VehicleVerdict

2020 Porsche Cayenne S problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2020 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.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other Cayenne S years?

Cayenne S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 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, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cayenne S years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Porsche Cayenne S problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1100%

Does the 2020 Porsche Cayenne S have recalls?

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

21V318000AirbagsMay 5, 2021 · 136 units

Defect

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Cayenne GTS, Cayenne GTS Coupe, 2020-2021 Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne S Coupe, Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe vehicles. The passenger seat back heating element was not installed and may impact the calibration of the Occupant Classification System.

Consequence

The front passenger air bag may fail to deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will install a heating element, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMB0.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The contact owns a 2020 Porsche Cayenne S. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, there was a rough hard deceleration. The contact stated that the vehicle lurched forward causing the driver to apply the brakes. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 19, 2021

2020 Porsche Cayenne S — common questions

Is the 2020 Porsche Cayenne S reliable?

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

Does the 2020 Porsche Cayenne S have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 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.