RoadVitals

2006 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.
41
Latest Jan 20, 2026
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.
3
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.
1
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, 2 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 41 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2006 Porsche Cayenne, most frequently naming the fuel system, powertrain (other) and engine categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 391 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

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

3 campaigns cover this model year

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

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 41
Fuel system
Filed Jan 20, 2026

Last month I began experiencing a strong fuel odor after driving, most noticeable outside the driver-side rear door area, which aligns with the warning sign described in the recall report. This is a time-sensitive safety concern. [XXX] (PCNA 573 filing with NHTSA). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11711993
Incident
Nov 2, 2025
Fuel system
Filed Jan 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2006 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in the garage and exiting the vehicle, the contact smelled an abnormal fuel odor outside the vehicle. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was diagnosed with a crack in the filter flange informed the contact was informed that the filter flange needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V576000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 135,000.

NHTSA ID
11709777
Incident
Oct 15, 2025
Mileage
135,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jun 5, 2023

The contact owns a 2006 Porsche Cayenne. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V576000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the dealer retrieved the vehicle from the residence to perform the recall repair; however, the dealer confirmed that they were unable to access the fuel pump and fuel filter due to the corroded locking collars. The contact stated that after receiving the vehicle from the dealer, a fuel odor was detected while exiting the vehicle. Additionally, there was gasoline leaking underneath the rear driver's side tire onto the ground while the contact was at the gas station to refuel. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 213,697.

NHTSA ID
11525399
Incident
Jun 2, 2023
Mileage
213,697 mi
BrakesElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Mar 18, 2023

MY CAR STOP SUDDENLY, IGNITION KEY FAILURE, THEN LIKE TRANSMISSION HESUTATION UNTIL THE CAR STOP COMPLETELY WHERE AT THAT MOMENT CALL A TOLL THAT COST ME $650 DLS. SINCE THAT DAY CAR HAVING ELECTRIC PROBLEMS AND EVEN TRANSMISSION GET STUCK SOMETIMES, HAVE TO TO DO IT MANUALLY.

NHTSA ID
11512514
Incident
Jun 9, 2021
Exterior lighting
Filed Jan 19, 2023

The contact owns a 2006 Porsche Cayenne. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V656000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact became aware of condensation in the headlights and that the headlights were very dim. The contact made an appointment with a dealer and had the recall repair performed; however, the headlights were still dim while in operation. The vehicle was returned to the dealer however, no additional assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID
11502619
Incident
May 1, 2022
Mileage
100,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jan 18, 2023

The contact owns a 2006 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to overheat. The contact stated that she was able to navigate the vehicle off the road. The contact then stated that the coolant had drained from the vehicle. The coolant warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the coolant pipes detached, and the radiator hose needed to be replaced. The contact mentioned that the radiator hose was previously replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

NHTSA ID
11502395
Incident
Jan 14, 2023
Mileage
53,000 mi
Fuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed May 21, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 PORSCHE CAYENNE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 19V446000 (POWER TRAIN) AND 17V576000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUES. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT FOR BOTH RECALLS.

NHTSA ID
11325380
Incident
Jan 26, 2019
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 3, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 PORSCHE CAYENNE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V446000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ROCKVILLE AUDI (1190 ROCKVILLE PIKE, ROCKVILLE, MD 20852, 888 478-1189) WHO STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
11253011
Incident
Mar 13, 2018

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—
2006Viewing413158.8
2005324258.3
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.