2011 Porsche Cayenne Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 40%of 30 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the engine of the 2011 Porsche Cayenne, 40% of the 30 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“The bolts on the camshaft controller broke inside of my engine. When this happened, I was driving southbound on the 405 freeway in los angeles, ca. The car violently jerked and then stalled on the freeway. This almost caused a major accident, but thankfully everyone was able to avoid my car. I've been told by a few repair shops that the damage done by the loose bolts likely damaged the engines internal components and I will likely be needing a new engine or an overhaul of the existing engine.”
NHTSA complaint #11011342, filed 2017-07, 94,000 miles“The aluminum bolts on the timing cover are broken causing an oil leak. If the all bolts are made of aluminum then what about the transfer case? I've heard about near accidents because of bolts breaking either because of the material difference between the bolts and the magnesium in the motor. It has occurred on other models of porsches. Porsche should recall and fix the aluminum bolts on all parts.”
NHTSA complaint #11337058, filed 2020-07, 94,000 miles“Camshaft adjuster bolts snapped while in operating mode.being made of aluminum not steel as in previous years caused the engine to stop operating. Porsche USA refused to cooperate citing an out of warranty reason.vehicle onlu had 84000 miles when this factory defect has effected the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10928336, filed 2016-11, 84,000 miles“While driving this car all of sudden check engine light came on and engine started making loud noises. Car is showing various fault codes and brakes stopped working which couold have created major risk to driver and other pedenstrian and vehicles on the road. Engine is showing various mis fire codes and came shaft related codes. It is too risky to drive this vehicle on the road. Vehicle has been regularly maintained by Porsche dealer and is up to date with all required maintenannce. …”
NHTSA complaint #10995406, filed 2017-06, 84,600 miles“There have been increasing reports of variocam camshaft drive bolt failures on the 2011 Porsche Cayenne v8 engines. When these bolts fail, engine damage occurs, and the engine typically stops running. In the case of the turbo model - this can also result in the loss of braking ability since the brakes are powered off a camshaft. There is also a loss of power steering - meaning you have a 4,500lb vehicle without brakes or steering. Porsche had a limited workshop campaign for these vehicles that addressed a certain range of VIN# in the USA. …”
NHTSA complaint #10894489, filed 2016-08, 40,000 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 2011 Porsche Cayenne
11 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsForward collision avoidance
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 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