Last updated: 2026-03-14

Porsche Cayenne

0 Porsche Cayenne Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Porsche Cayenne average of 59/100

All Porsche Cayenne years score consistently around the model average of 59/100 — no years are statistical outliers. The best year is 2018 62/100 and the weakest is 2019 56/100.

Verdict

All Porsche Cayenne years score consistently around the model average of 59/100 (56–62 range) — no years are statistical outliers. The best is 2018 62/100 and the weakest is 2019 56/100.

See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Porsche Cayenne Problems?

Top reported issues across all Porsche Cayenne model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

20 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

AIR BAGS

13 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

POWER TRAIN

11 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

5 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2024

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2021

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

3 complaints

Most reported in 2025

Best Porsche Cayenne Year to Buy Instead

62
GoodReliability score: 62 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Porsche Cayenne

The 2018 Porsche Cayenne has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 13 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Porsche Cayenne. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (3), Air Bags (2), Power Train (1).

Score: 62/100 (Good)1 recalls13 complaints
View full 2018 reliability report →

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Porsche Cayenne year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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All Porsche Cayenne Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Porsche Cayenne Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Porsche Cayenne years should you avoid?
All Porsche Cayenne years in our database score consistently around the model average of 59/100. No years are statistical outliers, though some are stronger than others.
What is the best year for the Porsche Cayenne?
The best year for the Porsche Cayenne is 2018, with a reliability score of 62/100 ("Good"). It has 1 recalls and 13 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Porsche Cayenne have?
Across all years in our database, the Porsche Cayenne has a total of 51 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Porsche Cayenne worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2018 model year, which scores 62/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 59/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Porsche Cayenne problems?
The most common Porsche Cayenne problems are electrical system (20 complaints), air bags (13 complaints), power train (11 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Porsche Cayenne reliable long-term?
The Porsche Cayenne has an average reliability score of 59/100 across all model years in our database, rated "mixed". Reliability varies significantly by model year — choose carefully.
Which Porsche Cayenne generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Porsche Cayenne generation is the Second generation (92A) with an average score of 62/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Porsche Cayenne?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Porsche Cayenne is $1,231 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2018 Porsche Cayenne a good used buy?
Yes, the 2018 Porsche Cayenne is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 62/100 ("Good"). It has 1 recalls and 13 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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