repaired · 2024 Q3
Exterior lighting: headlights
Risk. Improperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
2008 Porsche CayenneProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 27 owner complaints about the 2008 Porsche Cayenne, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-656 the manufacturer reports only 30% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 14, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Porsche Cayenne has problems
27 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
7Electrical system
6Engine
6Power train
3Fuel/propulsion system
2Tires
2Exterior lighting
2Visibility
2Suspension
1Visibility/wiper
66 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 7 | 0 |
| Engine | 6 | 0 |
| Power train | 6 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0 |
| 6 other systems | 6 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2008 Porsche Cayenne recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2020 Q4
Automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl)
Risk. If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the…
no report yet
Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Porsche.
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other Cayenne year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Cayenne median. How we score
'03'04'05'06'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2008 Porsche Cayenne safety ratings
2008 Porsche Cayenne 4-DR w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Cayenne owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
PORSCHE CAYENNE HAVE WATER DRAIN DESIGN ISSUE. WHEN RAINING OR WASH THE CAR, THE WATER DRAIN CLOG WILL MAKE WATER FLOOD THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLES, AND DAMAGE THE WIRES UNDER THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE. THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE, PORSCHE KNOW THIS, BUT NOT FIX IT.
PARKED VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTED TO TURN OFF GOT A RED ALERT STEERING FAULTY,EVERYTHING LOCKED UP INCLUDING TRANSMISSION AND WINDOW SWITCHES..HAD TO BE FLAT BEDDED TO A PORSCHE DEALERSHIP TOOK A WEEK FOR THEM TO FIGURE OUT,HAD TO REPLACE STEERING COLUMN.CONCERN IS WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF DRIVING AT…
THE CAR CUT OUT AS I WAS CROSSING A INTERSECTION WHILE IN MOTION LEAVING THE CAR DISABLED IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION, LUCKILY OTHER DRIVERS SAW THE PROBLEM AND WENT AROUND ME. ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON INCLUDING THE IGNITION LOCK FAULT. I TURNED IT OFF AND AFTER 2 MINUTES IT RESTARTED.…
Own a 2008 Cayenne?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.