2018 Porsche Cayenne: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 13 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 2018
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.
“Driving through a parking lot, less than five miles an hour, and suddenly heard a horrible knocking sound. Stopped and looked under the car. Nothing. Drove it very slowly to mechanic less than a mile away. Front drive shaft had collapsed and fallen down, according to the mechanic.”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2025
“This is not accident related, but what appears to be a systemic issue related to Cayenne and Macan leather dashboards. The issue is related to delamination of the leather dash cover that can impede the safe deployment of the passenger airbag. Many cars are affected and the repair can be a significant expense to owners (~$10K) for vehicles less than 8 years old. There should be a recall to address a largely unaware owner base for a potential safety issue.”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2024
“The Porsche Cayenne that equipped with leather dashboard are peeling off over the time. If the vehicle in an accident, the airbag on the passenger side dashboard may not deploy correctly. I am finding many cayenne owners are having this issue. I really hope NTSB can issue a recall.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2024
Show 5 more owner reports
“While the vehicle was charging, the protective sheath near the power outlet of the charging cable had possible electrical or fire damage. No warning lights were illuminated. Upon turning off the power and unplugging the outlet, it was determined that the plastic near the plug melted and caused the power to short. I have been unsuccessful getting the manufacturer to resolve the issue. A recall under APB6 was issued but did not include model year 2018 which uses the same cable that is impacted with the recall.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2023
“Our 2018 Porsche Cayenne has a problem with the headlights and water intrusion that is affecting the functioning of the headlights. I took it to someone to look at and they said this should not be happening, that it is a manufacturer defect. I googled my car / year and there is a recall for headlight issues but for some reason my VIN is not included. It should be. How do I go about having Porsche North America fix this issue for me?”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Mar 2023
“When trying to accelerate into traffic vehicle will experience what feels like a dead spot in the accelerator and then lurch forward at a high speed this condition has been reported on numerous complaint site concerning various porsche vehicles and specificall concerning porsche cayenne dealer says car is fine.unsafe to drive since you never know when it will accelerate.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Nov 2019
“The car lost power and stalled on the highway without warning, the road was the garden stat parkway in new jersey , happened in mid night”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2019
“Passenger windshield wiper came off suddenly in use while on highway speed. Car has never been in a car wash as dealer thinks and has only six months in service.the force bent slightly the arm itself as it ripped off.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Oct 2018
Recalls - 1 campaign
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne Plug-in Hybrid, Cayenne GTS, Cayenne Plug-in Hybrid Platinum Edition, Macan Turbo and Macan GTS vehicles, 2017-2018 Cayenne S, Macan, Cayenne Platinum Edition and Macan S vehicles and 2018 Cayenne vehicles equipped with the optional ski bag. The ski bag fastening strap may have been sewn with incorrect thread, possibly resulting in the strap seams tearing and the ski bag being unsecured in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ski bags, free of charge. The recall began January 10, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AJ12.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2018 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 2018 Porsche Cayenne reliable?
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2018 Porsche Cayenne. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 2018 Porsche Cayenne have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning equipment. 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.