VehicleVerdict

2012 Porsche Cayenne problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2012 Porsche Cayenne sits mid-pack among Cayenne years: 33 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 24, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 12 reports (36% of the total).

33

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Cayenne years?

See all Cayenne years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Porsche Cayenne problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1236%
Other824%
Engine412%
Electrical System39%
Seats26%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Brakes13%
Fuel System13%
Airbags13%

Does the 2012 Porsche Cayenne have recalls?

4 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.

16V169000BrakesMarch 23, 2016 · 88,300 units

Defect

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Cayenne vehicles manufactured April 28, 2010, to January 11, 2016. The brake pedal pivot pin may be missing a circlip, allowing the pivot pin to move and the brake pedal to dislodge.

Consequence

If the brake pedal dislodges, the driver may not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly circlip, installing any missing circlips, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AG02.

12V329000EngineJuly 12, 2012 · 270 units

Defect

PORSCHE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 PANAMERA TURBO, 2012 PANAMERA TURBO S, AND 2012 CAYENNE TURBO VEHICLES. THE TURBINE WHEEL OF A TURBOCHARGER MAY FRACTURE DUE TO A CASTING DEFECT. IF A FRACTURE OCCURS, VEHICLE PERFORMANCE WILL BE DECREASED AND THE TURBINE SHAFT MAY FRACTURE.

Consequence

IF THE SHAFT FRACTURES, OIL MAY BE DRAWN INTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, RESULTING IN SMOKE AND THE INCREASED RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy

PORSCHE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TURBINE WHEELS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 31, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-767-7243.

12V065000LightingFebruary 21, 2012 · 20,278 units

Defect

PORSCHE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 CAYENNE, CAYENNE S, CAYENNE S HYBRID, AND CAYENNE TURBO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 8, 2010, THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2012 BECAUSE THE HEADLAMPS MAY COME LOOSE AND DETACH FROM THE FENDER.

Consequence

A DETACHED HEADLIGHT COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VISIBILITY AND AN INCREASED RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

PORSCHE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP LOCKING ASSEMBLIES, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 9, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-767-7243.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

CAMSHAFT ADJUSTER BOLTS FAILED... VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING, INCLUDING BRAKING SYSTEM AND POWER STEERING. PORSCHE RECALLED SOME 2011S, BUT NO 2012 WERE RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE KEPT THE FAULTY PARTS WHICH MATCH PART NUMBER WITH KNOWN DEFECT. PORSCHE WOULD NOT HONOR GOODWILL OR…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 22, 2017

Porsche dashboard leather shrunk and staples pulled out around passenger side airbag. I was told that if the vehicle was in an accident the airbag might not deploy correctly. The Porsche dealer looked at it and recommended replacing it. This is a very common issue.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 28, 2022

THE ENGINE OF MY PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO WAS SHUT OFF COMPLETELY WHILE TURNING LEFT ON A TWO-LANE HIGHWAY. THE OPPOSITE CAR HAD TO VEERED OFF TO AVOID COLLISION. THE CAR KEPT MOVING FORWARD UNTIL IT HIT THE CURB. *TR

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 28, 2011

GPS MALFUNCTION WHILE DRIVING , SERVICE TEST NO ERROR CODE BUT VISIBLE GPS MALFUNCTION ! MANUFACTURE CAN'T IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM SUGGEST TO REPLACE THE NEW PCM. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR DRIVER TO BELIEVE ON THE GPS WHILE DRIVING ON IT. IT IS DESIGN FRAUD AND CARELESS OF SERVICE WHEN THE DEVICE IS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 2, 2017

POWER DRIVERS SEAT MOVED FORE/AFT AND UP/DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY ON 10.22.2019 ON ITS OWN. MOVING DRIVER AWAY FROM CONTACT WITH EITHER BRAKE OR GAS PEDAL AND A UNNATURALLY LONG REACH TO STEERING WHEEL. DRIVER ENGAGED BUTTONS TO MOVE SEAT FORWARD, PULLED OFF TO SAFE LOCATION AND SHUT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · October 22, 2019

2012 Porsche Cayenne — common questions

Is the 2012 Porsche Cayenne reliable?

It is close to typical for the Cayenne: 33 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2012 Cayenne problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (12 complaints), other (8 complaints), engine (4 complaints).

Does the 2012 Porsche Cayenne have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 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.