NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera image may not appear on the display when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, limiting rear visibility.
What the fix does
This page covers 11 recalls, 37 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2019 Porsche Cayenne.
21 mpg combined
11.2 L/100km
Standard 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.
Complaints about the 2019 Cayenne center on two main issues: dashboard material failure and electrical system problems. The most-reported concern involves the leather dashboard covering shrinking, peeling, or bubbling away from the dash panel, owners consistently note that this deformation sits directly over the passenger airbag deployment zone, and several report being told the distorted surface could interfere with proper airbag deployment in a crash. The electrical system draws the next-largest share of complaints, with owners describing various faults though no single symptom dominates those reports. Exterior lighting issues also show up across multiple complaints. A smaller number of owners report drivetrain or transmission failure, with at least one describing a sudden loss of drive capability at highway mileage with no prior warning light.
37
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
By System
The 2019 Porsche Cayenne has 11 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk from an overheating charging cable on plug-in hybrid models and a steering column that can detach and cause complete loss of steering control.
The right rear seatbelt buckle may break under load in a crash, leaving that occupant unrestrained. On the suspension side, one recall is limited to the Cayenne Turbo, where shock absorber forks can allow the shock absorbers to loosen, reducing steering stability. Three separate recalls address rearview camera problems: the image can fail to appear at all when shifting into reverse, or it can be delayed in displaying, both of which reduce the driver's view while backing up. Brake warnings are covered by two related recalls: the brake wear indicator may not alert the driver when pads are worn to the point that stopping distances are affected, and a separate filing notes the warning may display text rather than the required symbol. The text warning still appears in the message center, making this the least safety-critical issue among the eleven.
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera image may not appear on the display when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, limiting rear visibility.
What the fix does
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
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 →
Dealers will update the driver assistance software at no cost to restore rearview camera display function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying on your screen when you shift into reverse gear, which is required by Canadian safety rules.
What the fix does
Porsche will mail you instructions to visit a dealership, where technicians will update your driver assistance system software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The 220V charging cable plug can become damaged by the house power outlet under certain conditions, causing the cable to overheat during charging.
What the fix does
Porsche will replace your 220V vehicle charging cable at a dealership.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The screw that attaches the steering column to the steering gear may not be tight enough. If it loosens, the steering column could separate, causing you to lose all steering control.
What the fix does
A dealer will install a new screw to securely fasten the steering column to the steering gear.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake wear warning light may display text instead of the correct symbol when your brakes are worn. A warning message will also appear in the message center.
What the fix does
Porsche will mail you instructions to take your vehicle to a dealer, where they will reprogram the instrument cluster.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The instrument cluster may fail to display a visual warning when brake pads wear out, preventing drivers from knowing when service is needed.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster to restore the brake pad wear warning function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software problem causes the rearview camera image to display with a delay, making it slow to respond when you shift into reverse.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the vehicle's software at no cost to restore normal rearview camera response time.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The shock absorber forks may allow the shock absorbers to loosen during vehicle use.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the shock absorber forks at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The instrument cluster may fail to display a visual warning when brake pads become worn, preventing drivers from knowing when brake service is needed.
What the fix does
Porsche dealers will update the instrument cluster software at no cost to restore the brake pad wear warning display.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right rear seat belt buckle on some vehicles may not have been made correctly and could fail to hold an occupant safely during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the right rear seat belt buckle with a corrected part.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger side rear seat belt buckle may break when stressed, such as during a crash, reducing its protective capability.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger rear seat belt buckle at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
