2006 Porsche Cayenne S: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 13 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
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 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 porsche cayenne s. The contact stated the insulation for the wires on the headlights were worn out resulting in the loss of headlight functionality. The contact stated that check headlight and check turn signal lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 173,000.*dt consumer stated evidently, the insulation was compounded from a vegetable source (soy) not very durable. The insulation on the headlight wiring harnesses were crumbling. The headlights high and low beam, parking lights and turn signals were intermittent.*jb”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jan 2021
“Insulation on the wiring inside the head lights and wiring on the harnesses feeding the head lights & turn signal lights deteriorates and crumbles. This leads to shorting of wires and head light & turn signal failing. Additionally the connectors on the head lights & harnesses corrode leading to headlight/turn-signal failure. This can occur at anytime, driving when starting, stationary, or turning.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Oct 2018
“NHTSA recall no.: 17v-576; porsche safety recall ah10. The recall notification was received 12/17 and I have spoken to my porsche dealership 3 times since. The porsche dealership has not received the filter flange replacement parts from the manufacturer and has no idea when they will be received.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2018
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“I called the phone the dealer and they said they have zero information on this issue. Please advise. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).' *pm”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2018
“The dealer sold the vehicle knowing coolant pipes were not updated. Just had the vehicle serviced in april had to pay for maintenance that should have been done before purchase. Then 1 june the warning light came on "check coolant level low". Then the warning light came on "engine too hot". I was forced to pay for repairs when the mechanic received a bulletin from porsche about the problem. Contacted porsche and they stated the dealer brumos porsche should not have sold the car without updating the coolant pipes. I still had to pay over $2,000 dollars. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2012
“The coolant pipes failed on a recent road trip due to the pipes cracking. I lost all of my coolant and overheated my engine. This seems to be a common theme amongst 2004-2006 cayenne models as there is currently a class action lawsuit pending. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2011
“Auto dealer misrepresented the condition of the tires on a car I bought. The tires had to be replaced because they were unsafe. The tires were replaced immediately. Are auto dealers allowed to misrepresent something so obvious as a unsafe tire. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Apr 2009
“2006 porsche cayenne. Consumer states coolant leak and problem with having the vehicle serviced *tgw the consumer was informed by his mechanic that he needed to take the vehicle to a dealer, because a technical service bulletin had been issued for the problem. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the problem was confirmed. However, porsche only offered to cover the cost of the parts. The consumer learned the original coolant pipes were made of plastic. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 1901
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 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.
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.
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Is the 2006 Porsche Cayenne S reliable?
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2006 Porsche Cayenne S. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 2006 Porsche Cayenne S have open recalls?
3 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.