NHTSA vehicle safety data

2004 Porsche Cayenne Recalls & Complaints

The 2004 Porsche Cayenne has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 38 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Porsche dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2004 Porsche Cayenne. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2004 Porsche Cayenne owner complaints

Owners have filed 38 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Porsche Cayenne, describing incidents dated January 1, 2004 to June 1, 2023.

Most-cited components

Engine 10 complaints
Power Train 10 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 9 complaints
Electrical System 6 complaints
Air Bags 3 complaints
Exterior Lighting 3 complaints

Of the 38 complaints on file, 3 report a crash and 2 a fire (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11540647 · Filed August 24, 2023
Strong odor of gasoline traveling through the vents injected into vehicle. Fuel filter has a crack. Underhood electrical problems that may cause a fire
ODI #11500425 · Filed January 6, 2023
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.
ODI #11497634 · Filed December 15, 2022
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…

Read all 38 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2004 Porsche Cayenne in 2 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Engineering Analysis EA06-005: SRS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATION
Closed March 12, 2007
Preliminary Evaluation PE05-060: SRS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATION
Closed March 15, 2006

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Headlight Adjustment Screw Missing Cover/FMVSS 108

NHTSA #22V656000 · Exterior Lighting — Headlights · NHTSA notice

Reported August 30, 2022 · Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 222,858 vehicles

Repair completion: 34.88% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Porsche campaign ANB4 · Owners notified October 28, 2022

Defect description

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 cover the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws are missing, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Safety consequence

Improperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will inspect the headlights for sealing caps and install missing caps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ANB4.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable

NHTSA #19V446000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Gear Position Indication (PRNDL) · NHTSA notice

Reported June 12, 2019 · Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 99,665 vehicles

Repair completion: 38.34% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Porsche campaign AKB1 · Owners notified August 9, 2019 · Vehicles built November 15, 2002 – February 2, 2010 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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 S Executive, Panamera Turbo Executive, Panamera Turbo S G1 II, Panamera Turbo S Executive, 2013 Panamera 4 Platinum Edition, Panamera Platinum Edition, 2016 Panamera 4 Edition, Panamera Edition, Panamera Turbo S Executive Luxury Sports vehicles. The bushing that attaches the gear selector lever to the gearbox may degrade over time, causing the bushing to detach. This condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.

Safety consequence

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 risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. Owners are instructed to use the parking brake until their vehicle is repaired. The recall began August 9, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKB1.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Fuel Pump Flange May Crack Causing Fuel Leak

NHTSA #17V576000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Fuel Pump · NHTSA notice

Reported September 20, 2017 · Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 50,145 vehicles

Repair completion: 21.08% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Porsche campaign AH10 · Owners notified July 6, 2018

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter flanges with new filter flanges that have a protective film, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2018. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AH10.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

PORSCHE/FMVSS 208/SEAT BELT RETRACTOR

NHTSA #04V593000 · Seat Belts · NHTSA notice

Reported December 15, 2004 · PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 31,000 vehicles

Porsche campaign A506 · Owners notified May 17, 2005 · Vehicles built through September 30, 2004 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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 FROM AN EMERGENCY LOCKING RETRACTOR (ELR) MODE TO AN AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR (ALR) MODE FOR THE PURPOSES OF CHILD RESTRAINT INSTALLATION. THE BELT MAY DEACTIVATE THE ALR MODE WITH CERTAIN CHILD RESTRAINTS.

Safety consequence

WHEN INVOLVED IN A CRASH, THE CHILD RESTRAINTS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SECURED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY INSTALL A CLIP IN EITHER OF THE AFFECTED REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELTS AND PROVIDE AN OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT. THE CLIPS WILL PREVENT UNWARRANTED CONVERSION FROM ALR TO ELR MODE WITH CHILD SEAT INSTALLATION. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 17, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-545-8039.

Notes

PORSCHE RECALL NO. A506.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

PORSCHE/SEAT BELT LATCH ATTACHMENT BOLT

NHTSA #04V231000 · Seat Belts — Rear/Other · NHTSA notice

Reported May 17, 2004 · PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 19,175 vehicles

Porsche campaign A404 · Owners notified June 1, 2004 · Vehicles built through December 3, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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

Safety consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BELT BUCKLE LATCH AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE LATCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 1, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-545-8039.

Notes

CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

PORSCHE/TRANSFER CASE FRACTURE

NHTSA #04V071000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission · NHTSA notice

Reported February 18, 2004 · PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 4,099 vehicles

Owners notified May 3, 2004 · Vehicles built October 20, 2003 – November 26, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE COULD RESULT IN A FRACTURE OF THE TRANSFER CASE HOUSING. INCORRECT TORQUE WOULD THEN BE APPLIED TO THE DRIVEN WHEELS OR OIL COULD LEAK AND CONTACT THE TIRES.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSFER CASE HOUSING AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE TRANSFER CASE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 3, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-545-8039.

Notes

CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

2004 Porsche Cayenne 4-DR. 4x4 w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

2 investigations

38 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Porsche Cayenne.

Power Train; Electrical System; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11540647

Incident: June 1, 2023 · Filed: August 24, 2023

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

Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness

ODI #11500425

Incident: December 31, 2022 · Filed: January 6, 2023

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.

Steering

ODI #11497634

Incident: December 13, 2022 · Filed: December 15, 2022

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11493210

Incident: November 11, 2022 · Filed: November 11, 2022

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline; Power Train; Exterior Lighting

ODI #11491915

Incident: January 8, 2018 · Filed: November 2, 2022

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.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11421164

Incident: May 11, 2021 · Filed: June 16, 2021

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 extremely difficult to try to raise the problem with them. I think this could be a serious issue, perhaps leading to a car fire. And if it is indeed an electrical fault that triggers this, then it could happen when parked in a garage (no solar heating needed), possibly leading to worse.

Power Train; Air Bags

ODI #11420279

Incident: June 9, 2021 · Filed: June 9, 2021

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

Electrical System

ODI #11399023

Fire

Incident: March 3, 2021 · Filed: March 3, 2021

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.

Power Train

ODI #11319375

Crash

Incident: November 1, 2014 · Filed: March 26, 2020

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 SERVICED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Power Train

ODI #11280095

Crash

Incident: June 26, 2019 · Filed: November 20, 2019

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

Other Porsche Cayenne model years

Check your 2004 Porsche Cayenne VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Porsche Cayenne at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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