2017 Porsche Cayenne

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

The contact owns a 2017 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that the vehicle was hacked. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's assistance safety features malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to swerve despite the driver's efforts to drive straight. Infotainment settings confirmed that the Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) system was engaged. Additionally, the message "External Usage External Equipment External Drivers remove the features" was displayed, and the cruise control was unintentionally engaged with messages for "Trailer," "Slippery Changing Max Settings," "Navigation Off," "Road feature Off," "Risk of an Accident," and "Pull Over, remove the key from the ignition and reset vehicle". The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle unintentionally shifted into Drive and Neutral at the same time. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle failed to stop while depressing the brake pedal, requiring the driver to pull over to the side of the road and allow the vehicle to roll to a stop. Other failures included unintended engagement of the windshield wipers and heater. Per the owner's manual, the contact opened the infotainment settings, where the notification "Other Device External Usage" was displayed. Additionally, all four tire sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the insurance company, the Police Department, and the manufacturer were contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that all four tires blew up while driving, and the vehicle was towed to Porsche Charlotte Northlake (10205 Ronald Withrow Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28216); where the tires were replaced. The vehicle was not further repaired. The tire information was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ID

11753055

Incident

Jul 27, 2023

Mileage

40,000 mi

Case Number: 1170739 – Additional Evidence Submission I would like to provide an additional document for Case #1170739. The manufacturer (Porsche Cars North America) stated in writing that the vehicle is “safe to drive even with warning indicators illuminated,” but in the same communication offered a rental vehicle if I found this “inconvenient.” These two statements cannot logically coexist, and they raise concerns that the manufacturer may be minimizing or mischaracterizing a potential safety-related defect. Furthermore: The warning indicators involve the coolant and fuel systems of an E-Hybrid model, which may be connected to thermal management and combustion-related safety. The vehicle remained in the dealer’s possession for an extended period during repeated repair attempts. During a visit, I found the hood partially open while the vehicle was being stored long-term, raising questions regarding proper safety and storage protocols. Additional system warnings appeared after prolonged non-operation, suggesting possible deterioration related to improper storage or incomplete diagnostics. I respectfully request NHTSA’s assessment of whether it is appropriate for a dealer or the manufacturer (Porsche Cars North America) to advise a customer to operate a vehicle on public roads while warning indicators are illuminated. From a consumer’s standpoint, this does not appear reasonable or safe, and I wish to operate my vehicle only in a condition that is objectively safe for road use. The fact that such guidance was provided to me is deeply concerning, and I would appreciate the agency’s evaluation of whether this type of advice aligns with I am submitting the manufacturer’s email for your review, as it appears inconsistent with standard safety guidance and may reflect an attempt to address the matter through customer-service accommodations rather than technical evaluation. Please add this information and attached documentation to my existing case file. Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11704535

Incident

Dec 10, 2025

I am reporting a series of safety-related defects involving the electrical, cooling, and fuel systems of my 2021 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid. The vehicle was initially brought to the authorized Porsche dealership due to an electrical system error, and the dealer kept the vehicle for an extended period. After approximately five months, the vehicle was returned to me without a clear explanation of the root cause or details of the repair. The very next day after receiving the vehicle, a coolant temperature warning appeared while driving, indicating abnormal engine overheating. This created an immediate safety hazard, as overheating can lead to sudden engine failure, loss of power, or a potential fire risk. I returned the vehicle to the dealership again for further repairs. Afterward, another serious issue occurred: because this is a hybrid vehicle, I went to refuel, but the fuel door would not open, and a fuel system error warning appeared again. This made the vehicle unsafe to operate, especially while already on the road. Due to these repeated failures, I was required to tow the vehicle multiple times. These problems — electrical malfunction, coolant overheating during driving, fuel system errors, and a non-functional fuel door — occurred repeatedly even after prolonged service by the dealership. The combination of electrical faults, overheating risk, hybrid system malfunction, and fuel system failure presents a significant safety concern. I will provide additional documentation to support this report. I request that NHTSA review this case to determine whether an investigation is warranted, as these issues may indicate a broader defect affecting this model.

NHTSA ID

11703739

Incident

Oct 18, 2025

During rain events, headlight housings are becoming inundated with moisture (L and R sides). A quick search on multiple forums shows this is a known issue with all Porsche models. During night driving this issue reduces visibility significantly. Yes, this puts my occupants and other drivers at risk. Porsche is famous for not acknowledging and addressing out of warranty manufacturing defects, even safety issues. They would not address this issue. Brief warning lights and flashing of the headlight system was evident. This has been happening for a few years and is getting progressively worse.

NHTSA ID

11689861

Incident

Sep 25, 2025

the piece of leather trim sit on top of dash panel below the windshield that cover the airbag shrink and peel off the main dash. The passenger air bag might not deploy properly in the event of frontal collisions because of a loose piece of leather cover it.

NHTSA ID

11671751

Incident

Jul 7, 2025

When the weather drops below 0 celsius, the hybrid battery fails with a hybrid battery failure message. The Porsche dealer said this is a known issue and there is no fix. I've been stuck several times in the past 3 years up in the mountains when the temperature drops suddenly and there are no services within 100's of miles to even tow it to get a fix. I just have to wait for the temperature to warm up to start the car. There is currently no bypass to switch to gas only which would solve the issue. If you look at the pic, there is plenty of gas in the car.

NHTSA ID

11636091

Incident

Jan 13, 2025

Passenger side dash board leather cover has pulled away from dash - thus creating a safety issue with the airbag. Porsche has examined the damage and recommended a repair but will not cover the cost - but did advise that in the event of a accident - they do see a potential problem with the passenger side air bag deploying safely (or not at all). There should be a recall on this by Porsche as it's a safetly issue.

NHTSA ID

11630678

Incident

Nov 6, 2024

Broken and loosened timing chain cover bolts resulting in leaking oil onto drive components, belts and tires/brakes. This recall was done for the Macan and not the Cayenne. Ours was covered under factory extended warranty. That said, this is criminal. Porsche needs to be investigated, they refuse to recall their vehicles and we all know there are some manufaturing issues that are 100% the factory's fault. If the NTSB refuses to hold their feet to the fire this type of engineering will continue.

NHTSA ID

11592066

Incident

Jan 2, 2024

Porsche Tester Software Update Information Software Version: 44.300.000

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

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

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

PiUS Update Information Software Version: 3.2

PiUS Update Information Software Version: 3.2