2011 Porsche Cayenne S recalls and problems

The 2011 Porsche Cayenne S has 3 safety recalls and 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Porsche dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
17
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2011 Porsche Cayenne S vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2011 Porsche Cayenne S recalls

Recall 22V-656: Exterior Lighting

Reported Aug 30, 2022 · 222,858 vehicles affected · Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Problem: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2020 Porsche Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Cayman S, 2001-2004 Boxster, Boxster S, 2004 Boxster 50 JAHRE SPYDER 550 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all affected models and model years. The caps that cover the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws are missing, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: Improperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the headlights for sealing caps and install missing caps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ANB4.

Recall 17V-368: Engine

Reported Jun 7, 2017 · 18,005 vehicles affected · Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Problem: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2010-2012 Panamera S, Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo vehicles, 2011-2012 Panamera and Panamera 4 vehicles, and 2011 Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo vehicles. The affected vehicles have camshaft controllers that may come loose inside the engine, potentially resulting in an engine stall.

Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fastening screws for the camshaft adjusters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 12, 2018. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy is available. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AH08.

Recall 12V-065: Exterior Lighting

Reported Feb 21, 2012 · 20,278 vehicles affected · PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: Porsche is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 cayenne, cayenne s, cayenne s hybrid, and cayenne turbo vehicles manufactured from march 8, 2010, through january 31, 2012 because the headlamps may come loose and detach from the fender.

Risk: A detached headlight could lead to loss of visibility and an increased risk of a crash.

Fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlamp locking assemblies, free of charge. The safety recall began on march 9, 2012. Owners may contact porsche at 1-800-767-7243.

2011 Porsche Cayenne S problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine12
Power Train3
Service Brakes2
Visibility1
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)1
Exterior Lighting1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2011 Porsche Cayenne S complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Exterior Lighting · at 90,000 miles · reported Apr 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Porsche Cayenne S. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights failed to illuminate properly. The contact stated that there was water intrusion in the headlight housings. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the headlamps needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V656000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the contact had not yet received the notification. The manufacturer was not made aware of the…
Service Brakes · at 124,000 miles · reported Jul 27, 2019
I came to a complete stop on a city street. I let my foot off the brake, then applied my foot back on the brake and the brake pad wouldn't go down, it was hard.
Engine · at 54,000 miles · reported Mar 3, 2019
The coolant pipe design is flawed. The barb is glued and pressed in the aluminum body. Over time the glue loses its properties and the barb comes out thus causing massive coolant leak and the engine can overheat. The part was redisgned around 2015 where the barb is now threaded, but the original part is a safey hazard for the older models with potential huge repair costs.
Power Train · at 102,000 miles · reported May 9, 2018
Vehicle acts as if going over speed bump over 18mph also jerking and tugging on you as you accelerate making for hard turning in parking lots feels like front wheel is locking up also noticing safety concern wile coming to stop in traffic under about 3mph the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly learches forward as if engine has more power or something becomes un jammed. Transfer case has been replaced once already now out of warranty it feels as if a safety concern is the issue
Power Train · at 77,000 miles · reported Apr 24, 2018
Transfer case failed 2016 ; was replaced by dealer and failed again 2017. While driving failure affects shifting and acceleration.

Other Porsche Cayenne S years

Compare all Porsche Cayenne S years · All Porsche models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Porsche Cayenne S have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2011 Porsche Cayenne S: 22V-656 (exterior lighting), 17V-368 (engine), 12V-065 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Porsche Cayenne S?

Owners report engine problems most often (12 reports), followed by power train (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 miles.

Are Porsche recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Porsche dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.