This page covers 4 recalls, 26 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Porsche Cayenne.
17–19 mpg combined
12.4–13.8 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.
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2012 Porsche Cayenne centers on the drivetrain, specifically the transfer case. Owners frequently report transfer case failure, in some cases describing multiple replacements on the same vehicle at relatively low mileage. A handful of owners also mention engine-related issues, including a report of camshaft hardware failure and a separate instance of an illuminated check engine light tied to parts irregularities. Outside the drivetrain, one owner describes the dashboard leather shrinking and pulling away from the passenger-side airbag area, with a dealer noting the deformation could interfere with airbag deployment in a crash. The transfer case complaints make up the clear majority of reports for this model year, with owners describing the failures as recurring rather than one-time events.
26
Total Complaints
By System
The 2012 Porsche Cayenne has 4 recalls, the most serious being a brake pedal that can physically detach while driving, leaving the driver with no way to slow or stop the vehicle.
On Turbo models, the turbocharger's turbine wheel can fracture, which may allow oil to be pulled into the exhaust system. When that happens, the engine can produce heavy smoke and the oil can ignite, creating a fire risk under the hood. Two recalls address the headlights. In one, the headlight assembly can work loose and pull away from the fender entirely, cutting off illumination and potentially leaving a detached component near the road. In the other, headlights may be aimed incorrectly from the factory, either failing to light the road far enough ahead or throwing glare into the eyes of oncoming drivers.
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 brake pedal pivot pin may lack a circlip, allowing the pin to shift and the brake pedal to come loose.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly and install any missing circlips at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A casting defect can cause the turbine wheel inside the turbocharger to fracture, reducing vehicle performance and potentially causing the turbine shaft to fracture.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the turbine wheels at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The headlamp locking assemblies may loosen, causing the headlamps to detach from the fender.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the headlamp locking assemblies at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
