2021 Porsche Cayenne recalls and problems

The 2021 Porsche Cayenne has 5 safety recalls and 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Porsche dealer.

Recalls
5
Complaints
21
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 Porsche Cayenne vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 Porsche Cayenne recalls

Recall 25V-896: Back Over Prevention

Reported Dec 19, 2025 · 172,107 vehicles affected · Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Problem: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2019-2025 Cayenne, Cayenne E-Hybrid, 2020-2025 911, Taycan, 2024-2025 Panamera, and 2025 Panamera E-Hybrid vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the driver assistance software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2026. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ASB2. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 19, 2026.

Recall 22V-040: Suspension, Tires

Reported Jan 28, 2022 · 1,241 vehicles affected · Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Problem: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cayenne vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-271 (AMA9) were performed.

Risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 10, 2022. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ANA1.

Recall 21V-493: Steering

Reported Jun 30, 2021 · 27 vehicles affected · Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Problem: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Cayenne vehicles. The screw connection between the steering column and steering box may fail, which can result in a detached steering column.

Risk: A detached steering column can cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install a new screw, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMB4.

Recall 21V-318: Air Bags, Seats

Reported May 5, 2021 · 136 vehicles affected · Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Problem: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Cayenne GTS, Cayenne GTS Coupe, 2020-2021 Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne S Coupe, Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe vehicles. The passenger seat back heating element was not installed and may impact the calibration of the Occupant Classification System.

Risk: The front passenger air bag may fail to deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will install a heating element, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMB0.

Recall 21V-271: Suspension

Reported Apr 21, 2021 · 1,568 vehicles affected · Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Problem: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne GTS, Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne S Coupe, Cayenne Turbo Coupe, and Cayenne GTS Coupe vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.

Risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lock nuts, free of charge. The recall began on June 18, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMA9.

2021 Porsche Cayenne problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System6
Unknown or Other5
Air Bags4
Engine3
Service Brakes2
Power Train2
Steering2
Forward Collision Avoidance2
Back Over Prevention1
Visibility/Wiper1
Seat Belts1
Fuel/Propulsion System1

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 2
  • Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 48,000 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 2021 Porsche Cayenne complaints

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

Seat Belts · at 14,000 miles · reported Aug 31, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front driver's side seat belt independently tightened and loosened. The emergency light illuminated, and a seat belt warning chime sounded continuously. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the seat belt assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the local dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
Engine · reported Aug 31, 2026
On my 2021 Porsche Cayenne Base, which is equipped with the 3.0L V6 EA839 engine, I brought the vehicle to the dealership for a recall service. During inspection, the dealership found a leaking water pump and quoted $8,500 for repairs. There were no visible signs of a coolant leak on the ground, indicating an internal seal failure. My independent technician confirmed that coolant is leaking internally into the vacuum system. This EA839 engine architecture is shared across multiple Volkswagen Group models, including Audi A6, A7, A8, Q7, and Q8, where this water pump internal leak is a known…
Air Bags · reported Aug 25, 2026
Over approximately the past month, the leather covering on the dashboard of my 2021 Porsche Cayenne has rapidly begun lifting, buckling, and separating across a substantial portion of the dashboard. The deformation has become increasingly pronounced in a short period of time despite normal use and careful maintenance of the vehicle. I am concerned that this may present a safety issue because the passenger airbag deploys through the dashboard area. The dashboard material is visibly distorted and separating, and I am concerned that this deformation could potentially interfere with the intended…
Electrical System · reported Aug 6, 2026
Battery completely discharged and the safety switch in the battery malfunctions and battery can not be charged again. There are many complaints seen online about the battery problems Porsche has. This strands the car and me the driver. The dealer and independent mechanics said the same. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure.
Steering · reported Jun 18, 2026
Vehicle Information: 2021 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid (VIN: [XXX]) Description of Defect: While operating the vehicle, the steering column bolt physically backed out and detached, causing an immediate, complete loss of steering control. This exact mechanical failure mirrors NHTSA Safety Recall 21V-493 (Porsche Campaign AMB4), which addressed loose, under-torqued steering column bolts leaving the factory. My specific VIN was excluded from the narrow initial recall population, proving a factory tracking failure by the manufacturer. The authorized Porsche dealership confirmed the failure stating the…

Other Porsche Cayenne years

Compare all Porsche Cayenne years · All Porsche models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Porsche Cayenne have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2021 Porsche Cayenne: 25V-896 (back over prevention), 22V-040 (suspension, tires), 21V-493 (steering), 21V-318 (air bags, seats), 21V-271 (suspension). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Porsche Cayenne?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (6 reports), followed by unknown or other (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 48,000 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.