2017 Porsche Cayenne Problems and Recalls (16 Complaints)

The contact owns a 2017 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that the vehicle was hacked. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's assistance safety features malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to swerve despite the driver's efforts to drive straight. Infotainment settings confirmed that the Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) system was engaged. Additionally, the message "External Usage External Equipment External Drivers remove the features" was displayed, and the cruise control was unintentionally engaged with messages for "Trailer," "Slippery Changing Max Settings," "Navigation Off," "Road feature Off," "Risk of an Accident," and "Pull Over, remove the key from the ignition and reset vehicle". The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle unintentionally shifted into Drive and Neutral at the same time. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle failed to stop while depressing the brake pedal, requiring the driver to pull over to the side of the road and allow the vehicle to roll to a stop. Other failures included unintended engagement of the windshield wipers and heater. Per the owner's manual, the contact opened the infotainment settings, where the notification "Other Device External Usage" was displayed. Additionally, all four tire sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the insurance company, the Police Department, and the manufacturer were contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that all four tires blew up while driving, and the vehicle was towed to Porsche Charlotte Northlake (10205 Ronald Withrow Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28216); where the tires were replaced. The vehicle was not further repaired. The tire information was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

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 appeared after prolonged non-operation, suggesting possible deterioration related to improper storage or incomplete diagnostics. I respectfully request NHTSA’s assessment of whether it is appropriate for a dealer or the manufacturer (Porsche Cars North America) to advise a customer to operate a vehicle on public roads while warning indicators are illuminated. From a consumer’s standpoint, this does not appear reasonable or safe, and I wish to operate my vehicle only in a condition that is objectively safe for road use. The fact that such guidance was provided to me is deeply concerning, and I would appreciate the agency’s evaluation of whether this type of advice aligns with I am submitting the manufacturer’s email for your review, as it appears inconsistent with standard safety guidance and may reflect an attempt to address the matter through customer-service accommodations rather than technical evaluation. Please add this information and attached documentation to my existing case file. Thank you.

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, especially while already on the road. Due to these repeated failures, I was required to tow the vehicle multiple times. These problems — electrical malfunction, coolant overheating during driving, fuel system errors, and a non-functional fuel door — occurred repeatedly even after prolonged service by the dealership. The combination of electrical faults, overheating risk, hybrid system malfunction, and fuel system failure presents a significant safety concern. I will provide additional documentation to support this report. I request that NHTSA review this case to determine whether an investigation is warranted, as these issues may indicate a broader defect affecting this model.