Last updated: 2026-10-10
2021 Porsche Cayenne Reliability Report
The 2021 Porsche Cayenne has mixed reliability, well below other 2021 SUVs, with electrical dropouts and a peeling dash as the main complaints.
Recalls
5
Complaints
12
Complaint Rate
5.7per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$1231
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,450–$4,050
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
A mixed middle-of-the-pack year with five recalls, electrical dropouts, a peeling dash and a lurch when slowing to a stop.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
- AIR BAGS (3)
- POWER TRAIN (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is year 3 of the Third generation (9YA/9YB).
- Redesigned for the 2019 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2023.
- 3rd generation Cayenne (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2019: Third generation (9YA/9YB) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is year 3 of the Third generation (9YA/9YB).
2023: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2021 Porsche Cayenne?
Mixed is the fair verdict. Against other 2021 SUVs, this Cayenne rates well below average, and it falls in the middle of the eight scored Cayenne years. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs for the model at $1231, against $807 for its class. The 2020 is also mixed, with 14 complaints. The 2022 looks good, with 1 complaint, but it has had less time to collect them.
Owners describe electrical dropouts. One car kept showing "Adaptive Cruise Control unavailable." Another would not start after a "change driver" error and was towed. A hybrid switched from battery to engine power while pulling away and surged forward. The leather dash also peels away, and owners fear it could block the passenger airbag. Porsche calls it cosmetic, and one dealer quoted 10k for a new dash. Two nearly new cars lurched while slowing to a stop. Check engine lights showed up early, at 654 to 1,000 miles.
Ask for proof that all five recalls were completed, and have the dash inspected before you buy.
Compared to the 2022 Porsche Cayenne, which scored 2 points higher. See also the 2020 Porsche Cayenne for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
- +Well-established generation
- +Only 12 complaints reported
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Above-average repair costs for its class
- −Frequent unscheduled repairs
- −Moderate recall count
Compare 2021 Porsche Cayenne With
2021 BMW X5
Reliability: 57/100
2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Reliability: 53/100
2021 Audi Q7
Reliability: 59/100
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Reliability: 65/100
2021 Lexus GX
Reliability: 80/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 5 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)
Recall Overview
5
recalls on record
A moderate 5 recalls are on file for the 2021 Porsche Cayenne. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
5.7
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 16.7
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.
2021 Porsche Cayenne Recall Details
5 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Porsche Cayenne. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SUSPENSION
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne GTS, Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne S Coupe, Cayenne Turbo Coupe, and Cayenne GTS Coupe vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Consequence
A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lock nuts, free of charge. The recall began on June 18, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMA9.
SEATS, AIR BAGS
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Cayenne GTS, Cayenne GTS Coupe, 2020-2021 Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne S Coupe, Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe vehicles. The passenger seat back heating element was not installed and may impact the calibration of the Occupant Classification System.
Consequence
The front passenger air bag may fail to deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will install a heating element, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMB0.
ENGINE
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne GTS, and Cayenne GTS Coupe vehicles. Cracks may develop on the surface of the engine cylinder bore.
Consequence
Cracks may cause engine damage and a stall or an oil leak, increasing the risk of a crash or fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMB1.
Buying a used 2021 Porsche Cayenne? Check its history first
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 Porsche Cayenne, and 5 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2021 Porsche Cayenne NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas / HEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Porsche CayenneRepair 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.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
17–20 MPG
Running cost: $4,700–$5,300/yr
Fuel + repair
15–19 city / 19–23 hwy MPG
Plug-in Hybrid
18–21 MPG
Running cost: $4,550–$5,100/yr
Fuel + repair
17–20 city / 20–22 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 2021 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cayenne 3.0L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 19 | 23 | 20 | $3,450 |
| Cayenne Coupe 3.0L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 19 | 23 | 20 | $3,450 |
| Cayenne S 2.9L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 18 | 22 | 20 | $3,450 |
| Cayenne S Coupe 2.9L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 18 | 22 | 19 | $3,650 |
| Cayenne GTS 4.0L 8-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 15 | 19 | 17 | $4,050 |
| Cayenne GTS Coupe 4.0L 8-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 15 | 19 | 17 | $4,050 |
| Cayenne Turbo 4.0L 8-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 15 | 19 | 17 | $4,050 |
| Cayenne Turbo Coupe 4.0L 8-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 15 | 19 | 17 | $4,050 |
Plug-in Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cayenne e-Hybrid 3.0L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 20 | 22 | 21 | $3,300 |
| Cayenne e-Hybrid Coupe 3.0L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 20 | 22 | 21 | $3,300 |
| Cayenne Turbo S e-Hybrid 4.0L 8-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 17 | 20 | 18 | $3,850 |
| Cayenne Turbo S e-Hybrid Coupe 4.0L 8-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 17 | 20 | 18 | $3,850 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Porsche Cayenne.
Run a vehicle history report and compare its mileage records with the odometer to rule out tampering.
Inspect the leather dashboard, especially above the passenger airbag, for lifting, bubbling, or separated seams.
Confirm no airbag system error or check engine light appears after startup and during the test drive.
Coast and brake to a full stop several times and feel for a lurch as revs fall.
Downshift manually from 3rd to 2nd and 2nd to 1st and watch for over-revving and a forward lurch.
Turn on adaptive cruise control on the highway and confirm it engages without an unavailable message.
On a hybrid, pull away in battery mode and check that the engine does not start or surge unexpectedly.
Ask for dealer service records showing repeat visits for warning lights, no-starts, or hybrid system faults.
2021 Porsche Cayenne Common Problems by Component
12 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 complaintsDriver-assist and hybrid electronics drop out with little warning. Reports describe an "Adaptive Cruise Control unavailable" message that keeps coming back. Another car refused to start after a "change driver" error with both keys and had to be towed. On a hybrid, the car switched from battery to engine power while pulling away and surged forward, with "engine control system" and "e power not available" warnings. That owner reports a near collision and repeated failed repairs. A separate filing describes a car sold with a tampered odometer.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsThe check engine light comes on early, often before 1,000 miles, on new cars. Dealers either cannot reproduce the fault or cannot fix it for good. Some cars have spent more than 30 days in the shop. On the e-Hybrid, owners report hearing it described as a software problem with how the car talks to the charging system. Downshifts cause a different problem. The engine over-revs when going from 3rd to 2nd or 2nd to 1st, and the car lurches forward when the lower gear engages.
AIR BAGS
3 complaintsThe leather dashboard peels and lifts away from the structure underneath. Owners worry the loose material could block the passenger airbag when it deploys. Porsche calls the problem cosmetic and has declined warranty or goodwill repairs. Out of warranty, the fix is replacing the whole dash, and one dealer quoted 10k. A separate report describes an "Airbag system error, please visit workshop" warning saying the driver's airbag is not working.
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsThe car lurches while slowing to a stop. It feels like hard, brief engine braking or a sudden tap on the brakes, and then the car lets go. Reports place the lurch in low gears, at around 1200 rpm as revs fall, in every drive mode, and even while coasting. Drivers say it fights the brakes and worry it could cost traction. Both reports involve nearly new cars still under warranty.
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2021 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop, the steering wheel felt loose. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the tie rod bolt, track bolt, and hexagon head bolt needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted and the steering wheel was making abnormal sounds. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer - Porsche South Shore (185 W Sunrise Hwy, Freeport, NY 11520) who test drove the vehicle but could not determine the cause of the abnormal sounds. An unknown part was replaced. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving and she could not control the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the second dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 750.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintwhen decelerating and car is in gear 2 it lurches the car forward while braking, basically fighting the attempt to slow the car down. I attribute this to aggressive downshifting, but is a safety issue because the operator then needs to compensate by pressing down on the brake pedal harder to stop the car. This has happened inconsistently when driving, but occurs more frequently than not.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (1 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2021 Porsche Cayenne. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V896000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rearview camera failed to display a clear image on the screen. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the rear vehicle detection sensor failed to alert the driver of a nearby vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
When Do 2021 Porsche Cayenne Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Porsche Cayenne Years
Best Porsche Cayenne Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scorePorsche 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.
| 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Porsche Cayenne reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Porsche Cayenne?
Does the 2021 Porsche Cayenne have dashboard problems?
How many recalls does the 2021 Porsche Cayenne have?
Is the 2021 Porsche Cayenne better than the 2020 or 2022?
Don’t buy a 2021 Porsche Cayenne without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2021 Porsche Cayenne
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 Porsche Cayenne does best on how many systems draw complaints (79/100) 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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Porsche Cayenne.
No spam. Only data updates for this model.
Browse More Porsche Models
Porsche 911
Score: 68/100
Porsche Boxster
Score: 70/100
Porsche Macan
Score: 65/100
Porsche Taycan
Score: 70/100
Browse More 2021 Vehicles
2021 Kia Sedona
Score: 88/100
2021 Lexus ES
Score: 88/100
2021 Honda HR-V
Score: 86/100
2021 Lexus RX
Score: 86/100
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander
Score: 84/100
2021 Nissan Frontier
Score: 84/100
See incorrect data? Report an issue