The Porsche Cayenne is one of the first luxury SUVs to hit the market. The midsize SUV was launched in 2003. Since then, there have been five generations available.
While Porsche has made a lot of changes to the Cayenne since its initial launch, not all of the modifications have been positive.
It’s important to know what model years to stay away from. In an effort to find a good deal on a used Cayenne, you don’t want to end up with various nightmares in terms of mechanical repairs.
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The Best and Worst Years for Porsche Cayenne Are:
The best years for the Cayenne include 2013 and then almost annually between 2015- 2023. Meanwhile, the years that are considered the worst include 2004, 2005, 2011, and 2012.
There are nearly 20 years of Porsche Cayenne models on the market. It’s been a popular luxury SUV for the brand, though not all years have the same reliability.
What Porsche Cayenne Years are the Most Reliable?
Reliability is critical when you’re buying any vehicle. And a Porsche Cayenne is a luxury SUV that comes with a luxury price tag, too.
Since there are so many model years to choose from, it’s important to know what your options are to get the best possible deal.
With five generations of Cayenne models available between new and used vehicles, there are model years that are better than others.
The years we mark as being the most reliable have great features, few problems, and plenty of accolades.
Across the years and models, there have been 40 recalls on the Porsche Cayenne.
2003 Cayenne
The 2003 Porsche Cayenne is the year that it all started. And there are two chassis codes covered within the first generation – 955 and 957.
One of the reasons why the 2003 is so popular is because it is built on the same chassis as the VW Touareg and the Audi Q7. However, Porsche adds a superior suspension to ensure that it offered a premium driving experience. It offers a sportier feel for drivers.
The 2003 launched with the 955, offering an S and Turbo trim level. And the base model included an optional manual transmission that was known for being extremely low maintenance.
Considering that this was the first year of the Cayenne, it’s also impressive that there was only one recall.
AutoWeek showed the world what the Cayenne was capable of, offering it the “America’s Best” award in its first year.
The Cayenne also went on to get the “Best of the Best” award from the Robb Report.
2015 Cayenne
The 2015 Cayenne is the first model year of the fourth generation.
A few new features have been added, including a hands-free liftgate, a heads-up display, and safety tech like night vision and lane-keeping assist.
Kelley Blue Book identified the 2015 model year as the Best Resale Value for the Plug-in Cayenne S E-Hybrid.
The 2015 Cayenne models that you can find may have a few miles on them, but that can also provide you with significant cost savings. In fact, many sell for about $50,000 less than a brand-new one.
2016 Cayenne
The 2016 Cayenne is favored because of the many comfort features that have been included. Not only do you get more driver-assist features for safety, but you also get built-in CarPlay.
You start to see the luxury aspects within the 2016 Cayenne a bit more. The “optional” components are a lot less. Porsche starts to provide you with more of what you want as standard equipment.
You get more for your money in the 2016, regardless of the trim level that you choose.
2017 Cayenne
The 2017 Cayenne learned from some of the issues earlier within the generation. It provides fewer issues with the infotainment system – and things like Apple CarPlay are now standard.
Since the 2017 wasn’t that long ago, there are quite a few available – and many without a lot of miles. Of course, you’ll want to check the repair history to ensure there haven’t been any issues of concern.
The Cayenne managed to impress quite a bit with its 2017 model year. Kelley Blue Book identified it in its 10 Best Luxury SUVs. JD Power issued it the APPEAL award as a midsize premium SUV.
AutoPacific even identified the 2017 Cayenne as Best in Class Premium Luxury Crossover SUV.
2018 Cayenne
The 2018 Cayenne was popular then and it’s popular now. While there weren’t any major changes for 2018, it still offers sporty handling and a lot of impressive engine options.
One of the few reasons why you don’t hear more about it is because of the cost – as well as basic ownership costs of maintenance. Since it’s a foreign-made luxury car, even oil changes can be more expensive than the typical SUV.
Depending on the trim level and engine choice, you can be looking at between 300 and 570 horsepower.
The reviews are high on the 2018, and it ranks in the top 10 for used luxury midsize SUVs, too.
2019 Cayenne
The 2019 Cayenne is the first model year of the newest (fifth) generation.
With it only being a few years old, it is quite reliable. Many of the used models on the market average about 17,000 to 18,000 miles. And buying used over new could even save you around $20,000 off the MSRP.
The complete redesign for 2019 offers more comfortable (and spacious) seats and overall cabin.
US News & World Report even ranks the 2019 Porsche Cayenne #3 in the Luxury Midsize SUVs category. It ranks even higher in the Used Luxury Midsize SUV category.
To add to the impressiveness of the 2019 Cayenne, there were also no recalls. That’s quite a feat – and one that not all of the top model years can claim.
It’s no wonder that this is the year that the Porsche SUV also won the Car and Driver Editor’s Choice award.
2020 Cayenne
The 2020 Cayenne stays primarily the same as 2019 – but with the debut of the Cayenne Coupe.
The sporty midsize SUV offers a luxurious interior, a spacious cabin, and plenty of powerful engine options.
Reviews identify that people love the way that it drives. Many feel as though they’re getting what they paid for – especially with the sporty way in which it handles on the road.
While some of the controls are a bit fussy and ownership costs can be high, there’s still a lot to love.
For most, it’s the ability to have up to 541 hp in their engine while still having the spaciousness of an SUV.
The awards keep rolling in for the 2020 Cayenne.
Good Housekeeping named it the Best New Family Car in the Midsize Luxury SUV category. Kelley Blue Book also identified it as the best resale value for a 2-Row Luxury Midsize SUV.
What Porsche Cayenne Years Should You Avoid?
The Porsche Cayenne is arguably one of the better luxury SUVs on the market. The powerful engines make it highly desirable because they drive like a sports car.
Unfortunately, there’s a high cost of ownership because it is a high-end foreign car.
Oil changes and maintenance can be costly. And parts for repairs can be hard to find.
Some model years have had more problems than others.
Knowing what Cayenne model years to avoid can end up saving you money. Plus, it can ensure you get the most value.
2004 Cayenne
The 2004 Cayenne may end up being more trouble than it is worth.
It is the second year that the SUV was on the market. This makes it part of the first generation.
There are quite a few complaints from owners of the 2004 model year, making it less reliable.
Some of the more common problems to plague the Cayenne in this model year include electrical problems, cooling system issues, and even problems with the drivetrain.
Even some of the smaller repairs end up being $3,000 or more to fix so that the Cayenne can be back on the road.
Most issues arise early on. However, some drivers experienced complete engine failure at only 40,000 miles.
These issues were never encompassed within a recall, making it an expense that the owner has to deal with out-of-pocket.
2005 Cayenne
The 2005 Cayenne is also a model year within the first generation.
There were actually three recalls for the 2005 model year – one of the highest years. These recalls helped to address issues. However, many agree that the vehicle shouldn’t have even been released with the issues.
The issues included an issue with the power train. The gear position would slip too easily. There was also an issue with the fuel pump.
Even the seat belts were recalled, creating a potential issue in the event of a crash.
2011 Cayenne
The 2011 Cayenne is considered to be the worst model year. If you want to avoid bringing your vehicle in for major repairs, it may be best to skip right over buying this model year.
There were two recalls for the 2011 model year. This included an issue with the hydraulic brakes as well as the exterior lighting.
Issues included overheating at 15,000 miles. Some experienced premature brake wear, too.
It’s not all bad for the 2011 Cayenne, however. It still managed to snag the Motor Trend SUV of the Year award.
2012 Cayenne
The Cayenne is part of the third generation. It was the first year for a power boost kit to be available for the Turbo. And lane change assist was available but not standard.
Cargo space was limited and there are high ownership costs.
2012’s Cayenne also involved three recalls.
The first and biggest recall had to do with the brake pedal – and the possibility of the pivot pin being damaged or missing altogether.
The other two recalls were relatively minor, having to do with exterior lighting. In some instances, it could result in crashes, however. A headlight could become detached, causing the driver to lose all visibility.
While there are some great deals to be had on 2012 Cayenne models on the used SUV market, it may not be worth it.
The issues with overheating and other problems may end up costing you more money.
What Are Some Typical Problems with the Porsche Cayenne Models?
The Porsche Cayenne tends to have many of the same problems year after year.
The good news is that you can depend on these issues and address them immediately, regardless of whether you buy new or used ones.
The most common problems include:
- Issues with the brake pedal
- Gear issues in the automatic transmission
- Crack in the fuel pump flange
- Electrical system components
- Instrumental panel issues
We have a full overview here of the most common problems with Porsche vehicles.
If you want to learn about some of the typical problems with the Porsche Cayenne in detail, we have another article dedicated to exactly that.
Sources
Porsche Cayenne Generations Explained
Which Used Year Models of Porsche Cayenne to Avoid
Which Used Year Model of Porsche Cayenne is Best
ⓘ The information in this article is based on data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall reports, consumer complaints submitted to the NHTSA, reliability ratings from J.D. Power, auto review and rating sites such as Edmunds, specialist forums, etc. We analyzed this data to provide insights into the best and worst years for these vehicle models.