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2013 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.
40
Latest Apr 7, 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.
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 40 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2013 Porsche Cayenne, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), engine and airbags categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 491 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)1634.8%
  • Engine715.2%
  • Airbags613.0%
  • Fuel system510.9%
  • Seat belts48.7%
  • Electrical36.5%
  • Body & structure24.3%
  • Driver assistance12.2%

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
16V169000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

Mar 23, 2016
88,300 units potentially affected
The defect: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Cayenne vehicles manufactured April 28, 2010, to January 11, 2016. The brake pedal pivot pin may be missing a circlip, allowing the pivot pin to move and the brake pedal to dislodge.
The risk: If the brake pedal dislodges, the driver may not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly circlip, installing any missing circlips, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AG02.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc.Manufacturer number AG02View on NHTSA.gov
13V506000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Oct 17, 2013
207 units potentially affected
The defect: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cayenne and Cayenne GTS, model year 2013 Cayenne Diesel and model year 2014 Cayenne S, S Hybrid, Turbo, and Turbo S vehicles manufactured May 27, 2013, through July 10, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the calculated range of the remaining fuel displayed on the instrument cluster may be higher than the actual range. Additionally, the fuel level indicated by the fuel gauge may also be higher than actual amount in the tank.
The risk: The fuel display inaccuracies may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software free of charge. The recall began on December 5, 2013. Owners may contact Porsche at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's recall number is AD03.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc.Manufacturer number AD03View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 40
AirbagsBody & structure
Filed Apr 7, 2026

The leather dash has "shrunk" so badly and is so distorted that there is no way the passenger airbag would properly inflate in an accident. Porsche tells me that this defect is "cosmetic" and of no consequence to vehicle safety. I do not agree with this position and feel that Porsche should be liable for this defect.

NHTSA ID
11729798
Incident
Jan 1, 2026
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Mar 16, 2026

This vehicle qualified for the Volkswagen Emissions Recall, yet from the start of the recall through 2018 settlement lawsuit dates , no correspondence was sent (by Porsche nor VW). According to all recall regulations, my vehicle should have among the ‘recall’ with the 85K plus others, yet no correspondence was sent (by Porsche nor VW) & now the local Porsche dealership is denying in, According to all recall regulations, even still with the EPA, the vehicle was to receive an initial emissions test, then undergo all related repairs/part replacements before the issue resulted in toxic emissions, NOX sensor failures, & premature problems with the DPF system, leading to thermostat problems & the failure of the diesel turbo. Federal regs mandate that vehicle & vehicle equipment manufacturers comply with Early Warning Reporting requirements, submit to NHTSA copies of their manufacturer communications. & update all communications including warranty, policy extensions & product improvement communication sent to dealers, distributors, owners, purchasers, etc. regarding any defect, failure or malfunction beyond normal deterioration in use, failure of performance, flaw or other unintended deviation from design specifications whether it is safety-related or not. Porsche now says my vehicle never showed the recall, despite court mandates that all affected vehicles will be notified communication failed on the sides of both manufacturers. In 2026, if one possesses an eligible vehicle but never received a "Dieselgate" recall notice, options for financial compensation from the original U.S. settlements stated to be likely limited, & I’m not able to find how to proceed with Volkswagen, but regardless, according to EPA and all vehicle standards, I read my vehicle is still entitled to receive an emissions modification at no cost, and that I should be covered by an extended emissions warranty to address all current & related issues.

NHTSA ID
11724527
Incident
Nov 23, 2018
Airbags
Filed Sep 2, 2025

The factory leather dashboard has detached/ungluded in places both on the driver and passenger side. Now the dashboard cover in the passenger area does not properly line up and has bubbled up on top of the passenger air bag door. There is a high possibility that this defect will prevent the passenger air bag from properly functioning or not function at all during an accident. Several Cayenne owners have reported this problem to Porsche USA however they will only replace at the owner's request and owners expense which is in the thousands of dollars. Porsche USA said that this is not a recall item therefore they will not pay for the repair.

NHTSA ID
11684455
Incident
Aug 25, 2025
Airbags
Filed Apr 1, 2025

Porsche dashboard leather has shrunk and now doesn’t properly cover airbag which is a major safety hazard. Porsche said they would not cover cost to replace which they quoted $9k. There are tons of reports of this happening to other Porsche cayenne owners and need to be addressed via recall

NHTSA ID
11652153
Incident
Apr 1, 2025
Airbags
Filed Jan 17, 2025

Leather dashboard cover is separating from the dashboard with staples being pulled up. I am concerned the airbag in the dash may deploy improperly and/or dangerously.

NHTSA ID
11636420
Incident
Jan 17, 2025
Airbags
Filed Oct 8, 2024

Porsche Cayenne dashboard leather shrunk and staples pulled out. The airbag in the dashboard may not deploy properly in the event when there is an accident. Porsche dealer recommended the dashboard to be replaced. Many vehicles have this issue after warranty is out

NHTSA ID
11618766
Incident
Oct 2, 2020
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 18, 2024

The Drive train consists of an engine, transmission, transfercase, driveshafts and differentials. The Transfercase has failed prior to the normal life cycle. Porsche recognizes this problem on this series of SUV and extends the warranty for 10 years and unlimited mileage. Porsche announced this extension in June 2024. However this does not cover the early models in this series 2011-2013 with the same drivetrain and transfercase. So in effect this failure of the transfer case is not covered on 2014 - 2011 Porsche Cayenne's models with the same transfercase because Porsche delayed the notification to customers. Even though the SUV may have low mileage, they will not warranty or cover my failure.

NHTSA ID
11615239
Incident
Aug 12, 2024
Seat belts
Filed Aug 19, 2024

Just purchased this vehicle from an independent dealer. Each time I test drove the vehicle, I put my seat belt on and after a few seconds of driving the driver's seat belt would come unlatched. Sales person told me that perhaps I wasn't latching it (false latch). After purchase, it has unlatched during my first day of driving it. I see that there are other customers complaining of the same issue on the NHTSA website.

NHTSA ID
11609423
Incident
Aug 13, 2024

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
2013Viewing403048.6
2012274046.3
2011303044.0
2010120—
2009152050.8
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.