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Porsche Cayenne Reliability Grade

B-Overall

Average reliability

EngineB
TransmissionC+

Grade a specific Porsche Cayenne

Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.

The Porsche Cayenne earns a B- overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B for its engine and a C+ for its transmission. It ranks 24th of 35 luxury vehicles we grade. The transmission (C+) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for transmission service records and pay close attention to shifting on a test drive. Grades are based on 277 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2021 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

Porsche Cayenne reliability by year

Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.

2005C+2006C-2008C-2009C2011D2012C+2013C+2014C-2015B+2016C+2017B2018B+2019B-2020C+2021B

Years to avoid: 2011 (transmission slipping / rough shifting)

How long does the Porsche Cayenne last?

150,000Estimated lifespan (miles)

A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.

Known Porsche Cayenne problems

We track 2 known problem areas for the Porsche Cayenne, including which model years they affect. They're in the full report, along with miles remaining and a deal score for the car you're looking at.

See Cayenne problems

Porsche Cayenne vs. other luxury vehicles

ModelEngineTrans.Overall
Lexus RX A A A
Lexus ES A A A
Lexus GS B+ A A
Lexus NX A A A
Lexus IS A A A
Lexus GX A A A
Infiniti G37 A A- A
BMW 5 Series B B+ A-
Audi A4 B+ A A-
Volvo XC60 B+ A A-
BMW 3 Series B- B+ B+
Mercedes-Benz C-Class B- A- B+
Mercedes-Benz E-Class B+ A- B+
Audi Q5 B- B+ B+
Mercedes-Benz S-Class B+ A- B+
Cadillac XT5 B+ B B+
Infiniti G35 B- B+ B+
Acura TL A C+ B+
BMW X3 B- B+ B
Mercedes-Benz GLC C+ B+ B
Mercedes-Benz GLE B- B B
Acura RDX B+ B B
Volvo XC90 B- A- B
BMW X1 B- B- B-
Porsche Cayenne B C+ B-
Cadillac SRX A C+ B-
Cadillac CTS A- D B-
Audi A3 C+ C C+
Audi A6 C- B- C+
Audi Q7 C- B C+
BMW X5 C C C
Mercedes-Benz CLA C B- C
Land Rover Range Rover C+ C+ C
Acura MDX C+ D C-
Acura TLX C- D D

Most reliable luxury vehicles →

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Porsche Cayenne reliability FAQ

Is the Porsche Cayenne reliable?

Average reliability. The Porsche Cayenne earns a B- overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B for its engine and a C+ for its transmission. It ranks 24th of 35 luxury vehicles we grade. The transmission (C+) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for transmission service records and pay close attention to shifting on a test drive. Grades are based on 277 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2021 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

How many miles will a Porsche Cayenne last?

We estimate a well-maintained Porsche Cayenne lasts around 150,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.

What are the best years for the Porsche Cayenne?

No Porsche Cayenne model year stands out as exceptionally reliable in NHTSA owner complaints. The best-graded years are 2015, 2017 and 2018.

What Porsche Cayenne years should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Porsche Cayenne years to be most careful with are 2011. The 2011 grades a D overall (engine D, transmission D), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting.

Is the Porsche Cayenne transmission reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Porsche Cayenne transmission a C+ (average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.

Is the Porsche Cayenne engine reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Porsche Cayenne engine a B (above-average reliability).