RoadVitals

2005 Porsche Cayenne

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
32
Latest Oct 27, 2025
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Aug 30, 2022
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
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.
2
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 32 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Porsche Cayenne, most frequently naming the fuel system, engine and airbags categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 403 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Fuel system1639.0%
  • Engine819.5%
  • Airbags49.8%
  • Powertrain (other)49.8%
  • Electrical37.3%
  • Driver assistance24.9%
  • Interior & seats24.9%
  • Body & structure12.4%

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

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
22V656000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Aug 30, 2022
222,858 units potentially affected
The defect: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2020 Porsche Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Cayman S, 2001-2004 Boxster, Boxster S, 2004 Boxster 50 JAHRE SPYDER 550 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all affected models and model years. The caps that cover the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws are missing, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk: Improperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect the headlights for sealing caps and install missing caps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ANB4.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc.Manufacturer number ANB4View on NHTSA.gov
19V446000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Jun 12, 2019
99,665 units potentially affected
The defect: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, 2004-2010 Cayenne, 2006 Cayenne Turbo S, 2010-2016 Panamera S, Panamera 4 S, Panamera Turbo, 2011-2016 Panamera, Panamera 4, 2012-2013 Panamera Turbo S, 2013-2016 Panamera 4 GTS, 2014-2016 Panamera 4 S Executive, Panamera Turbo Executive, Panamera Turbo S G1 II, Panamera Turbo S Executive, 2013 Panamera 4 Platinum Edition, Panamera Platinum Edition, 2016 Panamera 4 Edition, Panamera Edition, Panamera Turbo S Executive Luxury Sports vehicles. The bushing that attaches the gear selector lever to the gearbox may degrade over time, causing the bushing to detach. This condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
The risk: If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. Owners are instructed to use the parking brake until their vehicle is repaired. The recall began August 9, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKB1.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc.Manufacturer number AKB1View on NHTSA.gov
17V576000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Sep 20, 2017
50,145 units potentially affected
The defect: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo vehicles, 2004-2006 Cayenne vehicles, and 2006 Cayenne S "Titanium" Edition vehicles. These gasoline-powered vehicles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter flanges with new filter flanges that have a protective film, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2018. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AH10.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc.Manufacturer number AH10View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA06005ClosedEngineering Analysis

SRS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATION

Opened Mar 15, 2006
Closed Mar 12, 2007

PORSCHE IS INITIATING A CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION ACTION TO ADDRESS A CONDITION RELATED TO A FAULTY OR LOOSE CONNECTOR IN THE SIDE AIRBAG SYSTEM.PORSCHE'S TESTING HAS SHOWN THAT THE FAULTY CONNECTOR WILL NOT PREVENT SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.THE FAULTY CONNECTOR WILL CAUSE THE CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TO EXCEED THE THRESHOLD FOR ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT.PORSCHE HAS REPORTED A LARGE NUMBER OF WARRANTY CLAIMS FOR ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND MANY VEHICLES HAVE BEEN SERVICED TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION AS DESCRIBED IN THE CAYENNE TECHNICAL INFORMATION BULLETIN: GROUP 6, #11/04 AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ACTIVATED.PORSCHE WILL PERFORM THIS SERVICE TO ALL REMAINING UNCORRECTED VEHICLES UNDER A NEW PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN STARTING AT THE END OF APRIL 2007.ALL OWNERS OF A SUBJECT VEHICLE BUILT THROUGH NOVEMBER 2004 WILL BE NOTIFIED BY PORSCHE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER TO RECEIVE THE FREE MODIFICATION.VEHICLES BUILT AFTER NOVEMBER 2004 DO NOT CONTAIN THE SUBJECT CONNECTOR.IN ADDITION, PORSCHE REPORTS THAT A SMALL NUMBER OF VEHICLES BUILT IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 2003, MAY CONTAIN AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED SIDE AIRBAG MODULE.THIS MAY ALSO PRODUCEILLUMINATION OF THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT THAT WOULD BECOME EVIDENT SOON AFTER THE VEHICLE IS PUT INTO SERVICE.WARRANTY DATA INDICATES THAT THESE MODULES HAVE BEEN CORRECTED AND NO LONGER PRESENT A RISK.PORSCHE HAS NOT RECEIVED ANY REPORT OF NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE AIRBAG.THE ACTION TAKEN BY PORSCHE IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
PE05060ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

SRS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATION

Opened Nov 10, 2005
Closed Mar 15, 2006

DURING THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PHASE, ODI IDENTIFIED 76 OWNER COMPLAINTS AND 6,582 WARRANTY CLAIMS RELATED TO AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATION FROM EITHER A FAULTY SIDE-IMPACT AIRBAG MODULE OR WIRING HARNESS.TO DATE, THERE HAS BEEN NO ALLEGATION OF CRASH, INJURY OR DEATH REPORTED.PORSCHE REPORTS THAT A BAD BATCH OF MODULES WAS PRODUCED DURING MID-NOVEMBER TO MID-DECEMBER, 2003.HOWEVER, PORSCHE?S WARRANTY DATA INDICATES THAT MOST OF THE MODULES REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY WERE ON VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE AND AFTER THIS PERIOD INDICATING THAT THE ISSUE COULD BE MORE WIDESPREAD.PORSCHE REPORTS THAT THE WIRING HARNESS MALFUNCTION IS DUE TO A FAULTY CONNECTOR LEADING TO THE AIRBAG MODULE AS A RESULT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND MECHANICAL STRESS.IN JUNE AND NOVEMBER OF 2004, PORSCHE ADDED A PROTECTIVE COAT OF LUBRICANT GEL TO THE CONNECTOR AND REROUTED THE HARNESS TO FIX THE PROBLEM ON ALL FUTURE PRODUCTION.PORSCHE HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL CAMPAIGN, BUT IT HAS CIRCULATED TO ITS DEALERS TWO SERVICE BULLETINS, BOTH IN SEPTEMBER 2004 TO ADDRESS THE ABOVE ISSUES.THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA06-005) AND WILL INCLUDE MY 2006 VEHICLES.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 32
Fuel system
Filed Oct 27, 2025

The contact owns a 2005 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that fuel was leaking from the vehicle. There was an abnormal fuel odor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V576000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact replaced the fuel filter and repaired the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that parts were on back order. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 157,290.

NHTSA ID
11695787
Incident
Oct 15, 2025
Mileage
157,290 mi
Filed Jul 21, 2024

headlamp wiring and turn signal failures. Big hazard!! Why is in the headlight assembly including the headlight wire harness is corroding due to the heat this is a common issue that I see that’s online. Everyone is having the same issue with the same type of vehicle this needs attention immediately and recalled before the media gets wind of this. The group chats that I am in is starting to do a petition because this was reported to you guys numerous amount of times as I can see in our group chats so please call this recall because it is a safety hazard to the roads. Headlights are going off as we’re driving due to that Issue please give me a email at [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11603601
Incident
Jul 9, 2024
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Jul 13, 2024

The transmission has quite a bit of slop or play when placing it in park. I do not believe it could be parked safely in a residential driveway. Tranny knocks a little in low gears.

NHTSA ID
11601645
Incident
Sep 13, 2023
Fuel system
Filed Dec 16, 2022

We purchased the 2005 Porsche Cayenne from my brother-in-law in August of 2022. He had owned the vehicle for at least a year before I purchased it from him. Shortly after the purchase, I noticed the engine light came on. On 09/12/22 a strong smell of fuel was emitting from the vehicle in a Walmart parking lot in Denton, Texas at approximately 1030pm. I noticed a large puddle of gasoline on the ground under the vehicle and it was steady stream of fuel while the vehicle was running. The vehicle was completely unsafe to drive for fear of ignition and fire. Due to the time and location, I had the vehicle towed to my mechanic approximately 3 miles away for diagnosis and/or repair. The closest Porsche dealership was approximately 25 miles away and the tow bill would have been excessive. Mechanic identified the problem as a cracked fuel filter flange/housing that sat on top of the fuel pump. The cracked fuel housing was replaced and the total for parts and labor was $462.48. No leaking fuel since repair. A few weeks later my brother-in -law contacted me and advised he had just received a recall (OCTOBER 2022) in the mail from Porsche for the exact part I had repaired (17V-576 / AH10). He mailed me the recall and I contacted Porsche for a reimbursement. They stated they only refund for repairs done at a Porsche dealership. I believe Porsche should cover the repair cost for their faulty equipment even after the recall was received. A Porsche Service Center would charge Porsche Corporate much more for this repair than what I paid. Please assist me in getting a refund for my expense of ($462.48) for the repair of Porsche's recall. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11497792
Incident
Sep 12, 2022
Fuel system
Filed Nov 2, 2022

The contact owns a 2005 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle with the engine running, the vehicle shut off. The vehicle hesitated while restarting. The contact detected fuel leaking from the vehicle. The check engine and oil light warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11491876
Incident
Jan 1, 2021
Fuel system
Filed Oct 6, 2022

The contact owns a 2005 Porsche Cayenne. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V576000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the contact stated that while driving, he smelled a fuel odor throughout the vehicle. The contact stated that he started to feel dizzy and pulled the vehicle off the roadway. The contact then stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that fuel had leaked under the hood of the vehicle onto the ground. The vehicle was driven to the destination. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ID
11488239
Incident
Oct 3, 2022
Mileage
150,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jan 29, 2020

PORSCHE RECALLED THIS FUEL PUMP (17V-576) AFTER I REPLACED FOR THE SAME REASON IT WAS RECALLED. I'VE CONTACTED PORSCHE SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY STILL HAVE NOT ADDRESSED REPLACING THE FUEL PUMP FILTER FLANGE. IT'S BEEN MORE THAN 2 YEARS NOW? WHAT CAN I DO?

NHTSA ID
11302892
Incident
Oct 14, 2017
Interior & seats
Filed Oct 9, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PORSCHE CAYENNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR DOOR LATCHES FAILED TO OPEN FROM OUTSIDE AND INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED PORSCHE ORLANDO (9590 US-17, MAITLAND, FL 32751, (407) 680-0785) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WOULD BE A FEE TO REPAIR EACH DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 5557958. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,160.

NHTSA ID
11267395
Incident
Sep 9, 2019
Mileage
162,160 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TSTR 2642

Porsche Tester Software Update Information Software Version: 44.300.000

SPTL 2607a

VAS 621001A Matrix Headlamp Aimer – Automatic Shipment / Maha Installation

SPTL 2607

VAS 621001A Matrix Headlamp Aimer – Automatic Shipment / Maha Installation

13/26

ENGINE

Allocation of Approved Engine Oils MY 2027 (13/26)

TSTR 2641

PiUS Update Information Software Version: 3.2

TSTR 2641

PiUS Update Information Software Version: 3.2

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Porsche Cayenne by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026310—
2025520—
2024540—
2023510—
2022320—
2021185052.2
2020234062.9
2019416059.1
2018131144.2
2017162160.7
2016382154.7
2015132141.2
2014533045.4
2013403048.6
2012274046.3
2011303044.0
2010120—
2009152050.8
2008273044.5
2007000—
2006413158.8
2005Viewing324258.3
2004386258.7
2003222—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.