The 2003 Porsche Cayenne S has 8 recalls, the most serious involving fire risks from two separate fuel system issues, a wiring harness that can ignite beneath the instrument panel, and a transmission shifter that can leave the vehicle in an unexpected gear.
The fuel concerns center on the fuel pump flange, which can develop cracks and leak fuel near potential ignition sources, and on a grounding fault at the fuel filler neck that can produce a static spark during refueling, either of which can start a fire. The parking brake mechanism springs can also chafe against the main wiring harness, damaging it and potentially starting a fire under the dashboard. On the drivetrain side, the transmission shifter can detach from the transmission, leaving the gear display showing one gear while the transmission is actually in another, with the risk of sudden unintended movement. A related concern involves the vehicle rolling away if exited without the parking brake set and the transmission not fully in park. The driver's seat frame may have welds that can crack in a crash, preventing the seat from holding the driver in position. There is also a compliance issue where the steering wheel may not lock when the key is removed outside of normal conditions, leaving the vehicle without a theft deterrent.
