PORSCHE CAYENNE · model year

2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE

51 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash reports, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2004PORSCHECAYENNE carries 51 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 4 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2004 CAYENNE is engine with 9 filings, followed by power train (8) and fuel/propulsion system (8). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 6 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 5 investigation files overlapping the 2004 CAYENNE. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

51
Complaints
4
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

51 filings

Crashes Reported

4 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE9
POWER TRAIN8
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
AIR BAGS3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:UNIT1
SUSPENSION:FRONT1
TIRES1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
STRUCTURE:BODY1

Recalls (6)

22V65600030/08/2022

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2020 Porsche Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Cayman S, 2001-2004 Boxster, Boxster S, 2004 Boxster 50 JAHRE SPYDER 550 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all affected models and model years. The caps that

17V57600020/09/2017

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo vehicles, 2004-2006 Cayenne vehicles, and 2006 Cayenne S "Titanium" Edition vehicles. These gasoline-powered vehicles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, allowing fuel to leak.

04V07100018/02/2004

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY HAVE HAD A TRANSFER CASE INSTALLED THAT COULD, DUE TO CHANGES IN THE HOUSING CASTING, RESULT IN THE OIL PUMP ROTATION. SHOULD THIS OCCUR, OIL STARVATION OF THE INTERNAL GEARS MIGHT RESULT.

04V23100017/05/2004

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR SEAT BELT LATCH ATTACHMENT BOLT IS INSUFFICIENT RIVETED.

04V59300015/12/2004

SEAT BELTS

CERTAIN PASSENGER CARS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." ALL THREE REAR SEAT POSITIONS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER POSITION ARE EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELT RETRACTORS THAT HAVE A LOCKING FEATURE WHICH CONVERTS THE RETRACTOR F

19V44600012/06/2019

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, 2004-2010 Cayenne, 2006 Cayenne Turbo S, 2010-2016 Panamera S, Panamera 4 S, Panamera Turbo, 2011-2016 Panamera, Panamera 4, 2012-2013 Panamera Turbo S, 2013-2016 Panamera 4 GTS, 2014-2016 Panamera 4

Recent Complaints

20230824POWER TRAIN

Strong odor of gasoline traveling through the vents injected into vehicle. Fuel filter has a crack. Underhood electrical problems that may cause a fire

20230824ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Strong odor of gasoline traveling through the vents injected into vehicle. Fuel filter has a crack. Underhood electrical problems that may cause a fire

20230824FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Strong odor of gasoline traveling through the vents injected into vehicle. Fuel filter has a crack. Underhood electrical problems that may cause a fire

20230106Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness

The contact is a car seat technician. The contact worked with a family who owns a Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Max Convertible Car Seat, as the technician was inspecting the car seat she noticed the chest clip was not working as needed. The magnetic piece that clips on the chest area comes out easily.

20221215STEERING

The contact owns a 2004 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that while the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a recall repair appointment, he noticed that the steering wheel had a quarter inch of play. The U-Joint connection was severely corroded. The dealer diagnosed that the steering column and steering shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 266,969.

Mileage: 266,969

20221111FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

There is a significant smell of gasoline inside the cabin of the vehicle. There was a recall on the same make, model, and year for fuel pump filter flange leaks, which are indicative of a strong smell of gas inside the car. This can potentially cause the car to start on fire. The dealer stated due to the VIN, the vehicle was not covered under the existing recall.

20221102EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2004 Porsche Cayenne. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V656000 (Exterior Lighting), 19V446000 (Power Train), and 17V576000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the fuel gauge failed to read accurately. The headlamp wiring had been deteriorating causing the headlights to malfunction. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000. Parts distributions disconnect.

Mileage: 170,000

20221102FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2004 Porsche Cayenne. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V656000 (Exterior Lighting), 19V446000 (Power Train), and 17V576000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the fuel gauge failed to read accurately. The headlamp wiring had been deteriorating causing the headlights to malfunction. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000. Parts distributions disconnect.

Mileage: 170,000

20221102POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2004 Porsche Cayenne. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V656000 (Exterior Lighting), 19V446000 (Power Train), and 17V576000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the fuel gauge failed to read accurately. The headlamp wiring had been deteriorating causing the headlights to malfunction. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000. Parts distributions disconnect.

Mileage: 170,000

20210616UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I returned after being away for a few weeks, in May 2021. The solar panel had been on the inner windshield of the car following installation a few months prior. I found the car's 12V battery was almost dead (about 4 Volts), and the solar panel's plastic frame was severely melted, causing it to deform and lift away from the glass solar panel. Photos uploaded below. From reading reviews on this product on the Harbor Freight website, I now see that this is a common problem. I don't know what the cause is. Could be that the cheap plastic is just not made to withstand summer heat (although I have 2 more of these in my other cars, with no problems), and that the severe deformation of the frame somehow shorted something electical inside the panel that caused the car's 12V battery to discharge, heating the glass panel and melting all the surrounding plastic. Or it could be that an electrical problem was the trigger, causing the battery to discharge, etc. Harbor Freight is so far making it ex

20210609AIR BAGS

The cam shaft actuator has gone out.. Recalled on newer vehicles mine is 2004. Front airbag is also non operational

20210609POWER TRAIN

The cam shaft actuator has gone out.. Recalled on newer vehicles mine is 2004. Front airbag is also non operational

20210303FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD "BOOM" NOISE AND FIRE STARTED COMING FROM THE GLOVE BOX IN THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. FIRE MARSHALS WERE CALLED ONTO THE SCENE TO ATTEMPT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE, AFTER 3 HOURS THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. A REPORT WAS MADE WITH THE FIRE MARSHALS. THE CONTACT STATED NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED AND REMAINS ON CONTACTS PROPERTY. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH, NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V069000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE AND TOLD THE CONTACT THAT SINCE THEY DID NOT PURCHASE THE VEHICLE FROM A PORSHE DEALER THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD TO DO ASSIST THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 115,000.

Mileage: 115,000

20200326CrashPOWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE. THE CONTACT STATED HE PARKED THE VEHICLE IN HIS DRIVE WAY WITHOUT THE EMERGENCY BREAK ENGAGED AND LEFT TO ENTER HIS RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED WITHIN 2-3 MINUTES LATER, WHEN EXITING HIS RESIDENCE, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY SHIFTED GEARS TO REVERSE AND ROLLED AWAY FROM HIS RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HIT TWO TREES, A FENCE, CONTINUED TO ROLL AWAY AND HIT A SECOND FENCE WHICH DETAINED THE VEHICLE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATE NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE CONTACT STATED HE HAD TO BREAK THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW TO ENTER AND TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BODY SHOP FOR BODY DAMAGE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATE AT THAT MOMENT HE DID NOT CONTACT THE DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT STATES HE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V446000 (POWER TRAIN) IN SEPTEMBER OF 2019. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN PORSCHE OF OMAHA (6625 L ST, OMAHA, NE 68117) WHERE THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE SERVI

Mileage: 90,000

20191120CrashPOWER TRAIN

2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND ROLLED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE WHICH, THEN CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER FAILED AND WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLES. *JS *JS - (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS

20190906POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION TRANSFER CASE ISSUES IMMEDIATELY AFTER ACCELERATION BETWEEN 3 GEARS... CAR TRANSMISSIONS "STUMBLES" (TRANSMISSION LOCKING). WELL KNOWN ISSUE IN THE PORSCHE COMMUNITY AND PORSCHE SOLUTION IS DOES NOT FIX THE ISSUE. NO ENGINE ERROR CODES ISSUED AS WELL. PORSCHE SAYS CANNOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR QUITE A WHILE UNTIL I RESEARCHED THE ISSUES ONLINE. PREVIOUSE RECALL # 03V351000 - PORSCHE WILL NOT CURRENTLY HONOR THIS RECALL.

Mileage: 131,276

20190103FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER IN NOVEMBER OF 2017 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V576000. FUEL PUMP FLANGE MAY CRACK CAUSING FUEL LEAK A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE INCREASES THE RISK OF A FIRE. MY LOCAL DEALER KEEPS TELLING ME NO PARTS AVAILABLE. I FIND THE TIMELINE UNACCEPTABLE AND I WANT THE RECALL REMEDIED IMMEDIATELY. WE ARE PUSHING TWO YEARS WITH NO REPAIR.

20181019POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE. WHILE DRIVING AND ACCELERATING, THE DRIVESHAFT MALFUNCTIONED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO WOBBLE AND SHAKE. THE CONTACT CALLED MOMENTUM PORSCHE (10155 SOUTHWEST FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77074, (844) 894-5470) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

Mileage: 180,000

20180509FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

RECALL #AH10. MY TRUCK LEAK GAS EVERYWHERE; AND I'VE CALLED GAUDIN PORSCHE THEY SAID THEY'RE NOT DOING ANY RECALLS AT THE MOMENT. I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX IT NOR CAN AFFORD THE GAS LOST.

Mileage: 110,000

20180410ENGINE

1) COOLANT PIPE PROBLEMS,PORSCHE NEVER FIX THEM ,HAD PAY TO GET THEM FIX.(2) FILTER FLANGE FUEL PUMP LEAKAGE,PROBLEMS PORSCHE SAID UNFORTUNATELY, AT THIS TIME PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE.HAD IT REPAIR MY OWEN MONEY, DID NOT WANT TO CHANCE A RISK OF FIRE.(3) TRANSMISSION MODULE PROBLEMS DID NOT SHIFT RIGHT,HAD TO BUY NEW ONE.TO MANY PROBLEMS.

Compare 2004PORSCHECAYENNE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE have?
The 2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE has 51 NHTSA complaints, 4 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE?
Yes, the 2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE has 6 recall(s). The most common affected component is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE?
The most-complained component for the 2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE is ENGINE with 9 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM.
Is the 2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.