2011 Porsche Cayenne Problems And Complaints

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Rating8.2

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Midsize SUV
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$47,700 - $106,000
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2011 Porsche Cayenne SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and Which Year to Avoid

5

Recalls

1

Investigations

62

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating

2011 Porsche Cayenne Problems

Electrical issues:

  • GPS issues: The Cayenne is a pretty solid package as far as electricals are concerned but the GPS says otherwise. People have complained of the GPS losing directions while driving and not calibrating itself. Needless to say, quite a lot of Cayenne owners lost their way while visiting someplace. 

Mechanical issues:

  • Porsche Stability Management (PSM) issues: Many people have reported the PSM in the 2011 Cayenne to go kaput. This issue is reported to occur at highway speeds as well and causes a drastic loss of power. The reason for the failure is reported to cause due to the rupture of a coolant tubing in the engine block.
  • Variocam camshaft drive bolt failure: These bolts fail and cause engine damage, causing the car to lose motive power. Along with this, there is a loss in power assistance to the steering wheel. The German manufacturer organized special repair camps where the whole camshaft assembly is replaced.
  • Transmission transfer case issues: People have reported the transfer case to go bad. Drivers have reported clunking and grinding noises from the transfer case which causes violent jerks and loss of power at varying speeds. The issue comes up at very low mileage and requires a whole part replacement.
  • Brake pedal issues: Some people have come across an issue where the brake pedal becomes hard and cannot be pressed down. This issue has surfaced mostly at lower speeds or while the car is decelerating. Nonetheless, the issue is a major safety concern and can cause a collision. 

Interior issues:

  • Dashboard glare: There have been complaints about how the dashboard is. People have reported that there is a certain reflection that comes from the dashboard and causes a bright glare in the driver’s eye. The dealerships suggest installing a “blanket” over the dashboard to avoid the glare.

2011 Porsche Cayenne Recalls

S. No

Date

NHTSA ID

Issues Noticed

Additional Remarks

Remedy

1.

February 12, 2012

12V065000

Exterior Lighting

Detachment of the headlights from the fender may affect visibility and increases the risk of a crash. 

The recall began on March 9, 2012. The dealers will replace the headlamp locking assemblies.

2.

January 20, 2015

15V016000

Engine and Engine Cooling

A leak in the fuel injection system in presence of an ignition source increases the risk of fire. 

The recall began on April 17, 2015. The dealers will replace the fuel rails.

3.

March 23, 2016

16V169000

Service Brakes

A missing circlip in the brake pedal pivot pin may dislodge the brake pedal, increasing the risk of a crash. 

The recall began on July 8, 2016. The dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly circlip and install any missing ones.

4.

June 7, 2017

17V368000

Engine

Loose camshaft controllers inside the engine may result in a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. 

The recall began on August 4, 2017. The dealers will replace the fastening screws for the camshaft adjusters.

Should you buy the 2011 Porsche Cayenne?

The 2011 Porsche Cayenne is a enthusiasts’ SUV and gets all the things correctly, except for some issues. The transfer case issue is rampant while the engine seizure due to variocam bolt issue has started to burn a hole into the owners’ pockets. The issue is recognized by the manufacturer and certain “repair camps” are organized to provide a remedy to the people. If you want to go for a 2011 Cayenne, be ready for the aforementioned issues. If you want to go for a used Cayenne, take the car to a dealership to get a proper diagnosis. Also, keep a close eye on the maintenance record for any irregularities.

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

April 23, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11656251

Components: 120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

NHTSA ID Number:
11656251

Incident Date:
April 23, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
WP1AB2A28BL

Consumer Location:
MILWAUKEE, WI

Summary
The contact owns a 2011 Porsche Cayenne S. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed,...

December 30, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11633034

Components: 263000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

NHTSA ID Number:
11633034

Incident Date:
December 30, 2024

Vehicle Identification Number:
WP1AC2A24BL

Consumer Location:
PATRIOT, IN

Summary
AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, RANDOMLY A SERIOUS UNSAFE TO OPERATE 'SERVICE NECESSARY' WARNING APPEARS ON THE INSTRU...

November 26, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11627391

Components: 140000 AIR BAGS

NHTSA ID Number:
11627391

Incident Date:
November 26, 2024

Vehicle Identification Number:
WP1AC2A27BL

Consumer Location:
DUBLIN, OH

Summary
The original Porsche leather upper dashboard has shrunk, causing exposed staples, and rippling of the lea...

November 26, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11627588

Components: 140000 AIR BAGS

NHTSA ID Number:
11627588

Incident Date:
November 26, 2024

Vehicle Identification Number:
WP1AC2A28BL

Consumer Location:
BELMONT, CA

Summary
Porsche dash material is separating from the substrate of the structure. This material is directly betwe...

November 19, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11626222

Components: 140000 AIR BAGS

NHTSA ID Number:
11626222

Incident Date:
November 19, 2024

Vehicle Identification Number:
WP1AB2A24BL

Consumer Location:
PORTLAND, OR

Summary
The leather on my Porsche Cayenne dashboard has shrunk and is pulling away from the front of the dashboar...

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