Skip to content
KLUNK
KLUNK

2004 Porsche Cayenne

The Verdict

73 Solid Pick

The 2004 Porsche Cayenne has 101 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (46 complaints) and body (21 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 73/100, it earns a "Solid Pick" rating. If you're shopping for a Porsche Cayenne, consider the 2010 model year which has 99% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2010 has 99% fewer complaints

View the 2010 Porsche Cayenne dashboard →

73

Klunk Score: Solid Pick

Fewer complaints than most vehicles. Generally dependable, but check the top problems below.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 4

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

17V576000 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 ga...

Risk

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

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...

Reported Apr 11, 2026

04V231000 SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

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

Risk

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

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.

Reported Apr 11, 2026

04V071000 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 I...

Risk

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.

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.

Reported Apr 11, 2026

19V446000 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...

Risk

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.

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 Au...

Reported Dec 6, 2019

Get notified if a recall hits this car.

We email you when NHTSA issues a new recall on the 2004 Porsche Cayenne. No spam, no marketing.

Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
200300011
2004215114618
2005605274
2006429328
2008515238
200930246
201010000
20114173515
2012614718
20136091015
2014100161116
201520641
2016801784
201711751
201830451
2019722253
202052553
202161721
202220100
202321200
202410310

By Category

Engine
46
Body
21
Transmission
18
Electrical
11
Brakes
5

By Severity

1
39
2
53
3
1
4
8

Worst Problems

Complaints

Engine 1

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

35mo ago
Body 1

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.

42mo ago
Body 2

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.

43mo ago
Engine 2

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.

44mo ago
Engine 1

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.

45mo ago
Body 1

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.

61mo ago
Transmission 2

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

62mo ago
Electrical 4

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.

65mo ago
Transmission 4

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.

76mo ago
Transmission 4

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

81mo ago
Transmission 1

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.

83mo ago
Engine 2

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.

91mo ago
Brakes 1

I HEARD SOME KNOCKING FROM THE AREA OF THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR. I STOPPED AND INSPECTED UNDER THE CAR AND SAW NOTHING. SO I DECODED TO BRING IT TO MY SERVICE PROVIDER. I DROVE ABOUT 3 MILES AT SLOW SPEEDS TO GET TO THE SERVICE PROVIDER. AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM. ONE OF THE BOLTS THAT HOLDS THE KNUCKLE TO THE WHEEL HAD BACKED OUT AND WAS BANGING AROUND THE BREAK SYSTEM. THEY SAID I COULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL IT WAS FIXED.

92mo ago
Transmission 2

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.

94mo ago
Engine 1

2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE S. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REIMBURSEMENT FOR VEHICLE FIRE DAMAGES. *AS *JS

95mo ago
Engine 2

2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUES WITH THE FUEL FILTER FLANGE SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL FILTER FLANGE COULD NOT BE REPLACED WITHOUT REPLACING THE FUEL TANK AND THE FUEL LINE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THAT MANUFACTURER INCUR THE REPAIR COSTS. *JS

96mo ago
Engine 1

RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE FOR FILTER FLANGE OF FUEL PUMP. CALLED DEALER WHO SAID DID NOT HAVE REPAIR PARTS AND DOES NOT KNOW WHEN THEY WILL GET THEM. CALLED PORSCHE U.S. AND THEY TOLD ME THE SAME THING. NO DATE FOR RECEIVING PARTS OR REPAIRING MY CAR.

97mo ago
Engine 2

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE S. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V576000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE DEALER (EUROPEAN IMPORTS CENTER, 808 PARKWAY DRIVE, HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 17103) CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

98mo ago
Engine 2

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.

99mo ago
Engine 2

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V576000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION IN NOVEMBER OF 2017. THE DEALER (CIRCLE PORSCHE, 1850 OUTER TRAFFIC CIR, LONG BEACH, CA 90815) STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. IT WAS UNKNOWN WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

100mo ago

101 total

1/ 6
Report a Klunk