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2016 Porsche Cayenne problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 Porsche Cayenne has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 2safety recalls
- 40owner complaints
- 0crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 14%fail the UK MOT
40 complaints, against an average of 21 for the other 14 Porsche Cayenne model years.
Every Porsche Cayenne model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2016 Porsche Cayenne?
The components named most often in the 40 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2016 Porsche Cayenne owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 40 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2016 Porsche Cayenne been recalled?
2 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Exterior Lighting: Headlights 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."
Risk: Improperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the headlights for sealing caps and install missing caps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ANB4.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Pedals And Linkages Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Cayenne vehicles manufactured April 28, 2010, to January 11, 2016. The brake pedal pivot pin may be missing a circlip, allowing the pivot pin to move and the brake pedal to dislodge.
Risk: If the brake pedal dislodges, the driver may not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly circlip, installing any missing circlips, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AG02.
Is the 2016 Porsche Cayenne recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAARC2 Recall campaign - Re-programming DME control unit
Risk: The software version of the engine control unit does not correspond to the software version that should be on the vehicle.
Fix: Review the software version of the engine control unit and if necessary update it to the correct software version.
UK DVSAARB9 Recall campaign - Re-program DME control unit
Risk: The software version of the engine control unit does not correspond to the software version that should be on the vehicle.
Fix: Review the software version of the engine control unit and if necessary update it to the correct software version.
UK DVSAARC1 Recall campaign - Re-programming DME control unit
Risk: The software version of the engine control unit does not correspond to the software version that should be on the vehicle.
Fix: Review the software version of the engine control unit and if necessary update it to the correct software version.
UK DVSAImprove the engine control system in terms of nitrogen oxide emissions
Risk: Improve the engine control system in terms of nitrogen oxide emissions.
Fix: Engine control software will be updated.
UK DVSAThe vehicle may not meet the prescribed emission limits
Risk: The affected vehicle may not meet prescribed emission limits.
Fix: The engine and transmission control units must be updated
UK DVSAThe data version of the engine control unit must be updated to improve the nitrogen oxide emissions
Risk: The affected vehicle may not meet prescribed emission limits.
Fix: The engine control unit must be updated in order to improve the engine control system.
UK DVSADue to faulty software the display logic of the brake wear indicator is not fulfilled sufficiently
Risk: The required display logic of the brake wear indicator is incorrect.
Fix: The instrument cluster must be re-programmed with updated software.
UK DVSAThe selector lever cable plastic sleeve does not have the required durability and may break
Risk: The transmission selector lever plastic sleeve does not have the required durability.
Fix: Replace the plastic sleeve on the selector cable.
UK DVSABraking efficiency may be reduced
Risk: The circlip on the bearing bracket for the pedals may detach. If this occurs the brake pedal will become unsecured axially and come out of one of the two bearings leading to decreased brake functionality.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the fitment of the circlip and replaced as necessary.
EU Safety GateThe affected vehicles may not meet the prescribed emission limits due to a default of the data version of the engine control unit.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 12/04/2021
EU Safety GateThe affected vehicles may not meet the prescribed emission limits due to a default of the data version of the engine control unit.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 13/04/2021
EU Safety GateIt is possible that the vehicles do not meet the series standards applicable at the time of delivery as regards certain safety systems and…It is possible that the vehicles do not meet the series standards applicable at the time of delivery as regards certain safety systems and assemblies (e.g. seating, front axle control arm bolts, brake components). As a consequence, the cars might be unsafe.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe belt buckles on the central rear seat are defective.This increases the risk of injury for occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA securing collar on the bearing block of the pedal cluster may come loose and hinder the action of the brake pedal.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2016 Porsche Cayenne fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2016, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2016 Porsche Cayenne owners report?
12 of the 40 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Porsche dashboard leather shrunk. Safety hazard for airbag not deploying properly. This is a common issue reported.
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 the entire dashboard which costs over $10,000. This is apparently a very common issue.
I noticed a hesitation when I Pressed the gas pedal, I also noticed the smell of Gasoline when I parked it in my Garage. I had my Certified mechanic look at it and he told me there was a recall on the Fuel sending unit, creating a transfer case failure, apparently the flange breaks and leaks gas. I googled it and it confirms it. I called the local dealer and they have not called me back?
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.
**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…
The contact owns a 2016 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that water had leaked inside the front driver's side and passenger's side headlamps. The contact stated that the failure caused the headlights to become foggy and significantly dim, reducing the visibility of the roadway. The contact stated that he had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V656000 (Exterior Lighting) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that the dealer sealed the headlamps while there was water inside. The dealer declined to perform additional…
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…
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.
At slow speed, under acceleration, the transfer case slips, and makes a thumping noise. Over time, the car has poor acceleration when trying to get up to speed with other cars. The dealer has confirmed that this is a problem with Porsche Cayennes. Thank you.
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…
Headlight went out. Lane change assist not working
AUTO START STOP FUNCTION. WHEN APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT, THE ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF WHILE CAR IS STILL MOVING SLOWLY. YOU LOSE ABILITY TO STEER VEHICLE WHILE MOVING (ALBEIT SLOWLY) WHEN THE AUTO START/STOP FUNCTION ENGAGES. THIS FUNCTION SHOULD ONLY OCCUR WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED, NOT MOVING SLOWLY. *JS
2016 Porsche Cayenne: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 Porsche Cayenne reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 40 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Porsche Cayenne; the most common categories were air bags (11, 27.5%), power train (7, 17.5%), exterior lighting (6, 15%). There are 2 safety recalls. 2 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Porsche Cayenne?
Across 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are air bags (27.5% of complaints), power train (17.5% of complaints), exterior lighting (15% of complaints), engine (12.5% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (12.5% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 Porsche Cayenne have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Porsche Cayenne; the most recent (campaign 22V656000, 2022-08-30) concerns Exterior Lighting: Headlights. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2016 Porsche Cayenne?
7 of the 40 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Porsche Cayenne (17.5%) describe headlights, taillights or brake lights failing or condensation in the lamps. A related recall exists: campaign 22V656000 (exterior lighting: headlights). The fix: Dealers will inspect the headlights for sealing caps and install missing caps as necessary, free of charge. One owner wrote: "Our turn signal sound is so low that we do not realize that the signal has remained on since our last turn. it has caused oncoming traffic to stop unnecessarily and following traffic to pass inside assuming we were turning left." (NHTSA complaint 11375423, November 2020). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Does the 2016 Porsche Cayenne have all-wheel-drive or 4x4 problems?
3 of the 40 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Porsche Cayenne (7.5%) describe all-wheel-drive, 4x4 or transfer case faults. One owner wrote: "I noticed a hesitation when I Pressed the gas pedal, I also noticed the smell of Gasoline when I parked it in my Garage. I had my Certified mechanic look at it and he told me there was a recall on the Fuel sending unit, creating a transfer case failure,…" (NHTSA complaint 11721778, March 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Cayenne
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2016 only; combines NHTSA's entries for CAYENNE, CAYENNE DIESEL, CAYENNE GTS, CAYENNE S, CAYENNE S E-HYBRID, CAYENNE TURBO and CAYENNE TURBO S.