2021 Porsche CayenneProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 21 owner complaints about the 2021 Porsche Cayenne, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-493 the manufacturer reports only 63% of affected cars repaired.

2021 Porsche Cayenne

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 31, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2021 Porsche Cayenne has problems

21 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system60
Air bags40
Engine30
Power train20
Forward collision avoidance20
Service brakes20
Steering20
Back over prevention10
Visibility/wiper10
2 other systems20

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

5 recalls

2021 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.

64%repaired · 2026 Q3

Sensing system: camera

New

Recall 25V-896 · Dec 19, 2025 · 172,107 vehicles · 110,093 repaired

Risk. A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

96%repaired · 2023 Q4

Suspension: rear

Recall 22V-040 · Jan 28, 2022 · 1,241 vehicles · 1,194 repaired

Risk. Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

63%repaired · 2023 Q2

Steering: column

Recall 21V-493 · Jun 30, 2021 · 27 vehicles · 17 repaired

Risk. A detached steering column can cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

76%repaired · 2023 Q1

Occupant classification: front passenger

Recall 21V-318 · May 5, 2021 · 136 vehicles · 103 repaired

Risk. The front passenger air bag may fail to deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 1 more recall
95%repaired · 2023 Q1

Axle: non-powered axle assembly

Recall 21V-271 · Apr 21, 2021 · 1,568 vehicles · 1,488 repaired

Risk. A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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

2021 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

2021 Porsche Cayenne safety ratings

2021 Porsche Cayenne SUV AWD 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.

Battery completely discharged and the safety switch in the battery malfunctions and battery can not be charged again. There are many complaints seen online about the battery problems Porsche has. This strands the car and me the driver. The dealer and independent mechanics said the same. There were…
Complaint 11755286 · Aug 6, 2026
Instrument cluster anti-glare film or delamination on center and left instrument cluster. The film is wearing away in certain irregular sport and shapes. The overall wear is impacting the visibility to the center cluster under certain conditions leading to obscure visibility to important…
Complaint 11737123 · May 11, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2021 Porsche Cayenne. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase on 5/29/25, the mileage was 21,000. The contact had taken the vehicle to another dealer for other repairs, and the dealer…
Complaint 11692345 · Oct 9, 2025 · 90,000 miles

Own a 2021 Cayenne?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.