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2021 Porsche Cayenne: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Cayenne years.
One of the Porsche Cayenne years to avoid. All Cayenne years
153 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 7 recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Cayenne?The 2021 Porsche Cayenne has 153 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and air bags. Owners most often flag transfer case failures: a known issue on specific model years (e.g., 2011-2016), though later replacements (post-2017/2018) are updated. warranty was extended by porsche.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Porsche Cayenne vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Cayenne years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the Cayenne?
Across the 23 Cayenne model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2010) to 238 (2016). With 153 complaints, the 2021 Cayenne sits above the model's median of 55.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2021 Cayenne
suspension:rear
Campaign 22V040000Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cayenne vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-271 (AMA9) were performed.
suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly
Campaign 21V271000Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne GTS, Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne S Coupe, Cayenne Turbo Coupe, and Cayenne GTS Coupe vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
steering:column
Campaign 21V493000Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Cayenne vehicles. The screw connection between the steering column and steering box may fail, which can result in a detached steering column.
seats
Campaign 21V318000Porsche 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.
Show 3 more recalls
back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Campaign 25V896000Porsche 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."
electrical system:propulsion system:charging:cable/cord:onboard
Campaign 23V841000Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling various models and model years. Please see the recall report for a list of the included vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
engine
Campaign 21V341000Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne GTS, and Cayenne GTS Coupe vehicles. Cracks may develop on the surface of the engine cylinder bore.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and ownership context. For newer models (approximately 2019+), feedback is mixed to negative, with very frequent and severe criticism directed at the latest infotainment and control systems.
- RecurrentTransfer Case Failures
A known issue on specific model years (e.g., 2011-2016), though later replacements (post-2017/2018) are updated. Warranty was extended by Porsche.
- IsolatedCondenser/Water Pump Failure
Reported on 2019-2022 models as requiring replacement around the 5-year mark, with costs around $4,400 USD.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Cayenne. See the full Cayenne owner picture and every model year.
Other Cayenne model years
Compare every Cayenne year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Cayenne against its rivals
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