2012 Porsche Cayenne S: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 7 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train.
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 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“When driving car, it feels rough and is hard to accelerate so I took it to the dealer and was told it was the transfer case. The transfer case seems to be a manufacture problem and is common among these cars. It's unsafe and almost impossible to drive on the highway .”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2019
“The transfer case has gone out for the 4th time since if went over 50k, at low speeds its clunky and drags and bumpy when trying to accelerate. I found other individuals having the same problem mutli times as myself and this is not cheap to fix. The dealer knows this is a problem but will not help with cost”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2019
“This vehicle suffers unknown hybrid system failure. It caused the vehicle to lose power abruptly while in motion on the highway or on a city street without any prior warning. The vehicle could not travel more than 20 miles on automatic; unless it is switched to manual shift gear. This vehicle had submitted to the dealer for diagnosis and conclusion was made as this was caused by the battery failure. However, within three weeks after repair; the hybrid system failed again. The technician then re-determined the cause as a) faulty high power voltage line and compressor, and b) replace high voltage line and compressor.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2018
Show 1 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 porsche cayenne s. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v368000 (engine). The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. *tt”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cayenne S Hybrid, and 2012 Panamera S Hybrid vehicles manufactured April 26, 2011, to August 2, 2012. The fuel injection system may leak.
Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails, free of charge. The recall began on April 17, 2015. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243.
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 COME LOOSE AND DETACH FROM THE FENDER.
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.
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 2012 Porsche Cayenne S reliable?
NHTSA has 7 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 Porsche Cayenne S. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 2012 Porsche Cayenne S have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline. 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.