2005 Porsche Cayenne S: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 10 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling; the 2003 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2022
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The engine has plastic coolant pipes between the front and back of the engine. They failed and dumped all the coolant out while on the road. Car was disabled and had to be towed. After researching, it's concluded that this is a very common failure in cayennes with a v8 engine at about 60000 miles. Mine had 61000. This is a safety concern. The car can be disabled at anytime. Also, the repair is very costly, exceeding 3000 usd for parts and labor.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2016
“In a parking lot traveling at 7 mph approx, applied the brakes and the psm (stability management) lights and buzzers came on. Lost all brakes on the car and could not stop. Pumped the brakes and still no stopping capability. Had to hit a pole to avoid pedestrians and other cars. Dealer diagnosed the cause as a yaw sensor failure which they say controlled the ABS. Mechanical brakes systems were operational after crash. Crash damage was not extensive, at approx 8-10 mph. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 porsche cayenne s. The contact stated that the radiator pipe was fractured, causing anti freeze to leak from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the original hose lines were replaced with metal lines due to corrosion. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, did not offer any assistance. The current mileage was 75,000 and the approximate failure mileage was 74,800.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2011
Show 3 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 porsche cayenne s. The contact stated that instrument panel was failing and the turn signals and speedomitor were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they told the contact that the entire instrument panel would need to be removed to replace a microchip at a cost of $2000. The failure mileage was 76,621 and the current mileage is 76,668. Updated 09/07/11”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2011
“I was driving a porsche cayenne s today on highway at 65mph. The car unexpectedly slowed down by around 20 miles for about 10 seconds. 5 minutes later, same problem occurred again and then the engine stalled, and the steering wheel locked. It is very dangerous to stall on highway, without too much control on steering wheel. The dealer said they could not find the problem. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2008
“The vehicle stalled while accelerating from a stop then lunges forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who indicated that this is the way the vehicle was designed. *ak *nm”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Mar 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo vehicles, 2004-2006 Cayenne vehicles, and 2006 Cayenne S "Titanium" Edition vehicles. These gasoline-powered vehicles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter flanges with new filter flanges that have a protective film, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2018. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AH10.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, 2004-2010 Cayenne, 2006 Cayenne Turbo S, 2010-2016 Panamera S, Panamera 4 S, Panamera Turbo, 2011-2016 Panamera, Panamera 4, 2012-2013 Panamera Turbo S, 2013-2016 Panamera 4 GTS, 2014-2016 Panamera 4 S Executive, Panamera Turbo Executive, Panamera Turbo S G1 II, Panamera Turbo S Executive, 2013 Panamera 4 Platinum Edition, Panamera Platinum Edition, 2016 Panamera 4 Edition, Panamera Edition, Panamera Turbo S Executive Luxury Sports vehicles. The bushing that attaches the gear selector lever to the gearbox may degrade over time, causing the bushing to detach. This condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. Owners are instructed to use the parking brake until their vehicle is repaired. The recall began August 9, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKB1.
CERTAIN PASSENGER CARS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." ALL THREE REAR SEAT POSITIONS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER POSITION ARE EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELT RETRACTORS THAT HAVE A LOCKING FEATURE WHICH CONVERTS THE RETRACTOR FROM AN EMERGENCY LOCKING RETRACTOR (ELR) MODE TO AN AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR (ALR) MODE FOR THE PURPOSES OF CHILD RESTRAINT INSTALLATION. THE BELT MAY DEACTIVATE THE ALR MODE WITH CERTAIN CHILD RESTRAINTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY INSTALL A CLIP IN EITHER OF THE AFFECTED REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELTS AND PROVIDE AN OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT. THE CLIPS WILL PREVENT UNWARRANTED CONVERSION FROM ALR TO ELR MODE WITH CHILD SEAT INSTALLATION. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 17, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-545-8039.
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. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all affected models and model years. The caps that cover the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws are missing, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
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. Porsche's number for this recall is ANB4.
How other years compare
Check your exact Cayenne S by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Porsche Cayenne S reliable?
NHTSA has 10 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 Porsche Cayenne S. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 2005 Porsche Cayenne S have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.