Are you planning on buying used Porsche Cayenne and you are looking to learn about the Porsche Cayenne years to avoid? Well, if that is the case, then you are at the right place because this article will be all about the Cayenne where we are going to learn all you need to know about this model.
Doing your own research, especially when it comes to models like the Porsche Cayenne that are crazy expensive is the way to go. Nowadays even regular cars have gone up in value quite significantly. Not to mention SUVs from the luxury segment like the Cayenne.
You just don’t want to make mistakes because every mistake is rather expensive and costly. Especially when it comes to luxury SUVs where repair prices can go through the roof and make you regret that you spent your money on this vehicle. Especially the older ones that can break down quite often and spend more time at the shop rather than on the road. And this is why we are going to help you out.
First, we are going to learn what is the Cayenne. Then we are going to cover all three generations of this model and learn some of its specs, we will also discuss the fuel economy and safety ratings. As well as the common problems, reliability, best years, and the Porsche Cayenne years to avoid. So, if you want to learn more, follow along.
What Is The Cayenne
Before we start learning more about the Porsche Cayenne generations and the Porsche Cayenne years to avoid? Let’s first take a look at what is the Cayenne in general. This will be quite useful for readers who are not yet familiar with the model and want to learn the core concepts of this car.
So, what is the Cayenne? Well, the Cayenne is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV that is built by Porsche since 2003. This model basically started this luxury SUV craze that we are witnessing right now.
Namely, the SUV market was booming in the late 90s and early 00s. So, Porsche wanted to diversify and except for offering sports cars, they wanted to build something new and different. But still a Porsche (and fun fact, go check out our guide on how to pronounce Porsche).
And this is how the Cayenne was born. Even though this model largely was based on the Touareg. In reality, is still a Porsche because of its engines and all that racing technology that Porsche has. This makes this model behave rather differently from other SUVs in its class.
Even though this is a luxury SUV, you still have that sporty feel when it comes to the feedback from the car. Although quite limited when it came to handling, mainly because of the heavy chassis. But still, at the time before the high-performance luxury models were introduced like the BMW X5M, the Cayenne was the king with the Turbo S being able to output 542hp.
But what about the Porsche Cayenne years to avoid? Well, more on that we are going to cover in a bit. Let’s first cover the different generations.
Porsche Cayenne Generations
As we mentioned previously, the Cayenne is a model by Porsche introduced in 2003. This model basically created the high-performance luxury SUV segment.
As of 2022, this model was released in three different generations. Each of these generations has its own specs and common problems. This is why we are going to discuss each of these generations and learn more about them as well as the Porsche Cayenne years to avoid for each generation. So, if you want to learn more, follow along.
First Generation Porsche Cayenne (2003 – 2010)
The first generation of the Cayenne debuted in 2002 and was put on the market for the following 2003 model year. This model was in production from 2003 to 2010 when it was replaced with the second generation.
When first introduced to the market this model received a mixed reception. Especially from the Porsche purists who could not imagine that Porsche would build something like this. So, the model received some hate until people got used to it.
Nevertheless, this model was based on the VW PL71 platform that was shared with the VW Touareg and the Audi Q7. So, a lot of parts were borrowed from VW in order to build this model.
This model had a wheelbase of 112.4 inches and an overall length of 188.2 inches. Placing it in the mid-size SUV market. But what about the Porsche Cayenne years to avoid? More on that we are going to cover in a bit.
Engines & Transmissions
When it comes to engines, this generation of the Cayenne had a few of them. The base engines were VR6 engines. The first one was a 3.2L used between 2003 and 2006 that produced 247hp. The second was a 3.6L from 2008 to 2010 that produced 286hp.
Ford the Cayenne S there was a 4.5L V8 that produced around 340hp. And the most powerful was the 4.8L twin-turbo engine used for the Turbo and Turbo S. This engine produced between 444hp and 542hp.
In terms of transmissions, there were two. A 6-speed Aisin automatic. And a 6-speed ZF manual transmission. But what about the Porsche Cayenne years to avoid? More on that in a bit.
Porsche Cayenne Fuel Economy
In terms of fuel economy, this model is not the best. The weakest 3.6L engine gets 14 mpg in the city, 20 mpg on the highway, and 16 mpg combined. So, when it comes to this aspect, we cannot say that the Cayenne is a good performer. But this is rather expected from a vehicle like this.
Porsche Cayenne Safety Rating
When it comes to the safety rating, we couldn’t find any publicly available data from the NHTSA or the IIHS. And not even from European NCAP testing.
But since this model is based on the Audi Q7 and the VW Touareg, we can expect that it will perform quite similarly to these models and both of these cars perform fairly well. But what about the Porsche Cayenne years to avoid? More on that in a bit.
Porsche Cayenne Problems
Now let’s discuss the common problems that this model has. In this chapter, we are going to list the most common issues that this model suffers from.
When it comes to problems, we will go through each of the engines. We will start with the 3.2L. This engine has issues with the coolant pipes, water pump, thermostat, timing chain, intake manifold plenum bushings, valve cover gasket, ignition coils, and fuel pump.
The 3.6L has issues with the timing chain, thermostat, water pump, air/oil separator, ignition coils, and valve cover gasket.
The 4.5L has problems with the water pump and thermostat, ignition coils, cylinder bore scoring, valve cover gasket, fuel pump, starter motor, and coolant hoses.
The 4.8L has problems with the ignition coils, air/oil separator, coolant valley pipe, coolant leak at the crossover pipe, water pump, and thermostat. Coolant expansion tank, thermostat housing, gas tank fuel pump, high-pressure fuel pump, and brake vacuum pump. But what about the Porsche Cayenne years to avoid? More on that in a bit.
Porsche Cayenne Reliability
When it comes to the overall reliability of this vehicle, we can say that it is pretty average. Even though it is a high-end luxury model, it has a lot of problems with the cooling system. And as you can see from the problems that we listed, almost all components of the cooling system are affected.
Also, the fuel pumps are pretty common failure points. Especially the ones found in the gas tank that pump the fuel into the fuel lines. 4.5L also has problems with the cylinder scoring which can be a big problem. But what about the Cayenne years to avoid? More on that in a bit.
Best Years For Porsche Cayenne
When it comes to the best years, we would recommend getting a 2009 or 2010 model. These have the least issues and also the lowest mileage compared to the previous ones.
Porsche Cayenne Years To Avoid
When it comes to the Porsche Cayenne years to avoid. We would recommend you avoid the 2003 and 2004 model years. Especially 2004 which has the most complaints.
Second Generation Porsche Cayenne (2011 – 2018)
The second generation of the Cayenne debuted in 2009 and 2011 was the first model year. The model was produced until 2018 when it was replaced with the present generation.
This new generation was based on the new VW PL72 platform that was shared with the VW Touareg. What is interesting about this new generation is that it was the first generation to offer a hybrid model. Both a classic (mild) hybrid, as well as a plug-in hybrid.
Nevertheless, when it comes to the dimensions, the new Cayenne grew in size. With a wheelbase of 114 inches and an overall length of 191.4 inches, it was the largest Cayenne yet.
In terms of trims, there were still the same ones, the S, the GTS, Turbo, and Turbo S. But what about the Porsche Cayenne years to avoid? More on that we are going to cover in a bit.
Engines & Transmissions
In terms of engines, there were three of them to choose from. The base 3.6L VR6 produced about 296hp. Then there was the 3.0L with the hybrid version that produced 370hp. Also, there was the 4.8L engine that came with a naturally aspirated version that made 414hp and a twin-turbo version that produced up to 562hp depending on the model.
In terms of transmissions, there were two of them. A 6-speed ZF manual and an 8-speed Aisin automatic.
Porsche Cayenne Fuel Economy
The fuel economy improved slightly on the Cayenne. The standard 3.6L got 16 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined. The hybrid version got 20 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg overall. If you can find the standard hybrid without an electric battery would be great, considering the fuel economy of this model.
Porsche Cayenne Safety Rating
This model performed well on the Euro NCAP testing and got 5-stars overall for the 2017 model. US safety ratings unfortunately are not available on the web as we couldn’t retrieve any data from the NHTSA and the IIHS. But what about the Porsche Cayenne years to avoid? More on that in a bit.
Porsche Cayenne Problems
Unlike the previous generation of the Cayenne which has a number of cooling system and fuel pump-related issues, this new generation of the model does not have major problems. Still, there are some things that are worth noting.
Namely, the problem with the transfer case of the Turbo model, this component can go bad and whenever it fails there will be some clunking noises or jerking. Once it happens, the whole transfer case has to go and needs to be replaced. This problem costs about $8,000 to be replaced.
Another problem is the VarioCam camshaft drive bolt. These bolts can fail and can cause serious engine damage. Once you have a failed bolt the car will lose power as well as power steering. Reportedly, on some models, the whole camshaft assembly had to be replaced because of this issue. This problem according to an owner costs about $4,500 to get sorted out.
Another problem reported was with the Porsche Stability Management System (PSM). There was a coolant tubing that ruptures inside the block that causes this system to malfunction.
And the last issue that is rather unpleasant to deal with is the glare of the dash on the windscreen. This problem is so notorious that simply prevents drivers from concentrating on the road. But what about the Porsche Cayenne years to avoid? More on that in a bit.
Porsche Cayenne Reliability
When it comes to the reliability of this model, we can say that is significantly more reliable than the previous generation of the model.
Still, we would advise you to see if the camshaft service was done, as well as the condition of the transfer case. Since these two repairs can easily cost you as much as the whole car.
Best Years For Porsche Cayenne
When it comes to the best years for Porsche Cayenne, we would recommend that you go for a later model year if you can afford one. 2016 model or preferably 2017 or 2018 models. These will be the ones to go after since they are the most recent.
So, you will not have to deal with outdated technology inside of the car. As well as with problems that are common with the first production years of each generation. But what about the Porsche Cayenne years to avoid? More on that next.
Porsche Cayenne Years To Avoid
When it comes to the Porsche Cayenne years to avoid, we would recommend avoiding the 2011 model year. Mainly because it is the first production year. And also because it has the most complaints out of any other production year. 2012, 2013, and 2014 model years also have complaints but to a lesser extent.
Third Generation Porsche Cayenne (2019 – Present)
The third generation of the Cayenne was introduced in 2017 and the first model year was the 2019 model. This generation of the Cayenne is still in production as of 2022 and is probably not going to go away anytime soon.
This generation of this model is based on the VW Group MLB Evo platform. This platform is shared between the Touareg, Audi Q7, Audi Q8, Bentley Bentayga, and Lamborghini Urus. As you can see, quite a lot of cars are sharing the same mechanics with the Cayenne.
What is interesting about this new model is that Porsche worked on making it more similar to the 911 model. Especially at the rear end and now the newest model implements a big LED bar from one end to the other and resembles the 911 in a fashion that no other Cayenne model did in the past.
The wheelbase of this model stayed pretty much the same at 114 inches, while the length grew by two inches in comparison to the predecessor and now is 193.7 inches. But what about the Porsche Cayenne years to avoid? More on that in a bit.
Engines & Transmissions
In terms of engines, this new model got a 3.0L turbocharged V6 that produced 335hp and 332lb-ft of torque for the standard and 456hp and 516lb-ft of torque for the hybrid variant. The second engine was a 2.9L twin-turbo V6 that produces 434hp and 405lb-ft of torque.
And the most powerful engine was the 4.0L V8 twin-turbo that produces between 6631hp for the standard Turbo GT and up to 690hp for the Turbo S Hybrid.
In terms of transmissions, there is only one available. And this is an 8-speed ZF automatic that is really reliable and delivers really smooth shifts.
Porsche Cayenne Fuel Economy
In terms of fuel economy, this model performs similarly to its predecessor. The 3.0L engine gets about 17 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined.
The hybrid version will give you 42 mpg combined, so, if you want to get a good fuel economy out of this model, then going for the hybrid might be an excellent idea. But what about the Porsche Cayenne years to avoid? More on that in a bit.
Porsche Cayenne Safety Rating
On the Euro NCAP testing, this model performed rather well and got 5-stars overall in terms of safety. For the US models, we couldn’t find any data from the NHTSA and the IIHS unfortunately.
Porsche Cayenne Problems
When it comes to problems, there were no major reports on this model except for a problem with the software.
The thing was that the computer was slow to load navigation destinations and Apple CarPlay. This only occurred on the coupe version of 2020 as one Porsche customer had reported. But what about the Porsche Cayenne years to avoid? More on that in a bit.
Porsche Cayenne Reliability
When it comes to the overall reliability, we can say that this model is reliable. Namely, because these models are really low miles and are still quite new. So, no major concerns with the model of this generation of the Cayenne yet.
Best Years For Porsche Cayenne
When it comes to the best years for Porsche Cayenne, we would recommend getting a 2021 model or newer. Getting a newer model will guarantee that you will notice fewer bugs than models that are first production year.
Porsche Cayenne Years To Avoid
When it comes to the Porsche Cayenne years to avoid. We would advise that you avoid the 2019 model. This model is the first production year model, so understandably it could have more issues than other models that are produced in the following years.
Conclusion
In this article, we have covered quite a bit when it comes to the Porsche Cayenne. First, we introduced ourselves to the topic and learned more about this model and what’s all about.
Then we covered the last three generations of the Cayenne. We covered briefly the specs, common problems, best years, and also the Porsche Cayenne years to avoid. Your best bet would be to avoid the first one or two production years of any generation, mainly because the first model years always have more problems.
F.A.Qs
Now let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
Why Are Porsches So Expensive
Porsche is expensive because it is considered to be a luxury item. It is the same as you buy a Bentley. These cars are even more expensive than Audi, BMW, and Mercedes. In other words, Porsche models are intended for people with very deep pockets.
Where Is Porsche Made
Porsche is made in Germany if we are talking about sports cars. The Cayenne model on the other hand is produced in Bratislava, Slovakia Europe. Soon there will be another factory opened for the Cayenne in Malaysia.
Is A Porsche Worth It
Yes, it is definitely worth it, especially if you go for the 911 or other 911 special models. These vehicles hold their value really well. But the Cayenne and other SUVs can depreciate a lot more than the Porsche sports cars.
Is Porsche Cayenne Reliable
The first generation has a questionable reliability score. A lot of cooling system-related problems, and also problems with the fuel pump. So, if you can, avoid the first generation. The second and third generations are far more reliable vehicles.
What Is The Best Year Porsche Cayenne To Buy
The newer the year, the better the Cayenne is. So, if you can, purchase one after the 2011 model year. The first generation is a really bad idea because these are prone to issues with the cooling system.
Do Porsche Cayenne Hold Their Value
Well, they hold their value more compared to other SUVs. But still not quite enough to be considered as an investment. If you want to really invest in something, then going for a 911 special model like the GT3 will be the right way to go.
