NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 24 owner complaints for the 2020 Porsche Cayenne. Most complaints involve engine (7) and electrical system (5). The EPA rates it 20 mpg combined.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2019-2025 Cayenne, Cayenne E-Hybrid, 2020-2025 911, Taycan, 2024-2025 Panamera, and 2025 Panamera E-Hybrid vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Cayenne GTS, Cayenne GTS Coupe, 2020-2021 Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne S Coupe, Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe vehicles. The passenger seat back heating element was not installed and may impact the calibration of the Occupant Classification System.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2020 Cayenne vehicles. An insufficient weld on a transmission oil pipe may cause the vehicle to leak automatic transmission fluid (ATF).
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Cayenne model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 101 |
| 2005 | 42 |
| 2006 | 55 |
| 2008 | 42 |
| 2009 | 15 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 62 |
| 2012 | 36 |
| 2013 | 40 |
| 2014 | 53 |
| 2016 | 40 |
| 2017 | 18 |
| 2018 | 13 |
| 2019 | 47 |
| 2020 | 24 |
| 2021 | 21 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2026 | 5 |
“This engine EA839 is the same engine installed in Audi’s and which has a massive engine replacement going on now. It seems that the above engine has what is called piston slap or rocker arm failure which requires a complete engine replacement. The manufacturer knows of this problem and as of yet has not issued a recall leaving the customer with a 20,000 repair cost.”
“Nearly 25% of the total time I have owned this Certified Pre-Owned vehicle (146 out of 564 days), it has been non-functional and in the shop — roughly 1 out of every 4 days of ownership. I am a [XXX} with a [XXX] child, and I purchased this vehicle as a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Porsche — expecting the manufacturer's rigorous inspection and warranty to ensure reliability and safety. Instead, the first breakdown occurred within just 1 month of purchase, and the vehicle has since failed six separate times over 18 months (Feb 2025–Aug 2026), totaling 60+ days out of service, despite extensive component replacement: [XXX] (≈1 month after CPO purchase) – Battery failure; car would not start; towed at 2–3 AM. [XXX] – No-start; fuel tank drained/refueled ("improper additive"). [XXX] – Low fuel pump replaced. [XXX] – High fuel pump, all 6 fuel injectors, DME system replaced. [XXX] – Recurring no-start; repurchase denied May 7, 2025; Porsche later claimed root cause found (mechanical part) and replaced it. Aug 1, 2026–ongoing – Check engine light returned; misfire on cylinder 4 and coolant leak into vacuum system found. Dealer replaced coolant pump/vacuum components,…”
“Vehicle: 2020 Porsche Cayenne VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 41,918 Complaint: My 2020 Porsche Cayenne exhibits a significant and repeatable lurching and abnormal braking pattern each time the vehicle decelerates to a stop. The behavior is consistent and pronounced enough to cause me physical motion sickness on every drive. I brought the vehicle to Porsche Bellevue (Bellevue, WA) for diagnosis. The service manager personally rode in the vehicle with me, experienced the lurching behavior firsthand, and acknowledged feeling it. He then stated the vehicle could not be repaired because this is simply how the car behaves — no repair order was written and no fix was attempted. I am filing this complaint because: (1) the behavior involves abnormal braking and deceleration which I believe constitutes a safety concern, (2) the authorized dealership confirmed the issue exists but refused to document or repair it, and (3) I am concerned other owners of this vehicle may be experiencing the same issue without recourse. I am requesting NHTSA investigate whether this is a known issue across the 2020 Porsche Cayenne platform and whether it meets the threshold for a safety investigation or recall.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cayenne Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 23 | 20 | $4,000 | 432 |
| Cayenne Coupe Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 23 | 20 | $4,000 | 437 |
| 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 |
4 safety recalls as of Oct 31, 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.
Owners filed 24 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (7), electrical system (5), service brakes (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2020 Porsche Cayenne at 20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).