2016 PORSCHE Cayenne Problems

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

6 complaints

Porsche dashboard leather shrunk and staples pulled out. I was told that if the vehicle was in an accident the airbag might not deploy correctly. The Porsche dealer looked and recommended replacing it. This is a very common issue.

Dec 08, 2025

Porsche dashboard leather shrunk and staples pulled out. 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 it. This is a very common issue.

Jan 11, 2025

Porsche cayenne leather dashboard shrunk and peeling out. I was told that if the car was in an accident, the airbag might not deploy correctly. This is a common issue.

Nov 23, 2024

The dashboard leather has shrunk and the staples are beginning to pull out. I have read that this may keep the dashboard airbag from property deploying in the case of an accident. This is a common issue and the dealers are recommending replacement.

Nov 22, 2024

Porsche leather dashboard shrunk and staples pulled out. I was told by a Porsche service technician that if the vehicle was in an accident, the air bag might not deploy correctly. The Porsche dealer diagnosed it and recommended replacing it. This is a very common issue.

Sep 22, 2024

+ 1 more complaint for this component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 complaints

**Subject**: Urgent Safety Concern: Headlight Condensation and Water Damage in 2015-2018 Porsche Cayenne 958.2 Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report a serious safety issue with the LED matrix headlights on my 2016 Porsche Cayenne GTS (958.2). The problem involves severe condensation buildup within the headlight assembly, leading to water damage and electrical failures. This defect has caused my headlights to fail, particularly during nighttime driving in heavy rain, which significantly reduced visibility. This failure could have resulted in a major accident, putting my life and the lives of others at risk. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The issue first became noticeable after a rainstorm, where condensation started to build up inside the headlights. Despite multiple visits to my local Porsche dealership, where they confirmed the problem and attempted repairs, the issue continues to persist. I also notified Porsche corporate directly, but neither the dealership nor Porsche offered any assistance or permanent resolution. Both have failed to take responsibility for what I believe is a widespread defect, as I have found numerous similar reports from other owners. No warning lights or messages were displayed prior to the headlight failure, which made the issue even more dangerous. Without any prior indication, I was left driving without functioning headlights at night, in poor weather conditions. Given the potential for catastrophic consequences, I strongly urge NHTSA to investigate this issue. A recall or other corrective action is necessary to prevent further risks to drivers. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sep 05, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that water had leaked inside the front driver's side and passenger's side headlamps. The contact stated that the failure caused the headlights to become foggy and significantly dim, reducing the visibility of the roadway. The contact stated that he had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V656000 (Exterior Lighting) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that the dealer sealed the headlamps while there was water inside. The dealer declined to perform additional repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Dec 27, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that moisture was entering the headlights on both sides of the vehicle. Over time, the condensation in the passenger’s side headlight was burned out with a message on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The dealer gave the contact an estimate without a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was called and informed that they would provide a nominal portion of the repair cost. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. The contact stated that they took their vehicle to a couple dealerships and mechanics before the issue was diagnosed as a design flaw. Therefore, simply changing the headlights out would not fix the problem.

Feb 08, 2023

the driver receives a warning light in the instrument panel left tail light is defective, and then right tail light defective. Some times tail light works and does not when car is in cold weather Was told that both tail lights were defective and would have to be replaced at a cost of $3400.00 . Found an after sale Porsche publication saying that it affected 2015-2018 Porsche Cayenne. Dealer told me that it is no longer covered since my warranty is not in effect anymore. However this is a safety issue not a warranty issue. Have paperwork stating that Porsche knows the tail lights are defective. Since I live in Florida they have been working fine. But as soon as the car is in colder climates this starts to happen

Mar 08, 2022

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 complaints

Backup Camera Intermittent, Yes, available for inspection. Unexpected blackout of the screen. Cannot see pedestrians behind when backing out and expecting to see from the camera instead of rear view mirror. Yes, reproduced by the Dealer. Yes, by the Dealer representing the manufacturer. No warning of any kind. First appeared 9/19/23 Unknown.

Aug 21, 2024

BLOWER IS KEEP STARTING AND RAISING ITSELF. WHEN WE OPEN THE DRIVER DOOR IT IS SHUTTING IT OFF. DEALER IS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE ISSUE AND FIX IT IT OCCURED ON A 72 DEGREE TEMP DAY, MORING. CAR WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE AND WAS NOT USED FOR PREVIOUS 2 DAYS. IT HAPPEND MANY TIMES AND TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT

Oct 31, 2018

VEHICLE HAS AUTO ENGINE OFF WHEN STOPPED. FEATURE IS ON BY DEFAULT. DRIVER MUST REMEMBER TO CUT FEATURE OFF EACH TIME VEHICLE IS CRANKED. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THIS FEATURE HAS BEEN HAZARDOUS. WHEN STOPPING ON OPEN ROAD TO TURN ACROSS TRAFFIC THE STEERING WHEEL BINDS WHEN POWER IS LOST. WHEN IN LINE AT DRIVE THRUS OR IN SLOW TRAFFIC, VEHICLE LUNGES AS THE ENGINE STARTS BACK. THE DEFAULT FOR THIS FEATURE SHOULD BE OFF. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND WE ARE TOLD BY DEALER DECISION WAS IN RESPONSE TO SUPPORT PUBLISHED EPA FUEL STANDARDS.

Mar 27, 2018

THE DIGITAL SPEEDOMETER OF THIS CAR INDICATES A SPEED 5 MPH HIGHER THAN ACTUAL ACROSS A WIDE RANGE OF OPERATING SPEEDS.

Sep 29, 2015

POWER TRAIN

4 complaints

While driving vehicle, noticed some slippage/clunking when turning. Took vehicle to Porsche dealer, they said transfer case needed to be replaced. Car has 12,600 original miles on it. Dealer said there was an extended warranty on the transfer case that had expired. In researching, it became obvious that there is a Porsche design problem that affected several model years for the Cayenne. As a mechanical engineer I am concerned that a transfer case failure at freeway speeds could be dangerous. Separately an auto mechanic shop opined that driving without replacing could be a safety concern. In my opinion there should have been a recall rather than a extended warranty.

Nov 26, 2023

At slow speed, under acceleration, the transfer case slips, and makes a thumping noise. Over time, the car has poor acceleration when trying to get up to speed with other cars. The dealer has confirmed that this is a problem with Porsche Cayennes. Thank you.

Jun 05, 2023

42,000 MILES ON THE 2016 CAYENNE GTS. $110,000 ORIGINAL STICKER. TRANSFER CASE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ($5,000+ CHARGE). SERVICE REP TOLD ME THEY REPLACE 5 TRANSFER CASES EACH WEEK AT JUST THEIR DEALERSHIP. CLEARLY A DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO RECALL. HE KNEW IN 5 SECONDS WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS WHEN I ORIGINALLY CALLED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. PORSCHE USA REFUSED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE COST OF REPAIR. WARRANTY EXPIRED 5/31/19. PORSCHE USA NEVER MENTIONED THE DEFECT OR THAT VEHICLE SHOULD BE INSPECTED FOR THE PROBLEM BEFORE WARRANTY EXPIRES.

Oct 09, 2019

LAST WEEK I HAD MY CAR FOR 20000 MILE SERVICE AND THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED VIBRATION WITH ACCELERATION AND ADVISED THE TRANSFER CASE BE REPLACED WHICH WAS DONE 10/28. I CONTACTED PORSCHE USA AS I WAS CONCERNED WITH THIS BEING A RELATIVELY NEW VEHICLE AND THE PROBLEM WITH TRANSFER CASE SO FAST.I WAS TOLD IT WAS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND THE TRANSFER CASE WAS REPLACED WITH A RE MANUFACTURED ONE AND NOT A NEW ONE. WHEN I WROTE TO THEM I WAS CONTACTED TODAY AND TOLD THAT WAS NOT A POSSIBILITY. THIS BEING A RELATIVELY NEW WELL MAINTAINED VEHICLE AND THIS BEING A MANUFACTURING DEFECT I PREFER A NEW TRANSFER CASE AND EXTENDED WARRANTY. I BELIEVE THAT IS VERY REASONABLE. CAN YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO THE MATTER AND ADVISE

Nov 01, 2017

AIR BAGS

2 complaints

passenger side leather covered dashboard delaminated making air bag deployment inpossible

Oct 25, 2025

Dear NHTSA, I am writing to express a serious safety concern regarding the dashboard of my 2016 Porsche Cayenne S. The leather on the dash has begun to shrink and is no longer fitted properly. This misalignment is causing me significant worry about the potential impact on airbag deployment in the event of an accident. Given the crucial role that the dashboard and its covering play in the proper functioning of the airbag system, this issue could compromise the airbags' deployment or effectiveness. This is not only a major safety concern but also poses a risk of the airbags failing to protect occupants as intended, potentially leading to severe consequences during a collision. I am aware that this problem is not unique to my vehicle, as several other owners of the same model have reported similar issues. The potential impact on safety is alarming, and I believe this requires immediate attention. I kindly request that you investigate this issue urgently and advise on the appropriate resolution to ensure the safety of the vehicle’s airbag system. Prompt action is essential to address this potential risk.

Aug 15, 2024

ENGINE

2 complaints

Engine oil leak detected in 2021 @33,195 miles caused by broken aluminum bolts in upper part of timing cover. Repaired by dealer on a “good will” basis for what I was told would have cost me approximately $9-10,000. Oil leak reappeared in 2023 @44,657 miles (less than 12,000 since first leak) caused again by broken aluminum bolts in the lower, upper oil pan, and timing cover. Repair done this time by independent shop at a cost of $6,865.70.

Nov 25, 2024

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 PORSCHE CAYENNE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, IT JUMPED OR LURCHED FORWARD FIVE TO SIX FEET WHILE STOPPED. ON ONE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD AND SLIGHTLY STRUCK THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER AFTER SHE HAD DROPPED HER OFF. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHAMPION PORSCHE AND PORSCHE WEST BROWARD (4641 SW 148TH AVE, DAVIE, FL 33331, (954) 901-3000). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS NORMAL FOR THE VEHICLE TO LURCH FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH THE FEATURE WHERE IT WOULD SHUT OFF AND ON AT A STOPPED POSITION TO CONSERVE FUEL AND WOULD LURCH FORWARD WHETHER THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF OR NOT. AFTER THE DEALER CLAIMED TO HAVE REPAIRED THE VEHICLE, IT STILL LURCHED FORWARD TWO TO THREE FEET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100.

Oct 01, 2019

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

car had a smell of gas diesel fumes inside cabin from air conditioning system. number of oil leaks over the years as well. now car at dealer for repair over 10 month. not fixed yet. number of problem with same diesel engine on line, even article i found . car was sold as CPO , it was new unregister, but they guaranteed us there will be no emission problems or leaking with this car. now warranty almost over Nov 2023 , and I will get a defective car back maybe... after warranty will expire! more importantly a car that leaks oil or diesel and smells inside the cabin from that.

Sep 07, 2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

my car had a problem in the hybrid part, before doing the diagnosis they said 3 different problems, when they gave me the diagnosis they said they didn't know what it was but that to begin with “it could be “ the components $13,000 to fix. but my car is under the 8 years or 100,000mls hybrid system warranty, so i contacted porshe headquarters and they said the car was out of warranty. so i called porche in Fremont (where they have mentioned the warranty on their website) and 3 people confirmed that the car is under warranty by VIN n. I called headquarters again and they said they needed this guarantee in writing. So when I called Fremont again 3 weeks later they said the car is not under warranty, meaning they changed the whole conversation within 3 weeks. I already confirmed it on CARFAX and I am under warranty but I never received any responses to emails or phone calls they are ignoring me because they don't want to assume the warranty. Fremont confirmed that I had 6 months or 19,000 miles until the warranty expired, and strangely 3 weeks later that warranty no longer appears in their system. in my opinion they don't know what the car has and they are trying to escape the warranty because there are few months left to finish, that's why they don't give me answers, I haven't tried all possible options and I can't find help to solve this problem, I'm stuck at home dor the last 3 months with 2 children without car. because my only car is at the porsche parked waiting for someone to take over the car's warranty. mentioned that the car had no accident, it was just parked in the garage and one morning it didn't start and had to be towed. Terrible costumer service

Jun 04, 2023

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LANE DEPARTURE

1 complaint

Headlight went out. Lane change assist not working

May 29, 2023

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2016 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. On one occasion while driving, the failure occurred and nearly cause the vehicle to be rear ended by a vehicle speeding from behind. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on multiple occasions however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure before performing a software update to the accelerator pedal which appeared to correct the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

May 06, 2022

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

When slowing almost to a stop, and then need to accelerate, such as slowing for a yield sign, then trying to merge, vehicle is non responsive to throttle input for at least a second, or more. This has put me and others at risk because I assume I'm going to be able to accelerate when pull into traffic and am not able to. The dealer has had the vehicle but was unable to reproduce. It does not always do it, there's some combination of engine, drivetrain or fuel management it's in that does this. I have disabled start/stop mode. There are no system messages or OBD errors. The dealer has said that others have experienced this and the manufacturer has told them it's "normal". It's a safety problem and I'm seeking help in getting the manufacturer to fix it. Note, I sent the attached letter to manufacturer and did not receive a reply. I called their customer support line around Sept 20th and they did not offer any escalation or other action to address other than writing to their email address. I did this, and received no response.

Oct 01, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

OUR TURN SIGNAL SOUND IS SO LOW THAT WE DO NOT REALIZE THAT THE SIGNAL HAS REMAINED ON SINCE OUR LAST TURN. IT HAS CAUSED ONCOMING TRAFFIC TO STOP UNNECESSARILY AND FOLLOWING TRAFFIC TO PASS INSIDE ASSUMING WE WERE TURNING LEFT. BOTH SITUATIONS HAVE CAUSED NEAR ACCIDENTS.

Nov 19, 2020

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

1 complaint

VIBRATION FROM VEHICLE CAUSES EAR DAMAGE TO OCCUPANTS, WHETHER VEHICLE IS STATIONARY OR MOVING.

May 22, 2019

Injuries: 2

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

UPON COMPLETION OF MODIFICATIONS DUE TO VOLKSWAGEN/AUDI/PORSCHE 3.0L DIESEL EMISSIONS SETTLEMENT PROGRAM THE VEHICLE HAS AN INTERMITTENT DELAY WHEN ACCELERATING. THIS DELAY IS UNPREDICTABLE AND CAN BE SEVERAL SECONDS IN DURATION. ONCE ACCELERATION IS APPLIED IT IS TOO MUCH POWER AND AGAIN UNPREDICTABLE IN RESULTS. APPEARS TO BE RELATED TO OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE. OVER 80(F) IS WHEN MOST TROUBLESOME. WHEN CROSSING INTERSECTIONS AND ACCELERATING TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY IS WHEN THE SAFETY ASPECT IS OBVIOUS.PORSCHE HAS STATED THIS IS A NORMAL AFTEREFFECT FROM THE MODIFICATION AND MY VEHICLE IS WORKING WITHIN THE PARAMETERS SET FORTH BY THE CARB AGREEMENT.

Sep 10, 2018

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

CAR LOST ALL ACCELERATION AND ENGINE SHUT COMPLETELY OFF HAPPENS FREQUENTLY. CAR ON SEPARATE OCCASION SIEVED AND SHOOK VIOLENTLY TO A STOP ON THE ROAD MULTIPLE TIMES.

Mar 04, 2018

TIRES

1 complaint

GOOD YEAR TIRE

Oct 09, 2016

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

BOTH HEAD LIGHTS WATER CONDENSATION AFTER HEAVY RAIN, CAR WASH. DRIVER SIDE DOOR WIND NOISE RATTLE SOUND FROM DASHBOARD WHEN ACCELERATING

Mar 30, 2016

STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

-DRIVER SIDE WIND NOISE: DEALER TRIED TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT FAILED AND NOW THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. WIND NOISE IS SO LOUD THAT I CAN NOT HEAR APPROACHING EMERGENCY VEHICLE -WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE NOT COMPLETELY ATTACHED TO THE WINDSHIELD LEAVING STREAKS (LOSE CONTACT). I CAN SEE THE BOTTOM HALF WHEN IT RAINS.

Mar 01, 2016

STEERING

1 complaint

AUTO START STOP FUNCTION. WHEN APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT, THE ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF WHILE CAR IS STILL MOVING SLOWLY. YOU LOSE ABILITY TO STEER VEHICLE WHILE MOVING (ALBEIT SLOWLY) WHEN THE AUTO START/STOP FUNCTION ENGAGES. THIS FUNCTION SHOULD ONLY OCCUR WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED, NOT MOVING SLOWLY. *JS

Dec 30, 2015

⭐

4.2/5.0

53 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2016 PORSCHE Cayenne have?

The 2016 PORSCHE Cayenne currently has 35 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2016 PORSCHE Cayenne?

The most common problems reported for the 2016 PORSCHE Cayenne are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2016 PORSCHE Cayenne problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2016 PORSCHE Cayenne comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.