VehicleVerdict

2009 Porsche Cayenne problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 21 complaints on file for the 2009 Porsche Cayenne — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

21

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Cayenne years?

Cayenne NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted76 complaints2003: 3 complaints2004: 51 complaints2005: 43 complaints2006: 55 complaints2008: 38 complaints2009: 21 complaints2010: 1 complaints2011: 37 complaints2012: 33 complaints2013: 55 complaints2014: 76 complaints2015: 16 complaints2016: 56 complaints2017: 22 complaints2018: 18 complaints2019: 63 complaints2020: 33 complaints2021: 24 complaints2022: 3 complaints2023: 11 complaints2024: 9 complaints2025: 13 complaints2026: 8 complaints
Cayenne NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cayenne years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Porsche Cayenne problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission629%
Electrical System524%
Fuel System419%
Other314%
Seats15%
Tires & Wheels15%
Lighting15%

Does the 2009 Porsche Cayenne have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

19V446000TransmissionJune 12, 2019 · 99,665 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE ELECTRONICS ON THE CAR ARE SHOWING A SUSPENSION ISSUE. AND THE ELECTRONICS ON THE CAR DO NOT WORK FOR MORE THAN 5-7 MIN BEFORE SHUTDOWN AND RESTART. THIS INCLUDES RADIO, BLUETOOTH, GPS, ETC. WHEN THE ELECTRONICS START BACK UP THE RADIO IS TURNED ON. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 8, 2009

“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Porsche Cayenne. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to O’Reilly's for a diagnostic test, the diagnostic report listed the mileage at 209,000; however, at the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 105,000.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 30, 2026

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PORSCHE CAYENNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE EMANATING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 18, 2020

“THE ELECTRONICS ON THE CAR ARE SHOWING A SUSPENSION ISSUE. AND THE ELECTRONICS ON THE CAR DO NOT WORK FOR MORE THAN 5-7 MIN BEFORE SHUTDOWN AND RESTART. THIS INCLUDES RADIO, BLUETOOTH, GPS, ETC. WHEN THE ELECTRONICS START BACK UP THE RADIO IS TURNED ON. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 8, 2009

“THE ELECTRONICS ON THE CAR ARE SHOWING A SUSPENSION ISSUE. AND THE ELECTRONICS ON THE CAR DO NOT WORK FOR MORE THAN 5-7 MIN BEFORE SHUTDOWN AND RESTART. THIS INCLUDES RADIO, BLUETOOTH, GPS, ETC. WHEN THE ELECTRONICS START BACK UP THE RADIO IS TURNED ON. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · January 8, 2009

2009 Porsche Cayenne — common questions

Is the 2009 Porsche Cayenne reliable?

The record is thin — 21 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2009 Cayenne problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (6 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints), fuel system (4 complaints).

Does the 2009 Porsche Cayenne have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Porsche Cayenne. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Porsche Cayenne years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cayenne years to avoid are 2014, 2019, 2016, 2006, 2013, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2011, 2017, 2018, 2015. The cleanest record among Cayenne years belongs to 2010.

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.