Problems · NHTSA complaints

2016 Porsche Cayenne S E- Hybrid problems

Owners filed 33 complaints about the 2016 Porsche Cayenne S E- Hybrid with NHTSA between Sep 2015 and Jan 2025. The most-cited component is power train (7).

Complaints
33
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  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
  10. Structure1
  11. Visibility/wiper1
  12. Steering1
  13. Other / unknown12

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20152
20163
20171
20184
20193
20201
20211
20222
20237
20248
20251

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

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

Engine

5 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 25, 2024EngineODI 11627258

Fuel/propulsion system

4 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 7, 2023Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11543209

Electrical system

3 reports
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 4, 2023Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11525312
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026

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