VehicleVerdict

2008 Porsche Cayenne S problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2008 Porsche Cayenne S — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

6

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Cayenne S years?

Cayenne S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted74 complaints2003: 4 complaints2004: 74 complaints2005: 10 complaints2006: 13 complaints2007: 1 complaints2008: 6 complaints2009: 0 complaints2011: 20 complaints2012: 6 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 0 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 0 complaints2024: 0 complaints
Cayenne S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cayenne S years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Porsche Cayenne S problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine467%
Fuel System117%
Transmission117%

Does the 2008 Porsche Cayenne S have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V656000LightingAugust 30, 2022 · 222,858 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

Improperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. ACCELERATING AS I WAS MERGING INTO THE HIGHWAY. I SAW SMOKE COMING OUT THE BACK. CHECK COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN I STOPPED I SAW COOLANT EVERYWHERE UNDERNEATH THE CAR. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE GLUE FROM THE COOLANT TUBES FAILED AND NEEDS TO INSTALL NEW COOLANT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 17, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PORSCHE CAYENNE S. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL, HIGH PRESSURE, AND PRESSURE PUMPS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 12, 2018

“ON MY 2008 PORSCHE CAYENNE S ( PURCHASED IN MARCH 2007) I HAVE AT LEAST 3 TIMES EXPERIENCED A INCORRECT DOWNSHIFT INITIATED BY THE AUTOMOBILE IN ALL CASES THE CAR/COMPUTER OBVIOUSLY WANTED TO SHIFT DOWN TO A LOWER GEAR ( GOING UP A STEEP HILL AT HIGHWAY SPEED, TRAVERSING A STEEP PARKING LOT AT LOW…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 4, 2008

2008 Porsche Cayenne S — common questions

Is the 2008 Porsche Cayenne S reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2008 Porsche Cayenne S have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Porsche Cayenne S. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Porsche Cayenne S years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cayenne S years to avoid are 2004. The cleanest record among Cayenne S years belongs to 2024.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.