Last updated: 2026-10-10

2018 Porsche Cayenne
RELIABILITY SCORE: 62/100 (GOOD)

2018 Porsche Cayenne Reliability Report

The 2018 Porsche Cayenne is the best-rated Cayenne year, but E-Hybrid charging cables can melt and peeling dash leather is a reported airbag worry.

Recalls

1

Complaints

13

Complaint Rate

11.7per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$1231

Annual Fuel Cost

$3,450–$4,050

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity68/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact88/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity78/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Final second-generation year and the best of eight scored Cayenne years, though E-Hybrid charging cable burns and peeling dashboard leather draw complaints.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
  • AIR BAGS (2)
  • POWER TRAIN (1)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Final Year

2018 is the last model year of the Second generation (92A).

  • Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
  • 4 years after the last refresh (2014).
  • 2nd generation Cayenne (US).

What this means for buyers

Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.

2011: Second generation (92A) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2014: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2018: This Model Year

2018 is the last model year of the Second generation (92A).

Should You Buy the 2018 Porsche Cayenne?

Within the Cayenne lineup, this is the best of eight scored model years, and its standing is good. Against other 2018 SUVs it ranks below average, and independent repair-cost data puts yearly upkeep for the model at $1231 versus $807 for its class. The 2019 year rates worse, with 58 complaints and 14 recalls.

Owners filed 13 complaints. On the E-Hybrid, the charging cable sheath near the wall plug melts or burns during charging, with no warning light. In one report the plastic shorted the power. A dealer replaced another cable at 54,000 miles. A separate owner described heavy cabin heat, a burnt smell, and a loud overheat warning that forced a roadside stop. Leather dashboard covers also peel, and two owners fear loose leather could keep the passenger airbag from deploying properly. Neither involved a crash. One quoted a repair near $10K. Federal recall records list one equipment recall.

Check the dashboard leather for peeling, inspect the charging cable on any E-Hybrid, and ask for proof the recall work was done.

Compared to the 2019 Porsche Cayenne, which scored 6 points lower.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Low recall count
  • +Below-average complaint rate for SUV

Cons

  • −Above-average repair costs for its class
  • −Frequent unscheduled repairs
  • −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (3 complaints)

Compare 2018 Porsche Cayenne With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 1 manufacturer recall issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
  • AIR BAGS (2)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

1

recall on record

The 2018 Porsche Cayenne carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

11.7

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 27.1

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

0

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2018 Porsche Cayenne Recall Details

1 recall has been issued for the 2018 Porsche Cayenne. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

18V8440002018-11-28

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.

Consequence

If the ski bag detaches during a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2018 Porsche Cayenne? Check its history first

Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2018 Porsche Cayenne, and 1 recall was issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2018 Porsche Cayenne NHTSA Safety Ratings

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Info Not Available)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

HEV Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Info Not Available)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Porsche CayenneRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

1.5Maintenance rating: 1.5 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$1231

vs $807 avg for luxury midsize SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

1.1

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

21%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Cayenne
$1231
Category Avg
$807
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

17–20 MPG

Running cost: $4,700–$5,300/yr

Fuel + repair

14–18 city / 21–24 hwy MPG

Plug-in Hybrid

22 MPG

Running cost: $4,400/yr

Fuel + repair

21 city / 24 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Cayenne 3.6L 6-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)182420$3,450
Cayenne S 3.6L 6-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)172420$3,450
Cayenne GTS 3.6L 6-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)162319$3,650
Cayenne Platinum 3.6L 6-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)172319$3,650
Cayenne Turbo 4.8L 8-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)142117$4,050
Cayenne Turbo S 4.8L 8-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)142117$4,050
Plug-in Hybrid trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Cayenne S e-Hybrid 3.0L 6-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM8)212422$3,150

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Porsche Cayenne.

  • Inspect the leather dashboard above the passenger airbag for peeling, bubbling, or lifted edges.

  • On E-Hybrid models, check the charging cable sheath near the wall plug for melted plastic or scorch marks.

  • Plug in the car for a short charge and feel the cable and plug for unusual heat.

  • On a long test drive, watch for engine overheat warnings and any burnt smell in the cabin.

  • Ask for dealer records showing any charging cable replacement or dashboard repair.

2018 Porsche Cayenne Common Problems by Component

13 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

3
2
2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)AIR BAGS (2)POWER TRAIN (1)TIRES (1)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)Other (2)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 complaints

On the E-Hybrid, the charging cable's protective sheath near the wall plug melts or shows burn damage while the car charges. No warning light comes on. In one report the plastic melted enough to short the power. A dealer blamed another case on external factors but still replaced the cable, and that failure came at 54,000 miles. A separate complaint describes heavy cabin heat, a burnt smell, and a loud engine overheat warning that forced a stop at the side of a highway. Both problems raise fire risk.

3 complaints total

AIR BAGS

2 complaints

The leather dashboard cover peels and delaminates over time. Complaints warn that the loose leather may keep the passenger airbag from deploying correctly in a crash. Both reports describe the problem as common on Cayennes with leather dashboards, and one puts the repair at about $10K. Neither complaint involves an actual crash. Both raise it as a safety risk that many owners may not know about.

2 complaints total

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint
2025-12-17

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.

TIRES (1 complaints)

TIRES

1 complaint
2025-05-26

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 over any object to cause the failure. The tire manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint
2023-03-15

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?

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint
2019-05-01

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 PERIOD. ATTACHED ALSO PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN ON VARIOUS DAYS, TIMES AND SPEEDS, AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS OF THE SERVICE NECESSARY WARNING ON INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONS.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint
2019-11-25

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint
2019-11-11

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

ENGINE (1 complaints)

ENGINE

1 complaint
2018-08-31

INTERMITTENT LACK OF ACCELERATION WHEN TAKING LEFT TURNS FROM A DEAD STOP. CAR WAS A DEALER LOANER WITH 9000 MILES ON SPEEDOMETER. I PURCHASED THE CAR IN AUGUST, 2018. WITHIN THE FIRST 1000 MILES AND IN LESS THAN FOUR WEEKS I EXPERIENCED A SERIOUS LACK OF ACCELERATION ON TWO OCCASIONS WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN, I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT IT WAS PROBABLY DRIVER ERROR CAUSED BY OPERATING THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR USING BOTH FEET. I DO NOT DRIVE AN AUTOMATIC CAR USING TWO FEET. ALSO, I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THEY CHECKED WITH PORSCHE AND THERE ARE RECORDS OF THIS TYPE OF EVENT. I CHECKED ON THE INTERNET AND THERE ARE NUMEROUS IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS DATING BACK SEVERAL YEARS. THIS LACK OF ACCELERATION HAS OCCURRED FOUR MORE TIMES. THE DEALER HAS BEEN RESPONSIVE AND KEPT MY VEHICLE ON TWO OCCASIONS TO TRY AND DUPLICATE THE EVENT TO NO AVAIL. ON ONE OF THESE OCCASIONS THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSFER CASE BUT THIS DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. FINALLY, THE DEALER CALLED IN THE PORSCHE ZONE MANAGE WHO I AM TOLD WAS WELL AWARE OF THIS CONDITION AND REFERRED TO IT AS A SAFETY FEATURE TO PREVENT UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. HE CLAIMED THAT THIS IS PERFECTLY NORMAL OPERATION. I CALL IT A SAFETY HAZARD. IN FOUR MONTHS I HAVE DRIVEN THE CAR 3200 MILES. THIS SO-CALLED SAFETY FEATURE HAS ENGAGED ON ONLY SIX OCCASIONS, ALWAYS ON LEFT HAND TURNS FROM A COMPLETE STOP. WHEN THIS HAPPENS I NEVER KNOW WHEN THE ACCELERATION WILL CUT OUT OR HOW LONG I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ACCELERATE. UP TO NOW, THE FEATURE HAS NEVER ENGAGED IN RIGHT HAND TURNS, IN FORWARD OR REVERSE. I HAVE CHECKED THE OWNERS MANUAL CAREFULLY AND THERE IS NO MENTION OF "UNINTENDED ACCELERATION" NOR IS THERE ANY MENTION OF A SAFETY FEATURE PROGRAMMED IN THE CAR. I HAVE REQUESTED THE DEALER TO BY PASS OR ELIMINATE THIS FEATURE BUT THET SAY PORSCHE WON'T ALLOW IT.

VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint
2018-10-09

PASSENGER WINDSHIELD WIPER CAME OFF SUDDENLY IN USE WHILE ON HIGHWAY SPEED. CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN A CAR WASH AS DEALER THINKS AND HAS ONLY SIX MONTHS IN SERVICE.THE FORCE BENT SLIGHTLY THE ARM ITSELF AS IT RIPPED OFF.

Best & Worst Porsche Cayenne Years

Best Porsche Cayenne Years to Buy

Top Pick
62
Good

2018

(Current Model)

1Recalls
13Complaints
61
Good

2023

4Recalls
4Complaints
60
Good

2022

5Recalls
1Complaints

Porsche Cayenne Years to Avoid

No Porsche Cayenne years are statistical outliers in our data.

Scores stay between 56 and 62 across 8 scored model years.

Porsche Cayenne Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Porsche Cayenne reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201862/100Good
201956/100Mixed
202058/100Mixed
202158/100Mixed
202260/100Good
202361/100Good
202457/100Mixed
202561/100Good

Porsche Cayenne Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202561/100+4Good34
202457/100-4Mixed115
202361/100+1Good44
202260/100+2Good51
202158/1000Mixed512
202058/100+2Mixed814
201956/100-6Mixed1458
2018(selected)62/100—Good113

2018 Porsche Cayenne Reliability by Powertrain

The 2018 Porsche Cayenne is available with 2powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
PowertrainComplaintsRecallsIncidents*Crash Rating
Gas1210N/T
HEV100N/T
Total1310

NHTSA tracks complaints by vehicle configuration when that detail is available. Model-level reports that do not identify a specific powertrain are included in Total but not assigned to a row. A plus sign indicates a confirmed minimum; — means no complaints could be attributed to that specific powertrain. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.

* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 Porsche Cayenne reliable?
Yes, its reliability standing is good, and it is the best of the eight scored Cayenne model years. Against other 2018 SUVs it is below average, though. Owners filed 13 complaints, and independent repair-cost data shows higher yearly upkeep than its class, at $1231 versus $807.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Porsche Cayenne?
Complaints center on the electrical system and the dashboard. E-Hybrid owners report the charging cable sheath melting near the wall plug. Two owners say the leather dashboard cover peels and delaminates, and they worry it could affect passenger airbag deployment. One report also described cabin heat, a burnt smell, and an overheat warning.
Does the 2018 Porsche Cayenne have charging cable problems?
Some E-Hybrid owners say so. They report the cable's protective sheath near the wall plug melting or showing burn damage while charging, with no warning light. In one case the plastic melted enough to short the power. A dealer replaced a cable at 54,000 miles. Both problems raise fire risk.
Does the 2018 Porsche Cayenne have dashboard leather problems?
Two complaints describe the leather dashboard cover peeling and delaminating over time. Owners warn that loose leather may keep the passenger airbag from deploying correctly. Neither complaint involves a crash. One owner puts the repair at about $10K, so inspect the dashboard before buying.
Is the 2018 Porsche Cayenne better than the 2019?
Based on the data, yes. The 2018 has 13 complaints and one recall in the equipment category. The 2019 rates worse, with mixed reliability, 58 complaints, and 14 recalls. The 2018 is also the final year of the second generation.

Don’t buy a 2018 Porsche Cayenne without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2018 Porsche Cayenne

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2018 Porsche Cayenne does best on recall impact (88/100) and worst on repair costs (30/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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