2019 Porsche Cayenne: What to check before buying

Owners have filed 58 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, airbags, and transmission. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.

2019

Owner complaints: 58
Recalls: 8
Crashes reported: 2
Reliability: Mixed; 56/100 on Auto Reliability Index

Your inspection sheet

Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.

0/9 checked

Paperwork and questions

Before you go, or before you touch the car0/1

01Confirm the 8 recalls listed below show as completed for this VIN. A Porsche dealer can look them up for free.

Walk-around and cabin

Engine off, key in hand0/3

02Inspect the dashboard leather over the passenger airbag for bubbling, lifting, shrinking or loose staples.
03Look inside the headlights and taillights for moisture, and check the matrix headlights after rain or a car wash.
04Run the A/C at full cold and confirm it blows cold air.

Cold start, engine bay, and underside

Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1

05Watch the dash for a Battery Low or yellow battery warning, and ask for records of battery software updates or replacement.

Test drive

At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/4

06Drive in stop-and-go traffic and feel for a forward lurch around 5 mph just before stopping.
07Shift into reverse several times and confirm every surround-view camera shows a live image.
08Watch for looping warnings like ACC not available or Driving Light Control Error during a long test drive.
09Sniff the cabin for a gasoline smell while creeping slowly in traffic.

These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.

Which Cayenne is it?

EPA figures for each version of the 2019 Porsche Cayenne. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.

Version	Drive	EPA rating
2.9L 6-cylGas	AWD	20 mpg
3.0L 6-cylGas	AWD	21 mpg
4.0L 8-cylGas	AWD	17 mpg
3.0L 6-cylPlug-in hybrid	AWD	430 mi range

The 2019 Porsche Cayenne was sold in four versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
On the plug-in hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Cayenne that averages well under the EPA 17 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.

Why these checks: what owners reported

NHTSA complaints for the 2019 Porsche Cayenne, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.

Electrical9No crashes
A "Battery Low" or yellow battery warning appears on cars with the lithium (LiFePO4) battery. Dealer software updates clear it for a while, then it returns. Eventually the battery shuts down or dies, and out-of-warranty replacement quotes run from $2,000 to $5,000. One car stalled at a light with a failed battery and starter. A second pattern is error messages that loop on the dash: ACC not available, Driving Light Control Error, high beam assist and park assist restricted. Adaptive cruise and parking cameras drop out while driving, and repeated dealer visits often fail to fix it.
Airbags8No crashes
The leather-covered dashboard shrinks, bubbles, ripples or lifts away from its base. In some cases the staples pull out. The damage often reaches the area over the passenger airbag, and dealers have told owners the airbag may not deploy correctly in a crash. Dealers typically recommend replacing the whole dashboard. Many reports call this a common problem on this model. It starts as a cosmetic flaw but gets worse over time.
Transmission4No crashes
The car lurches or jerks forward just before a full stop, even with a foot on the brake. Reports place it around 5 mph, during the downshift from 2nd to 1st gear. One owner says it happens at every stop, but dealers have found nothing wrong with the transmission. A separate report describes an engine control fault warning followed by a sudden loss of power at highway speed, dropping from about 75 mph to 55 mph in traffic. The dealer traced that case to a water-pump fault.
Exterior lights3No crashes
Water gets past the headlight seals in light rain or a car wash. The matrix LED headlights then shut off, sometimes while driving, and stay off until the moisture dries. The LEDs have no replaceable bulbs, so dealers offer only a full headlight assembly. Other reports describe condensation in the taillights and matrix headlights that stop working completely. That makes night driving dangerous.
Backup camera2No crashes
One, several or all of the surround-view cameras fail at random when the car is shifted into reverse. Each failed view is replaced by a crossed-out camera icon. Repeated dealer repairs, including new cameras and a new video control unit, have not cured it. The cameras usually come back after the car is shut off and locked for about 15 minutes. The other report is about a recall notice where the dealer had no repair part yet. That owner had not seen a failure.

In owners' own words

Excerpts from complaints Cayenne owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.

Airbags

the dashboard has a fitted leather coating covering the airbag... the leather and its surrounding seals has melted.. almost entirely.. and it is rippled and uneven all around... this is widespread for these models and may cause problems with the airbag in the dash...the airbag has to be able to deploy without any problems.. the dash should be fixed so it is safe

Filed with NHTSA, April 2025

Airbags

The leather dashboard has shrunk to the point where the the Porsche dealer recommend replaceing it. This appears to be an issue serious enough to prevent the airbag from deploying correctly if in an accident. This appears to be a common issue.

Filed with NHTSA, July 2025

Transmission

When car downshifts from 2nd gear to 1st gear, it lunges / jerks forward, even as brakes are applied. Porsche mechanic and Porsche Cars North America both indicate nothing is wrong with the transmission. THIS IS A CONSTANT ISSUE. EVERYDAY FOR THE LAST TWO WEEKS. EVERY STOP.

Filed with NHTSA, August 2024

Transmission

When braking to a stop, the car lunges forward even when foot is on the brake. This occurs at slower speeds around 5mph right before a dead stop.

Filed with NHTSA, November 2021

How the 2019 compares with other Cayenne years

Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.

The 2019 has the most owner complaints of the 8 Cayenne years we cover, about 7.7 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.

2019 Average of other years

Electrical92
Airbags81
Transmission41
Exterior lights30
Backup camera20

Where the 2019 fits in the Cayenne's history

Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.

The 2019 is the first model year of the Cayenne's third generation (2019–2023). First years of a redesign often carry teething problems that Porsche fixes in later years, so the checks above matter more than usual.

Porsche updated the Cayenne for 2023, so a 2019 does not have those changes.

What changed for 2023 (not on a 2019)

New dashboard layout
Increased engine outputs
Updated powertrains

Should you avoid the first year of a redesign? See the 45-car study.

Recalls to confirm (8)

Recall repairs are free at any Porsche dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.

25V896000Backup cameraDec 2025
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2019-2025 Cayenne, Cayenne E-Hybrid, 2020-2025 911, Taycan, 2024-2025 Panamera, and 2025 Panamera E-Hybrid vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility.".
Risk: A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the driver assistance software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2026. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ASB2. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 19, 2026.
23V841000ElectricalDec 2023
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling various models and model years. Please see the recall report for a list of the included vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
Risk: An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated temperature sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 24, 2024. A second notice will be sent once remedy parts become available, anticipated mid-2024. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is APB6.
20V270000Fuel systemMay 2020
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Cayenne Turbo and 2020 Cayenne Turbo Coupe, Turbo S Hybrid and Turbo S Hybrid Coupe vehicles. The fuel line quick connector located in the engine compartment may leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line and quick connector, free of charge. The recall began September 8, 2020. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ALA4.
19V735000ElectricalOct 2019
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017 Panamera 4, Panamera Turbo, Panamera Turbo Executive, 2017-2018 Panamera, Panamera 4S Executive, Panamera 4S, 2018 Panamera Turbo S Hybrid, Panamera 4 Hybrid Sport Turismo, Panamera 4 Sport Turismo, Panamera Turbo S Hybrid Sport Turismo, Panamera 4 Hybrid, Panamera 4 Executive, 2019 Cayenne Hybrid, 2019-2020 Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, 2020 Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne Turbo Coupe, and Cayenne S Coupe vehicles. The instrument cluster may not provide a visual warning when the brake pads are worn out. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light vehicle brake systems.".
Risk: If the driver is not alerted when brake pads are worn out, the vehicle may not respond as expected when braking, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall is began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKB8. Note: This recall supersedes recall 19V115 and includes vehicles that were previously remedied under that campaign.
19V111000Wipers and visibilityFeb 2019
Porsche Cars North America, Inc (Porsche) is recalling certain 2019 Cayenne and Cayenne S vehicles. A software failure may cause the rearview camera image display to be delayed in responding. As such, these vehicles fail to comply to Federal Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors.".
Risk: A rearview camera display that does not function as designed can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the car, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will update the related software, free of charge. The recall began April 19, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKA0.
19V112000SuspensionFeb 2019
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling one 2019 Cayenne Turbo vehicle. The affected vehicle has shock absorber forks that may allow the shock absorbers to loosen.
Risk: Loose shock absorbers may impair vehicle steering, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Porsche will notify the owner, and a dealers will replace the shock absorber forks, free of charge. The recall began April 19, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKA2.
19V115000ElectricalFeb 2019
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2018 Panamera 4 Executive, Panamera 4S Sport Turismo, Panamera 4 Hybrid, Panamera 4 Hybrid Executive, Panamera 4 Hybrid Sport Turismo, Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo, Panamera Turbo S Hybrid Executive, Panamera Turbo S Hybrid, Panamera 4 Sport Turismo and Panamera Turbo S Hybrid Sport Turismo vehicles, 2017-2018 Panamera, Panamera 4, Panamera Turbo Executive, Panamera 4S, Panamera Turbo and Panamera 4S Executive vehicles and 2019 Cayenne S and Cayenne vehicles. The instrument cluster may not provide a visual warning when the brake pads are worn out. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light vehicle brake systems.".
Risk: If the driver is not alerted when brake pads are worn out, the driver may lose control of the vehicle while attempting to brake, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began April 19, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKA1/AKA0.
18V751000Seat beltsOct 2018
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2019 Porsche Cayenne vehicles. The passenger side rear seat belt buckle may break under load, such as in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies.".
Risk: If the seat belt buckle breaks in the event of a crash, the occupant will not be properly restrained, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger rear seat belt buckle, free of charge. The recall began November 30, 2018. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AJ09.

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2019 owner complaints, side by side