2021 Porsche Cayenne TurboRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 12 owner complaints for the 2021 Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Most complaints involve electrical system (3) and air bags (2). The EPA rates it 17 mpg combined.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Electrical system3
- Air bags2
- Engine2
- Power train2
- Service brakes2
- Forward collision avoidance1
- Steering1
- Other / unknown4
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Electrical system
“Much like thousands of Cayenne drivers, I am constantly let down by an ongoing issue with Adaptive Cruise Control failures with an error message that reads, “Adaptive Cruise Control unavailable.” THIS MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IF NOT REPAIRED AS VEHICULAR COLLISION RATES INCREASE DRAMATICALLY TO NO AVAIL. Porsche dealers are notoriously recalcitrant about taking adequate responsibility for these failures. The cost of repairing Porsche’s poor craftsmanship is either prohibitive or they are disinterested in repairing these problems within an acceptable timeframe. It is long past due for the Federal government to intervene and compel Porsche to recall and repair their Adaptive Cruise Control failures. I had my cameras recalibrated three (3) times in three (3) weeks and yet the problem persists without meaningful redress. HELP!”
Air bags
“Dashboard leather is separating and was told this could affect the airbag deployment in the case of an accident. Porsche dealership is asking 10k outside of warranty to replace the dash. If it was just cosmetic I could deal with it, but now that it is a safety concern for my passenger I feel forced to overspend. Even a reduced amount would help but a whole dash replacement sounds excessive to make sure the leather is not obstructing the airbag.”
Engine
“Problem with the hybrid system and the engine control system. Unit changed automatically and unexpectedly from battery power mode to engine power mode when on battery power mode only. This change is not supposed to happen. This failure happened when starting the unit, put on drive and starting to move forward. This failure caused the unit to charge forward with more power unexpectedly. Causing almost to collide. At the time of the failure “engine control system” warning and “e power not available” warning lid up. The unit has been for service for 10 times with the same warnings powering up. At this time the unit has been on service for almost four month.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 4.0L 8-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.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cayenne Turbo Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 17 | $4,400 | 529 |
| Cayenne Turbo Coupe Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 17 | $4,400 | 535 |
- 17mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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
2021 Cayenne Turbo questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Porsche Cayenne Turbo have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 12, 2026.
What are the most common 2021 Porsche Cayenne Turbo problems?
Owners filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (3), air bags (2), engine (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2021 Porsche Cayenne Turbo get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Porsche Cayenne Turbo at 17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).