports mention: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
When the vehicle is decelerating and the transmission is in gear 2 the vehicle will lurch forward interfering/fighting with the normal operation of the brakes. This consistently happens when braking to a stop.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210916
2 of 17 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
When the vehicle is decelerating and the transmission is in gear 2 the vehicle will lurch forward interfering/fighting with the normal operation of the brakes. This consistently happens when braking to a stop.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210916
SAFETY TIMELINE
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne GTS, Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne S Coupe, Cayenne Turbo Coupe, and Cayenne GTS Coupe vehicles.
Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lock nuts, free of charge. The recall began on June 18, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMA9.
Campaign 21V271000 — check if this car was fixed
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Cayenne GTS, Cayenne GTS Coupe, 2020-2021 Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne S Coupe, Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will install a heating element, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMB0.
Campaign 21V318000 — check if this car was fixed
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Cayenne vehicles. The screw connection between the steering column and steering box may fail, which can result in a detached steering column.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new screw, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMB4.
Campaign 21V493000 — check if this car was fixed
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cayenne vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-271 (AMA9) were performed.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 10, 2022.
Campaign 22V040000 — check if this car was fixed
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2019-2025 Cayenne, Cayenne E-Hybrid, 2020-2025 911, Taycan, 2024-2025 Panamera, and 2025 Panamera E-Hybrid vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will update the driver assistance software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2026. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ASB2.
Campaign 25V896000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Porsche Cayenne — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V271000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V318000 (air bags, seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V493000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V040000 (suspension, tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V896000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 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 2021 Porsche Cayenne?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Porsche Cayenne have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.