2020 Porsche Cayenne

Porsche dashboard leather shrunk and is bubbling on the entire top where the Airbag sits. 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 the entire dashboard! This is a very common issue with Porsche, and a safety concern which seems due to the fact that Porsche did not use the correct adhesive on all most of cars build in the last 10 years. The dashboard is not withstanding normal sun light and this causes a safety issue.

Reported

Jul 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My 2020 Porsche Cayenne has experienced leather dashboard delamination, with the leather separating, shrinking, and lifting from the dashboard substrate on both the driver and passenger sides. The delamination extends across the upper dashboard, including areas adjacent to the passenger airbag deployment zone. I am concerned that loose or detached dashboard material could interfere with, delay, or alter the proper deployment of the passenger airbag during a collision, increasing the risk of injury. The continued deterioration also raises concerns about the integrity of the dashboard structure over time. Porsche inspected the vehicle and determined that the repair requires replacement of the entire dashboard assembly at an estimated cost of approximately $8,000 to $10,000. This indicates the condition is not a cosmetic issue but requires replacement of a major dashboard component. I have identified numerous reports from other Porsche owners describing the same leather dashboard delamination on late model Cayenne vehicles, suggesting this is a recurring manufacturing defect rather than an isolated occurrence. Porsche is part of the Volkswagen Group. Audi, another Volkswagen Group brand, issued Technical Service Bulletin 2071698/1 (NHTSA TSB MC-10245529-0001) addressing leather dashboard delamination caused by adhesive failure. The bulletin describes bubbling, wrinkling, loose leather, and delamination and instructs dealers to replace the dashboard. Audi also issued a limited warranty extension for affected vehicles. While Audi's bulletin does not apply to Porsche vehicles, it demonstrates that Volkswagen Group has recognized this type of dashboard adhesive failure. I request that NHTSA investigate whether Porsche Cayenne dashboard delamination constitutes a safety defect with the potential to affect passenger airbag deployment and occupant protection.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

"Engine temperature too high. Park vehicle and allow engine to cool". warning at 50,000 miles which the mechanic says this is a huge problem with all Porsche, Audi and VW due to water coolant changeover valve which fails and also stated that Porsche is aware and should have a "bulletin" open on this issue?

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2022 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that an abnormal tapping noise was coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated at the time of the failure. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic, who confirmed the tapping noise and referred the contact to an authorized dealer for further inspection. The vehicle was then taken to local dealers, who acknowledged the noise but advised that the vehicle was operating as designed and that the condition was considered normal. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was later taken to New Country Porsche Greenwich Service Center, 241 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The tapping noise continued to persist over time. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no warranty coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

Feb 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Seat belt and airbag indication lights and sound alarms remain on and notifying on the dashboard regardless of buckling. It will intermittently stop and start as the car is in motion. In the beginning, notification was present then resolved day-to-day. More recently, the alarm is present every drive. Driver was unsure whether or not the notifications were valid or not as the pattern of notification had little consistency. Dealership service later admitted that it was a faulty seat belt buckle and that part had failed internally, but refused to remedy it unless paid for. Car is essentially inoperable and unsafe until faulty buckle is replaced, as a faulty seat belt buckle can be fatal, with faulty implying a manufacturing issue and not of user misuse or abuse of systems. Manufacturer will not provide warranty and dealership continues to demand vehicle owner to pay.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Aug 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that the front driver’s side seat belt failed to buckle and became unusable. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact was advised to schedule an appointment for the vehicle to be repaired at the owner's expense. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Feb 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Vehicle: 2020 Porsche Cayenne VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 41,918 Complaint: My 2020 Porsche Cayenne exhibits a significant and repeatable lurching and abnormal braking pattern each time the vehicle decelerates to a stop. The behavior is consistent and pronounced enough to cause me physical motion sickness on every drive. I brought the vehicle to Porsche Bellevue (Bellevue, WA) for diagnosis. The service manager personally rode in the vehicle with me, experienced the lurching behavior firsthand, and acknowledged feeling it. He then stated the vehicle could not be repaired because this is simply how the car behaves — no repair order was written and no fix was attempted. I am filing this complaint because: (1) the behavior involves abnormal braking and deceleration which I believe constitutes a safety concern, (2) the authorized dealership confirmed the issue exists but refused to document or repair it, and (3) I am concerned other owners of this vehicle may be experiencing the same issue without recourse. I am requesting NHTSA investigate whether this is a known issue across the 2020 Porsche Cayenne platform and whether it meets the threshold for a safety investigation or recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Mar 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

A coolant hose located on the top of the engine developed a leak that caused the engine to overheat. It was necessary to remove several components of the engine to reach and replace the leaking hose. This repair cost over 5000 dollars with the associated labor cost. Vehicle had less than 6000 miles on it at the time of the incident. It took several weeks to get the needed parts.

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Oct 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

There is a major issue with the coolant pump/water pump on the V8 4.0L engine. Every 30,000ish miles I’ve had to have a water pump replaced in my vehicle, Porsche NA claims they redesigned the pump and it fails in the same amount of time. Rennlist Porsche worldwide forums there are 28 threads of people having water pumps/coolant pumps replaced at the tune of $9,000-$12,000 because 70-80% of the front end of the Cayenne has to be removed to get to the water pump. The pump needs to be made out of more durable materials for durability and longevity. Expecting customers to replace water pumps every 30K miles is ridiculous. My 3rd water pump in 95K miles is being replaced as I type this right now. The dealership Porsche of Wallingford, CT, has 3 other customer Cayennes now that also need water pumps. Porsche USA and AG/Germany need to issue a 15 year/unlimited miles warranty on this water pump, like they’ve had to do with window switches, emissions valves, and other parts they have gotten sued for and now have 15 year warranties.

Reported

Jun 2025

Incident date

Jun 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Rearview- back up camera works intermittently. Took it to my mechanic replaced battery and camera, back up camera still works intermittently. Took it to Porsche of Spokane, they said that it was not a safety issue and all cameras would have to be replaced for $16,951.81. I have the receipts.

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

Oct 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Rear camera and surround views cameras not working intermittently.

Reported

Mar 2025

Incident date

Oct 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Everytime when vehicle coming to a stop car lurches forward few feets. It just happens when car downshifts from second to first gear transmission pushes you forward few feets, You just need to be very carefull because it can push you into another vehicle or pedastrian. Porsche is aware of it and have a software update in Europe only but not in USA

Reported

Nov 2024

Incident date

Nov 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The car is very jerky, I bought in for engine or transmission mount because the idle shakes the whole car. They said its normal. Which I don't think it's normal.

Reported

Oct 2024

Incident date

Jul 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

hello i have cayenne 2020. this car has 360 surround view camera but its not working correctly. sometime its working sometimes some comeras not working maybe front maybe rear meybe both. as i read rennlist this is porshe forum everyone has same problem porshe in warranty replace modules or cameras but its not working i think its recall issue please help us.

Reported

May 2024

Incident date

Oct 1999

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

When downshifting and just before Coming to a complete stop and vehicle lurches/surges forward even though my foot is on the brake pedal. This happens in every drive mode with or without Autostart/stop engaged. It is Significantly challenging in stop and go traffic because it’s difficult to gage when the car will come to a complete stop. I have to make accommodation for the car lunging forward which is unpredictable because sometimes it’s a subtle surge forward and other times I have no control or idea how far forward the car is going to move. This makes this is especially dangerous when cars are quickly changing lanes in front of me in stop and go traffic during rush hour. Emergency braking DOES not help this! I have experience this. The collision warning Went off in the car and emergency braking was engaged just at the Knick of time! Adverse weather conditions could have easily made that a very bad accident. I should be able to Do normal every day driving And stopping, for example stopping to a red light, or stop and go traffic without having to activate emergency functions in my car and putting myself at unnecessary risk because of a “glitch” with Porsche. This normal every day driving. I returned my car to the dealership who told me it’s normal performance for this car along with. I along with many other owners have researched this and found out that software upgrades have been done to correct this problem which are not available yet in the United States. This issue needs to be resolved immediately to prevent potential accidents.

Reported

Jan 2023

Incident date

Oct 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

beginning in August 2022, I have had repeated problems with the battery in my 2022 Cayenne. if the car is left sitting for approximately 48 hours, the battery dies and must be jumpstarted. we reported this issue to Porsche immediately and my car has been in with the Porsche service technicians at least three times (August 9, Sept 13, Nov 7) this fall with no success at fixing the problem. (we also had a call telling us to take the car outside for a "software update," which did not work.) we are told this is a problem somewhere in the electrical system and it is affecting other 2020 Cayennes and some 911s. But Porsche has not offered a solution, nor is it being at all proactive in offering assistance or support. we have compensated for the last four months by parking the car in a garage and keeping it on a trickle charger if we are not driving it regularly. However, we were out of town for two weeks over Thanksgiving and the car battery died in spite of being connected to the trickle charger. we had to jump start the car and reset all the car settings. in addition we have had sporadic issues with unlocking and locking the car doors via hand touch. Porsche has been treating this issue as an "inconvenience" rather than what it is - a serious life safety issue. One of the service technicians told me "the car was meant to be driven every day"! I hesitate to drive my car at night because I do not have confidence that the car will start for me on a dark street at night. every day when I come down to drive my car I allow extra time as the car may not start. I have more confidence in my 2013 Toyota Tacoma than in this car in terms of reliability. this is a problem where Porsche has not offered remediation or assistance, nor has it offered a any assistance (I.e., loaner car or any alternative) while my car either been in the shop (for a total of at least two weeks) or has been operating with the (acknowledged) defect.

Reported

Dec 2022

Incident date

Aug 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -THE TRUNK How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON, THE KEY WAS ON TEH VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION THE TRUNK POPPED OPEN ON IT'S OWN. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? -NO Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? -NO Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? -NO

Reported

May 2022

Incident date

Apr 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash

I applied the gas pedal & the pedal seemed to stick . The vehicle kept accelerating after I took my foot off that pedal to apply brake . Car would slow when brake applied but immediately accelerated and kept increasing (speed was well over 90 mph & climbing ) when brake was released . This happened 3 times before the “stuck”pedal released. Another driver (retired mechanic) had driven the car and had similar experience a week prior and mentioned their experience. I didn’t realize how serious the incident could be. I called dealership but first available service appointment (scheduled) is Feb. 23,2022

Reported

Jan 2022

Incident date

Jan 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2020 Porsche Cayenne S. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, there was a rough hard deceleration. The contact stated that the vehicle lurched forward causing the driver to apply the brakes. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the contact was informed that there might be a possible software patch soon. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,100.

Reported

Nov 2021

Incident date

Oct 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The back up cameras and surround view have failed multiple times since August 2020. Back up cameras were made mandatory safety equipment requirements for all new cars manufactured after 2018 due to safety concerns. The federal government mandated the cameras to prevent “back over” accidents of young children who are not otherwise visible to the driver. There have been multiple attempts to repair the cameras on this vehicle, including replacing all cameras, replacing all wiring harnesses/pigtails, replacing the coax cable for the cameras as well as module/software updates. The vehicle has been at the authorized service center multiple times with it being there 105 out of the past 112 days; the vehicle was "fixed" for 4 days before the back up camera failed again. The manufacture has been unable to repair the vehicle to have reliable working cameras. We have spoken with others about the same failure of the back up camera system.

Reported

Jul 2021

Incident date

Aug 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

MY PORSCHE 2020 S HAS BREAKING ISSUES WHEN IN SPORT MODE. WHEN THE CAR DOWNSHIFTS FROM 3RD TO 2ND GEAR, AND 2ND TO 1ST GEAR, THIS IS A SUDDEN JOLT FORWARD OR "LURGING" THAT OCCURS EVERY TIME. THIS IS A SAFETY RISK IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC AS THE CAR CAN SUDDENLY JUMP FORWARD A FEW FEET MORE THAN INTENDED BY NORMAL BREAKING. EVEN WHEN DRIVING AND BREAKING EXPLICITLY TO COMPENSATE FOR THIS TRANSMISSION / BREAKING DEFECT, THE LURGING ISSUE CANNOT BE AVOIDED. THE ONLY WAY TO AVOID THIS ISSUE IS TO (A) BREAK HARD FROM 3RD TO 1ST GEAR (SO FROM A FAIRLY HIGH SPEED DOWN TO 0, WHICH LENDS ADDITIONAL BREAKING SAFETY RISKS IN NON-IDEAL WEATHER CONDITIONS SUCH AS BREAKING DOWNHILL OR ON WET / ICY ROADS), OR (B) TO NOT DRIVE THE CAR IN ONE OF THE TWO DRIVING MODES OFFERED. THE MANUFACTURER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT CLAIMS THERE IS NO ISSUE, BUT SOME QUICK GOOGLE SEARCHES SHOW THIS ISSUE IS EXPERIENCED WIDELY AND WELL DOCUMENTED, AND A SOFTWARE FIX HAS BEEN ROLLED OUT OVERSEAS THAT ISN'T AVAILABLE IN NORTH AMERICA

Reported

Apr 2021

Incident date

Apr 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

THE CAR CAME WITH A FACTORY INSTALLED TOW SYSTEM. I RETURNED IT TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES AND IT DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. I WAS SHOCKED PLUGGING IN A TESTER TO THE 7 WAY CONNECTOR. THE DEALER SERVICE MANAGER ADVISED ME THAT I WAS NOT SHOCKED AND STATES THAT THE LIGHTS STATING THE 7 WAY CONNECTOR IS NORMAL. THIS IS NOT NORMAL. WHEN I CONNECT A DIGITAL BREAK CONTROLLER OR 7 PIN CABLE WITH A TRAILER THE CAR DOESN'T NOT COMMUNICATE WITH THE BREAK CONTROLLER. THE BREAK CONTROLLER EXPERT STATED THAT SINCE NO DIODE WAS SHOWING WHEN I PLUG THE CAR IN THAT THIS INDICATES THE BRAKES ARE NOT WIRED CORRECTLY. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS SINCE ANOTHER CAR WORKS THE SAME AS MINE THEY DON'T THINK IT IS A ISSUE. CORPORATE PORSCHE IS UNABLE TO ADVISE ON TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS OR INFORMATION ON A WIRING HARNESS TO ENABLE A WIRED BREAK CONTROLLER. I TOOK THE CAR OVER TO UHAUL AND DID REMOTE CALLS WITH THE BRAKE CONTROLLER MANUFACTURER. ALL STATE THAT IT IS SOMETHING WITH THE MANNER IT IS WIRED WITH A 'OPEN GROUND'. THIS IS UNSAFE AS I HAVE NO WAY SAFELY BRAKE OR UTILIZE A BRAKE CONTROLLER. SINCE OTHER 2020S BEHAVE THE SAME WAY THIS IS A SYSTEMWIDE ISSUE AND THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT TAKING ACTION SO IT SHOULD BE EVALUATED BY ENGINEERING.

Reported

Mar 2021

Incident date

Feb 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

1 injuries

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.

Remedy: 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.

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017 Panamera 4, Panamera Turbo, Panamera Turbo Executive, 2017-2018 Panamera, Panamera 4S Executive, Panamera 4S, 2018 Panamera Turbo S Hybrid, Panamera 4 Hybrid Sport Turismo, Panamera 4 Sport Turismo, Panamera Turbo S Hybrid Sport Turismo, Panamera 4 Hybrid, Panamera 4 Executive, 2019 Cayenne Hybrid, 2019-2020 Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, 2020 Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne Turbo Coupe, and Cayenne S Coupe vehicles. The instrument cluster may not provide a visual warning when the brake pads are worn out. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light vehicle brake systems."

Risk: If the driver is not alerted when brake pads are worn out, the vehicle may not respond as expected when braking, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall is began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKB8. Note: This recall supersedes recall 19V115 and includes vehicles that were previously remedied under that campaign.

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2020 Cayenne vehicles. An insufficient weld on a transmission oil pipe may cause the vehicle to leak automatic transmission fluid (ATF).

Risk: If transmission fluid leaks while driving, the road surface may be made slippery, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission oil pipe and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 8, 2020. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ALA5.

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.

Remedy: 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.