RoadVitals

2009 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.
15
Latest Jun 16, 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.
2
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.
0
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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 15 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 Porsche Cayenne, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), fuel system and electrical categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 398 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

  • Powertrain (other)526.3%
  • Fuel system421.1%
  • Electrical421.1%
  • Other / unspecified15.3%
  • Tires & wheels15.3%
  • Driver assistance15.3%
  • Transmission15.3%
  • Interior & seats15.3%

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

2 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

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 15
Electrical
Filed Jun 16, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Porsche Cayenne. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to O’Reilly's for a diagnostic test, the diagnostic report listed the mileage at 209,000; however, at the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 105,000. The dealer was not notified of the discrepancy, as per the Attorney's advice.

NHTSA ID
11744537
Incident
May 30, 2026
Mileage
209,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Mar 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2009 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated there was visible damage to the fuel tank flange, and there was a leak coming from the fuel tank. The contact stated that the OBD port provided a code and that the fuel was too lean, causing the RPM to fluctuate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for throttle body repair, but the failure persisted. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 157,000.

NHTSA ID
11722935
Incident
Dec 1, 2025
Mileage
157,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Apr 11, 2023

Fuel leaking from fuel tank

NHTSA ID
11516582
Incident
Apr 11, 2023
Fuel system
Filed Mar 4, 2023

Very strong gas smell at driver side rear tire area.

NHTSA ID
11510169
Incident
Feb 25, 2023
Fuel system
Filed Jul 2, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PORSCHE CAYENNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE EMANATING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SUGGESTED THE CONTACT HAVE THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 190,000.

NHTSA ID
11337128
Incident
Jun 18, 2020
Mileage
190,000 mi
Filed Jun 25, 2020

ABOUT COUPLE/FEW WEEKS AGO UNABLE TO OPEN DRIVER SIDE DOOR EVEN WHEN UNLOCKED IN PARK POSITION AND WHEN CAR IS TURNED OFF. IT IS A KNOWN COMMON PROBLEM THAT HAVE BEEN POSTED ON YOUTUBE. IN AN EMERGENCY & ACCIDENT DRIVER IS UNABLE TO IMMEDIATELY ESCAPE/GET OUT OF VEHICLE BECAUSE DOOR WON'T OPEN EVEN WITH NUMEROUS TRIES FROM INSIDE & OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE. WE HAVE A YOUNG CHILD AND IN THE EVENT I NEED TO GET HER OUT IMMEDIATELY I AM UNABLE TO SINCE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WON'T OPEN. MY WIFE BEEN HAVING TO CRAWL OUT/ENTER FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR IN ORDER TO ENTER/EXIT CAR & GET OUR DAUGHTER OUT OF HER CAR SEAT. I'M TAKING CAR TO DEALER ON 6/26/2020 FOR REPAIRS BECAUSE WE FEEL UNSAFE ESPECIALLY WITH A YOUNG CHILD. . *TR

NHTSA ID
11330861
Incident
Jun 3, 2020
Interior & seats
Filed Aug 15, 2019

I WAS DRIVING HOME ABOUT 10:44 PM ON AUGUST 14 2019 WHEN I HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A EXPLOSION TO MY WINDOWS BUT I WAS AFRAID TO PULL OVER BECAUSE IT WAS A DARK ROAD SO I GOT TO THE FIRST GAS STATION AND CHECKED FOR DAMAGE WINDOWS BUT COME TO FIND OUT IT WAS THE DRIVERS BACK SEAT WHICH HAD I GUES SWOLLEN AND BUST OUT OR COMPLETELY DISENGAGED FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE SEAT.

NHTSA ID
11244315
Incident
Aug 14, 2019
Mileage
107,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 10, 2019

DRIVE SHAFT GOES OFF UNEXPECTEDLY RESULTING IN VIOLENT SHAKING OF VEHICLE AND LOSS OF CONTROL WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION

NHTSA ID
11230616
Incident
Jul 2, 2019
Mileage
67,500 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—
2009Viewing152050.8
2008273044.5
2007000—
2006413158.8
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.