VIN REPORT

WP1AD2A26DLA781302013 PORSCHE CayenneGTS

35of 100
Moderate Risk
Buyer Risk Score
Recalls
3
3 campaigns found
Safety Grade
C-
71/100 composite
Complaints
40
NHTSA filed
Vehicle Age
13 yrs
Made in GERMANY
BUYPurchase Verdict

2013 PORSCHE Cayenne was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 3 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 40 owner compla...

19 MPG
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2013 PORSCHE Cayenne

2013 PORSCHE Cayenne was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 3 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 40 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.

  • 3 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
  • 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — above average for this class
  • Complaint rate is accelerating — issues appear to be getting worse, not better
  • Electrical is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
  • Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
35
of 100
Moderate Risk
3 moderate risk signals detected. Negotiate accordingly and verify service history.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
3 Contributing Risk Factors
Critical deferred maintenance — safety-critical components overdue
+20
3 model-wide recalls on record
+9
Accelerating complaint trend — problems increasing over time
+6
Critical Alerts

Title Brand Check

Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle

Vehicle Specifications

Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database

Make
PORSCHE
Model
Cayenne
Year
2013
Trim / Series
GTS
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Vehicle Type
MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
8-cyl 4.8L 420 hp
Doors
4
Manufacturer
DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AG
Assembly
LEIPZIG, GERMANY
GVWR
Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)

Assembly Plant Quality

Plant: LEIPZIG, GERMANY

CQuality55/100
Standard📍 LEIPZIG, GERMANY

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety

Safety Intelligence

Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data

C-
Score: 71/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety21/30
Complaint History30/30
30/100Moderate
  • Brake system recall
2/100
Basic
1 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control
Elevated
  • 2 recalls on same component: Electrical
  • Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.

Electrical
2 recalls4 complaints

Driver Assistance Features

ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database

Forward Collision Warning?Unknown
Automatic Emergency Braking?Unknown
Pedestrian AEB?Unknown
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure Warning?Unknown
Lane Keep Assist?Unknown
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring?Unknown
Rear Cross Traffic Alert?Unknown
Adaptive Cruise Control?Unknown
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High Beam?Unknown
Parking Assist?Unknown
Backup Camera?Unknown
Electronic Stability Control?Unknown
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Direct
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash Notification?Unknown
Dynamic Brake Support?Unknown
Keyless Ignition?Unknown
Recalls3

Deferred Failure Risk

Components and defects approaching or past their known service milestones

82/100
Critical Deferred Risk
Critical deferred failure risk — 4 safety-critical or high-cost components are past their service interval. Without immediate attention, repair costs will compound significantly.
No odometer data on record. Mileage is estimated at ~156,000 mi based on average annual driving. Items marked EST. OVERDUE may already be due — verify service history with the seller. Items marked OVERDUE are confirmed past-due based on vehicle age alone.
EST. OVERDUECriticalTiming Chain Tensioner
Service interval: 10 yr · Vehicle age: 13 yr · Past due by age
Service Timing Chain Tensioner immediately — already past the 120,000 mi / 10 yr interval
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
EST. OVERDUECriticalWater Pump
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 13 yr · Past due by age
Service Water Pump immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
EST. OVERDUEHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 13 yr · Past due by age
Service Transmission Fluid / Service immediately — already past the 60,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
EST. OVERDUEHighCoolant Flush
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 13 yr · Past due by age
Service Coolant Flush immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
EST. OVERDUEModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 13 yr · Past due by age
Service Spark Plugs (iridium/platinum) immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
EST. OVERDUEModerateFuel Injectors
Service interval: 10 yr · Vehicle age: 13 yr · Past due by age
Service Fuel Injectors immediately — already past the 120,000 mi / 10 yr interval
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.

NHTSA Safety Recalls

3 RECALLS
3found

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 3 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

Average repair completion across 3 recalls is ~68%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.

68%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

PORSCHE Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
84%Fair

PORSCHE completes recalls at a fair rate (84%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~22 months.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~22 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
22mo
#16V169000
Invalid Date

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

SummaryPorsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Cayenne vehicles manufactured April 28, 2010, to January 11, 2016. The brake pedal pivot pin may be missing a circlip, allowing the pivot pin to move and the brake pedal to dislodge.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIf the brake pedal dislodges, the driver may not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~68%

~32% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#13V506000
Invalid Date

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

SummaryPorsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cayenne and Cayenne GTS, model year 2013 Cayenne Diesel and model year 2014 Cayenne S, S Hybrid, Turbo, and Turbo S vehicles manufactured May 27, 2013, through July 10, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the calculated range of the remaining fuel displayed on the instrument cluster may be higher than the actual range. Additionally, the fuel level indicated by the fuel gauge may also be higher than actual amount in the tank.
Read full details...
ConsequenceThe fuel display inaccuracies may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~64%

~36% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#22V656000
Invalid Date

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

SummaryPorsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2020 Porsche Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Cayman S, 2001-2004 Boxster, Boxster S, 2004 Boxster 50 JAHRE SPYDER 550 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all affected models and model years. The caps that cover the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws are missing, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Read full details...
ConsequenceImproperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~72%

~28% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

Recall Intelligence

Detailed analysis of recall history and severity

17/10/2013
3 total campaigns
BrakesElectrical
0
Part Replacements
1
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
Complaints40

Complaint Intelligence

40 complaints analyzed across 6 system categories

Engine/Powertrain
20
Safety Systems
9
Electrical
4
Other
4
Body/Structure
2
Steering
1
2016
2
2017
2
2018
4
2019
13
2020
5
2021
1
2022
2
2024
5
2025
3
2026
2
11% trend in recent years (improving reliability)
Accelerating +200%
9
Last 24 months
3
Prior 24 months

⚠ Complaint rate is accelerating — issue may be getting worse

Engine stalling3
Fire/smoke1
Electrical failure1
Conditions Reported
Highway/high-speed (5)Rain/wet (2)Cold weather (1)Startup (1)Parking/low-speed (1)

Owner Complaints

HIGH VOLUME

40 safety complaints filed with NHTSA

40found
ODI #11729798AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE

The leather dash has "shrunk" so badly and is so distorted that there is no way the passenger airbag would properly inflate in an accident. Porsche tells me that this defect is "cosmetic" and of no consequence to vehicle safety. I do not agree with this position and feel that Porsche should be liable for this defect.

ODI #11724527ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This vehicle qualified for the Volkswagen Emissions Recall, yet from the start of the recall through 2018 settlement lawsuit dates , no correspondence was sent (by Porsche nor VW). According to all recall regulations, my vehicle should have among the ‘recall’ with the 85K plus others, yet no correspondence was sent (by Porsche nor VW) & now the local Porsche dealership is denying in, According to all recall regulations, even still with the EPA, the vehicle was to receive an initial emissions test, then undergo all related repairs/part replacements before the issue resulted in toxic emissions, NOX sensor failures, & premature problems with the DPF system, leading to thermostat problems & the failure of the diesel turbo. Federal regs mandate that vehicle & vehicle equipment manufacturers comply with Early Warning Reporting requirements, submit to NHTSA copies of their manufacturer communications. & update all communications including warranty, policy extensions & product improvement communication sent to dealers, distributors, owners, purchasers, etc. regarding any defect, failure or malfunction beyond normal deterioration in use, failure of performance, flaw or other unintended deviation from design specifications whether it is safety-related or not. Porsche now says my vehicle never showed the recall, despite court mandates that all affected vehicles will be notified communication failed on the sides of both manufacturers. In 2026, if one possesses an eligible vehicle but never received a "Dieselgate" recall notice, options for financial compensation from the original U.S. settlements stated to be likely limited, & I’m not able to find how to proceed with Volkswagen, but regardless, according to EPA and all vehicle standards, I read my vehicle is still entitled to receive an emissions modification at no cost, and that I should be covered by an extended emissions warranty to address all current & related issues.

ODI #11684455AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The factory leather dashboard has detached/ungluded in places both on the driver and passenger side. Now the dashboard cover in the passenger area does not properly line up and has bubbled up on top of the passenger air bag door. There is a high possibility that this defect will prevent the passenger air bag from properly functioning or not function at all during an accident. Several Cayenne owners have reported this problem to Porsche USA however they will only replace at the owner's request and owners expense which is in the thousands of dollars. Porsche USA said that this is not a recall item therefore they will not pay for the repair.

ODI #11652153AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Porsche dashboard leather has shrunk and now doesn’t properly cover airbag which is a major safety hazard. Porsche said they would not cover cost to replace which they quoted $9k. There are tons of reports of this happening to other Porsche cayenne owners and need to be addressed via recall

ODI #11636420AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Leather dashboard cover is separating from the dashboard with staples being pulled up. I am concerned the airbag in the dash may deploy improperly and/or dangerously.

ODI #11618766AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Porsche Cayenne dashboard leather shrunk and staples pulled out. The airbag in the dashboard may not deploy properly in the event when there is an accident. Porsche dealer recommended the dashboard to be replaced. Many vehicles have this issue after warranty is out

ODI #11615239POWER TRAIN

The Drive train consists of an engine, transmission, transfercase, driveshafts and differentials. The Transfercase has failed prior to the normal life cycle. Porsche recognizes this problem on this series of SUV and extends the warranty for 10 years and unlimited mileage. Porsche announced this extension in June 2024. However this does not cover the early models in this series 2011-2013 with the same drivetrain and transfercase. So in effect this failure of the transfer case is not covered on 2014 - 2011 Porsche Cayenne's models with the same transfercase because Porsche delayed the notification to customers. Even though the SUV may have low mileage, they will not warranty or cover my failure.

ODI #11609423SEAT BELTS

Just purchased this vehicle from an independent dealer. Each time I test drove the vehicle, I put my seat belt on and after a few seconds of driving the driver's seat belt would come unlatched. Sales person told me that perhaps I wasn't latching it (false latch). After purchase, it has unlatched during my first day of driving it. I see that there are other customers complaining of the same issue on the NHTSA website.

ODI #11605224AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The optional Leather Dashboard is peeling away from the base of the windshield. The cutout in the leather that aligns with the passenger airbag is now out of alignment and there is concern if the airbag will deploy properly in an accident.

ODI #11568669FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Engine light came on and vehicle decelerated while making a turn in traffic. Based on the owners manual and code test, it comes up as a DPF issue. We could have been seriously injured had the oncoming traffic been closer to us or had someone attempted to follow me on the turn. When the car lost power, I could not accelerate to complete my turn. The problem has been duplicated by my husband who has some mechanical expertise, but the next step would be to take it to a dealer. It is available for inspection, but it is not safe to drive. The check engine light and the glow plug lamp came on at the same time. It happened once before on the interstate coming across I-80 on the interstate. In the middle of nowhere with no cell phone service, we were able to pull over, shut off and restart the engine which cleared the code for the rest of the trip. Then it didn’t do this again for nearly two months.

ODI #11494018EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2013 Porsche Cayenne. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V656000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the headlamps illumination had started to become dull. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 154,123. Parts distribution disconnect.

ODI #11493099POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2013 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal noise while shifting from first to second gear. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,300.

ODI #11414407POWER TRAIN

GRINDING & CLUNKING NOISE FROM DRIVE TRAIN AT LOW ENGINE SPEEDS. TOOK IT TO PORSCHE DEALERSHIP IN OCTOBER, 2020. THEY DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM AND I WAS TOLD IT IS OK TO DRIVE. THE NOISE IS GETTING WORSE FROM INITIAL WHINING TO GRINDING & CLUNKING NOISE. ONLINE FORUMS INDICATE THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH CAYENNE & MACAN MODELS OF PORSCHE. PORSCHE HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THE ISSUE ON THERE WEBSITE WITH WARRANTY EXTENSION. WHEN I CALL THE PORSCHE CUSTOMER SUPPORT. THEY ARE NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THE WARRANTY EXTENSION. I THINK IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND NEED TO BE ADDRESS BY PORSCHE

ODI #11376082POWER TRAIN

CAR HAS PROBLEM WITH ACCELERATION. IT HESITATES AND DRIVES LIKE THE CAR IS BEING HELD BACK. ACCELERATION IS NOT SMOOTH. ROUGH AND SHUDDER AND HERKY JERKY. IT HAS A FAULTY TRANSFER CASE WHICH IS WELL KNOWN AND SHOULD BE RECALLED.

ODI #11331553SEAT BELTS

THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT UNLATCHES, EVEN WHEN IT APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN PROPERLY LATCHED AND I PULL ON IT TO CONFIRM THAT IT IS LATCHED. THIS HAPPENS WHETHER OR NOT THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THIS IS HAPPENING CONSTANTLY, BUT I WILL FILL IN TODAY'S DATE BELOW. *TR

ODI #11325912POWER TRAIN

MULTIPLE TRANSFER CASE FAILURES. FIRST AT 50K MILES (SLIPPING BETWEEN GEARS, FOLLOWED BY A SEVERE JOLT AS THE GEAR FINALLY CHANGED)'TRANSFER CASE WAS REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE ($7000K LATER). SECOND FAILURE OCCURRED LESS THAN 6 MONTHS LATER AT 55K MILES (SEVERE JOLT WHEN SHIFTING FROM 3RD TO 4TH GEAR)'TRANSFER CASE REPLACED UNDER PARTS WARRANTY. THIRD FAILURE HAPPENED ANOTHER 6 MONTHS LATER AT 60K MILES (SEVERE JOLT WHEN SHIFTING FROM 3RD TO 4TH GEAR). THIS LAST FAILURE'YET TO BE FIXED'HAS HAPPENED WHILE I AM ON A ROAD TRIP, AND IT RISKS ME BEING STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. THIS ISSUE IS RAMPANT AMONG 958S. PORSCHE REALLY NEEDS TO STEP UP AND FIX THIS ISSUE. IT'S REPORTED RAMPANTLY ON FORUMS, WITH MANY OWNERS REPORTING MULTIPLE SUCCESSIVE FAILURES LIKE I HAVE EXPERIENCED.

ODI #11315886SEAT BELTS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 PORSCHE CAYENNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SECURE THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE INTO THE RECEIVER, THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO LATCH. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.

ODI #11310074POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 PORSCHE CAYENNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DIRVING THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FORM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THIS OCCASION WAS THE THIRD TIME THE PART NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.

ODI #11282514POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 PORSCHE CAYENNE. WHILE DRIVING, A LOUD UNKNOWN NOISE WAS HEARD FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000.

ODI #11269753POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

PURCHASED A 2013 CAYENNE PORSCHE GTS WITH 67K MILES ON IT. NOTICED A KIND OF THUMPING SOUND WHEN ACCELERATING, USUALLY APPEARING AT 3K RPMS. VEHICLE SHUDDERS AND ALMOST FEELS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC TO DIAGNOSE THE FAULT AND THEY IMMEDIATELY KNEW WHAT IT WAS, ENGINE TRANSFER CASE FAILURE. THIS IS DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW ALLOWING WATER INTO THE TRANSFER CASE THAT PORSCHE IS AWARE OF AND YET TO ADDRESS. ON SOME OCCASIONS PORSCHE WILL PAY FOR THE $5K REPAIR BUT THE PART IS STILL REPLACED WITH A TRANSFER CASE WITH THE SAME FLAW. TRANSFER CASE FAILURE CAN LEAD TO A SUDDEN LOSE OF POWER AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY IF SOMEONE IS TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. HIGHLY RECOMMEND ADDRESSING THIS WITH A RECALL FOR 2013 AND 2014 CAYENNES. I HAVE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN LOSE OF POWER DUE TO TRANSFER CASE FAILURE, NEATLY RESULTING IN A HIGHWAY COLLISION.

ODI #11269283FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTION,ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON,THE VEHICLE THEN HESITATED AND JERKS WHEN I DRIVE IT IN MOTION.

ODI #11258537FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

VEHCILE IS SHOWING FAULTY FUEL GAUGE AND SUSPENSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.

ODI #11257179POWER TRAIN

WHILE DRIVING BACK HOME ON THE HIGHWAY DOING ABOUT 30 MPH IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC MY 2013 CAYENNE GTS STARTED TO JERK BETWEEN SHIFTING GEARS. I THOUGHT IT WAS A BUMPY ROAD AT LEAST BUT THEN AFTER THE TRAFFIC WAS OVER AND I WAS ABLE TO PICK UP SOME SPEED TO UP TO AROUND 40-45MPH THE CAR SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY NOT KNOWING WHAT TO DO. MY LIFE LITERALLY FLASHED IN MY EYES I WAS SO LUCKY TO GET OUT OF IT WITH NO INJURIES AFTER RESEARCHING AND VISITING MY MECHANIC I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A TRANSFER CASE ISSUE AND IT'S A VERY COMMON THING TO HAPPEN ON CAYENNES WITH GASOLINE ENGINE

ODI #11255257POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

TRANSMISSION TRANSFER CASE ISSUES IMMEDIATELY AFTER ACCELERATION BETWEEN 3RD AND 4TH GEAR. VEHICLE STUMBLES WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN LEFT FROM A STANDSTILL, KNOWN ISSUE IN THE PORSCHE COMMUNITY, MY ISSUE FIRST STARTED AT 68K MILES, GOT THE TRANSFER CASE REPLACED, NOW SAME ISSUE WITH THE TRANSFER CASE AGAIN AT 79K MILES, SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, MY WIFE, AND 2 KIDS AT THE AGE OF 8 YEARS OLD AND 7 MONTHS OLDS WAS ALLMOST IN AN ACCIDENT WITH AN TRACTOR TRAILER DUE TO THIS TRANSFER CASE, SOMEONE PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE, PORSCHE MANUFACTURER HASN'T DONE ANYTHING ABOUT THIS KNOWN PROBLEM.

ODI #11242302POWER TRAIN

FAILURE OF TRANSFER CASE AT 51,000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 78,000 MILES. PORSCHE ACKNOWLEDGES PROBLEM NATIONWIDE BUT WILL NOT COVER REPAIR. VEHICLE SHUTTERS/STUTTERS AND DOES NOT SHIFT INTO GEARS (4 TO 5). THIS FAILURE IS DESCRIBED COUNTLESS NUMBER OF TIMES ON THE INTERNET IN VARIOUS FORUMS. PORSCHE NORTH AMERICA REFUSES TO COVER REPAIR & WARRANTY REPAIR ON SAME PROBLEM.

ODI #11232505ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE DISPLAY UNIT WHICH FUNCTION THE NAVIGATION AND RADIO STOPPED WORKING AND IT KEEPS REBOOTING. AFTER DO FURTHER RESEARCH THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR MANY YEARS. WITHOUT THE NAVIGATION WE ARE FORCED TO USE OUR PHONES WHICH IS A HAZARD.

ODI #11218352POWER TRAIN

VEHICLE IN MOTION SUDDENLY SHUTTERS AND SLOWS. SOMETIMES VEHICLE WILL FAIL TO MOVE FROM STATIONARY. DEALER DIAGNOSED TRANSFERE CASE PROBLEM. INTERNET IS FULL OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. PORSCHE ADMITS DESIGN FLAW, BUT WILL NOT ASSIST. THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY PROBLEM. VEHICLE HA 60,000 MI ON ODOMETER.

ODI #11217589SEAT BELTS

AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR WAS NOT PRESENT IN SEAT BELT FOR REAR CENTER SEAT. FMVSS208 REQUIRES A SEAT BELT LOCKING FEATURE BE PRESENT TO INSTALL A CHILD'S CAR SEAT. OWNER'S MANUAL INDICATES THAT ALL REAR SEATING POSITIONS + FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HAVE AN ALR - BUT IN THIS VEHICLE THE OUTBOARD REAR SEATS + FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HAD IT, BUT THE CENTER SEAT DID NOT. SEE VIDEO HERE - HTTPS://PHOTOS.APP.GOO.GL/TJRNQDZN1XZCAKKG7 THE ABSENCE OF THE ALR WAS VERIFIED BY A NATIONALLY CERTIFIED CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY INSTRUCTOR.

ODI #11203506STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

WHEN ACCELERATING THE VEHICLE SPUTTERS AND CATCHES. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IF TRYING TO ACCELERATE ON A HIGHWAY OR SHOULD YOU NEED TO ACCELERATE TO AVOID A COLLISION. MY VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW AND CURRENTLY ONLY HAS 23,600 MILES ON IT. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN TO A CAR WITH VERY LOW MILEAGE. THIS ISSUE HAPPENS WHILE TURNING, WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, WHILE IN REVERSE, AND WHILE ON A CITY STREET. I TOOK THE CAR TO PORSCHE AND THEY IDENTIFIED THAT THE CAR NEEDS A NEW TRANSFER CASE. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AS THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THIS ISSUE SEEMS TO HAVE HAPPENED ON 100S OF PORSCHES.

ODI #11197365ENGINE

AT 52361 MILEAGE, FOUND OIL LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE. THE FRONT ENGINE COVER IS LEAKING AND WILL NEED TO BE RESEALED. ENGINE WILL NEED TO BE REMOVED AND ALIGNMENT WILL BE NECESSARY DUE TO DISRUPTION OF SUB FRAME AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS.

ODI #11191076POWER TRAIN

TRANSFER CASE FAILING 43,000 MILES. TOXIC FUMES ENTERING CABIN, VEHICLE JERKS AND AND DOES NOT FUNCTION. WIFE WAS ALMOST KILLED AS VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE OUT OF THE WAY OF A SEMI- TRUCK. GATHERING DATA NOW TO BEGIN LEGAL PROCEEDING. THE NHTSA WILL ALSO BE NAMED IN THE LAWSUIT AS THEY ARE FAILING TO PROPERLY PROTECT CONSUMERS FROM DANGEROUS VEHICLES.

ODI #11163332POWER TRAIN

TRANSFER CASE FAILS VERY OFTEN. IT CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO JERK AND UNSTABLE DURING DRIVING. PORSCHE HASN'T ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE EVEN THOUGH IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON CAYENNES.

ODI #11128607UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THERE IS COMMON PROBLEM! THE ENGINE CHAIN RATTLING SOUND WHEN ENGINE STARTS VEHICLE DEVELOPED PROBLEM AFTER SOFTWARE UPDATE. THE VEHICLE JERKS AND DOES NOT GO SMOOTHLY ON LOW RMP 1500. THE SECOND HAND ON THE CLOCK FALLS DOWN.

ODI #11123796POWER TRAIN

TRANSFER CASE FAILURE AT 43,000 MILES. KNOWN DEFECT COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH IF FAILS

ODI #11103370POWER TRAIN

4 WHEEL DRIVE TRANSFER CASE SLIPS WHEN DRIVING, ONGOING FACTORY PROBLEM, FAULTY DESIGN FROM FACTORY OFFERED TO COVER SOME, I FEEL SINCE IT IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THE SHOULD COVER THE ENTIRE COST

ODI #11054712UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE DOOR PANEL BECOME LOOSE AT THE EDGE OF THE GLASS. SEARCHING THROUGH INTERNET IT SEEM IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG LATE PORSCHE MODELS. IT SEEMS THE ADHESIVE DOES NOT HOLD WELL SPECIALLY IN HIGH TEMPERATURES.

ODI #11012570ENGINE

THE PORSCHE CAYENNE DIESEL IS DESIGNED TO NOT RESTART WHEN THE ADBLUE EXHAUST CHEMICAL IS TOO LOW. THIS SEEMS REASONABLE. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE IS ALSO DESIGNED TO NOT RESTART WHEN THE ADBLUE REACHES A LOW POINT, EVEN WHEN IT IS REFILLED TO FULL CAPACITY. ACCORDING TO PORSCHE THE VEHICLE MUST BE BROUGHT TO AN CERTIFIED PORSCHE DEALERSHIP FOR THIS TO BE RESET, SO THE CAR CAN BE DRIVEN. AGAIN, THIS OCCURS EVEN WHEN THE ADBLUE IF REFILLED TO FULL CAPACITY. THIS SEEMS TO BE A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND/OR EXPENSIVE SITUATION SHOULD THE ADBLUE REACH THIS LOW POINT AND THE VEHICLE IS A SIGNIFICANT DISTANCE FROM A CERTIFIED PORSCHE DEALERSHIP.

ODI #10938714ENGINE

I EXPERIENCED A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH MY 2013 CAYENNE S THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY INVESTIGATED (PE13-009) BY THE NHTSA IN THE PORSCHE 911. WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY THE COOLANT HOSE COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE HOUSING CAUSING THE CAR TO RAPIDLY OVERHEAT WITHOUT WARNING. EXCESSIVE SMOKE FORCED MY WIFE TO PULL OVER AND TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WITH 2 SMALL CHILDREN IN AN UNSAFE AREA OF THE HIGHWAY. A PORSCHE SERVICE FACILITY DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND REPLACED THE COMPONENT AT A COST OF $5,343.56. THE VEHICLE WAS 4.5 YEARS OLD AT THE TIME OF THE REPAIR. IN RESEARCHING THE ISSUE I FOUND NUMEROUS SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ONLINE AND FOUND A RESPONSE FROM PORSCHE RELATING TO PE13-009 DATED 9/17/2013 (ATTACHED). IN PORSCHE'S RESPONSE TO QUESTION 10, THEY CLAIM THAT THE ADHESIVE APPLICATION WAS AUTOMATED AND THERE WERE NO FURTHER MODIFICATIONS OR CHANGES PLANNED. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THEY SUBSEQUENTLY BEGAN THREADING THE PART IN QUESTION INSTEAD OF SIMPLY USING ADHESIVES. IN RESPONSE TO QUESTION 13C PORSCHE LISTED ONLY 2011 TO 2014 CAYENNE MODELS THAT USE A SIMILAR COOLANT PIPE CONNECTION METHOD (ADHESIVE) HOWEVER IT APPEARS THE CAYENNE GOING BACK AS FAR AS 2007 HAS A SIMILAR CONNECTION BASED ON INTERNET COMPLAINTS. IN RESPONSE TO QUESTION 14A PORSCHE LISTS RACETRACK USE AND LOW OR NON APPROVED COOLANT AS CONTRIBUTING FACTORS. IN MY SITUATION THE CAR IS USED MORE AS A MINIVAN THAN A RACE CAR. IT HAS BEEN SERVICED AT ALL RECOMMENDED INTERVALS AND ONLY AT PORSCHE SERVICE LOCATIONS. FINALLY I'D LIKE TO POINT OUT THAT THE CAYENNE AND PANAMERA ARE BOTH FRONT ENGINE VEHICLES AS COMPARED TO THE 911 THAT WAS INITIALLY INVESTIGATED RAISING NEW CONCERNS ABOUT THE LOSS OF TRACTION FROM THE LEAKAGE LOCATION. I WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST THE ISSUE BE RE-EXAMINED BASED ON THE ABOVE AND GIVEN THERE ARE FAR GREATER NUMBERS OF CAYENNES ON THE ROAD THAN THE 911. *TR

ODI #10894403STRUCTURE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 PORSCHE CAYENNE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE DRIFTS TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT HAD TO STEER THE VEHICLE IN EXCESS TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME HAD SHIFTED AND NEEDED TO BE UNBOLTED AND SHIFTED BACK INTO THE PROPER POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 11/07/16*LJ *TR

ODI #10695146ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 PORSCHE CAYENNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS REFUELED, THE FUEL GAUGE REGISTERED AS FULL AND REMAINED ON THE SAME LEVEL AFTER DRIVING 90 MILES OR MORE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL WOULD DROP DRASTICALLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V506000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.

Component Failure Cascade Risk

Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures

HighABS issue detected

Loss of brake assist and ABS in emergency — can significantly extend stopping distances

Complaint & Reliability Timeline

Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red

Annual complaints and reliability score for PORSCHE Cayenne — recall years marked in red
07130501002015201720192021202320252026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 40 total NHTSA complaints filed over 11 years, with the worst year being 2019 (13 complaints).

The amber reliability line shows an improving trend — scores have risen from the earlier years toward 87/100 more recently, suggesting the most serious issues are older and may have been addressed through repairs or recalls.

Notably, despite 40 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.

Details & Analysis
Financial

5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate

Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs

$4,050
Annual Fuel
EPA estimate
$1,800
Annual Insurance
US average
$2,400
Annual Maintenance
13-yr-old vehicle avg
$0
Annual Depreciation
Current period
Estimated 5-Year Total Cost
Fuel + Insurance + Maintenance + Depreciation
$41,250

Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation

$59,864
~$998/mo over 5 yrs
$0.4/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$20,250
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$21,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$6,000
Depreciation
$5,114

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $59,864 (~$998/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

Negotiation Ammunition

Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down

3 open recalls (unverified repair status)−$1,500
Total recommended deduction−$1,500

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Tailored for the 2013 PORSCHE Cayenne — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list

HIGH
Inspect for abs issue detected — ask for repair records
Loss of brake assist and ABS in emergency — can significantly extend stopping distances
HIGH
Verify recall SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES has been repaired
Recall on record for: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Cayenne vehicles manufactured April
HIGH
Verify recall ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL has been repaired
Recall on record for: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cayenne and Cayenne GTS, model year
HIGH
Verify recall EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS has been repaired
Recall on record for: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2020 Porsche Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Cayman S
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.

Recall Probability Forecast

Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals

20%
18-month
36%
2-year
Moderate Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 36%

20% estimated recall probability — some indicators present but not alarming.

  • Accelerating complaint rate — increasing pressure on NHTSA to act

Maintenance Schedule

OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions

Auction History

Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators

Searching Public Auction Records

Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for WP1AD2A26DLA78130. Results appear automatically when found.

Insurance Cost Estimate

Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings

Full Coverage
$3,190–$4,060/yr
~$266–$338/mo
Liability Only
$700–$890/yr
~$58–$74/mo
Category: Luxury SportsModerate surcharge risk
13-year-old vehicle: −18% (depreciated ACV lowers full-coverage cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

State-Specific Legal Protections

What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data Table

All decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VINWP1AD2A26DLA78130
Model Year2013
MakePORSCHE
ModelCayenne
TrimGTS
SeriesType 92A
Vehicle TypeMULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)

Body & Configuration

Body StyleSport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Doors4
Fuel TypeGasoline

Engine

Engine Cylinders8
Displacement (L)4.8
Horsepower420

Manufacturer

ManufacturerDR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AG
Assembly CityLEIPZIG
Assembly CountryGERMANY

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)WP1
Check Digit (Char 9)6
Model Year Code (Char 10)D
Plant Code (Char 11)L
Sequence (Chars 12–17)A78130

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count3
NHTSA Complaint Count40

VIN Structure Decode

ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number

W
1
P
2
1
3
A
4
D
5
2
6
A
7
2
8
6
9
D
10
L
11
A
12
7
13
8
14
1
15
3
16
0
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
W
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
P
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
1
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
AD2A2
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
6
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
D
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
L
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
A78130
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Germany
From VIN position 1 (W)
Model Year Character
"D" → 2013
Could also be 1983
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 6/12/2026, 10:58:55 PM.