Porsche’s Cayenne made its introduction back in 2002 and is still being produced today. There have been three generations since its introduction. The first-generation, often referred to as the 9PA Cayenne or the Porsche 955, was built on the Volkswagen Group PL71 platform and ran from 2003 – 2010. The second-generation, often referred to as the 92A Cayenne, was built on the Volkswagen Group PL72 platform and ran from 2011 – 2018. And lastly, the third-generation, often referred to as the 9YO Cayenne, was built on the Volkswagen Group MLB Evo platform and started production in 2018 and is still being produced today.
An interesting fact about the Porsche Cayenne, is that it holds a Guinness World Record for the heaviest aircraft, 265-ton Air France Airbus A380, pulled by a production car. As many can imagine, Porsche produced many trims of the Porsche Cayenne: Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne S Hybrid, Cayenne S E-Hybrid, Cayenne GTS, Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne Turbo S, Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, Cayenne Turbo GT, Cayenne Diesel, and Cayenne S Diesel. With all of these trims, there are also many different engines.
First Generation Porsche 955/957 Cayenne Engines
The first generation came with 11 different engines but we will try to compact the information as much as possible. The Base Cayenne came with a 3.2L VR6 engine that put down anywhere from 247hp – 286hp & 229lb-ft – 284lb-ft of torque. The S came with a 4.5L V8 engine that put down 335hp – 399hp & 310lb-ft – 369lb-ft. The GTS came with a 4.8L V8 that put down 399hp and 369lb-ft of torque. The Turbo came with a twin-turbo 4.8L V8 & a twin-turbo 4.5L V8 that put down anywhere from 444hp – 493hp & 457lb-ft – 516lb-ft of torque. The Turbo S featured a twin-turbo 4.5L V8 that put down anywhere from 513hp – 542hp & 531lb-ft – 553lb-ft of torque. Lastly, the diesel featured a 3.0L V6 engine that put down 237hp & 406lb-ft of torque.
Second Generation Porsche 958 Cayenne Engines
The second generation came with even more engines coming in at 16. The Base Cayenne came with a 3.6L VR6 engine that put down anywhere from 296hp & 295 lb-ft of torque. The Cayenne S came with a 4.8L V8 NA engine that put out 395hp and 369lb-ft of torque and a twin-turbo 3.6L V6 that put down 414hp & 369lb-ft. The GTS featured a NA 4.8L V8 that put down 414hp & 380lb-ft and a twin-turbo 3.6L V6 that put down 434hp & 443lb-ft of torque. The Turbo and Turbo S featured a twin-turbo 4.8L V8 that put down anywhere from 493hp – 562hp & 516lb-ft – 590lb-ft of torque. The Diesel had a single-turbo 3.0L V6 that put down anywhere from 237hp – 258hp & 406lb-ft – 428lb-ft of torque. Lastly, the Cayenne S Diesel featured a twin-turbo 4.1L V8 that put down 380hp & 627lb-ft of torque.
Third Generation Porsche 9YA or P0536 Cayenne Engines
And finally, the third generation had fewer engines. The base Cayenne features a single-turbo 3.0L V6 that puts down 335hp & 332lb-ft of torque. The Cayenne S featured a twin-turbo 2.9L V6 that puts down 434hp & 406lb-ft of torque. The GTS & Turbo features a twin-turbo 4.0L V8 that puts down anywhere from 434hp – 454hp & 406lb-ft – 457lb-ft of torque. The Turbo S E-Hybrid features a twin-turbo 4.0L V8 PHEV that puts down anywhere from 671hp – 690hp & 642lb-ft – 664lb-ft of torque. Lastly, the all-new Cayenne Turbo GT features a twin-turbo 4.0L V8 that puts down 631hp & 626lb-ft of torque.
Common Porsche Cayenne Engine Problems
Before getting into the Porshe Cayenne engine problems, we want to preface that since there are a lot of engines, we will try to differentiate which generation has the most common problem listed below. Also, for the replacement parts linked below, please make sure they fit your vehicle if you have to order them. If not, let us know in the comments and we will assist in any way possible.
- Ignition coil or spark plug failure
- Faulty fuel pump
- Thermostat failure
- Plastic coolant lines – 2011-2019 V8
- Transfer case failure
- Cam adjuster bolt failure – 2010 – 2012 V8
1. Ignition Coil or Spark Plug Failure
Premature ignition coil or spark plug failure is common in many Porsche engines. Therefore, this problems is not solely associated to a specific Cayenne. Spark plugs need high voltage electricity to be able to create a “spark” in the combustion chamber initiating engine combustion. Ignition coils receives lower voltage electricity from the battery and transforms it into the higher voltage spark plugs need.
There are two main reasons why ignition coils and spark plugs fail: normal wear and tear or modifying an engine. Modifying an engine and creating more power will put more heat and stress on the coils and plugs, which often will cause a couple to fail instantly. When they do fail, there will be misfires in the specific cylinder with the faulty coil or plug. Most ignition coils and spark plugs SHOULD last 60,000 miles or more. However, we’ve seen some last 5,000 miles and some last 80,000 miles.
Symptoms of Ignition Coil or Spark Plug Failure:
- CEL/MIL illuminating
- Engine misfires with fault codes P0300 – P0308
- Poor engine performance
- Issues starting the engine
- Engine surging or stalling
Ignition Coil and Spark Plug Replacement Options:
When an ignition coil or spark plug does happen to go out, we advise replacing all of them while you’re at it to avoid future misfire headaches down the road. Ignition coil and spark plug replacement is not the toughest DIY if you have the proper tools and know the location of the coils. A mechanic or local dealer would likely charge anywhere from $450 – $600 to replace both the coils and spark plugs.
Ignition Coil Pack Replacement: https://amzn.to/3mwwEuH
DIY Difficulty: Easy
2. Faulty Fuel Pump
When we mention fuel pumps, we’re referencing both older low pressure fuel pumps and newer high-pressure fuel pumps, or HPFP. Older 955 Cayenne’s have two pumps low pressure (in-tank) fuel pumps, while newer 958/9YA Cayenne’s have a HPFP (or high-pressure fuel pump) because of direct injection. Low pressure fuel pumps are located in the fuel tank, while the HPFP is typically mounted on the left side cam. A fuel pump pumps fuel from the fuel tank and sends it to the engine. A HPFP on newer Cayenne’s pumps high-pressure fuel into the direct injection system.
The low pressure fuel pumps tend to fail because the pump itself tends to overheat and shut off. The HPFP tends to fail because something inside the pump comes apart or the valve on top of the pump can fail. When either fail, expect engine sputters, misfires, and poor engine performance. Typically, fuel pumps fail at least once in a vehicle’s lifecycle.
Symptoms of Fuel Pump Failure:
- Whining noise coming from the fuel tank
- Difficulty starting the engine
- Engine surges, sputters, or stalls
- Engine dying
- Decreased fuel economy
- Poor engine performance while accelerating
Fuel Pump Replacement Options:
When a fuel pump, whether it be the low pressures or high pressure, goes bad, 9/10 times they will have to be replaced. There are times when you can just replace a gasket on the HPFP if it is leaking, but this is not too common. If a low pressure fuel pump happens to go out, we highly suggest replacing both and the associated filter. Replacing either the HPFP or the low pressure fuel pumps is not the easiest DIY unless you know where they are located. A mechanic will likely charge around $1,200 depending on which pumps are being replaced.
DIY Difficulty: Difficult
3. Thermostat Failure
Thermostat failure, like ignition coils and spark plugs, is common in many other Porsche engines. A thermostat controls the amount of coolant that is recirculated back into the engine and how much coolant is cooled by the radiator before recirculating. There are a few reasons why a thermostat can fail: being stuck ope, being stuck closed, or gasket failure. When it does fail, the engine temps will be high, which will lead to the engine overheating.
Symptoms of Thermostat Failure:
- High engine temps
- Low coolant indicator illuminating
- Engine overheating
- Sporadic temperature readings on the dash
- Improper coolant flow
Thermostat Replacement Options:
Typically when a thermostat fails, we would advise replacing the water pump as well because typically these go out around the same time. Also, because they are right next to each other. We classified the DIY as difficult, because both the thermostat and water pump are rather hard to get to. However, there are many video tutorials online if you are trying to save some labor costs. A mechanic or dealer will more than likely charge $1,000 to replace only the thermostat.
DIY Difficulty: Difficult
4. Plastic Coolant Lines or Epoxy Failure
For some reason, Porsche decided to put plastic coolant pipes in Cayenne engines. Specifically, there is a lawsuit against Porsche for all 2011 – 2019 V8 958 Cayenne’s. Coolant pipes moves coolant from the radiator to the hottest part of the engine and back to the radiator to cool off before going through the same process over and over again.
The coolant pipes are located below the intake manifold, which is not the coldest place for plastic components to be. The pipes and epoxy tend to fail over time because of all the heat they endure. When they do fail, whether it be the epoxy or the pipes, steam will more than likely start coming out of the engine and the engine could die.
Symptoms of Plastic Coolant Lines or Epoxy Failure:
- Low coolant indicator illuminating
- Steam coming from the engine
- Difficulty starting the engine
- Engine overheating
- Loss of engine power
- Engine dying
Plastic Coolant Lines Replacement Options:
When the epoxy degrades over time or the plastic coolant pipes start to wear, the only thing to do is to replace them. You can try adding more epoxy on the ends, but we highly don’t recommend doing so. When replacing, we highly advise using aluminum pipes to avoid the plastic ones from going out again. The pipes are a little difficult to get to, but there are plenty of tutorials online explaining the DIY, so it isn’t too hard. Since Porsche, as of writing this, doesn’t cover this repair, you will likely have a dealership charge $3,500 to replace the plastic pipes with alluminum coolant pipes.
DIY Difficulty: Intermediate
5. Transfer Case Failure
The most common model year for transfer case failure is 2012, but that certainly is not the only Cayenne that experiences transfer case failure. This is typically found in Cayenne’s with 4WD. A transfer case attaches to the transmission and connects the front a rear drive axles of a 4WD vehicle and it routes torque from the transmission to the axles.
These prematurely fail due to normal wear and tear. When they fail, it causes a miscalculation from the intended wheel speed versus the actual wheel speed. This was such a big issue that Porsche extended the warranty period for the factory transfer cases’ because after many attempts to remedy the faulty transfer cases’, they are still an issue. Typically, transfer cases should not fail at all on a vehicle’s lifecycle.
Symptoms of Transfer Case Failure:
- Sporadic acceleration
- Vibrations while accelerating
- Engine jerking
- Difficulty switching gears
- Grinding, howling, or humming noise coming from the engine
- 4WD not engaging
Transfer Case Replacement Options:
When a transfer case wears, the only option is to replace it. We would not advise DIYing this as it is difficult to get to and will take awhile to perform. Unfortunately, Porsche is not covering the cost of transfer case replacement after the extended warranty expires. Customers have been seen to pay an absurd amount to replace the transfer case of up to $5,500 mainly due to the cost of the replacement part.
DIY Difficulty: Difficult
6. Camshaft Actuator Failure
Camshaft actuator failure is common in 2010 – 2012 958 Cayenne’s with a V8. However, the problem is not the camshaft actuator itself, it is the bolts securing the timing chain sprockets. A camshaft actuator is located at the end of the camshaft and it controls the speed of the opening or closing of the poppet valves, which enables engine timing to be more precise. The camshaft actuator bolts hold the camshaft actuator in place.
When the bolts for the camshaft actuator fall off, engine timing is thrown off and the engine will run very roughly. The bolts should not break at all in any engine nowadays. This was such a problem that Porsche actually issued a recall on 2010 – 2012 Cayenne’s to correct the bolts.
Symptoms of Camshaft Actuator Failure:
- Poor engine performance
- Engine stalls
- Engine timing off
- CEL or MIL illuminating with a P0340 or more camshaft related fault codes
- Rough idle
- Decreased fuel efficiency
Camshaft Actuator Replacement Options:
If you happen to own a 958 Cayenne and haven’t had this issue yet, we highly advise replacing the associated bolts to avoid the adjuster failing. As you can imagine, this is also not an easy DIY as you have to take many components out of the engine to get to the bolts. If you have a 2010 – 2012 Cayenne, make sure to check if these have been changed and if not, it should be covered under Porsche. If you don’t have a 2010 – 2012, unfortunately, you will more than likely have to pony up anywhere from $2,000 – $5,000 depending on if there is major engine damage.
DIY Difficulty: Difficult
Porsche Cayenne Reliability
Overall, we aren’t going to sugarcoat it, Porsche Cayenne’s reliability is below average compared to its competitors. However, some model years, specifically 2014 & 2016-2017, are tainting this overall rating. The good news is the 2021 Porsche Cayenne has a J.D. Power reliability rating of 81 out of 100. A good rule of thumb would be to avoid the early model years of all the generations to avoid the initial hiccups. With all of that said, we have seen many Porsche Cayenne’s last well over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance.
If you want to read up on more Porsche content, here’s our write-up on “The 4 Most Common Porsche M97 Engine Problems”.
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