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Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

2016 Porsche Cayenne GTSRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 33 owner complaints for the 2016 Porsche Cayenne GTS. Most complaints involve power train (7) and air bags (6). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
18mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Aug 2022
Owner complaints
33
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$4,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Exterior lighting: headlights

Free remedy

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."

Exterior lightingReported Aug 30, 2022NHTSA 22V656000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

33 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2015 – Jan 2025
  1. Power train7
  2. Air bags6
  3. Exterior lighting6
  4. Engine5
  5. Fuel/propulsion system4
  6. Electrical system3
  7. Lane departure1
  8. Vehicle speed control1
  9. Tires1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Cayenne GTS model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201337
201633
201711
202112
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

7 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 26, 2023Power trainODI 11556846

Air bags

6 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 11, 2025Air bags, Unknown or otherODI 11635383

Exterior lighting

6 reports
“**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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 5, 2024Exterior lightingODI 11612920
All 2016 Cayenne GTS problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S8)
Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Cayenne GTS
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
162318$4,300483
  • Cayenne GTS
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, Turbo
    16 city · 23 hwy · $4,300/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Porsche Cayenne GTS as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 8, 2026Vehicle 10844
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2016 Cayenne GTS questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Porsche Cayenne GTS have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 8, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2016 Porsche Cayenne GTS problems?

Owners filed 33 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (7), air bags (6), exterior lighting (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 Porsche Cayenne GTS get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Porsche Cayenne GTS at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026