PORSCHE CAYENNE · model year

2017 PORSCHE CAYENNE

22 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2017PORSCHECAYENNE carries 22 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and Not Rated/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2017 CAYENNE is unknown or other with 4 filings, followed by electrical system (4) and fuel/propulsion system (3). 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 2 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 2017 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.

22
Complaints
3
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

22 filings

Crashes Reported

3 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 — Not rated · Front: Not Rated/5 · Side: Not Rated/5 · Rollover: Not Rated/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING3
ENGINE3
AIR BAGS2
STRUCTURE:BODY1
SERVICE BRAKES1
POWER TRAIN1

Recalls (2)

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

18V84400028/11/2018

EQUIPMENT

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne Plug-in Hybrid, Cayenne GTS, Cayenne Plug-in Hybrid Platinum Edition, Macan Turbo and Macan GTS vehicles, 2017-2018 Cayenne S, Macan, Cayenne Platinum Edition and Macan S vehicles and

Recent Complaints

20251211FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Case Number: 1170739 – Additional Evidence Submission I would like to provide an additional document for Case #1170739. The manufacturer (Porsche Cars North America) stated in writing that the vehicle is “safe to drive even with warning indicators illuminated,” but in the same communication offered a rental vehicle if I found this “inconvenient.” These two statements cannot logically coexist, and they raise concerns that the manufacturer may be minimizing or mischaracterizing a potential safety-related defect. Furthermore: The warning indicators involve the coolant and fuel systems of an E-Hybrid model, which may be connected to thermal management and combustion-related safety. The vehicle remained in the dealer’s possession for an extended period during repeated repair attempts. During a visit, I found the hood partially open while the vehicle was being stored long-term, raising questions regarding proper safety and storage protocols. Additional system warnings appe

20251211ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Case Number: 1170739 – Additional Evidence Submission I would like to provide an additional document for Case #1170739. The manufacturer (Porsche Cars North America) stated in writing that the vehicle is “safe to drive even with warning indicators illuminated,” but in the same communication offered a rental vehicle if I found this “inconvenient.” These two statements cannot logically coexist, and they raise concerns that the manufacturer may be minimizing or mischaracterizing a potential safety-related defect. Furthermore: The warning indicators involve the coolant and fuel systems of an E-Hybrid model, which may be connected to thermal management and combustion-related safety. The vehicle remained in the dealer’s possession for an extended period during repeated repair attempts. During a visit, I found the hood partially open while the vehicle was being stored long-term, raising questions regarding proper safety and storage protocols. Additional system warnings appe

20251208ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am reporting a series of safety-related defects involving the electrical, cooling, and fuel systems of my 2021 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid. The vehicle was initially brought to the authorized Porsche dealership due to an electrical system error, and the dealer kept the vehicle for an extended period. After approximately five months, the vehicle was returned to me without a clear explanation of the root cause or details of the repair. The very next day after receiving the vehicle, a coolant temperature warning appeared while driving, indicating abnormal engine overheating. This created an immediate safety hazard, as overheating can lead to sudden engine failure, loss of power, or a potential fire risk. I returned the vehicle to the dealership again for further repairs. Afterward, another serious issue occurred: because this is a hybrid vehicle, I went to refuel, but the fuel door would not open, and a fuel system error warning appeared again. This made the vehicle unsafe to operate, es

20251208FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I am reporting a series of safety-related defects involving the electrical, cooling, and fuel systems of my 2021 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid. The vehicle was initially brought to the authorized Porsche dealership due to an electrical system error, and the dealer kept the vehicle for an extended period. After approximately five months, the vehicle was returned to me without a clear explanation of the root cause or details of the repair. The very next day after receiving the vehicle, a coolant temperature warning appeared while driving, indicating abnormal engine overheating. This created an immediate safety hazard, as overheating can lead to sudden engine failure, loss of power, or a potential fire risk. I returned the vehicle to the dealership again for further repairs. Afterward, another serious issue occurred: because this is a hybrid vehicle, I went to refuel, but the fuel door would not open, and a fuel system error warning appeared again. This made the vehicle unsafe to operate, es

20251208ENGINE

I am reporting a series of safety-related defects involving the electrical, cooling, and fuel systems of my 2021 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid. The vehicle was initially brought to the authorized Porsche dealership due to an electrical system error, and the dealer kept the vehicle for an extended period. After approximately five months, the vehicle was returned to me without a clear explanation of the root cause or details of the repair. The very next day after receiving the vehicle, a coolant temperature warning appeared while driving, indicating abnormal engine overheating. This created an immediate safety hazard, as overheating can lead to sudden engine failure, loss of power, or a potential fire risk. I returned the vehicle to the dealership again for further repairs. Afterward, another serious issue occurred: because this is a hybrid vehicle, I went to refuel, but the fuel door would not open, and a fuel system error warning appeared again. This made the vehicle unsafe to operate, es

20250926EXTERIOR LIGHTING

During rain events, headlight housings are becoming inundated with moisture (L and R sides). A quick search on multiple forums shows this is a known issue with all Porsche models. During night driving this issue reduces visibility significantly. Yes, this puts my occupants and other drivers at risk. Porsche is famous for not acknowledging and addressing out of warranty manufacturing defects, even safety issues. They would not address this issue. Brief warning lights and flashing of the headlight system was evident. This has been happening for a few years and is getting progressively worse.

20250707AIR BAGS

the piece of leather trim sit on top of dash panel below the windshield that cover the airbag shrink and peel off the main dash. The passenger air bag might not deploy properly in the event of frontal collisions because of a loose piece of leather cover it.

20250115ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

When the weather drops below 0 celsius, the hybrid battery fails with a hybrid battery failure message. The Porsche dealer said this is a known issue and there is no fix. I've been stuck several times in the past 3 years up in the mountains when the temperature drops suddenly and there are no services within 100's of miles to even tow it to get a fix. I just have to wait for the temperature to warm up to start the car. There is currently no bypass to switch to gas only which would solve the issue. If you look at the pic, there is plenty of gas in the car.

20241214AIR BAGS

Passenger side dash board leather cover has pulled away from dash - thus creating a safety issue with the airbag. Porsche has examined the damage and recommended a repair but will not cover the cost - but did advise that in the event of a accident - they do see a potential problem with the passenger side air bag deploying safely (or not at all). There should be a recall on this by Porsche as it's a safetly issue.

20241214UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Passenger side dash board leather cover has pulled away from dash - thus creating a safety issue with the airbag. Porsche has examined the damage and recommended a repair but will not cover the cost - but did advise that in the event of a accident - they do see a potential problem with the passenger side air bag deploying safely (or not at all). There should be a recall on this by Porsche as it's a safetly issue.

20240603ENGINE

Broken and loosened timing chain cover bolts resulting in leaking oil onto drive components, belts and tires/brakes. This recall was done for the Macan and not the Cayenne. Ours was covered under factory extended warranty. That said, this is criminal. Porsche needs to be investigated, they refuse to recall their vehicles and we all know there are some manufaturing issues that are 100% the factory's fault. If the NTSB refuses to hold their feet to the fire this type of engineering will continue.

20240420ENGINE

Oil leaks from timing chain cover due to defective bolt material, bolts loosen and break. This is a widespread known issue with Cayennes and Macans.

20231217EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The two headlights have appeared to have condensation due to sealing problem of the headlight. When the light bulbs and beam heat up the air with moisture, it will leave water inside of the headlight cover. This will increase the safety risks when we were driving on the road. There is no warning message for that. The problem should not be normal and this should really be manufacturer’s problem to fix.

20230420POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2017 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled in the middle of a road. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated; however, the contact had been hearing an abnormal rattle and knocking sound from under the floorboard. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the bolts from the transfer case had loosened, and the case had separated from the drive shaft. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

Mileage: 42,000

20230223ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Porsche and VW has a drainage issues with certain model vehicles. The drainage plug is set in the trunk near the battery, main system cpu and amplifier. Water gets drain into the lower compartment of the trunk and causes electrical issues with the vehicle. It's been a design flaw from porsche since before the Cayenne was created. To repair the damage it cost upwards of $3,000 per damage battery, electrical components, amplifier are all billed separate. Porsche warranty refuses to honor the design flaws in correct the issues. Owners are not made aware of the issue until it becomes an issue then porsche wants no part to do with it. The drainage location can cause an electrical fire and engine malfunction while driving.

20230223UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Porsche and VW has a drainage issues with certain model vehicles. The drainage plug is set in the trunk near the battery, main system cpu and amplifier. Water gets drain into the lower compartment of the trunk and causes electrical issues with the vehicle. It's been a design flaw from porsche since before the Cayenne was created. To repair the damage it cost upwards of $3,000 per damage battery, electrical components, amplifier are all billed separate. Porsche warranty refuses to honor the design flaws in correct the issues. Owners are not made aware of the issue until it becomes an issue then porsche wants no part to do with it. The drainage location can cause an electrical fire and engine malfunction while driving.

20220210EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The headlights aren’t sealed correctly so water has leaked in and caused them to malfunction. Porsche is making me get them repaired at a cost of $4100

20200918FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

OVERNIGHT FUEL PRESSURE LOSS RESULTS IN EXTENDED CRANK CYCLE. DESPITE 6 SERVICE VISITS BETWEEN TWO CHICAGOLAND AREA PORSCHE DEALERSHIPS, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN SATISFACTORILY REPAIRED. FUEL PRESSURE LOSS WAS CONFIRMED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS BY THE SEMERSKY'S PORSCHE EXCHANGE IN HIGHLAND PARK, ILLINOIS. FUEL PUMPS WERE APPARENTLY REPLACED, THE LAST TIME DAMAGING THE SEAT CLIPS UNDER THE SECOND ROW BENCH SEAT. FUEL PRESSURE LOSS HAS SLOWED, BUT STILL OCCURS WHEN FUEL TANK IS MORE THAN 3/4 EMPTY. THIS VEHICLE IS COVERED BY MANUFACTURER WARRANTY AND THE PROBLEM BECAME APPARENT AT 24K MILES.

Mileage: 24,172

20191001UNKNOWN OR OTHER

FRONT PANEL OF PANORAMIC SUN ROOF EXPLODED AND SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH ON A HIGHWAY.

Mileage: 47,000

20180110CrashSTRUCTURE:BODY

ACC/ PAS UNAVAILABLE WARNING: APPROXIMATELY EIGHT MONTHS AGO WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET IN SARASOTA, FL THE PAS SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED AND ABRUPTLY STOPPED MY VEHICLE WITHOUT REASON. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE "ACC/PAS IS UNAVAILABLE" WARNING HAS APPEARED ON MY INSTRUMENT PANEL. ON THE FIRST OCCASION, A VEHICLE TO MY LEFT WAS ATTEMPTING TO MERGE INTO MY LANE OF TRAFFIC WHILE WE WERE APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION ON A CITY STREET. I ATTEMPTED TO HONK MY HORN (WHICH FAILED MAKING AN AUDIBLE SOUND) AND SWERVED TO PREVENT THIS IMPENDING COLLISION. THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME ALSO WITNESSED WHAT WAS OCCURRING AND SLAMMED ON THEIR BREAKS. MY PAS SYSTEM FAILED TO ALERT AND APPLY PRESSURE AND/OR STOP THE BREAKS AS THIS SAFETY FEATURE IS DESIGNED. DESPITE MY EFFORTS TO BREAK QUICKLY THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME AND I COLLIDED. THE FIRST DRIVER THAT MERGED INTO MY LANE FLED THE SCENE. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME AND THE PORSCHE HAD MODERATE FRONT END DA

Mileage: 15,000

Compare 2017PORSCHECAYENNE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2017 PORSCHE CAYENNE have?
The 2017 PORSCHE CAYENNE has 22 NHTSA complaints, 3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 PORSCHE CAYENNE?
The 2017 PORSCHE CAYENNE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of Not Rated/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 PORSCHE CAYENNE?
Yes, the 2017 PORSCHE CAYENNE has 2 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 2017 PORSCHE CAYENNE?
The most-complained component for the 2017 PORSCHE CAYENNE is UNKNOWN OR OTHER with 4 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM.
Is the 2017 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. The 2017 PORSCHE CAYENNE has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. 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.