RoadVitals

2004 Porsche Cayenne Turbo Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
15
Latest Dec 27, 2018
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
10
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2004 Porsche Cayenne Turbo, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Driver assistance422.2%
  • Suspension316.7%
  • Engine211.1%
  • Steering211.1%
  • Tires & wheels211.1%
  • Fuel system15.6%
  • Brakes15.6%
  • Electrical15.6%
  • Airbags15.6%
  • Other / unspecified15.6%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE TURNING ACROSS TRAFFIC FROM E 2ND AVE ONTO JOSEPHINE ST. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE JUST ABOVE THE FLOOR AND NO DISCERNABLE ACCELERATION RESPONSE WAS NOTICEABLE FOR A SECOND OR TWO. WHEN THERE WAS AN ACCELERATION RESPONSE IT WAS AN EXPLOSIVE, 'OFF TO THE RACES' ONE. THIS INCIDENT TOOK PLACE AFTER THE DEALER ADVISED THAT: UNOFFICIAL FIXES (DME UPDATE AND TRANSMISSION ADAPTATION) ISSUE HAD BEEN IN PLACE SINCE THE DELIVERY OF THE VEHICLE; VEHICLE HAD BEEN INTO THE DEALER TO EVALUATE/ADDRESS THIS ISSUE THREE TIMES; ON THE THIRD VISIT THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED/UPDATED/ADAPTED AND DME CONTROL UNIT WAS REMAPPED.*AK

NHTSA ID 10098104 · filed Nov 1, 2004

WHILE MERGING FROM HIGHWAY 141 ONTO I-70 THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO ACCELERATE FROM HIGHWAY SPEED TO MERGE INTO INTERSTATE TRAFFIC AND NO NOTICEABLE ACCELERATION WAS APPARENT. THE EXTREMELY CONCERNING ABOUT THIS INCIDENT WAS THAT THIS MERGE WAS BEING EXECUTED BETWEEN TWO 18-WHEELERS. WHILE THERE WAS AMPLE SPACE TO MERGE IF THE VEHICLE HAD RESPONDED WITHOUT HESITATION TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL INPUTS, THE EXPERIENCED HESITATION MADE THE MERGE DICEY.*AK

NHTSA ID 10098103 · filed Nov 1, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO. THE LEFT FRONT AIR SUSPENSION COLLAPSED WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH. THE AIR SUSPENSION BAG ALSO EXPLODED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO MOVE UNCONTROLLABLY TO THE LEFT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT IT WAS A FAULT OR DEFECTON TO THE FRONT LEFT SIDE SUSPENSION AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE SUSPENSION WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY AND PORSCHE HAVE NO INTEREST IN HELPING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND WILL COST APPROX $4,000 TO REPLACE THROUGH A PORSCHE DEALERSHIP. *TT

NHTSA ID 10412012 · filed Jul 12, 2011

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO. THE AIR SUSPENSION COLLAPSED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH. THE AIR SUSPENSION BAG ALSO EXPLODED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO MOVE UNCONTROLLABLY FROM THE RIGHT TO THE LEFT LANE. THE VEHICLE ALMOST ROLLED OVER DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. THE DEALER ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THE COLLAR WHICH IS METAL SPLIT AND PUNCTURED THE SUSPENSION BAG. THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE SUSPENSION WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000. UPDATED 2/17/10 *CN UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE COLLAR ON THE AIR SUSPENSION BELLOW ON THE RIGHT FRONT HAD SHEARED AND PUNCTURED THE AIR SUSPENSION BAG THAT CAUSED THE SUSPENSION TO DROP SUDDENLY. UPDATED 02/22/10.

NHTSA ID 10292462 · filed Nov 17, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

LEAKING PLASTIC COOLING PIPES, VEHICLE IN MOTION, CITY STREET BOCA RAYON FL

NHTSA ID 11062117 · filed Jan 11, 2018

OWNER OPERATES A 2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO, 4.5L V8 ENGINE. THIS VEHICLE, WITH JUST OVER 61,000 MILES BEGAN TO OVERHEAT FOUR DAYS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT (DETECTED BY FLUCTUATING TEMPERATURE GAUGE). THE ENGINE COOLANT WAS FOUND TO BE LOW IN THE SERVICE BOTTLE BY APPX. 2 QUARTS WHEN CHECKED AND WAS REFILLED. THE EVENING BEFORE THE INCIDENT OWNER'S SPOUSE REPORTED A LOW COOLANT ALARM MESSAGE HAD DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, COOLANT WAS ABOUT 2 QUARTS LOW IN THE SERVICE BOTTLE AND WAS REFILLED. THE NEXT DAY THE VEHICLE WAS BEING RUN AT 1500 RPM (FAST IDLE) IN A PARKED POSITION IN THE OWNER'S DRIVEWAY FOR A TEST WHEN A FLOOD OF ENGINE COOLANT WAS OBSERVED COMING FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE ENGINE WAS IMMEDIATELY SECURED TO AVOID DAMAGE. AT THIS POINT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED DRIVABLE AND WOULD NEED TO BE TOWED TO A SERVICE FACILITY. AN INVESTIGATIVE TEARDOWN REVEALED A RUPTURED PLASTIC COOLING PIPE INSIDE THE VALLEY OF THE ENGINE, THIS FAILURE REQUIRED REMOVAL OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD TO DIAGNOSE AND IS NOT A ROADSIDE-REPAIRABLE EVENT. THE EVENT CAUSED LOSS OF MORE THEN 50% OF TOTAL COOLANT VOLUME AS ONLY APPX. 1 GALLON WAS RECOVERED FROM THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO TEARDOWN. A PRESCRIBED REPAIR KIT FOR THIS FAILURE (REPLACEMENT COOLING PIPES KIT) WAS OBTAINED FROM SONNEN PORSCHE, SAN FRANCISCO CA AND INSTALLED BY VEHICLE OWNER. AFTER FILLING OF COOLANT AND TEST DRIVING, NO FURTHER PROBLEM WAS NOTED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10552741 · filed Nov 18, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HEARD SOME KNOCKING FROM THE AREA OF THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR. I STOPPED AND INSPECTED UNDER THE CAR AND SAW NOTHING. SO I DECODED TO BRING IT TO MY SERVICE PROVIDER. I DROVE ABOUT 3 MILES AT SLOW SPEEDS TO GET TO THE SERVICE PROVIDER. AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM. ONE OF THE BOLTS THAT HOLDS THE KNUCKLE TO THE WHEEL HAD BACKED OUT AND WAS BANGING AROUND THE BREAK SYSTEM. THEY SAID I COULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL IT WAS FIXED.

NHTSA ID 11163732 · filed Dec 27, 2018

DT: THERE WAS VIBRATION THAT AFFECTED THE STEERING COLUMN, AND IT WAS FELT THROUGH OUT THE STEERING WHEEL. ONE COULD FEEL VIBRATION WHEN THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD FORTY-TWO MILES ON IT. ONE COULD HEAR A NOISE WHEN MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT HAND TURNS. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON AUGUST 28, 2004, AND WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP ON AUGUST 31, 2004. THE DEALER BALANCED THE TIRES. ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2004 IT WAS BACK AT THE DEALER FOR VIBRATION, AND THE DEALER SAID THE TIRES WERE WORN OUT. THEY ATTEMPTED TO FIX THE VEHICLE SIX DIFFERENT TIMES. THEY REMOVED AND REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN, AND PUT ON NEW TIRES AND WHEELS. BUT STILL WAS HAVING THIS PROBLEM. CONSUMER IS A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR FOR THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AND HE WANTED TO ADD THAT DURING AN ARBITRATION HEARING PORSCHE WAS UPSET WITH THE MENTIONING OF NHTSA. *AK

NHTSA ID 10137195 · filed Sep 21, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DT: THERE WAS VIBRATION THAT AFFECTED THE STEERING COLUMN, AND IT WAS FELT THROUGH OUT THE STEERING WHEEL. ONE COULD FEEL VIBRATION WHEN THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD FORTY-TWO MILES ON IT. ONE COULD HEAR A NOISE WHEN MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT HAND TURNS. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON AUGUST 28, 2004, AND WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP ON AUGUST 31, 2004. THE DEALER BALANCED THE TIRES. ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2004 IT WAS BACK AT THE DEALER FOR VIBRATION, AND THE DEALER SAID THE TIRES WERE WORN OUT. THEY ATTEMPTED TO FIX THE VEHICLE SIX DIFFERENT TIMES. THEY REMOVED AND REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN, AND PUT ON NEW TIRES AND WHEELS. BUT STILL WAS HAVING THIS PROBLEM. CONSUMER IS A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR FOR THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AND HE WANTED TO ADD THAT DURING AN ARBITRATION HEARING PORSCHE WAS UPSET WITH THE MENTIONING OF NHTSA. *AK

NHTSA ID 10137195 · filed Sep 21, 2005

THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRES HAD WIRES COMING OUT FROM THEM. THE CONSUMER HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT ALL FOUR TIRES NEEDED REPLACEMENT DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION AND WARE AND TEAR. THE PIRELLI PO ROZOSSO 275/45CR191084N0/DOT NUMBER XNR3D631D103. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

NHTSA ID 10101546 · filed Nov 22, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE DRIVING ON THE 101 FREEWAY. EXPERT DETERMINED THAT THE CAUSE WAS THE FUEL HOSE FAILING WHERE IS CONNECTS TO THE ENGINE MOUNTED FUEL SYSTEM. *TR

NHTSA ID 10240066 · filed Aug 28, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I HEARD SOME KNOCKING FROM THE AREA OF THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR. I STOPPED AND INSPECTED UNDER THE CAR AND SAW NOTHING. SO I DECODED TO BRING IT TO MY SERVICE PROVIDER. I DROVE ABOUT 3 MILES AT SLOW SPEEDS TO GET TO THE SERVICE PROVIDER. AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM. ONE OF THE BOLTS THAT HOLDS THE KNUCKLE TO THE WHEEL HAD BACKED OUT AND WAS BANGING AROUND THE BREAK SYSTEM. THEY SAID I COULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL IT WAS FIXED.

NHTSA ID 11163732 · filed Dec 27, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

HORN DOSE NOT WORK, NAVIGATION SYSTEM NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, RADIO NO LONGER WORKS. REFERENCE CAMPAIGN ID 04V069000. *TR

NHTSA ID 10248722 · filed Nov 13, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TAKATA AIRBAG FAILURE LIGHT IS ON!

NHTSA ID 11062396 · filed Jan 12, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I HEARD SOME KNOCKING FROM THE AREA OF THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR. I STOPPED AND INSPECTED UNDER THE CAR AND SAW NOTHING. SO I DECODED TO BRING IT TO MY SERVICE PROVIDER. I DROVE ABOUT 3 MILES AT SLOW SPEEDS TO GET TO THE SERVICE PROVIDER. AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM. ONE OF THE BOLTS THAT HOLDS THE KNUCKLE TO THE WHEEL HAD BACKED OUT AND WAS BANGING AROUND THE BREAK SYSTEM. THEY SAID I COULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL IT WAS FIXED.

NHTSA ID 11163732 · filed Dec 27, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .