2003 Porsche Cayenne Turbo Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jun 12, 2019 · 1 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Cayenne Turbo years
Not enough data 6th of 14 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2003 Porsche Cayenne Turbo. That ranks 6th out of 14 Cayenne Turbo model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine (1 complaints, 100%), typically at around 108,000 miles. There are 8 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations involving it.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2003 Porsche Cayenne Turbo problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Engine1 · ~108,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine1100%108,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

2003 Porsche Cayenne Turbo recalls (8)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)Jun 12, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V446000 · 99,665 vehicles

Problem: 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, 2011-2016 Panamera, Panamera 4, 2012-2013 Panamera Turbo S, 2013-2016 Panamera 4 GTS, 2014-2016 Panamera 4 S Executive, Panamera Turbo Executive, Panamera Turbo S G1 II, Panamera Turbo S Executive, 2013 Panamera 4 Platinum Edition, Panamera Platinum Edition, 2016 Panamera 4 Edition, Panamera Edition, Panamera Turbo S Executive Luxury Sports vehicles. The bushing that attaches the gear selector lever to the gearbox may degrade over time, causing the bushing to detach. This condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.

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.

Fix: 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 August 9, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKB1.

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpSep 20, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V576000 · 50,145 vehicles

Problem: 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 gasoline-powered vehicles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, allowing fuel to leak.

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

Fix: 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 Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AH10.

Seat beltsDec 15, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V593000 · 31,000 vehicles

Problem: Certain passenger cars fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection." all three rear seat positions and the front passenger position are equipped with seat belt retractors that have a locking feature which converts the retractor from an emergency locking retractor (elr) mode to an automatic locking retractor (alr) mode for the purposes of child restraint installation. The belt may deactivate the alr mode with certain child restraints.

Risk: When involved in a crash, the child restraints may not be properly secured increasing the risk of injury or death to the seat occupant.

Fix: Dealers will permanently install a clip in either of the affected rear outboard seat belts and provide an owner's manual insert. The clips will prevent unwarranted conversion from alr to elr mode with child seat installation. The recall began may 17, 2005. Owners should contact porsche at 1-800-545-8039.

Seat belts:rear/otherMay 17, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V231000 · 19,175 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and capFeb 18, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V068000 · 35 vehicles

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, if the ground connection between the spiral ring of the tank filler neck and the connecting pipe to the fuel tank is inadequate, the flow of fuel during refueling can create an electrostatic charge, which could discharge and spark. This spark could ignite fuel vapors in the area outside the tank filler neck that could lead to a muffled detonation.

Risk: Due to such a startling event, the individual refueling the vehicle could remove the fuel nozzle at precisely the moment of the detonation without first stopping the fueling process. In such a circumstance, fuel escaping outside of the fuel tank may ignite, resulting in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the ground connection and, if necessary, corrected. Owner notification began on march 29, 2004. Owners should contact porsche at 1-800-545-8039.

Electrical system:wiring:front underhoodFeb 18, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V069000 · 10,637 vehicles

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, the main wiring harness was incorrectly routed. Damage to the main wiring harness can lead to the failure of various electrical systems.

Risk: In extreme cases, to a cable fire beneath the instrument panel in the passenger compartment.

Fix: Dealers will re-route the wiring harness. Owner notification schedule began on march 29, 2004. Owners should contact porsche at 1-800-545-8039.

SeatsFeb 18, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V072000 · 4,144 vehicles

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, the driver's side seat frames were not adequately welded.

Risk: In the event of a crash, the seat frame could break, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the driver's side seat frame. Owner notification began on march 29, 2004. Owners should contact porsche at 1-800-545-8039.

Equipment:other:labelsSep 24, 2003 · NHTSA campaign 03V351000 · 326 vehicles

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, the affected vehicles may be missing the gross vehicle weight rating (gvwr) and gross axle weight ratings (gawr) on the certification label as required by part 567.4(g)(3) and (g)(4).

Risk: The vehicle operator will not be informed of the vehicle's gvwr and gawr.

Fix: Dealers will apply the corrected label. Owner notification began on december 22, 2003. Owners should contact porsche at 1-800-545-8039.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Srs warning light illumination (EA06005) — opened Mar 15, 2006, closed Mar 12, 2007.
  • Srs warning light illumination (PE05060) — opened Nov 10, 2005, closed Mar 15, 2006.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

While driving under normal driving conditions the check/add coolant alarm/icon appeared in the dash display. After letting the vehicle cool down, checked the radiator coolant reservoir tank and found little to no coolant in side the reservoir tank. Subsequently as i closed the hood i happened to…

Engine · received Feb 10, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10563767

Other Porsche Cayenne Turbo years

2004 Cayenne Turbo →

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Porsche Cayenne Turbo?

Owners most often report engine problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 1 complaint.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Porsche Cayenne Turbo?

Yes, 8 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2003 Porsche Cayenne Turbo a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Cayenne Turbo model years, the 2003 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.