2005 Porsche Cayenne: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 32 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is fuel/propulsion system (29% of complaints).
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 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2005 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that fuel was leaking from the vehicle. There was an abnormal fuel odor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V576000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact replaced the fuel filter and repaired the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that parts were on back order. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 157,290.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 2025
“The transmission has quite a bit of slop or play when placing it in park. I do not believe it could be parked safely in a residential driveway. Tranny knocks a little in low gears.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2023
“The contact owns a 2005 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle with the engine running, the vehicle shut off. The vehicle hesitated while restarting. The contact detected fuel leaking from the vehicle. The check engine and oil light warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2021
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 porsche cayenne. The contact stated that all four door latches failed to open from outside and inside the vehicle. The contact called porsche orlando (9590 us-17, maitland, fl 32751, (407) 680-0785) and was informed that there would be a fee to repair each door. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided case number: 5557958. The approximate failure mileage was 162,160.”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Sep 2019
“I called 3 times to have my recall remedied and porsche denied me each time but your website says I have an open recall, they told me it is because the recall wasn't that important”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2019
“I noticed a recall on your site for my VIN # but I have not been reached by porsche to fix. I'm unsure if this has been the culprit of my check engine light and airbag light being illuminated on my dash.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 porsche cayenne. While driving approximately 35 mph, the contact heard an abnormal clanking noise underneath the vehicle. The contact drove to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the driveshaft was detached and split in half and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000. *dt driveshaft failed and replaced twice 11/05/12 at 69,400 miles and 9/3/18 at 109,800 miles. Updated 10/5/18*jb”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 porsche cayenne. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v576000 (fuel system, gasoline); however, 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 (porsche of hilton head, 107 drivers way, hardeeville, sc 29927, (843) 208-3300) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware 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.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 2018
“I got the letter for recall of replace filter of fuel pump, call local dealer many time and got the answer with out the part , this unsafe under driving ? Keep continues or stop driving ? We have 2 kids , please advide ..thanks”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Nov 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 porsche cayenne. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 17v576000 (fuel system); however, 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 (stevinson imports porsche in littleton, colorado) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Nov 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - 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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2005 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Cayenne 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 reliable?
NHTSA has 32 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 Porsche Cayenne. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system (29% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 Porsche Cayenne problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 66,000 miles or less.
Does the 2005 Porsche Cayenne 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.