Last updated: 2026-03-14
2019 Porsche Cayenne Reliability Report
The 2019 Porsche Cayenne scores 56/100 ("Mixed"). With 14 recalls and 58 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.
Recalls
14
Complaints
58
Complaint Rate
30.5
per 10k sold
Est. Annual Cost
$1231
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9)
- AIR BAGS (8)
- POWER TRAIN (4)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is the first model year of the Third generation (9YA/9YB).
- First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
- Redesigned for the 2019 model year.
- Refreshed in 2023.
- 3rd generation Cayenne (US).
What this means for buyers
First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.
Compare 2019 pricing and recall counts against 2020+ before deciding.
2019: Third generation (9YA/9YB) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2023: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2019 Porsche Cayenne?
The 2019 Porsche Cayenne scores 56/100 ("Mixed"). Buyers should proceed with caution. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.
With 58 owner complaints and 14 recalls, the complaint volume is above average. Reported issues — particularly in electrical system (18) — can be costly to repair.
An extended warranty is strongly recommended. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on electrical system (18) is essential before committing.
Compared to the 2020 Porsche Cayenne, which scored 2 points higher. See also the 2018 Porsche Cayenne for an earlier comparison.
Pros
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Above-average repair costs for its class
- −Frequent unscheduled repairs
- −Above-average recall count
Compare 2019 Porsche Cayenne With
2019 BMW X5
Reliability: 52/100
2019 Audi Q7
Reliability: 62/100
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Reliability: 70/100
2019 Lexus GX
Reliability: 78/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 14 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9)
- AIR BAGS (8)
Recall Overview
14
recalls on record
The 2019 Porsche Cayenne has 14 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
30.5
per 10k soldSegment avg: 20.8
Safety Incidents
2
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Porsche Cayenne Recall Details
14 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Porsche Cayenne. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SEAT BELTS
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2019 Porsche Cayenne vehicles. The passenger side rear seat belt buckle may break under load, such as in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
Consequence
If the seat belt buckle breaks in the event of a crash, the occupant will not be properly restrained, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy
Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger rear seat belt buckle, free of charge. The recall began November 30, 2018. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AJ09.
VISIBILITY, BACK OVER PREVENTION
Porsche Cars North America, Inc (Porsche) is recalling certain 2019 Cayenne and Cayenne S vehicles. A software failure may cause the rearview camera image display to be delayed in responding. As such, these vehicles fail to comply to Federal Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Consequence
A rearview camera display that does not function as designed can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the car, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will update the related software, free of charge. The recall began April 19, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKA0.
SUSPENSION
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling one 2019 Cayenne Turbo vehicle. The affected vehicle has shock absorber forks that may allow the shock absorbers to loosen.
Consequence
Loose shock absorbers may impair vehicle steering, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
Porsche will notify the owner, and a dealers will replace the shock absorber forks, free of charge. The recall began April 19, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKA2.
2019 Porsche Cayenne NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
HEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Porsche Cayenne Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
1.5Maintenance rating: 1.5 out of 5Based 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
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Porsche Cayenne.
Inspect dashboard for leather shrinkage or bubbling near airbag area
Test headlights and check for water intrusion or condensation
Verify functionality of all cameras in the back over prevention system
Check for error messages related to electrical systems and safety features
Test brakes for unusual noises or lurching when stopping
Test air conditioning system for proper cooling function
Buying a 2019 Cayenne? Check Its History First
Every 2019 Porsche Cayenne has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
2019 Porsche Cayenne Common Problems by Component
58 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
9 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Porsche Cayenne frequently report issues with the vehicle's LiFePO4 lithium battery, which often results in a "Battery Low" indication and eventual battery failure. Complaints commonly mention a software or hardware error that causes the battery management system to incorrectly shut down the battery, necessitating costly replacements that some owners report are priced between $2,000 and $5,000. Multiple owners describe persistent electrical issues, including continuous error messages such as "ACC Not Available" and "Driving Light Control Error," which affect several safety features. These issues often arise both within and outside of warranty periods, with some owners experiencing problems shortly after software updates intended to resolve them. Safety implications include potential vehicle shutdowns, which could lead to stranding in extreme temperatures, as well as malfunctioning safety systems like adaptive cruise control and park assist.
AIR BAGS
8 complaintsOwners report that the 2019 Porsche Cayenne frequently experiences issues with the leather dashboard, which shrinks, bubbles, or delaminates. Complaints consistently mention that these defects occur around the passenger airbag area and could potentially interfere with airbag deployment. Symptoms described include the dashboard leather pulling away, lifting, or melting, which is noted as a widespread issue. The reports include concerns about airbag deployment safety, with some owners indicating that Porsche dealers recommend dashboard replacement. This issue appears to be common in the model and occurs progressively, with one complaint noting a vehicle at approximately 46,639 miles.
POWER TRAIN
4 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Porsche Cayenne report issues primarily related to the vehicle lurching or lunging forward when coming to a stop, often described as occurring during downshifts from 2nd to 1st gear. This symptom is noted even when brakes are applied, and some owners mention it happens consistently at every stop. Additionally, one owner describes a sudden loss of power on the freeway, linked to a water pump leak affecting the turbocharger and engine power, which creates a safety hazard due to unexpected deceleration in traffic. No specific mileage or timeline pattern emerges from the complaints, but the repeated nature of the lurching issue suggests it may be a persistent problem. These symptoms highlight potential safety implications, particularly in traffic situations where control and predictability are crucial.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Porsche Cayenne report issues with the vehicle's exterior lighting, particularly involving the matrix adaptive LED headlights and taillights. Complaints frequently mention water intrusion in the headlights due to improperly sealed units, leading to system shutdowns during or after exposure to rain or car washes. Additionally, some owners describe complete non-functionality of the matrix headlights, posing a risk during nighttime driving. Taillight condensation is also noted as a recurrent issue. These problems are reported without specific mileage correlations, but the safety implications are significant, especially concerning visibility at night.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (2 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Porsche Cayenne report issues with the back over prevention system, particularly related to the surround video camera system. Complaints frequently mention that the cameras randomly fail when the vehicle is placed in reverse, displaying an icon with a diagonal line instead of the camera feed. Attempts at repairs, including replacing cameras and the video control unit, have not resolved the issue, and the problem persists despite multiple service visits. Owners describe a temporary fix by rebooting the vehicle, which involves turning it off, locking it, and waiting at least 15 minutes. The reports do not indicate specific mileage ranges for these issues, nor do they mention any direct safety incidents such as crashes or loss of control.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the air conditioning system in the 2019 Porsche Cayenne, specifically citing non-functional A/C due to evaporator core failure. This is noted without warning lights, and repairs are estimated to cost $8,000. Additionally, there is a recurring issue of a strong gasoline odor occurring intermittently, particularly during slow driving in heavy traffic. The complaints do not specify mileage or timelines for these issues, but they highlight potential maintenance costs and discomfort factors that used car buyers should consider. No direct safety implications, such as crashes or fires, are reported in these complaints.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintI purchased a Used Porsche Pre-Owned Certified 2019 Porsche Cayenne Turbo SUV on February 22, 2025, and within 4 to 6 weeks, the front brakes started to squeal very loudly when the vehicle comes to a near- stop. The dealership (Porsche River Oaks, 4007 Greenbriar Dr, Houston, TX 77098) tells me that this is normal squealing due to the type of brakes that this car has (PSCB). The squeal is louder than typical brake squealing and shouldn't appear on such a newly purchased certified car. I am reading multiple complaints on the internet about the squealing problems with the Porsche Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB) that I have on my vehicle. I am also seeing that. Porsche Cars North America, Inc has issued a Technical Service Bulletin 120/22ENU 4652 published on Sept 9, 2022, on how to fix this problem for its customers with a special brake disc and brake pad with better acoustical properties. The parts for this repair are extremely expensive. My car is supposed to be under warranty, but the service technician has offered to only clean the brake pads which the service advisor tells me should suppress the brake squeal for a short period of time, but then told me that the noise will come back due to the type of PCSB brakes this car has. I feel like I have been tricked into buy a car with defective squealing brakes and Porsche Cars of North America knew about the problem with these PSCB brakes. My worry is that Porsche Dealerships, know how to temporarily fix this squealing problem when they sell these vehicles by cleaning the brake pads.
LANE DEPARTURE (1 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2019 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the blind spot monitoring system was inoperable and the message "blind spot monitoring not available" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to several different dealers who confirmed the failure was present but indicated that the failure could not be fixed. No further information was available. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaintThe adaptive cruise control has failed 4 times. As a significant driver in terms of miles driven, the lack of cruise control increases my fatigue and jeopardize the safety of all. Porsche dealer in St Louis explained there it’s not known fx
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaintWhat component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? ACC Radar gats uncalibrated How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? no at all Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes 4 times in one dealer and 2 times on new dealer Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? only by porsche dealers Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? yes the message reads:ACC not Available, Driving permitted, Service necessary. It first appeared on January 19 2020 still not resolved.
When Do 2019 Porsche Cayenne Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Porsche Cayenne Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Porsche Cayenne Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Porsche Cayenne year is 2018 with a reliability score of 62/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (61/100) and 2023 (61/100).
Porsche Cayenne Years to Avoid
No Porsche Cayenne years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Porsche Cayenne maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Porsche Cayenne Reliability Score Trend
Porsche Cayenne reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 59/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 56/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2021 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 60/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 61/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 57/100 | Mixed |
| 2025 | 61/100 | Good |
Porsche Cayenne Reliability Compared to Other Years
2019 Porsche Cayenne Reliability by Powertrain
The 2019 Porsche Cayenne is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 33 | 7 | 1 | N/T |
| HEV | 25 | 7 | 1 | N/T |
| Total | 58 | 14 | 2 |
NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.
* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Porsche Cayenne reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Porsche Cayenne?
How many recalls does the 2019 Porsche Cayenne have?
Is the 2019 Porsche Cayenne expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 Porsche Cayenne without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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