TireKick

Model-year record

2018 Porsche Cayenne
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2018 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

14

Reports to NHTSA, 2018

Safety recalls

1

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Not rated

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

20

EPA estimate

Known issues

Electrical System issues lead owner complaints (29% of 14 reports), followed by air bags (14%).

Electrical System29% · 4 reports
Air Bags14% · 2 reports
Engine7% · 1 report
Exterior Lighting7% · 1 report
Forward Collision Avoidance7% · 1 report
Fuel/Propulsion System7% · 1 report
Power Train7% · 1 report
Tires7% · 1 report

+ 2 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 14 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11735314, ODI 11593998, ODI 11429183, ODI 11576584.

Individual complaint reports(14)

Showing the 14 most recent reports
Electrical SystemMay 2026 · ODI 11735314Details +

The high-voltage battery pack in my 2018 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] , approximately 81,000 miles) has experienced a noticeable and progressive reduction in battery range and performance. On February 20, 2026, Porsche White Plains (an authorized Porsche dealer) performed an inspection but was unable to duplicate an active fault code and declined to generate a battery State of Health (SoH%) report. No warranty repair was authorized. Porsche Cars North America (PCNA), Case #XXX, has since moved to close my statutory warranty claim, citing the absence of a duplicated fault. However, under New York State's adopted CARB emission warranty standards (6 NYCRR § 218-9.1), high-voltage propulsion batteries in TZEV/PZEV vehicles are warranted for 10 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original sale. My vehicle was placed in service in 2018 and remains within that statutory coverage window through 2028. PCNA has not addressed this statutory obligation or provided written confirmation of coverage. I also have not received the inspection documentation I formally requested on March 17, 2026, despite no case closure having occurred at the time of that request. As of the date of this filing, PCNA has not responded to my follow-up correspondence. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported
May 2026
Incident date
Feb 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11735314 at NHTSA →
Power TrainDec 2025 · ODI 11706265Details +

Driving through a parking lot, less than five miles an hour, and suddenly heard a horrible knocking sound. Stopped and looked under the car. Nothing. Drove it very slowly to mechanic less than a mile away. Front drive shaft had collapsed and fallen down, according to the mechanic.

Reported
Dec 2025
Incident date
Dec 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11706265 at NHTSA →
TiresMay 2025 · ODI 11663218Details +

The contact owns a 2018 Porsche Cayenne equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Latitude Sport, Tire Size: 295/35/R21, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front passenger’s side of the vehicle, and the front passenger’s side tire started deflating. The vehicle was driven to the side of the road and was later towed to the local dealer who determined that the front passenger’s side tire sidewall had blown out. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the vehicle had not driven over any object to cause the failure. The tire manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Reported
May 2025
Incident date
May 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11663218 at NHTSA →
Air BagsOct 2024 · ODI 11620392Details +

This is not accident related, but what appears to be a systemic issue related to Cayenne and Macan leather dashboards. The issue is related to delamination of the leather dash cover that can impede the safe deployment of the passenger airbag. Many cars are affected and the repair can be a significant expense to owners (~$10K) for vehicles less than 8 years old. There should be a recall to address a largely unaware owner base for a potential safety issue.

Reported
Oct 2024
Incident date
Oct 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11620392 at NHTSA →
Air BagsAug 2024 · ODI 11610103Details +

The Porsche Cayenne that equipped with leather dashboard are peeling off over the time. If the vehicle in an accident, the airbag on the passenger side dashboard may not deploy correctly. I am finding many cayenne owners are having this issue. I really hope NTSB can issue a recall.

Reported
Aug 2024
Incident date
Aug 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11610103 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJun 2024 · ODI 11593998Details +

While the vehicle was charging, the protective sheath near the power outlet of the charging cable had possible electrical or fire damage. No warning lights were illuminated. Upon turning off the power and unplugging the outlet, it was determined that the plastic near the plug melted and caused the power to short. I have been unsuccessful getting the manufacturer to resolve the issue. A recall under APB6 was issued but did not include model year 2018 which uses the same cable that is impacted with the recall.

Reported
Jun 2024
Incident date
Jun 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11593998 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemMar 2024 · ODI 11576584Details +

The contact owns a 2018 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid. The contact stated that while the vehicle was charging, he observed that the protective sheath near the power outlet of the charging cable had possible electrical or fire damage. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the damage was the result of external factors but provided a replacement charging cable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 54,000.

Reported
Mar 2024
Incident date
Feb 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11576584 at NHTSA →
Exterior LightingMar 2023 · ODI 11512414Details +

Our 2018 Porsche Cayenne has a problem with the headlights and water intrusion that is affecting the functioning of the headlights. I took it to someone to look at and they said this should not be happening, that it is a manufacturer defect. I googled my car / year and there is a recall for headlight issues but for some reason my VIN is not included. It should be. How do I go about having Porsche North America fix this issue for me?

Reported
Mar 2023
Incident date
Mar 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11512414 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemAug 2021 · ODI 11429183Details +

The day we took our Porsche home, we noticed a lot of heat generation in the car- but we thought it will be fine going further, given the attention to detail of Porsche's Automobile Engineering. The following days were not any better for my daughter- she missed a major accident because of the unexpected burnt smell and loud warnings of an overheat of the engine by Porsche in the middle of a highway. Due to her excellent driving record for the past 5 years, she was able to manage and stop in the middle of the highway at the curb of the road. She panicked so much so that, she stopped using the Porsche and borrowed our other cars, Benz and Lexus. I requested her to give Porsche another chance yesterday night. The same situation repeated again within a span of 10 minutes of her journey in Porsche; she had to stop in the middle of the road again due to engine overheat and burning smell and I went to pick her up as she got really scared. My son immediately informed the Hennessey Porsche North Atlanta, Georgia, the USA about this repeated situation but seems like they do not care at all. I think you must be aware that Dealerships play the most crucial role between your loyal customers and Porsche. We have not dared to take the Porsche out again after yesterday. The car smelled so burnt, the whole garage smelled bad and we had to move the car into the open driveway. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED $1000.00 IN COMPENSATION. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REFUNDED TOTALLY FOR THE VEHICLE.

Reported
Aug 2021
Incident date
Aug 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11429183 at NHTSA →
Forward Collision AvoidanceMay 2021 · ODI 11415736Details +

2018 PORSCHE CAYENNE: AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, RANDOMLY A SERIOUS UNSAFE TO OPERATE 'SERVICE NECESSARY' WARNING APPEARS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONS. WITH THE SERVICE NECESSARY WARNING INDICATED, THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO OPERATE. THIS UNSAFE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE WITH CRUISE CONTROL FOR APPROXIMATELY THE NEXT HOUR. THIS BREAKDOWN IS KNOWN TO PORSCHE (VIA THEIR COMMUNICATIONS WITH ME) AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO RECTIFY THE ERROR. IN A 2020 PORSCHE CAYENNE THIS FAILURE HAS BEEN RECTIFIED. ATTACHED, INVOICES FROM FIVE VISITS TO PORSCHE DEALERSHIPS, ALL DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD. ATTACHED ALSO PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN ON VARIOUS DAYS, TIMES AND SPEEDS, AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS OF THE SERVICE NECESSARY WARNING ON INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONS.

Reported
May 2021
Incident date
May 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11415736 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemNov 2019 · ODI 11282620Details +

WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE INTO TRAFFIC VEHICLE WILL EXPERIENCE WHAT FEELS LIKE A DEAD SPOT IN THE ACCELERATOR AND THEN LURCH FORWARD AT A HIGH SPEED THIS CONDITION HAS BEEN REPORTED ON NUMEROUS COMPLAINT SITE CONCERNING VARIOUS PORSCHE VEHICLES AND SPECIFICALL CONCERNING PORSCHE CAYENNE DEALER SAYS CAR IS FINE.UNSAFE TO DRIVE SINCE YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL ACCELERATE.

Reported
Nov 2019
Incident date
Nov 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11282620 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherNov 2019 · ODI 11279818Details +

THE CAR LOST POWER AND STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT WARNING, THE ROAD WAS THE GARDEN STAT PARKWAY IN NEW JERSEY , HAPPENED IN MID NIGHT

Reported
Nov 2019
Incident date
Nov 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11279818 at NHTSA →
EngineJan 2019 · ODI 11165699Details +

INTERMITTENT LACK OF ACCELERATION WHEN TAKING LEFT TURNS FROM A DEAD STOP. CAR WAS A DEALER LOANER WITH 9000 MILES ON SPEEDOMETER. I PURCHASED THE CAR IN AUGUST, 2018. WITHIN THE FIRST 1000 MILES AND IN LESS THAN FOUR WEEKS I EXPERIENCED A SERIOUS LACK OF ACCELERATION ON TWO OCCASIONS WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN, I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT IT WAS PROBABLY DRIVER ERROR CAUSED BY OPERATING THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR USING BOTH FEET. I DO NOT DRIVE AN AUTOMATIC CAR USING TWO FEET. ALSO, I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THEY CHECKED WITH PORSCHE AND THERE ARE RECORDS OF THIS TYPE OF EVENT. I CHECKED ON THE INTERNET AND THERE ARE NUMEROUS IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS DATING BACK SEVERAL YEARS. THIS LACK OF ACCELERATION HAS OCCURRED FOUR MORE TIMES. THE DEALER HAS BEEN RESPONSIVE AND KEPT MY VEHICLE ON TWO OCCASIONS TO TRY AND DUPLICATE THE EVENT TO NO AVAIL. ON ONE OF THESE OCCASIONS THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSFER CASE BUT THIS DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. FINALLY, THE DEALER CALLED IN THE PORSCHE ZONE MANAGE WHO I AM TOLD WAS WELL AWARE OF THIS CONDITION AND REFERRED TO IT AS A SAFETY FEATURE TO PREVENT UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. HE CLAIMED THAT THIS IS PERFECTLY NORMAL OPERATION. I CALL IT A SAFETY HAZARD. IN FOUR MONTHS I HAVE DRIVEN THE CAR 3200 MILES. THIS SO-CALLED SAFETY FEATURE HAS ENGAGED ON ONLY SIX OCCASIONS, ALWAYS ON LEFT HAND TURNS FROM A COMPLETE STOP. WHEN THIS HAPPENS I NEVER KNOW WHEN THE ACCELERATION WILL CUT OUT OR HOW LONG I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ACCELERATE. UP TO NOW, THE FEATURE HAS NEVER ENGAGED IN RIGHT HAND TURNS, IN FORWARD OR REVERSE. I HAVE CHECKED THE OWNERS MANUAL CAREFULLY AND THERE IS NO MENTION OF "UNINTENDED ACCELERATION" NOR IS THERE ANY MENTION OF A SAFETY FEATURE PROGRAMMED IN THE CAR. I HAVE REQUESTED THE DEALER TO BY PASS OR ELIMINATE THIS FEATURE BUT THET SAY PORSCHE WON'T ALLOW IT.

Reported
Jan 2019
Incident date
Aug 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11165699 at NHTSA →
Visibility/WiperOct 2018 · ODI 11139598Details +

PASSENGER WINDSHIELD WIPER CAME OFF SUDDENLY IN USE WHILE ON HIGHWAY SPEED. CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN A CAR WASH AS DEALER THINKS AND HAS ONLY SIX MONTHS IN SERVICE.THE FORCE BENT SLIGHTLY THE ARM ITSELF AS IT RIPPED OFF.

Reported
Oct 2018
Incident date
Oct 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11139598 at NHTSA →

Recalls(1)

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.

Equipment · 18V844000Details +

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne Plug-in Hybrid, Cayenne GTS, Cayenne Plug-in Hybrid Platinum Edition, Macan Turbo and Macan GTS vehicles, 2017-2018 Cayenne S, Macan, Cayenne Platinum Edition and Macan S vehicles and 2018 Cayenne vehicles equipped with the optional ski bag. The ski bag fastening strap may have been sewn with incorrect thread, possibly resulting in the strap seams tearing and the ski bag being unsecured in the event of a crash.

Risk: If the ski bag detaches during a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ski bags, free of charge. The recall began January 10, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AJ12.

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

1 NHTSA investigation on record

Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

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.

Crash-test ratings

2018 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 Drive182420

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

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

These are affiliate links. TireKick may earn a fee if you use one.

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.

2018 Porsche Cayenne: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2018 Porsche Cayenne?

Owners filed 14 NHTSA complaints about the 2018 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 2018 Porsche Cayenne?

The most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (29% of complaints) and air bags (14%).

How many recalls does the 2018 Porsche Cayenne have?

1 recall has been issued that affect the 2018 Porsche Cayenne, covering components such as equipment. 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 2018 Porsche Cayenne get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Porsche Cayenne at 20 mpg combined.