Parts Information for Parts Withdrawal - Various Parts. Parts covered by this bulletin include various part numbers for Oil Separator, Shelf, and Hinge.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Porsche Cayenne engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Porsche Cayenne have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of November 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Cayenne | 4 |
| 2013 Cayenne | 3 |
| 2016 Cayenne (this page) | 3 |
| 2020 Cayenne | 5 |
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Manufacturer's Certificate for Overview of Approved Porsche A40 Engine Oils. Note that this bulletin covers all vehicles from model year 1997 to 2020, for which A40 engine oils are assigned. Model years 1997-2001 are not available for selection in the system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Manufacturer's Certificate for Overview of Approved Porsche C30 Engine Oils. Note that the bulletin includes all models back to model year 1984, for which C30 engine oils are allocated.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Manufacturer's Certificate for Overview of Approved Porsche C20 Engine Oils. Note that the bulletin covers all models back to model year 1984, for which C20 engine oils are allocated.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Manufacturer's Certificate for Overview of Approved Porsche C40 Engine Oils. Note that this bulletin covers all models back to model year 1984, for which C40 engine oils are allocated.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Engine oil leak detected in 2021 @33,195 miles caused by broken aluminum bolts in upper part of timing cover. Repaired by dealer on a “good will” basis for what I was told would have cost me approximately $9-10,000. Oil leak reappeared in 2023 @44,657 miles (less than 12,000 since first leak) caused again by broken aluminum bolts in the lower, upper oil pan, and timing cover. Repair done this…
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Porsche cayenne. While the vehicle was stopped, it jumped or lurched forward five to six feet while stopped. On one occasion, the vehicle lurched forward and slightly struck the contact's daughter after she had dropped her off. There were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to champion Porsche and Porsche west broward (4641 sw 148th ave, davie, fl 33331, (954)…
car had a smell of gas diesel fumes inside cabin from air conditioning system. number of oil leaks over the years as well. now car at dealer for repair over 10 month. not fixed yet. number of problem with same diesel engine on line, even article i found . car was sold as CPO , it was new unregister, but they guaranteed us there will be no emission problems or leaking with this car. now warranty…
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2016 Porsche Cayenne?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.