This page covers 4 recalls, 18 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Porsche Cayenne S.
18–21 mpg combined
11.2–13.1 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
Engine complaints dominate the 2011 Cayenne S, with coolant system failures being the most commonly described problem. Owners frequently report a coolant pipe fitting that loosens over time, leading to significant coolant loss and engine overheating, several describe the same basic failure mode, where a pressed barb fitting separates from its housing. Beyond cooling, powertrain complaints include transfer case failures where the unit stops functioning correctly while driving, affecting acceleration and gear changes, with at least one owner reporting the component failed a second time after replacement. A smaller number of reports describe the brake pedal going hard and unresponsive during low-speed stops. One isolated report mentions water intrusion into a headlight housing, causing reduced illumination.
18
Total Complaints
By System
The 2011 Porsche Cayenne S has 4 recalls, the most serious being a fuel injection system that can leak, creating a fire risk if fuel contacts an ignition source nearby.
On the engine side, internal camshaft controllers can come loose inside the engine and cause a sudden stall, which can increase the likelihood of a crash. Two recalls address the headlights. In one, the headlamp assemblies may not have been properly secured during manufacturing, meaning a headlamp can loosen and fall off the vehicle while driving, reducing the driver's forward visibility and potentially striking another vehicle, a fixed object, or a pedestrian. In the other, headlamp aim can be incorrectly set, either leaving the road ahead poorly lit or directing glare toward oncoming drivers at night.
At a glance
What can fail
The protective caps covering the low-beam headlight adjustment screws are missing, which allows headlights to be adjusted incorrectly and fail to meet federal lighting standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your headlights and install any missing sealing caps at no charge.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The camshaft controller fastening screws may loosen inside the engine, causing the engine to stall.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fastening screws for the camshaft adjusters at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel injection system may develop a leak in certain 2011-2012 Cayenne S Hybrid and 2012 Panamera S Hybrid vehicles built between April 26, 2011, and August 2, 2012.
What the fix does
Porsche dealers will replace the fuel rails at no charge. Recall notifications began April 17, 2015.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Headlamp assemblies may not have been properly secured during manufacturing. They could loosen and detach from the vehicle, reducing visibility and potentially striking other vehicles, objects, or people.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the headlamp locking components to properly secure the headlamps.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
