Tail Light Defective Warning in the Instrument Cluster
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Porsche Cayenne lighting problems
moderate 6 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $250 · see lighting across all vehicles →
Complaints
6
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$250
When does it fail?
Of the 6 lighting complaints filed for the 2016 Porsche Cayenne, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 6 model years of Porsche Cayenne we track for lighting problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 6.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering lighting 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.
Resubmitting at request of Mr. Bernard Hardgrave. Information on fogging lighting components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Technical Concern: The tail light produces a warning in the instrument cluster indicating that the tail light is no working. Also one or more fault codes (880F0E or 880F1E) are observed in the Rear-End Electronics module using the PIWIS Tester. However, the tail light may be working.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The contact owns a 2016 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that water had leaked inside the front driver's side and passenger's side headlamps. The contact stated that the failure caused the headlights to become foggy and significantly dim, reducing the visibility of the roadway. The contact stated that he had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V656000 (Exterior Lighting) and the…
**Subject**: Urgent Safety Concern: Headlight Condensation and Water Damage in 2015-2018 Porsche Cayenne 958.2 Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report a serious safety issue with the LED matrix headlights on my 2016 Porsche Cayenne GTS (958.2). The problem involves severe condensation buildup within the headlight assembly, leading to water damage and electrical failures. This defect has caused my…
Had lighting trouble with your 2016 Porsche Cayenne?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the lighting problem on the 2016 Porsche Cayenne?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 6 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $250 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?
Based on the 6 complaints filed, lighting issues most often appear around 75,500 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $250 for lighting 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 lighting?
No active recalls currently cover lighting 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Porsche/Cayenne.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.