2011 Porsche Cayenne recalls and problems

The 2011 Porsche Cayenne has 3 safety recalls and 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Porsche dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
30
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2011 Porsche Cayenne vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2011 Porsche Cayenne recalls

Recall 22V-656: Exterior Lighting

Reported Aug 30, 2022 · 222,858 vehicles affected · Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Problem: 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."

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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 16V-169: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Mar 23, 2016 · 88,300 vehicles affected · Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the brake pedal dislodges, the driver may not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 12V-065: Exterior Lighting

Reported Feb 21, 2012 · 20,278 vehicles affected · PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: Porsche is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 cayenne, cayenne s, cayenne s hybrid, and cayenne turbo vehicles manufactured from march 8, 2010, through january 31, 2012 because the headlamps may come loose and detach from the fender.

Risk: A detached headlight could lead to loss of visibility and an increased risk of a crash.

Fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlamp locking assemblies, free of charge. The safety recall began on march 9, 2012. Owners may contact porsche at 1-800-767-7243.

2011 Porsche Cayenne problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine12
Power Train11
Unknown or Other5
Air Bags3
Steering1
Service Brakes1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Electrical System1
Exterior Lighting1
Forward Collision Avoidance1

Most reported parts

  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 65,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2011 Porsche Cayenne complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Forward Collision Avoidance · reported Dec 30, 2024
At highway speeds, randomly a serious unsafe to operate 'service necessary' warning appears on the instrument panel and the cruise control malfunctions; abruptly shutting off. With the service necessary warning indicated, the vehicle is unsafe to operate. This unsafe vehicle is not drive-able with cruise control. Error will go away on its own. This breakdown appears to be known to porsche based on what I have seen on internet community sites
Air Bags · reported Nov 26, 2024
The original Porsche leather upper dashboard has shrunk, causing exposed staples, and rippling of the leather , including rippling and bunching of the leather that is covering the passenger dash airbag assembly. I have been informed that in the event of an accident causing airbags to deploy, the passenger airbag would likely not deploy correctly, and further injury could also occur because of exposed staples and hardware that should not be exposed. My Porsche dealer and independent dealer have both advised replacement of dash (for a very large sum of money). I have also taken the vehicle to…
Air Bags · reported Nov 26, 2024
Porsche dash material is separating from the substrate of the structure. This material is directly between the airbag and the now loose material on the surface of the dash (leather). Porsche will not repair this and recommends a replacement at an estimated $10,000 USD. There is a significant risk to safety as the now loose upper material will interfere with the deployment of the airbag on the passenger side, adding potential harm and injury to a passenger inside the vehicle.
Air Bags · reported Nov 19, 2024
The leather on my Porsche Cayenne dashboard has shrunk and is pulling away from the front of the dashboard. My mechanic tells me that this is a possible safety issue because if the vehicle is in an accident, the front passenger airbag may not deploy correctly and recommends replacing (expensive). In checking various Porsche online forums, this appears to be a common issue among owners with the more expensive leather dashboards.
Engine · reported Apr 19, 2024
My vehicle has camshaft and crankshaft correlation problems due to the well-known problem with its screws and other things. I reported it to Porsche and they told me that it has already been repaired but I don't understand how to fail again and deny help for its repair.

Other Porsche Cayenne years

Compare all Porsche Cayenne years · All Porsche models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Porsche Cayenne have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2011 Porsche Cayenne: 22V-656 (exterior lighting), 16V-169 (service brakes, hydraulic), 12V-065 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Porsche Cayenne?

Owners report engine problems most often (12 reports), followed by power train (11). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 65,000 miles.

Are Porsche recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Porsche dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.