2017 Porsche Cayenne

The 2017 Porsche Cayenne is a luxury SUV that offers a blend of performance and practicality. Engine options include a 3.0L supercharged V6 producing 300 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, a 3.6L naturally aspirated V6, a 3.0L Turbocharged V6, a 4.8L V8, and a 4.8L Turbocharged V8. A plug-in hybrid option was also available. All engine options are paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Cayenne for its handling, powerful engine options, and luxurious interior. Some common complaints include the high cost of maintenance and repairs, as well as some electrical gremlins.

Engine

3.0L Supercharged V6

• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can occur from various points in the cooling system, including hoses, the water pump, and the coolant expansion tank. Symptoms include low coolant levels, overheating, and visible coolant leaks under the vehicle.
  • Solution: Locate and repair the source of the leak. This may involve replacing hoses, the water pump, the coolant expansion tank, or other cooling system components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.6L Naturally Aspirated V6

No Issues Found

3.0L Turbocharged V6

No Issues Found

4.8L V8

No Issues Found

4.8L Turbocharged V8

No Issues Found

Transmission

8-speed Tiptronic S Automatic Transmission

• Harsh Shifting/Jerking
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported harsh shifting, jerking, or hesitation during gear changes. This can be more noticeable at lower speeds or when the transmission is cold.
  • Solution: A software update might resolve the issue if it’s software-related. Otherwise, a transmission flush or more extensive repairs to the valve body or other internal components may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (for flush) - $3,000+ (for major repairs)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The Cayenne’s optional air suspension can experience issues, leading to a sagging suspension, uneven ride height, or complete failure of the system. This can be caused by leaks in the air springs, compressor failure, or issues with the control module.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific component causing the issue and replace it. This may involve replacing the air springs, air compressor, or suspension control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the battery draining quickly, especially if the vehicle is not driven frequently. This can be caused by a parasitic drain from an electrical component that is not shutting off properly.
  • Solution: Identify the source of the parasitic drain and repair or replace the faulty component. This may involve testing various electrical circuits and components to isolate the drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the source of the drain.
  • Recalls: None Found
• PCM Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Issues with the PCM can manifest in various ways, including engine performance problems, transmission issues, and general loss of communication.
  • Solution: The PCM must be properly diagnosed using diagnostic tools. The PCM will have to be programmed to the vehicle after replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroofs can have issues with opening, closing, or sealing properly. This may be due to a faulty motor, damaged seals, or problems with the track mechanism.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific issue and repair or replace the affected components. This may involve replacing the sunroof motor, seals, or track mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Navigation/Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: The Cayenne’s infotainment system can sometimes experience glitches, such as freezing, slow response times, or issues with the navigation system.
  • Solution: A software update may resolve some of these issues. In other cases, the infotainment unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (for software update) - $2,000+ (for unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Porsche Cayenne, while generally reliable, can suffer from issues related to its cooling system, suspension, electrical system, and infotainment. The air suspension and electrical issues like battery drain seem to be the most concerning due to their potential for high repair costs. Transmission issues are relatively prevalent, but repair costs can vary significantly depending on the underlying cause. Potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and factor them into their purchasing decision, and should also obtain a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic specializing in Porsche vehicles.