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Model-year record

2012 Porsche Cayenne
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2012 Porsche Cayenne

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

36

Reports to NHTSA, 2012

Safety recalls

4

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Not rated

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

18

EPA estimate

Known issues

Power Train issues lead owner complaints (50% of 36 reports), followed by engine (11%).

Power Train50% · 18 reports
Engine11% · 4 reports
Unknown Or Other11% · 4 reports
Electrical System8% · 3 reports
Air Bags6% · 2 reports
Seats6% · 2 reports
Service Brakes3% · 1 report
Vehicle Speed Control3% · 1 report

+ 1 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 36 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11183519, ODI 11321883, ODI 11286672, ODI 11235245, ODI 11235031.

Individual complaint reports(36)

Showing the 36 most recent reports
Electrical SystemJul 2026 · ODI 11748836Details +

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Porsche Cayenne. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale from Facebook Market Place. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 125,383, but after performing an AutoCheck of the vehicle, it was discovered that the mileage was 205,154.

Reported
Jul 2026
Incident date
Jul 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11748836 at NHTSA →
Air BagsDec 2024 · ODI 11632899Details +

Porsche dashboard leather shrunk and staples pulled out around passenger side airbag. I was told that if the vehicle was in an accident the airbag might not deploy correctly. The Porsche dealer looked at it and recommended replacing it. This is a very common issue.

Reported
Dec 2024
Incident date
Dec 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11632899 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherNov 2022 · ODI 11492273Details +

The transfer case on my car has been confirmed by two different mechanics that it needs to be replaced. Porsche no longer makes or sells the original transfer case and components, so the entire transfer case needs to be replaced, at a cost of approximately $5,000. Porsche extended the warranty for the transfer case for up to 10 years, but I was never notified or made aware of this extension. Because my transfer case issue was identified 6 months outside of the extended warranty, the full cost of this repair is my liability. I believe that Porsche is aware that the original transfer case has design flaws and reliability issues, and while they did extend warranty coverage, they made no effort to communicate the extension. If so, I would have had the transfer case inspected while still under warranty.

Reported
Nov 2022
Incident date
Sep 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11492273 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJul 2022 · ODI 11473037Details +

I own a 2012 Porsche Cayenne. Transfer case broke at 33,000 miles and was replaced by the dealer, and now it broke again at 55,000 miles. Repair cost is $6,340 plus tax. It broke under the warranty period but Porsche gave me the runaround and told me they wouldn't check it until after some body damage was complete (more details below). Honestly feel like I'm getting gouged with faulty parts. Many other Porsche Cayenne owners seem to be reporting this problem on forums. (e.g. https://rennlist.com/forums/cayenne-958-2011-2018/1290994-transfer-case-failure-2.html) More details - 1. We asked the Porsche dealership to review the car for mechanical issues and repair bumper body damage while the transfer case was under warranty. 2. The Porsche dealer declined to review any mechanical issues until the bumper body damage repair was complete. 3. The Porsche was taken in for service to repair the body work first in late March per Porsche's guidance while the transfer case was still under warranty. 4. The body work was delayed due to Porsche's supply chain issues, and by the time it was complete it was after May 2nd which was when the warranty expired for the transfer case. 5. When the Porsche dealer received the car after May 2nd it identified the transfer case broke. This has been a recurring issue with a car as one transfer case broke at ~33,000 miles and was replaced at a Porsche dealership. Now the second transfer case broke at 55,000 miles (this case only lasted 22,000 miles). 6. Porsche declined to make an exception to the warranty and recommends replacing the transfer case at a price of $6,340 plus tax which will likely last for between 22,000 - 33,000 miles based on prior data points.

Reported
Jul 2022
Incident date
Jul 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11473037 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherDec 2020 · ODI 11383645Details +

RECALL WORK MISHANDLED AND CAUSED PROBLEM: I WENT TO PORSCHE FOR A REGULAR OIL CHANGE. THEY SAID THAT THERE IS AN ACTIVE RECALL ON CAMSHAFT AND THEY CAN ALSO BE PERFORMED WHILE THE CAR IS IN. NOW WHEN I WENT TO GET MY CAR BACK THEY SAID THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND WHEN THEY CHECKED THE TECH SAYS THE PARTS SEEMS TO BE ALL NEW AND IT WAS DONE AT A DIFFERENT WORK SHOP. THEY ASKED ME TO GO TO THE SHOP AND CHECK WITH THEM. BUT I TOLD THEM IT WAS DONE FEW MONTHS BACK AND I HAD NO ISSUES AT ALL AND THE CAR DIDNT HAVE ANY ISSUES WHEN I GAVE IT FOR OIL CHANGE( NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT). ALSO WHEN I ENTERED THE CAR I WAS ABLE TO SMELL A THICK OIL SMELL WHICH I INFORMED BECKY THE SERVICE CONSULTANT AND I WAS TOLD THAT IT COULD BE OIL SPILL WHEN THEY DID OIL CHANGE. I ASKED IF THE ISSUE MIGHT BE RELATED TO THE CAMSHAFT WORK THEY DID BUT THEY PROMPTLY SAID IT WAS NOT RELATED. SO I TOOK THE CAR TO THE AUTO SHOP ( PORSCHE CERTIFIED SHOP) TO HAVE THEM CHECK IT. THE SHOP CHECKED AND DIDNT FIND ANY ISSUES WITH THEIR PARTS THEY REPLACED SINCE IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY THEY WENT AHEAD REPLACED THE PART AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SIGN DIDNT GO AWAY, SO THEY PERFORMED SMOKE TEST AND FOUND OUT THE INTAKE LEAK COMING FROM A SENSOR SEAL ON THE VALVE COVER. THEY SAID THIS IS BECAUSE OF THE CAMSHAFT WORK THAT HAS CAUSED A LARGE AIR LEAK IN THE ENGINE SETTING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. ALSO WHEN THEY CHECKED THE COVERS THEY FOUND THAT THERE WERE 2 ALUMINIUM SCREWS THAT WERE BROKEN . WHEN THE COVER WAS REMOVED THE ALUMIMIUM SCREWS WERE SUPPOSED TO BE REPLACED WHICH WERE NOT AND THE OLD ONES WERE USED WHICH LEAD TO TENSION AND THEY WERE BROKEN THE AUTO SHOP HAS PROVIDED ME WITH ALL THE DETAILS AND EVIDENCE OF THE ISSUE ALONG WITH VIDEO TO SHOWCASE.I NEED NHTSA ASSISTANCE TO HELP ME GUIDE ON THIS ISSUE CAUSED BY THE DEALERSHIP TO MY CAR WHILE WORKING ON THE RECALL.

Reported
Dec 2020
Incident date
Nov 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11383645 at NHTSA →
EngineJun 2020 · ODI 11329783Details +

I HAVE A 2012 PORSCHE CAYENNE S HYBRID. IT IS SUFFERING FROM THE DEFECT DESCRIBED IN THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN: 17V36800. THE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE CAMSHAFT IN PLACE HAVE SHEARED OFF. PORSCHE IS REFUSING ANY TYPE OF CONSIDERATION BECAUSE THE VIN IS NOT IN THE RECALL LIST, BUT IT IS IN THE YEAR OF THE RECALL AND SUFFERS FROM THE ISSUE. I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER. I HAD TO CALL MY WIFE AND HAVE IT TOWED. THE DEALER TOLD ME IT WOULD COST 14K+ TO REPAIR AND THEY WOULD NEED THE VEHICLE FOR A MONTH. *TR

Reported
Jun 2020
Incident date
Jan 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11329783 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2020 · ODI 11321883Details +

THE TRANSFER CASE IS FAULTY. IT WAS REPLACED AT 26,000 MILES AND NOW IT IS ACTING THE SAME WAY AGAIN AT 48.000 MILES. I WAS ENTERING THE HWY AND THE CAR JUMPED FORWARD AND SUDDENLY LOST POWER BEFORE JUMPING INTO GEAR. THIS IS NOT SAFE CONSIDERING THERE WAS A CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND BEHIND. DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BUT COULD HAVE. DEALER ADMITS THE TRANSFER CASE HAS BEEN A CONSTANT PROBLEM WITH 2011-2017 CAYENNE BUT REFUSES TO TOTALLY COVER REPLACEMENT. THIS IS MY SECOND ISSUE WITH THE TRANSFER CASE AND AFTER SOME LIGHT RESEARCH HAVE COME ACROSS MANY OWNERS WITH ANYWHERE BETWEEN 1 AND 4 REPLACEMENTS. PORSCHE WILL NOT COVER THE TOTAL COST OF THE REPAIR (APPROX. $6500). HOW CAN A COMPANY LIKE PORSCHE BE SO ARROGANT AS TO UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT IT IS A FAULTY DESIGN BUT NOT MAKE RESTITUTION TO ITS LOYAL CUSTOMERS,

Reported
Apr 2020
Incident date
Mar 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11321883 at NHTSA →
Power TrainDec 2019 · ODI 11286672Details +

THE TRANSFER CASE IN THIS CAR IS FAILING AT 53,000 MILES CAUSING UNSAFE, JERKING ACCELERATION LEADING TO TOTAL BREAKDOWN/SHUTDOWN IF NOT CORRECTED. NUMEROUS OWNERS EXPERIENCE THE SAME ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER ACKNOWLEDGES THE DEFECT AND IS NOW PROVIDING NEWLY DESIGNED REPAIR PARTS DESCRIBED AS PERMANENTLY SOLVING THE PROBLEM AND COVERED BY A 2-YEAR WARRANTY AT A COST IN EXCESS OF $5,500 RETAIL

Reported
Dec 2019
Incident date
Dec 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11286672 at NHTSA →
SeatsOct 2019 · ODI 11270126Details +

POWER DRIVERS SEAT MOVED FORE/AFT AND UP/DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY ON 10.22.2019 ON ITS OWN. MOVING DRIVER AWAY FROM CONTACT WITH EITHER BRAKE OR GAS PEDAL AND A UNNATURALLY LONG REACH TO STEERING WHEEL. DRIVER ENGAGED BUTTONS TO MOVE SEAT FORWARD, PULLED OFF TO SAFE LOCATION AND SHUT DOWN/RESTARTED CAR. PROBLEM CONTINUED UPON RESTART

Reported
Oct 2019
Incident date
Oct 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11270126 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherAug 2019 · ODI 11246515Details +

DASH BOARD LEATHER IS PEELING AND SHRINKING

Reported
Aug 2019
Incident date
Aug 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11246515 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJul 2019 · ODI 11235245Details +

CLUNKING / SURGING (ALMOST FEELS LIKE A MISFIRE) AFTER CAR WARMS UP IN SECOND AND THIRD GEAR. SEEMS TO BE WITH THE TRANSFER CASE. PURCHASES CAR USED 30 DAYS AGO AND THIS ISSUE STARTED TO APPEAR AFTER I HAD THE VEHICLE AND DRIVING IT FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. NOW FIND THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH CAYENNES.

Reported
Jul 2019
Incident date
Jul 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11235245 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJul 2019 · ODI 11235031Details +

2012 PORSCHE CAYENNE WITH 47,000 MILES. NOTICED JERKING WHEN TURNING LEFT AND SOME SLIPPAGE IN TRANSMISSION. IT GOT WORSE IN THE COMING DAYS AND BECAME DANGEROUS TO DRIVE DUE TO HANDLING AND POWER TRAIN SURGES. I TOOK IT TO SOUTHPOINT PORSCHE IN DURHAM, NC, THIS WEEK AND WAS TOLD IT NEEDS A NEW $4,435 TRANSFER CASE. A LOCAL PORSCHE SHOP DIRECTED ME TO REVIEWS WHICH NOTE THE SAME 'KNOWN' ISSUE - DUE TO A KNOWN DEFECT THAT DRAINS FLUID BY TRANSFER CASE AND GETS MOISTURE INTO THE CASE. PORSCHE HAS ISSUED CORRECTIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR REPAIRS BUT NO RECALL (KNOWN) OR CALLBACK TO REPAIR AT THEIR COST. TRANSMISSION CAN LOCK UP DURING DRIVING CAUSING SERIOUS INJURIES OR DEATH. I ASKED DEALERSHIP TO CONTACT PORSCHE AND REGIONAL REP AND TO SHARE MY CONCERNS AND LINKS TO FORUMS WHERE THIS ISSUE IS OUTLINED IN MANY OTHER PORSCHE CAYENNE CASES.

Reported
Jul 2019
Incident date
Jul 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11235031 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJul 2019 · ODI 11232081Details +

THE TRANSFER CASE IN THIS CAR IS FAILING AT 53,000 MILES CAUSING UNSAFE, JERKING ACCELERATION LEADING TO TOTAL BREAKDOWN/SHUTDOWN IF NOT CORRECTED. NUMEROUS OWNERS EXPERIENCE THE SAME ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER ACKNOWLEDGES THE DEFECT AND IS NOW PROVIDING NEWLY DESIGNED REPAIR PARTS DESCRIBED AS PERMANENTLY SOLVING THE PROBLEM AND COVERED BY A 2-YEAR WARRANTY AT A COST IN EXCESS OF $5,500 RETAIL.

Reported
Jul 2019
Incident date
Jun 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11232081 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJun 2019 · ODI 11217457Details +

HYBRID DEFAULT MULTIPLE TIMES IN PAST YEARS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM? FAULT GENERATOR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT

Reported
Jun 2019
Incident date
May 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11217457 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2019 · ODI 11203979Details +

I GOT THE CAYENNE FROM 2012 IN 01/17/2017 TREE DAYS AFTER BUYING THE SUV TRANSFER CASE WAS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY, WHEN SHIFTING TO 3RD GEAR NOISE AND LOST OF POWER THIS AT 39,273 MILES REPAIR WAS DONE NOW ONLY 20,000 MILES LATER SAME PROBLEM. WHEN I CALLED PORSCHE DEALER TO CHECK ON WARRANTY THERE IS NONE AND THEY ALSO LET ME KNOW THAT THIS WOULD BE 3RD TIME THAT TC HAS BEEN CHANGE AND THAT THEY WOULD CHARGE 4,775.00 TO REPAIR.

Reported
Apr 2019
Incident date
Apr 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11203979 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2019 · ODI 11193919Details +

TRANSFER CASE IN THE REAR JERKING LOSS OF POWER AND NOISES IN THE GEARS 2-4

Reported
Apr 2019
Incident date
Mar 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11193919 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMar 2019 · ODI 11183519 · crash · fireDetails +

WHEN DRIVING CAR, IT FEELS ROUGH AND IS HARD TO ACCELERATE SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE TRANSFER CASE. THE TRANSFER CASE SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURE PROBLEM AND IS COMMON AMONG THESE CARS. IT'S UNSAFE AND ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY .

Reported
Mar 2019
Incident date
Feb 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash Fire
Open ODI 11183519 at NHTSA →
Power TrainFeb 2019 · ODI 11183067Details +

THE TRANSFER CASE HAS GONE OUT FOR THE 4TH TIME SINCE IF WENT OVER 50K, AT LOW SPEEDS ITS CLUNKY AND DRAGS AND BUMPY WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE. I FOUND OTHER INDIVIDUALS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM MUTLI TIMES AS MYSELF AND THIS IS NOT CHEAP TO FIX. THE DEALER KNOWS THIS IS A PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT HELP WITH COST

Reported
Feb 2019
Incident date
Jan 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11183067 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlJan 2019 · ODI 11165314Details +

THIS VEHICLE SUFFERS UNKNOWN HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE. IT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER ABRUPTLY WHILE IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY OR ON A CITY STREET WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT TRAVEL MORE THAN 20 MILES ON AUTOMATIC; UNLESS IT IS SWITCHED TO MANUAL SHIFT GEAR. THIS VEHICLE HAD SUBMITTED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND CONCLUSION WAS MADE AS THIS WAS CAUSED BY THE BATTERY FAILURE. HOWEVER, WITHIN THREE WEEKS AFTER REPAIR; THE HYBRID SYSTEM FAILED AGAIN. THE TECHNICIAN THEN RE-DETERMINED THE CAUSE AS A) FAULTY HIGH POWER VOLTAGE LINE AND COMPRESSOR, AND B) REPLACE HIGH VOLTAGE LINE AND COMPRESSOR.

Reported
Jan 2019
Incident date
Dec 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11165314 at NHTSA →
Power TrainDec 2018 · ODI 11163757Details +

TRANSFER CASE FAILURE. CARE CLUNKS/DRAGS IN LOW GEARS.

Reported
Dec 2018
Incident date
Dec 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11163757 at NHTSA →
Power TrainDec 2018 · ODI 11157213Details +

THE PORSCHE DEALER INFORMED ME THE BUMPING NOISE WHILE ACCELERATING IS THE TRANSFER CASE. IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON ALL 2012 CAYENNE CARS. THE TRANSFER CASE WILL MAKE THE BUMPING NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING. IT WILL EVENTUALLY SLIP TO THE DANGEROUS POINT. THIS IS WHEN YOU ACCELERATE INTO TRAFFIC AND THE TRANSFER CASE ONLY SLIPS AND LEAVES THE SITTING IN TRAFFIC UNABLE TO MOVE. THE REPAIR IS $5000 AND REPLACES THE TRANSFER CASE. THE NEW TRANSFER CASE CORRECTS THE DESIGN FLAW. THE FLAW WAS IN THE TRANSFER CASE VENTS THAT WOULD ALLOW WATER TO BUILD UP IN THE CASE. THE NEW CASE COMES WITH VENT TUBES INSTALLED SO THE CASE CAN VENT PROPERLY AND WATER DOESN'T BUILD UP IN THE TRANSFER CASE FLUID. IT IS A SHAME THAT THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS BETWEEN 30,000 AND 80,000 MILES. IF I PAY $60, 000 -$100,000 FOR A CAR I WOULD EXPECT TO GET PAST 100,000 MILES BEFORE A MAJOR REPAIR. HOPEFULLY I DON'T GET KILLED IN TRAFFIC WHEN IT STARTS SLIPPING MORE.

Reported
Dec 2018
Incident date
Dec 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11157213 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2018 · ODI 11099903Details +

TRANSFER CASE FAILURE. CAUSES INTERMITTENT ROUGH STUTTERING WHEN DEPRESSING GAS PEDAL ON HIGHWAY ESPECIALLY ON INCLINE. CAR DEALER DID NOT DETECT PROBLEM WHEN PERFORMING DIAGNOSTICS. WENT TO ANOTHER DEALER SERVICE LOCATION. SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE DROVE THE CAR AND QUICKLY CONFIRMED THE CAUSE IS A TRANSFER CASE FAILURE. WE WERE TOLD OUR CAR CAN STALL AT ANYTIME WHICH IS A CLEAR SAFETY HAZARD. AFTER A LOT OF RESEARCH, WE FOUND OUT TRANSFER CASE FAILURE IS A CONSISTENT AND RECURRING ISSUE FOR PORSCHE CAYENNE'S MANUFACTURED IN 2011 TO 2017.

Reported
Jun 2018
Incident date
Mar 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11099903 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2018 · ODI 11091036Details +

2012 CAYENNE TURBO WITH 40096 MILEAGE AS OF TODAY. THE TRANSFER BOX WAS REPLACED IN APRIL 2016 AND APRIL 2018. COST AROUND $4,500 EACH TIME. TOTAL OF $9,000 REPAIR BILL.

Reported
Apr 2018
Incident date
Apr 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11091036 at NHTSA →
Power TrainFeb 2018 · ODI 11066573Details +

IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR 2011+ CAYENNE THAT HAS THE TRANSFER CASE PROBLEM. THE CAR WON'T ACCELERATE SMOOTHLY DURING 1-2 GEAR AND 3-4-5 GEAR. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS WHILE TRYING TO MERGE ON THE FREEWAY. MY CAR ONLY HAS 71K MILES ON THE ODOMETER AND THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING

Reported
Feb 2018
Incident date
Jan 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11066573 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJan 2018 · ODI 11058321Details +

FAULTY TRANSFER CASE THE CAR HAD A BUMPY AND VIOLENT SHUDDER AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. FEELS LIKE MISFIRING AND THEN GRINDING AND THE CAR DOES NOT RESPOND TO THE ACCELERATOR. IT WAS DANGEROUS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE INTO TRAFFIC. I CALLED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AND WITH A SIMPLE EXPLANATION THEY DIAGNOSED IT OVER THE PHONE. THE DEALERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THESE TRANSFER CASES WERE FAILING REGULARLY AND THAT THE PARTS WERE REDESIGNED AND EVEN STOCKED IN THE DEALERSHIP SINCE IT HAPPENS SO REGULARLY. WITH A BASIC SEARCH OF THE INTERNET IT IS APPARENT THAT THIS PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD AND THAT PORSCHE HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THE DESIGN FLAW BUT THEY ARE NOT CHOOSING TO RECALL. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE REPLACED BY THE MANUFACTURER WHETHER THE CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY OR NOT.

Reported
Jan 2018
Incident date
Dec 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11058321 at NHTSA →
EngineDec 2017 · ODI 11054502Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 PORSCHE CAYENNE S. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V368000 (ENGINE). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *TT

Reported
Dec 2017
Incident date
Jun 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11054502 at NHTSA →
EngineDec 2017 · ODI 11053951Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 PORSCHE CAYENNE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V368000 (ENGINE). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE LOCAL DEALER (PORSCHE OF LIVERMORE, 3100 LAS POSITAS ROAD, LIVERMORE, CA 94551) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *TT

Reported
Dec 2017
Incident date
Jun 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11053951 at NHTSA →
Power TrainNov 2017 · ODI 11048376Details +

CAR HAD A SKIPPING FEELING WHEN DRIVING ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 20,000 MILES AND TRANSFER BOX HAS TO BE REPLACED. THEY CHARGED ME 4660.47 FOR THE REPLACEMENT CLAIMING THE FIVE YEAR WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE CAR IS ALWAYS GARAGED AND USED DURING THE WINTER. WHEN I COMPLAINED TO PORSCHE THEY SENT ME A CHECK FOR $950.

Reported
Nov 2017
Incident date
Oct 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11048376 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemMar 2017 · ODI 10960415Details +

GPS MALFUNCTION WHILE DRIVING , SERVICE TEST NO ERROR CODE BUT VISIBLE GPS MALFUNCTION ! MANUFACTURE CAN'T IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM SUGGEST TO REPLACE THE NEW PCM. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR DRIVER TO BELIEVE ON THE GPS WHILE DRIVING ON IT. IT IS DESIGN FRAUD AND CARELESS OF SERVICE WHEN THE DEVICE IS MALFUNCTION AND SYSTEM CAN'T DETECT IT. CUSTOMER HAS PICTURES AND VIDEOS SUPPORT THE CLAIM. VIDEO LINK: HTTPS://DRIVE.GOOGLE.COM/OPEN?ID=0B1W2Q8JZJUB7RGZSBHNTQ0O1S1K

Reported
Mar 2017
Incident date
Mar 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10960415 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMar 2017 · ODI 10958010Details +

CAMSHAFT ADJUSTER BOLTS FAILED... VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING, INCLUDING BRAKING SYSTEM AND POWER STEERING. PORSCHE RECALLED SOME 2011S, BUT NO 2012 WERE RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE KEPT THE FAULTY PARTS WHICH MATCH PART NUMBER WITH KNOWN DEFECT. PORSCHE WOULD NOT HONOR GOODWILL OR ANY DISCOUNT, EVEN WITH PROOF OF MATCHING NUMBERS PER THE MANUFACTURER.

Reported
Mar 2017
Incident date
Feb 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10958010 at NHTSA →
Power TrainFeb 2017 · ODI 10957198Details +

PORSCHE CAYENNE 2012. HAS TRANSMISSION CASING ISSUES AND THEY ARE NOT RECALLING IT! HAD TRANSMISSION CASING REPLACED WITH UNMODIFIED PART AND IN LESS THAT 25K ITS BROKEN AGAIN. WORRY ABOUT MY SAFETY ON THE ROAD AS IM TRAVELING WITH KIDS AND ELDERLY A LOT. THEY COVERED FIRST EMPLACEMENT AS THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT REFUSE TO COVER SECOND REPLACEMENT LABOR COSTS! ITS UNACCEPTABLE! PORSCHE DOES NOT HONOR THEIR QUALITY, WHEN THE PART WAS REPLACED UNMODIFIED IN 2015, THEY WERE FULLY AWARE THAT THIS WOULD BE A PROBLEM DOWN THE ROAD AND SURE ENOUGH, IT IS!! $650 DOLLARS IN LABOR MUST HAVE BEEN COVERED AS WAS THE SECOND REPLACEMENT PART!!

Reported
Feb 2017
Incident date
Feb 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10957198 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJul 2016 · ODI 10887728Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 PORSCHE CAYENNE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH DOWNHILL AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HAD TO REPEATEDLY DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL FOR THE BRAKES TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V169000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.

Reported
Jul 2016
Incident date
May 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10887728 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJul 2016 · ODI 10884797Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 (NA) PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE AIR BAG APPEARED TO HAVE DEPLOYED (PROPERLY) UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO IMPACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.

Reported
Jul 2016
Incident date
Jun 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10884797 at NHTSA →
VisibilitySep 2013 · ODI 10538643Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 PORSCHE CAYENNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED AN ABNORMAL GLARE FROM THE WINDSHIELD WHILE ENTERING A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50.

Reported
Sep 2013
Incident date
Jun 2012
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10538643 at NHTSA →
EngineAug 2012 · ODI 10469096Details +

THE ENGINE OF MY PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO WAS SHUT OFF COMPLETELY WHILE TURNING LEFT ON A TWO-LANE HIGHWAY. THE OPPOSITE CAR HAD TO VEERED OFF TO AVOID COLLISION. THE CAR KEPT MOVING FORWARD UNTIL IT HIT THE CURB. *TR

Reported
Aug 2012
Incident date
Aug 2011
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10469096 at NHTSA →
SeatsFeb 2012 · ODI 10449465Details +

I RECENTLY PURCHASED PORSCHE CAYENNE S 2012 AND I'M HAPPY ABOUT THE SUV BUT THE COMFORT ENTRY FEATURE DOES NOT WORK ALL THE TIME SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND DEALER ALSO ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM BUT DIDN'T OFFER ANY SOLUTION. IT WORKS SOME TIME AND IT DOESN'T OTHER TIMES. WHEN YOU SET YOUR POSITION AND SAVE THE POSITION WHEN YOU UNLOCK THE DOOR WITH THE SAME KEY IT SUPPOSED SAVE ALL YOUR PREFERENCES LIKE SEAT,SIDE MIRRORS AND OTHERS BUT IT DOESN'T WORK MOSTLY...! I CHECKED IN FORUMS AND MOST OF THEM DO COMPLAIN OR THEY JUST GOT USED TO IT. I WOULD LIKE TO BRING IT TO YOUR ATTENTION WE PAID CLOSE TO $5000.00 TO THIS FEATURE AS AN OPTION. I REQUEST YOU TO INVESTIGATE ON THIS ISSUE AND IF YOU SEE A PROBLEM PLEASE ASK THE PORSCHE TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. *TR

Reported
Feb 2012
Incident date
Feb 2012
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10449465 at NHTSA →

Recalls(4)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

Engine And Engine CoolingDec 2012 · 12V329000Details +

PORSCHE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 PANAMERA TURBO, 2012 PANAMERA TURBO S, AND 2012 CAYENNE TURBO VEHICLES. THE TURBINE WHEEL OF A TURBOCHARGER MAY FRACTURE DUE TO A CASTING DEFECT. IF A FRACTURE OCCURS, VEHICLE PERFORMANCE WILL BE DECREASED AND THE TURBINE SHAFT MAY FRACTURE.

Risk: IF THE SHAFT FRACTURES, OIL MAY BE DRAWN INTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, RESULTING IN SMOKE AND THE INCREASED RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy: PORSCHE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TURBINE WHEELS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 31, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-767-7243.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Exterior Lighting · 12V065000Details +

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.

Remedy: 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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Service Brakes · 16V169000Details +

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.

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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Exterior Lighting · 22V656000Details +

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.

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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2012 Porsche Cayenne SUV AWD NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover
Not rated

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Cayenne3.6L 6-cylAll-Wheel Drive172319
Cayenne3.6L 6-cylAll-Wheel Drive152217

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

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Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2012 Porsche Cayenne: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2012 Porsche Cayenne?

Owners filed 36 NHTSA complaints about the 2012 Porsche Cayenne. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2012 Porsche Cayenne?

The most-reported problem areas are Power Train (50% of complaints) and engine (11%).

How many recalls does the 2012 Porsche Cayenne have?

4 recalls have been issued that affect the 2012 Porsche Cayenne, covering components such as engine and engine cooling. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Porsche Cayenne get?

The EPA rates the 2012 Porsche Cayenne between 17 and 19 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.