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2018 Porsche Cayenne problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2018 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.
- 1safety recall
- 14owner complaints
- 0crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 10%fail the UK MOT
14 complaints, against an average of 23 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 2018 Porsche Cayenne?
The components named most often in the 14 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
Has the 2018 Porsche Cayenne been recalled?
1 U.S. safety recall. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Equipment Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne Plug-in Hybrid, Cayenne GTS, Cayenne Plug-in Hybrid Platinum Edition, Macan Turbo and Macan GTS vehicles, 2017-2018 Cayenne S, Macan, Cayenne Platinum Edition and Macan S vehicles and 2018 Cayenne vehicles equipped with the optional ski bag. The ski bag fastening strap may have been sewn with incorrect thread, possibly resulting in the strap seams tearing and the ski bag being unsecured in the event of a crash.
Risk: If the ski bag detaches during a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ski bags, free of charge. The recall began January 10, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AJ12.
Is the 2018 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 DVSAScrews securing steering column to steering gear don't meet specifications
Risk: The screws securing the steering column to the steering gear may not meet the required specifications on affected vehicles.
Fix: The steering column screws must be replaced.
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 tightness of the quick connector of the fuel supply line may not be ensured
Risk: The tightness of the quick connector of the fuel supply line may not be ensured.
Fix: The fuel supply line in the engine compartment has to be replaced.
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 DVSAMissing assignment within the software of the instrument cluster
Risk: Brake pad wear warning light function is incorrect.
Fix: Update software of instrument cluster.
UK DVSAIf fuel nozzle is turned or not inserted fully into filler tube fuel can get into carbon canister in fuel tank system
Risk: Fuel may enter the carbon canister whilst refuelling.
Fix: Replace fuel filler tube and carbon canister.
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 GateThe screwed junction of the steering column at the level of the steering unit may be defective due to a production error.As a result, the steering column may detach from the steering unit and cause a failure of the steering system, increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not meet the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
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: 14/07/2021
EU Safety GateFuel leakage may in certain circumstances occur because of a weak component of the quick-connect fitting on the fuel line.This may give rise to a risk of fire if an ignition source is present.
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 shock-absorber forks fitted on the front axle may be defective and could break.As a result the tyre could be pressed against the wheel arch, potentially causing an accident.
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 retaining straps on the vehicle's ski bag may be defective.The ski bag may not stay in position when subjected to a high load.
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
How often does the 2018 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 2018, 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 2018 Porsche Cayenne owners report?
12 of the 14 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.
The high-voltage battery pack in my 2018 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] , approximately 81,000 miles) has experienced a noticeable and progressive reduction in battery range and performance. On February 20, 2026, Porsche White Plains (an authorized Porsche dealer) performed an inspection but was unable to duplicate an active fault code and declined to generate a battery State of Health (SoH%) report. No warranty repair was authorized. Porsche Cars North America (PCNA), Case #XXX, has since moved to close my statutory warranty claim, citing the absence of a duplicated fault. However…
Driving through a parking lot, less than five miles an hour, and suddenly heard a horrible knocking sound. Stopped and looked under the car. Nothing. Drove it very slowly to mechanic less than a mile away. Front drive shaft had collapsed and fallen down, according to the mechanic.
The contact owns a 2018 Porsche Cayenne equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Latitude Sport, Tire Size: 295/35/R21, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front passenger’s side of the vehicle, and the front passenger’s side tire started deflating. The vehicle was driven to the side of the road and was later towed to the local dealer who determined that the front passenger’s side tire sidewall had blown out. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the vehicle had not driven…
This is not accident related, but what appears to be a systemic issue related to Cayenne and Macan leather dashboards. The issue is related to delamination of the leather dash cover that can impede the safe deployment of the passenger airbag. Many cars are affected and the repair can be a significant expense to owners (~$10K) for vehicles less than 8 years old. There should be a recall to address a largely unaware owner base for a potential safety issue.
The Porsche Cayenne that equipped with leather dashboard are peeling off over the time. If the vehicle in an accident, the airbag on the passenger side dashboard may not deploy correctly. I am finding many cayenne owners are having this issue. I really hope NTSB can issue a recall.
While the vehicle was charging, the protective sheath near the power outlet of the charging cable had possible electrical or fire damage. No warning lights were illuminated. Upon turning off the power and unplugging the outlet, it was determined that the plastic near the plug melted and caused the power to short. I have been unsuccessful getting the manufacturer to resolve the issue. A recall under APB6 was issued but did not include model year 2018 which uses the same cable that is impacted with the recall.
The contact owns a 2018 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid. The contact stated that while the vehicle was charging, he observed that the protective sheath near the power outlet of the charging cable had possible electrical or fire damage. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the damage was the result of external factors but provided a replacement charging cable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 54,000.
Our 2018 Porsche Cayenne has a problem with the headlights and water intrusion that is affecting the functioning of the headlights. I took it to someone to look at and they said this should not be happening, that it is a manufacturer defect. I googled my car / year and there is a recall for headlight issues but for some reason my VIN is not included. It should be. How do I go about having Porsche North America fix this issue for me?
The day we took our Porsche home, we noticed a lot of heat generation in the car- but we thought it will be fine going further, given the attention to detail of Porsche's Automobile Engineering. The following days were not any better for my daughter- she missed a major accident because of the unexpected burnt smell and loud warnings of an overheat of the engine by Porsche in the middle of a highway. Due to her excellent driving record for the past 5 years, she was able to manage and stop in the middle of the highway at the curb of the road. She panicked so much so that, she stopped using the…
2018 PORSCHE CAYENNE: AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, RANDOMLY A SERIOUS UNSAFE TO OPERATE 'SERVICE NECESSARY' WARNING APPEARS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONS. WITH THE SERVICE NECESSARY WARNING INDICATED, THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO OPERATE. THIS UNSAFE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE WITH CRUISE CONTROL FOR APPROXIMATELY THE NEXT HOUR. THIS BREAKDOWN IS KNOWN TO PORSCHE (VIA THEIR COMMUNICATIONS WITH ME) AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO RECTIFY THE ERROR. IN A 2020 PORSCHE CAYENNE THIS FAILURE HAS BEEN RECTIFIED. ATTACHED, INVOICES FROM FIVE VISITS TO PORSCHE DEALERSHIPS, ALL DURING THE WARRANTY…
WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE INTO TRAFFIC VEHICLE WILL EXPERIENCE WHAT FEELS LIKE A DEAD SPOT IN THE ACCELERATOR AND THEN LURCH FORWARD AT A HIGH SPEED THIS CONDITION HAS BEEN REPORTED ON NUMEROUS COMPLAINT SITE CONCERNING VARIOUS PORSCHE VEHICLES AND SPECIFICALL CONCERNING PORSCHE CAYENNE DEALER SAYS CAR IS FINE.UNSAFE TO DRIVE SINCE YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL ACCELERATE.
THE CAR LOST POWER AND STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT WARNING, THE ROAD WAS THE GARDEN STAT PARKWAY IN NEW JERSEY , HAPPENED IN MID NIGHT
2018 Porsche Cayenne: questions owners ask
Is the 2018 Porsche Cayenne reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 14 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Porsche Cayenne; the most common categories were electrical system (4, 28.6%), engine (3, 21.4%), air bags (2, 14.3%). There is 1 safety recall.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Porsche Cayenne?
Across 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (28.6% of complaints), engine (21.4% of complaints), air bags (14.3% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (14.3% of complaints), exterior lighting (7.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2018 Porsche Cayenne have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2018 Porsche Cayenne; the most recent (campaign 18V844000, 2018-11-28) concerns Equipment. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 2018 only; combines NHTSA's entries for CAYENNE and CAYENNE S E-HYBRID.