2004 Porsche Cayenne Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 24%of 38 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,164miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine of the 2004 Porsche Cayenne, 24% of the 38 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,164 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Upon taking the vehicle out of the driveway I started hearing a ticking sound coming from the engine, something like a lifter hitting the block. I pulled back in to my driveway and called a repair shop and scheduled an appointment. When meeting with the technician I was informed that the engine had a scored cylinder and that it is a common issue with the model and year. The only recourse to fix the issue would be to replace the engine. A replacement engine would cost $17 -35,000 - more than the vehicle is worth. …”
NHTSA complaint #10630106, filed 2014-09, 95,000 miles“Driving on interstate highway, check engine and add coolant lights on. Stopped added coolant, drove home parked in driveway. Out to use Cayenne again, noticed coolant on driveway, started engine coolant leak allover drive. Called Porsche dealer, not covered under warrenty, also 2 week backlog in getting repair, call independent service and had tow to independent garage. Replace all coolant pipes and water pump. After repair internal engine noise . Ok to drive.”
NHTSA complaint #10465403, filed 2012-07, 38,785 miles“Engine coolant hoses are leaking antifreeze. Everytime I pour antifreeze into the car it comes out, im afraid it might damage something else, like the engine etc. They have plastic hoses on them.”
NHTSA complaint #10644678, filed 2014-10, 91,000 miles“Driving vehicle, heard noise and engine lights on. Stop check engine, belts off. Tow to service facility. Water pump pulley was found to split, made of fiber. Replaced pulley and multi rib belt.”
NHTSA complaint #10465406, filed 2012-07, 40,411 miles“While driving check engine light on and vehicle lack power. Drove to independent repair service, replaced 8 ignition coils and 8 spark plugs to correct problem. All ignition coils cracked.”
NHTSA complaint #10465393, filed 2012-07, 35,345 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11037816Sep 22, 2026Manufacturer's Certificate for Overview of Approved Porsche C40 Engine Oils. Note that this bulletin covers all models back to model year 1984, for which C40 engine oils are…
- 11037813Sep 22, 2026Manufacturer's Certificate for Overview of Approved Porsche C20 Engine Oils. Note that the bulletin covers all models back to model year 1984, for which C20 engine oils are…
- 11037812Sep 22, 2026Manufacturer's Certificate for Overview of Approved Porsche C30 Engine Oils. Note that the bulletin includes all models back to model year 1984, for which C30 engine oils are…
- 11037808Sep 22, 2026Manufacturer's Certificate for Overview of Approved Porsche A40 Engine Oils. Note that this bulletin covers all vehicles from model year 1997 to 2020, for which A40 engine oils…
- 11035916Jul 22, 2026Allocation of Approved Engine Oils MY 2027 (13/26)
- 11034777Jun 25, 2026Overview of Approved Porsche C20 Engine Oils (20/26)
- 11034776Jun 25, 2026Overview of Approved Porsche C30 Engine Oils (19/26)
- 11034775Jun 25, 2026Overview of Approved Porsche C40 Engine Oils (21/26)
- 11034774Jun 25, 2026Overview of Approved Porsche A40 Engine Oils (15/26)
- 11034773Jun 25, 2026Overview of Approved Porsche C30 Engine Oils (16/26)
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3 | 14% |
| 2020 | 7 | 29% |
| 2019 | 6 | 13% |
| 2018 | 3 | 23% |
| 2017 | 3 | 17% |
| 2016 | 5 | 13% |
| 2015 | 3 | 21% |
| 2014 | 5 | 9% |
| 2013 | 7 | 18% |
| 2012 | 4 | 15% |
| 2011 | 12 | 40% |
| 2008 | 6 | 22% |
| 2006 | 3 | 7% |
| 2005 | 1 | 3% |
| 2004 | 9 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2004 Porsche Cayenne
10 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Porsche Cayenne
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology