Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: running costs are the problem rather than the car itself.
Owners have filed 101 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Porsche Cayenne, and it carries 6 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 14 | 14% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 12 | 12% |
| Engine | 12 | 12% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 9 | 9% |
| Vehicle speed control | 6 | 6% |
| Electrical system | 5 | 5% |
| Tires | 4 | 4% |
| Suspension | 4 | 4% |
| Air bags | 3 | 3% |
| Fuel system | 2 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
Strong odor of gasoline traveling through the vents injected into vehicle. Fuel filter has a crack. Underhood electrical problems that may cause a fire
NHTSA complaint: Power train
The contact is a car seat technician. The contact worked with a family who owns a Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Max Convertible Car Seat, as the technician was inspecting the car seat she noticed the chest clip was not working as ne
NHTSA complaint: Chest clip
The contact owns a 2004 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that while the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a recall repair appointment, he noticed that the steering wheel had a quarter inch of play. The U-Joint conne
NHTSA complaint: Steering
There is a significant smell of gasoline inside the cabin of the vehicle. There was a recall on the same make, model, and year for fuel pump filter flange leaks, which are indicative of a strong smell of gas inside the c
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
The contact owns a 2004 Porsche Cayenne. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V656000 (Exterior Lighting), 19V446000 (Power Train), and 17V576000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the parts to do
NHTSA complaint: Fuel system
I returned after being away for a few weeks, in May 2021. The solar panel had been on the inner windshield of the car following installation a few months prior. I found the car's 12V battery was almost dead (about 4 Volt
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
The cam shaft actuator has gone out.. Recalled on newer vehicles mine is 2004. Front airbag is also non operational
NHTSA complaint: Power train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PORSCHE CAYENNE S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD "BOOM" NOISE AND FIRE STARTED COMING FROM THE GLOVE BOX IN THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHIC
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2004 Porsche Cayenne. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY HAVE HAD A TRANSFER CASE INSTALLED THAT COULD, DUE TO CHANGES IN THE HOUSING CASTING, RESULT IN THE OIL PUMP ROTATION. SHOULD THIS OCCUR, OIL STARVATION OF THE INTERNAL GEARS MIGHT RESULT.
Risk: CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE COULD RESULT IN A FRACTURE OF THE TRANSFER CASE HOUSING. INCORRECT TORQUE WOULD THEN BE APPLIED TO THE DRIVEN WHEELS OR OIL COULD LEAK AND CONTACT THE TIRES.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSFER CASE HOUSING AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE TRANSFER CASE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 3, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-545-8039.
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.
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
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 Augus
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 Po
| Reliability raw | 72 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 77 | good |
| Maintenance | 36 | below average |
| Depreciation | 40 | below average |
| Performance | 66 | good |
| Efficiency | 27 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 101 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and power train is the most reported area with 14 of them (14%). There are 6 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 72/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 77/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2004 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: skip unless cheap, because running costs are the problem rather than the car itself. Its overall ownership score is 56/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.