Case Number: 1170739 – Additional Evidence Submission I would like to provide an additional document for Case #1170739. The manufacturer (Porsche Cars North America) stated in writing that the vehicle is “safe to drive even with warning indicators illuminated,” but in the same communication offered a rental vehicle if I found this “inconvenient.” These two statements cannot logically coexist, and they raise concerns that the manufacturer may be minimizing or mischaracterizing a potential safety-related defect. Furthermore: The warning indicators involve the coolant and fuel systems of an E-Hybrid model, which may be connected to thermal management and combustion-related safety. The vehicle remained in the dealer’s possession for an extended period during repeated repair attempts. Dur
2017 Porsche Cayenne owner complaints
15 complaints filed with NHTSA on this vehicle , including 1 reporting a crash, fire, injury, or fatality. Listed by category, newest first within each section.
electrical 4 complaints shown
I am reporting a series of safety-related defects involving the electrical, cooling, and fuel systems of my 2021 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid. The vehicle was initially brought to the authorized Porsche dealership due to an electrical system error, and the dealer kept the vehicle for an extended period. After approximately five months, the vehicle was returned to me without a clear explanation of the root cause or details of the repair. The very next day after receiving the vehicle, a coolant temperature warning appeared while driving, indicating abnormal engine overheating. This created an immediate safety hazard, as overheating can lead to sudden engine failure, loss of power, or a potential fire risk. I returned the vehicle to the dealership again for further repairs. Afterward, another s
Porsche and VW has a drainage issues with certain model vehicles. The drainage plug is set in the trunk near the battery, main system cpu and amplifier. Water gets drain into the lower compartment of the trunk and causes electrical issues with the vehicle. It's been a design flaw from porsche since before the Cayenne was created. To repair the damage it cost upwards of $3,000 per damage battery, electrical components, amplifier are all billed separate. Porsche warranty refuses to honor the design flaws in correct the issues. Owners are not made aware of the issue until it becomes an issue then porsche wants no part to do with it. The drainage location can cause an electrical fire and engine malfunction while driving.
When the weather drops below 0 celsius, the hybrid battery fails with a hybrid battery failure message. The Porsche dealer said this is a known issue and there is no fix. I've been stuck several times in the past 3 years up in the mountains when the temperature drops suddenly and there are no services within 100's of miles to even tow it to get a fix. I just have to wait for the temperature to warm up to start the car. There is currently no bypass to switch to gas only which would solve the issue. If you look at the pic, there is plenty of gas in the car.
lighting 3 complaints shown
The two headlights have appeared to have condensation due to sealing problem of the headlight. When the light bulbs and beam heat up the air with moisture, it will leave water inside of the headlight cover. This will increase the safety risks when we were driving on the road. There is no warning message for that. The problem should not be normal and this should really be manufacturer’s problem to fix.
During rain events, headlight housings are becoming inundated with moisture (L and R sides). A quick search on multiple forums shows this is a known issue with all Porsche models. During night driving this issue reduces visibility significantly. Yes, this puts my occupants and other drivers at risk. Porsche is famous for not acknowledging and addressing out of warranty manufacturing defects, even safety issues. They would not address this issue. Brief warning lights and flashing of the headlight system was evident. This has been happening for a few years and is getting progressively worse.
The headlights aren’t sealed correctly so water has leaked in and caused them to malfunction. Porsche is making me get them repaired at a cost of $4100
airbags 2 complaints shown
Passenger side dash board leather cover has pulled away from dash - thus creating a safety issue with the airbag. Porsche has examined the damage and recommended a repair but will not cover the cost - but did advise that in the event of a accident - they do see a potential problem with the passenger side air bag deploying safely (or not at all). There should be a recall on this by Porsche as it's a safetly issue.
the piece of leather trim sit on top of dash panel below the windshield that cover the airbag shrink and peel off the main dash. The passenger air bag might not deploy properly in the event of frontal collisions because of a loose piece of leather cover it.
other 2 complaints shown
Front panel of panoramic sun roof exploded and shattered while driving at approximately 75 MPH on a highway.
Overnight fuel pressure loss results in extended crank cycle. Despite 6 service visits between two chicagoland area Porsche dealerships, the vehicle has not been satisfactorily repaired. Fuel pressure loss was confirmed on multiple occasions by the semersky's Porsche exchange in highland park, illinois. Fuel pumps were apparently replaced, the last time damaging the seat clips under the second row bench seat. Fuel pressure loss has slowed, but still occurs when fuel tank is more than 3/4 empty. This vehicle is covered by manufacturer warranty and the problem became apparent at 24k miles.
engine 2 complaints shown
Broken and loosened timing chain cover bolts resulting in leaking oil onto drive components, belts and tires/brakes. This recall was done for the Macan and not the Cayenne. Ours was covered under factory extended warranty. That said, this is criminal. Porsche needs to be investigated, they refuse to recall their vehicles and we all know there are some manufaturing issues that are 100% the factory's fault. If the NTSB refuses to hold their feet to the fire this type of engineering will continue.
Oil leaks from timing chain cover due to defective bolt material, bolts loosen and break. This is a widespread known issue with Cayennes and Macans.
powertrain 1 complaint shown
The contact owns a 2017 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled in the middle of a road. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated; however, the contact had been hearing an abnormal rattle and knocking sound from under the floorboard. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the bolts from the transfer case had loosened, and the case had separated from the drive shaft. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
body 1 complaint shown
Acc/ pas unavailable warning: approximately eight months ago while driving on a city street in sarasota, fl the pas system was activated and abruptly stopped my vehicle without reason. On two separate occasions the "acc/pas is unavailable" warning has appeared on my instrument panel. On the first occasion, a vehicle to my left was attempting to merge into my lane of traffic while we were approaching an intersection on a city street. I attempted to honk my horn (which failed making an audible sound) and swerved to prevent this impending collision. The driver of the vehicle in front of me also witnessed what was occurring and slammed on their breaks. My pas system failed to alert and apply pressure and/or stop the breaks as this safety feature is designed. Despite my efforts to break