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Model-year record

2013 Porsche Cayenne
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2013 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

40

Reports to NHTSA, 2013

Safety recalls

3

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 (40% of 40 reports), followed by air bags (15%).

Power Train40% · 16 reports
Air Bags15% · 6 reports
Seat Belts10% · 4 reports
Electrical System8% · 3 reports
Engine8% · 3 reports
Fuel/Propulsion System8% · 3 reports
Unknown Or Other5% · 2 reports
Exterior Lighting3% · 1 report

+ 2 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 40 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11615239, ODI 11493099, ODI 11414407, ODI 11376082, ODI 11325912.

Individual complaint reports(40)

Showing the 40 most recent reports
Air BagsApr 2026 · ODI 11729798Details +

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.

Reported
Apr 2026
Incident date
Jan 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11729798 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemMar 2026 · ODI 11724527Details +

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.

Reported
Mar 2026
Incident date
Nov 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11724527 at NHTSA →
Air BagsSep 2025 · ODI 11684455Details +

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.

Reported
Sep 2025
Incident date
Aug 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11684455 at NHTSA →
Air BagsApr 2025 · ODI 11652153Details +

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

Reported
Apr 2025
Incident date
Apr 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11652153 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJan 2025 · ODI 11636420Details +

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.

Reported
Jan 2025
Incident date
Jan 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11636420 at NHTSA →
Air BagsOct 2024 · ODI 11618766Details +

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

Reported
Oct 2024
Incident date
Oct 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11618766 at NHTSA →
Power TrainSep 2024 · ODI 11615239Details +

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.

Reported
Sep 2024
Incident date
Aug 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11615239 at NHTSA →
Seat BeltsAug 2024 · ODI 11609423Details +

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.

Reported
Aug 2024
Incident date
Aug 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11609423 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJul 2024 · ODI 11605224Details +

The optional Leather Dashboard is peeling away from the base of the windshield. The cutout in the leather that aligns with the passenger airbag is now out of alignment and there is concern if the airbag will deploy properly in an accident.

Reported
Jul 2024
Incident date
Jul 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11605224 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemJan 2024 · ODI 11568669Details +

Engine light came on and vehicle decelerated while making a turn in traffic. Based on the owners manual and code test, it comes up as a DPF issue. We could have been seriously injured had the oncoming traffic been closer to us or had someone attempted to follow me on the turn. When the car lost power, I could not accelerate to complete my turn. The problem has been duplicated by my husband who has some mechanical expertise, but the next step would be to take it to a dealer. It is available for inspection, but it is not safe to drive. The check engine light and the glow plug lamp came on at the same time. It happened once before on the interstate coming across I-80 on the interstate. In the middle of nowhere with no cell phone service, we were able to pull over, shut off and restart the engine which cleared the code for the rest of the trip. Then it didn’t do this again for nearly two months.

Reported
Jan 2024
Incident date
Jan 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11568669 at NHTSA →
Exterior LightingNov 2022 · ODI 11494018Details +

The contact owns a 2013 Porsche Cayenne. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V656000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the headlamps illumination had started to become dull. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 154,123. Parts distribution disconnect.

Reported
Nov 2022
Incident date
Sep 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11494018 at NHTSA →
Power TrainNov 2022 · ODI 11493099Details +

The contact owns a 2013 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal noise while shifting from first to second gear. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,300.

Reported
Nov 2022
Incident date
Aug 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11493099 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2021 · ODI 11414407Details +

GRINDING & CLUNKING NOISE FROM DRIVE TRAIN AT LOW ENGINE SPEEDS. TOOK IT TO PORSCHE DEALERSHIP IN OCTOBER, 2020. THEY DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM AND I WAS TOLD IT IS OK TO DRIVE. THE NOISE IS GETTING WORSE FROM INITIAL WHINING TO GRINDING & CLUNKING NOISE. ONLINE FORUMS INDICATE THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH CAYENNE & MACAN MODELS OF PORSCHE. PORSCHE HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THE ISSUE ON THERE WEBSITE WITH WARRANTY EXTENSION. WHEN I CALL THE PORSCHE CUSTOMER SUPPORT. THEY ARE NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THE WARRANTY EXTENSION. I THINK IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND NEED TO BE ADDRESS BY PORSCHE

Reported
Apr 2021
Incident date
Oct 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11414407 at NHTSA →
Power TrainNov 2020 · ODI 11376082Details +

CAR HAS PROBLEM WITH ACCELERATION. IT HESITATES AND DRIVES LIKE THE CAR IS BEING HELD BACK. ACCELERATION IS NOT SMOOTH. ROUGH AND SHUDDER AND HERKY JERKY. IT HAS A FAULTY TRANSFER CASE WHICH IS WELL KNOWN AND SHOULD BE RECALLED.

Reported
Nov 2020
Incident date
Nov 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11376082 at NHTSA →
Seat BeltsJun 2020 · ODI 11331553Details +

THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT UNLATCHES, EVEN WHEN IT APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN PROPERLY LATCHED AND I PULL ON IT TO CONFIRM THAT IT IS LATCHED. THIS HAPPENS WHETHER OR NOT THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THIS IS HAPPENING CONSTANTLY, BUT I WILL FILL IN TODAY'S DATE BELOW. *TR

Reported
Jun 2020
Incident date
Jun 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11331553 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMay 2020 · ODI 11325912Details +

MULTIPLE TRANSFER CASE FAILURES. FIRST AT 50K MILES (SLIPPING BETWEEN GEARS, FOLLOWED BY A SEVERE JOLT AS THE GEAR FINALLY CHANGED)'TRANSFER CASE WAS REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE ($7000K LATER). SECOND FAILURE OCCURRED LESS THAN 6 MONTHS LATER AT 55K MILES (SEVERE JOLT WHEN SHIFTING FROM 3RD TO 4TH GEAR)'TRANSFER CASE REPLACED UNDER PARTS WARRANTY. THIRD FAILURE HAPPENED ANOTHER 6 MONTHS LATER AT 60K MILES (SEVERE JOLT WHEN SHIFTING FROM 3RD TO 4TH GEAR). THIS LAST FAILURE'YET TO BE FIXED'HAS HAPPENED WHILE I AM ON A ROAD TRIP, AND IT RISKS ME BEING STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. THIS ISSUE IS RAMPANT AMONG 958S. PORSCHE REALLY NEEDS TO STEP UP AND FIX THIS ISSUE. IT'S REPORTED RAMPANTLY ON FORUMS, WITH MANY OWNERS REPORTING MULTIPLE SUCCESSIVE FAILURES LIKE I HAVE EXPERIENCED.

Reported
May 2020
Incident date
May 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11325912 at NHTSA →
Seat BeltsMar 2020 · ODI 11315886Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 PORSCHE CAYENNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SECURE THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE INTO THE RECEIVER, THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO LATCH. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.

Reported
Mar 2020
Incident date
Mar 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11315886 at NHTSA →
Power TrainFeb 2020 · ODI 11310074Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 PORSCHE CAYENNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DIRVING THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FORM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THIS OCCASION WAS THE THIRD TIME THE PART NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.

Reported
Feb 2020
Incident date
Jan 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11310074 at NHTSA →
Power TrainNov 2019 · ODI 11282514Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 PORSCHE CAYENNE. WHILE DRIVING, A LOUD UNKNOWN NOISE WAS HEARD FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000.

Reported
Nov 2019
Incident date
Nov 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11282514 at NHTSA →
Power TrainOct 2019 · ODI 11269753Details +

PURCHASED A 2013 CAYENNE PORSCHE GTS WITH 67K MILES ON IT. NOTICED A KIND OF THUMPING SOUND WHEN ACCELERATING, USUALLY APPEARING AT 3K RPMS. VEHICLE SHUDDERS AND ALMOST FEELS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC TO DIAGNOSE THE FAULT AND THEY IMMEDIATELY KNEW WHAT IT WAS, ENGINE TRANSFER CASE FAILURE. THIS IS DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW ALLOWING WATER INTO THE TRANSFER CASE THAT PORSCHE IS AWARE OF AND YET TO ADDRESS. ON SOME OCCASIONS PORSCHE WILL PAY FOR THE $5K REPAIR BUT THE PART IS STILL REPLACED WITH A TRANSFER CASE WITH THE SAME FLAW. TRANSFER CASE FAILURE CAN LEAD TO A SUDDEN LOSE OF POWER AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY IF SOMEONE IS TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. HIGHLY RECOMMEND ADDRESSING THIS WITH A RECALL FOR 2013 AND 2014 CAYENNES. I HAVE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN LOSE OF POWER DUE TO TRANSFER CASE FAILURE, NEATLY RESULTING IN A HIGHWAY COLLISION.

Reported
Oct 2019
Incident date
Oct 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11269753 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemOct 2019 · ODI 11269283Details +

FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTION,ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON,THE VEHICLE THEN HESITATED AND JERKS WHEN I DRIVE IT IN MOTION.

Reported
Oct 2019
Incident date
Oct 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11269283 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemSep 2019 · ODI 11258537Details +

VEHCILE IS SHOWING FAULTY FUEL GAUGE AND SUSPENSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.

Reported
Sep 2019
Incident date
Sep 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11258537 at NHTSA →
Power TrainSep 2019 · ODI 11257179Details +

WHILE DRIVING BACK HOME ON THE HIGHWAY DOING ABOUT 30 MPH IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC MY 2013 CAYENNE GTS STARTED TO JERK BETWEEN SHIFTING GEARS. I THOUGHT IT WAS A BUMPY ROAD AT LEAST BUT THEN AFTER THE TRAFFIC WAS OVER AND I WAS ABLE TO PICK UP SOME SPEED TO UP TO AROUND 40-45MPH THE CAR SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY NOT KNOWING WHAT TO DO. MY LIFE LITERALLY FLASHED IN MY EYES I WAS SO LUCKY TO GET OUT OF IT WITH NO INJURIES AFTER RESEARCHING AND VISITING MY MECHANIC I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A TRANSFER CASE ISSUE AND IT'S A VERY COMMON THING TO HAPPEN ON CAYENNES WITH GASOLINE ENGINE

Reported
Sep 2019
Incident date
Sep 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11257179 at NHTSA →
Power TrainSep 2019 · ODI 11255257Details +

TRANSMISSION TRANSFER CASE ISSUES IMMEDIATELY AFTER ACCELERATION BETWEEN 3RD AND 4TH GEAR. VEHICLE STUMBLES WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN LEFT FROM A STANDSTILL, KNOWN ISSUE IN THE PORSCHE COMMUNITY, MY ISSUE FIRST STARTED AT 68K MILES, GOT THE TRANSFER CASE REPLACED, NOW SAME ISSUE WITH THE TRANSFER CASE AGAIN AT 79K MILES, SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, MY WIFE, AND 2 KIDS AT THE AGE OF 8 YEARS OLD AND 7 MONTHS OLDS WAS ALLMOST IN AN ACCIDENT WITH AN TRACTOR TRAILER DUE TO THIS TRANSFER CASE, SOMEONE PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE, PORSCHE MANUFACTURER HASN'T DONE ANYTHING ABOUT THIS KNOWN PROBLEM.

Reported
Sep 2019
Incident date
Sep 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11255257 at NHTSA →
Power TrainAug 2019 · ODI 11242302Details +

FAILURE OF TRANSFER CASE AT 51,000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 78,000 MILES. PORSCHE ACKNOWLEDGES PROBLEM NATIONWIDE BUT WILL NOT COVER REPAIR. VEHICLE SHUTTERS/STUTTERS AND DOES NOT SHIFT INTO GEARS (4 TO 5). THIS FAILURE IS DESCRIBED COUNTLESS NUMBER OF TIMES ON THE INTERNET IN VARIOUS FORUMS. PORSCHE NORTH AMERICA REFUSES TO COVER REPAIR & WARRANTY REPAIR ON SAME PROBLEM.

Reported
Aug 2019
Incident date
Aug 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11242302 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJul 2019 · ODI 11232505Details +

THE DISPLAY UNIT WHICH FUNCTION THE NAVIGATION AND RADIO STOPPED WORKING AND IT KEEPS REBOOTING. AFTER DO FURTHER RESEARCH THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR MANY YEARS. WITHOUT THE NAVIGATION WE ARE FORCED TO USE OUR PHONES WHICH IS A HAZARD.

Reported
Jul 2019
Incident date
Jul 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11232505 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2019 · ODI 11218352Details +

VEHICLE IN MOTION SUDDENLY SHUTTERS AND SLOWS. SOMETIMES VEHICLE WILL FAIL TO MOVE FROM STATIONARY. DEALER DIAGNOSED TRANSFERE CASE PROBLEM. INTERNET IS FULL OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. PORSCHE ADMITS DESIGN FLAW, BUT WILL NOT ASSIST. THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY PROBLEM. VEHICLE HA 60,000 MI ON ODOMETER.

Reported
Jun 2019
Incident date
Jun 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11218352 at NHTSA →
Seat BeltsJun 2019 · ODI 11217589Details +

AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR WAS NOT PRESENT IN SEAT BELT FOR REAR CENTER SEAT. FMVSS208 REQUIRES A SEAT BELT LOCKING FEATURE BE PRESENT TO INSTALL A CHILD'S CAR SEAT. OWNER'S MANUAL INDICATES THAT ALL REAR SEATING POSITIONS + FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HAVE AN ALR - BUT IN THIS VEHICLE THE OUTBOARD REAR SEATS + FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HAD IT, BUT THE CENTER SEAT DID NOT. SEE VIDEO HERE - HTTPS://PHOTOS.APP.GOO.GL/TJRNQDZN1XZCAKKG7 THE ABSENCE OF THE ALR WAS VERIFIED BY A NATIONALLY CERTIFIED CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY INSTRUCTOR.

Reported
Jun 2019
Incident date
Jun 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11217589 at NHTSA →
SteeringApr 2019 · ODI 11203506Details +

WHEN ACCELERATING THE VEHICLE SPUTTERS AND CATCHES. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IF TRYING TO ACCELERATE ON A HIGHWAY OR SHOULD YOU NEED TO ACCELERATE TO AVOID A COLLISION. MY VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW AND CURRENTLY ONLY HAS 23,600 MILES ON IT. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN TO A CAR WITH VERY LOW MILEAGE. THIS ISSUE HAPPENS WHILE TURNING, WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, WHILE IN REVERSE, AND WHILE ON A CITY STREET. I TOOK THE CAR TO PORSCHE AND THEY IDENTIFIED THAT THE CAR NEEDS A NEW TRANSFER CASE. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AS THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THIS ISSUE SEEMS TO HAVE HAPPENED ON 100S OF PORSCHES.

Reported
Apr 2019
Incident date
Feb 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11203506 at NHTSA →
EngineApr 2019 · ODI 11197365Details +

AT 52361 MILEAGE, FOUND OIL LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE. THE FRONT ENGINE COVER IS LEAKING AND WILL NEED TO BE RESEALED. ENGINE WILL NEED TO BE REMOVED AND ALIGNMENT WILL BE NECESSARY DUE TO DISRUPTION OF SUB FRAME AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS.

Reported
Apr 2019
Incident date
Mar 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11197365 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMar 2019 · ODI 11191076Details +

TRANSFER CASE FAILING 43,000 MILES. TOXIC FUMES ENTERING CABIN, VEHICLE JERKS AND AND DOES NOT FUNCTION. WIFE WAS ALMOST KILLED AS VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE OUT OF THE WAY OF A SEMI- TRUCK. GATHERING DATA NOW TO BEGIN LEGAL PROCEEDING. THE NHTSA WILL ALSO BE NAMED IN THE LAWSUIT AS THEY ARE FAILING TO PROPERLY PROTECT CONSUMERS FROM DANGEROUS VEHICLES.

Reported
Mar 2019
Incident date
Jun 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11191076 at NHTSA →
Power TrainDec 2018 · ODI 11163332Details +

TRANSFER CASE FAILS VERY OFTEN. IT CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO JERK AND UNSTABLE DURING DRIVING. PORSCHE HASN'T ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE EVEN THOUGH IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON CAYENNES.

Reported
Dec 2018
Incident date
Dec 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11163332 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherSep 2018 · ODI 11128607Details +

THERE IS COMMON PROBLEM! THE ENGINE CHAIN RATTLING SOUND WHEN ENGINE STARTS VEHICLE DEVELOPED PROBLEM AFTER SOFTWARE UPDATE. THE VEHICLE JERKS AND DOES NOT GO SMOOTHLY ON LOW RMP 1500. THE SECOND HAND ON THE CLOCK FALLS DOWN.

Reported
Sep 2018
Incident date
Aug 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11128607 at NHTSA →
Power TrainAug 2018 · ODI 11123796Details +

TRANSFER CASE FAILURE AT 43,000 MILES. KNOWN DEFECT COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH IF FAILS

Reported
Aug 2018
Incident date
Aug 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11123796 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2018 · ODI 11103370Details +

4 WHEEL DRIVE TRANSFER CASE SLIPS WHEN DRIVING, ONGOING FACTORY PROBLEM, FAULTY DESIGN FROM FACTORY OFFERED TO COVER SOME, I FEEL SINCE IT IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THE SHOULD COVER THE ENTIRE COST

Reported
Jun 2018
Incident date
Apr 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11103370 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherDec 2017 · ODI 11054712Details +

THE DOOR PANEL BECOME LOOSE AT THE EDGE OF THE GLASS. SEARCHING THROUGH INTERNET IT SEEM IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG LATE PORSCHE MODELS. IT SEEMS THE ADHESIVE DOES NOT HOLD WELL SPECIALLY IN HIGH TEMPERATURES.

Reported
Dec 2017
Incident date
Sep 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11054712 at NHTSA →
EngineAug 2017 · ODI 11012570Details +

THE PORSCHE CAYENNE DIESEL IS DESIGNED TO NOT RESTART WHEN THE ADBLUE EXHAUST CHEMICAL IS TOO LOW. THIS SEEMS REASONABLE. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE IS ALSO DESIGNED TO NOT RESTART WHEN THE ADBLUE REACHES A LOW POINT, EVEN WHEN IT IS REFILLED TO FULL CAPACITY. ACCORDING TO PORSCHE THE VEHICLE MUST BE BROUGHT TO AN CERTIFIED PORSCHE DEALERSHIP FOR THIS TO BE RESET, SO THE CAR CAN BE DRIVEN. AGAIN, THIS OCCURS EVEN WHEN THE ADBLUE IF REFILLED TO FULL CAPACITY. THIS SEEMS TO BE A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND/OR EXPENSIVE SITUATION SHOULD THE ADBLUE REACH THIS LOW POINT AND THE VEHICLE IS A SIGNIFICANT DISTANCE FROM A CERTIFIED PORSCHE DEALERSHIP.

Reported
Aug 2017
Incident date
Jul 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11012570 at NHTSA →
EngineDec 2016 · ODI 10938714Details +

I EXPERIENCED A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH MY 2013 CAYENNE S THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY INVESTIGATED (PE13-009) BY THE NHTSA IN THE PORSCHE 911. WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY THE COOLANT HOSE COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE HOUSING CAUSING THE CAR TO RAPIDLY OVERHEAT WITHOUT WARNING. EXCESSIVE SMOKE FORCED MY WIFE TO PULL OVER AND TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WITH 2 SMALL CHILDREN IN AN UNSAFE AREA OF THE HIGHWAY. A PORSCHE SERVICE FACILITY DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND REPLACED THE COMPONENT AT A COST OF $5,343.56. THE VEHICLE WAS 4.5 YEARS OLD AT THE TIME OF THE REPAIR. IN RESEARCHING THE ISSUE I FOUND NUMEROUS SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ONLINE AND FOUND A RESPONSE FROM PORSCHE RELATING TO PE13-009 DATED 9/17/2013 (ATTACHED). IN PORSCHE'S RESPONSE TO QUESTION 10, THEY CLAIM THAT THE ADHESIVE APPLICATION WAS AUTOMATED AND THERE WERE NO FURTHER MODIFICATIONS OR CHANGES PLANNED. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THEY SUBSEQUENTLY BEGAN THREADING THE PART IN QUESTION INSTEAD OF SIMPLY USING ADHESIVES. IN RESPONSE TO QUESTION 13C PORSCHE LISTED ONLY 2011 TO 2014 CAYENNE MODELS THAT USE A SIMILAR COOLANT PIPE CONNECTION METHOD (ADHESIVE) HOWEVER IT APPEARS THE CAYENNE GOING BACK AS FAR AS 2007 HAS A SIMILAR CONNECTION BASED ON INTERNET COMPLAINTS. IN RESPONSE TO QUESTION 14A PORSCHE LISTS RACETRACK USE AND LOW OR NON APPROVED COOLANT AS CONTRIBUTING FACTORS. IN MY SITUATION THE CAR IS USED MORE AS A MINIVAN THAN A RACE CAR. IT HAS BEEN SERVICED AT ALL RECOMMENDED INTERVALS AND ONLY AT PORSCHE SERVICE LOCATIONS. FINALLY I'D LIKE TO POINT OUT THAT THE CAYENNE AND PANAMERA ARE BOTH FRONT ENGINE VEHICLES AS COMPARED TO THE 911 THAT WAS INITIALLY INVESTIGATED RAISING NEW CONCERNS ABOUT THE LOSS OF TRACTION FROM THE LEAKAGE LOCATION. I WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST THE ISSUE BE RE-EXAMINED BASED ON THE ABOVE AND GIVEN THERE ARE FAR GREATER NUMBERS OF CAYENNES ON THE ROAD THAN THE 911. *TR

Reported
Dec 2016
Incident date
Dec 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10938714 at NHTSA →
StructureAug 2016 · ODI 10894403Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 PORSCHE CAYENNE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE DRIFTS TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT HAD TO STEER THE VEHICLE IN EXCESS TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME HAD SHIFTED AND NEEDED TO BE UNBOLTED AND SHIFTED BACK INTO THE PROPER POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 11/07/16*LJ *TR

Reported
Aug 2016
Incident date
Apr 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10894403 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemMar 2015 · ODI 10695146Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 PORSCHE CAYENNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS REFUELED, THE FUEL GAUGE REGISTERED AS FULL AND REMAINED ON THE SAME LEVEL AFTER DRIVING 90 MILES OR MORE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL WOULD DROP DRASTICALLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V506000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.

Reported
Mar 2015
Incident date
Dec 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10695146 at NHTSA →

Recalls(3)

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.

Electrical System · 13V506000Details +

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.

Risk: The fuel display inaccuracies may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

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

2013 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 Drive162319
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.

2013 Porsche Cayenne: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2013 Porsche Cayenne?

Owners filed 40 NHTSA complaints about the 2013 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 2013 Porsche Cayenne?

The most-reported problem areas are Power Train (40% of complaints) and air bags (15%).

How many recalls does the 2013 Porsche Cayenne have?

3 recalls have been issued that affect the 2013 Porsche Cayenne, covering components such as electrical system. 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 2013 Porsche Cayenne get?

The EPA rates the 2013 Porsche Cayenne between 17 and 19 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.