CarBrief

NHTSA has 53 owner complaints on file for the 2014 Porsche Cayenne, and the power train is the biggest group[1][2]. Three recalls apply, and each one has a free dealer fix[3][4][5].

53owner complaints[1]
3recalls[6]
15–23MPG combined (EPA)[7]

Most reported problems

Owners send complaints to NHTSA. The reports are not verified, and the counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold. The 2014 Cayenne has 53 of them[1]. None mention a crash or a death. One mentions a fire and 3 mention injuries[1].

One complaint can name more than one component, so the group counts below add up to more than 53[1].

Component group Complaints
Power train[2] 17
Unknown or other[8] 11
Air bags[9] 9
Electrical system[10] 6
Engine[11] 5
Structure[12] 5
Exterior lighting[13] 5
Speed control[14] 5

Power train. This is the largest group, with a median mileage at failure of 52,000. None of these complaints mention a crash, a fire or an injury[2]. In a sample of 12 of these complaints we read, 10 name the transfer case[2]. Owners describe lurching or shuddering when accelerating, noises when pulling away, and a part that had to be replaced[2]. These are owner reports, not confirmed defects. None of the three recalls below covers this part.

Air bags. In a sample of 8 of the 9 complaints we read, all 8 are about dashboard leather that shrinks and pulls away from its staples[9]. Owners say they were told an airbag might not deploy correctly because of it. That is what owners relay, and no recall in our data covers it[9].

Electrical system. The 6 complaints include 1 fire and 2 injuries, with a median mileage at failure of 9,200[10]. In a sample of 5 we read, the topics differ[10]. Owners describe a fuel gauge fault message, water in the headlight assemblies, dash lights followed by the engine stopping, and a loose turn signal[10].

Other groups. The 5 structure complaints include 1 fire and 1 injury[12]. In the 5 we read, topics range from a sunroof that shattered to a sharp metal edge at the trunk[12]. The 5 engine complaints include 2 injuries[11]. The 5 exterior lighting complaints include 1 fire[13]. The 5 speed control complaints have no crashes, fires or injuries[14]. We did not read the texts for these three groups.

Recalls

Three recalls are on file, newest first. Each has a free fix at a dealer. You can reach Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243[3].

The last recall covers only a small batch, so a given car may not be part of it. Ask a dealer to check the car you are looking at[5].

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend a lot on the version. Annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Version Engine City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
Cayenne Diesel[7] 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, diesel 20 / 29 / 23 $4,150
Cayenne S Hybrid[15] 3.0L 6-cyl 20 / 24 / 21 $3,900
Cayenne (automatic)[16] 3.6L 6-cyl 17 / 23 / 19 $4,350
Cayenne (manual)[17] 3.6L 6-cyl 15 / 22 / 17 $4,850
Cayenne S[18] 4.8L 8-cyl 15 / 22 / 18 $4,550
Cayenne GTS[19] 4.8L 8-cyl 14 / 20 / 16 $5,150
Cayenne Turbo[20] 4.8L 8-cyl turbo 14 / 21 / 17 $4,850
Cayenne Turbo S[21] 4.8L 8-cyl turbo 13 / 20 / 15 $5,500

The Diesel has the best combined rating at 23 MPG[7]. The Turbo S has the lowest at 15 MPG and the highest yearly fuel cost[21]. The S Hybrid has the lowest yearly fuel cost[15]. All versions in the table are all-wheel drive[20][21][18][19][7][16][17][15].

Engine and size

EPA lists the 3.6L 6-cylinder at 300 hp[22]. It lists the 4.8L 8-cylinder at 400 to 550 hp, depending on the version[23].

Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models. Every variant listed is 191 in long, 76 in wide and 67 in tall, with a 114 in wheelbase[24][25][26][27][28]. Curb weight changes by version.

Variant Curb weight
Cayenne[24] 4,475 lb
Cayenne Diesel[25] 4,586 lb
Cayenne S and GTS[27] 4,597 lb
Cayenne Turbo and Turbo S[28] 4,883 lb
Cayenne S Hybrid[26] 4,938 lb

How 2014 compares with other years

2003: 7 complaints, 9 recalls20032004: 101 complaints, 9 recalls2005: 46 complaints, 4 recalls2006: 55 complaints, 3 recalls20062007: 1 complaints, 0 recalls2008: 42 complaints, 3 recalls2009: 15 complaints, 2 recalls20092010: 1 complaints, 2 recalls2011: 59 complaints, 5 recalls2012: 36 complaints, 5 recalls20122013: 40 complaints, 3 recalls2014: 53 complaints, 3 recalls5320142015: 15 complaints, 3 recalls20152016: 40 complaints, 2 recalls2017: 19 complaints, 2 recalls2018: 14 complaints, 1 recalls20182019: 46 complaints, 8 recalls2020: 25 complaints, 6 recalls2021: 21 complaints, 7 recalls20212022: 4 complaints, 3 recalls2023: 5 complaints, 2 recalls2024: 5 complaints, 5 recalls20242025: 6 complaints, 2 recalls2026: 5 complaints, 1 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Cayenne model year. The 2014 is highlighted[6].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
200379
20041019
2005464
2006553
200710
2008423
2009152
201012
2011595
2012365
2013403
2014533
2015153
2016402
2017192
2018141
2019468
2020256
2021217
202243
202352
202455
202562
202651

Among the 24 Cayenne model years on file, 2014 has the fourth highest complaint count with 53[6]. Only 2004 (101), 2011 (59) and 2006 (55) have more[6]. Its 3 recalls are fewer than the 9 each for 2003 and 2004, the 8 for 2019 and the 7 for 2021[6].

The years on either side look different. 2013 has 40 complaints and 3 recalls, and 2015 has 15 complaints and 3 recalls[6]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so they show where owners spoke up and not how likely a problem is.

Should you buy a used 2014 Porsche Cayenne?

The 2014 Cayenne sits among the higher complaint counts for its model line, and the power train is the largest group[2][6]. In the sample we read, 10 of 12 power train complaints name the transfer case, so ask for service records and have a Porsche specialist check how the car accelerates and shifts[2]. In the air bag complaints we read, owners describe dashboard leather that shrinks, which is worth a look in person[9].

The three recalls have free fixes, so confirm with a dealer that they were done on the exact car[3][4][5]. Fuel cost depends on the version, from $3,900 a year for the S Hybrid to $5,500 for the Turbo S, and complaints are unverified, so use them as a checklist and not as a verdict[15][21].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2014 Porsche Cayenne?
Power train is the largest complaint group with 17 of 53 complaints[1][2]. In a sample of 12 power train complaints we read, 10 name the transfer case[2]. Air bag complaints, 9 in all, are about dashboard leather in the sample we read[9].
Does the 2014 Porsche Cayenne have any recalls?
Yes, three: 22V656 for headlight screw caps, 16V169 for the brake pedal pin and 13V506 for the fuel gauge display[3][4][5]. Each has a free dealer fix.
What gas mileage does the 2014 Porsche Cayenne get?
It depends on the version. Combined ratings run from 15 MPG for the Turbo S to 23 MPG for the Diesel[21][7].
Is 2014 a good year for the Porsche Cayenne?
It has 53 complaints, the fourth highest of 24 model years, and 3 recalls[6]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so they are only a rough guide.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 53 owner complaints on file for the 2014 Porsche Cayenne (0 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 3 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 17 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 52,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 22V656, filed August 30, 2022: Exterior Lighting › Headlights. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 16V169, filed March 23, 2016: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 13V506, filed October 17, 2013: Electrical System › Instrument Cluster / Panel. NHTSA recall database
  6. Owner complaints and recalls for every Porsche Cayenne model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  7. EPA rating for Cayenne Diesel, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Diesel, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 29 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  8. 11 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 9 complaints name the air bags component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 6 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 9,200). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 5 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 5 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 5 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 5 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. EPA rating for Cayenne S Hybrid, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Cayenne, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Cayenne, 3.6L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Cayenne S, 4.8L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Cayenne GTS, 4.8L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Cayenne Turbo, 4.8L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Cayenne Turbo S, 4.8L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 20 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA Test Car List, 2014 Porsche Cayenne with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 300 hp. www.epa.gov
  23. EPA Test Car List, 2014 Porsche Cayenne with 4.8L 8-cylinder: rated 400 to 550 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CAYENNE 4 DR SUV: length 191 in, width 76 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 4,475 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  25. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CAYENNE DIESEL 4 DR SUV: length 191 in, width 76 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 4,586 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CAYENNE S HYBRID 4 DR SUV: length 191 in, width 76 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 4,938 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CAYENNE S/GTS 4 DR SUV: length 191 in, width 76 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 4,597 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CAYENNE TURBO/TURBO S 4 DR SUV: length 191 in, width 76 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 4,883 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.