CarBrief

NHTSA has 40 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Cayenne, and none mention a crash, fire or death[1]. It also has 2 recalls, covering the brake pedal and the headlight adjustment caps[2][3].

40owner complaints[1]
2recalls[4]
16–24MPG combined (EPA)[5]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 40 complaints for this model year, with 0 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries and 0 deaths[1]. These are owner reports and they are not verified. One complaint can name several components.

The largest groups are:

We read a small sample of the complaint texts. Air bags. In the 11 texts we read, 10 describe the dashboard leather shrinking or peeling, and one describes it coming apart, with worry that this could affect how the airbag deploys[7]. Our data does not say whether that worry is correct, and none of these complaints reports an injury[7].

Power train. In the 7 texts we read, 4 describe a transfer case that slipped, made noise or was replaced, and 2 describe delayed or lost acceleration[8]. The cost and the warranty coverage came up in some of them.

Exterior lighting. In the 5 texts we read, 4 describe moisture or condensation inside the headlights[9].

Fuel and propulsion. In the 5 texts we read, 3 describe hesitation or a delay when accelerating, and one describes a loss of acceleration[10].

These samples are small, so they show what some owners describe. They do not tell you how common a problem is.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this car[2][3]. Newest first:

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the version. Annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new[14].

Version City / Hwy / Combined MPG Annual fuel cost
Cayenne, 3.6L 6-cyl[14] 17 / 24 / 20 $4,100
Cayenne S, 3.6L 6-cyl turbo[15] 16 / 24 / 19 $4,350
Cayenne GTS, 3.6L 6-cyl turbo[16] 16 / 23 / 18 $4,550
Cayenne Turbo, 4.8L 8-cyl turbo[17] 14 / 21 / 17 $4,850
Cayenne Turbo S, 4.8L 8-cyl turbo[18] 14 / 21 / 16 $5,150
Cayenne Diesel, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo[5] 21 / 28 / 24 $4,000

The Cayenne S e-Hybrid, 3.0L 6-cyl, is rated 22 MPGe combined with 480 miles of range[19]. All gas and diesel versions above are rated All-Wheel Drive with Automatic (S8)[14][15][16][17][18][5].

Safety ratings

NHTSA has not rated the 2016 Cayenne in its 5-Star Safety Ratings[20]. This is true for the base, Diesel, GTS, S, S e-Hybrid, Turbo and Turbo S listings[20][21][22][23][24][25][26].

Engine and size

EPA lists these engines and power ratings:

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications, so US models can differ slightly. Every version is listed at 191 in long, 76 in wide, 67 in high, with a 114 in wheelbase[30][31][32][33][34]. Curb weight differs:

Version Curb weight
Cayenne and Cayenne Diesel[30][31] 4,652 lb
Cayenne S and GTS[33] 4,597 lb
Cayenne Turbo and Turbo S[34] 4,982 lb
Cayenne S e-Hybrid[32] 5,181 lb

How 2016 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 recalls2015: 15 complaints, 3 recalls20152016: 40 complaints, 2 recalls4020162017: 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 2016 is highlighted[4].
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

The 2016 model year has 40 complaints and 2 recalls on file[4]. Seven model years have more complaints than 2016: 2004 (101), 2011 (59), 2006 (55), 2014 (53), 2005 (46), 2019 (46) and 2008 (42)[4]. The 2013 model year ties at 40[4]. The neighbors 2015 and 2017 have 15 and 19 complaints, with 3 and 2 recalls[4].

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat this as a rough guide only[4].

Should you buy a used 2016 Cayenne?

There are no crashes, fires or deaths among the 40 complaints, though 2 injuries are reported[1]. Both recalls have a free dealer remedy, so check that a car you are considering had them done[2][3]. In the complaint samples we read, owners describe dashboard leather shrinking, transfer case trouble and headlight moisture[7][8][9]. Ask for service records on those areas. Fuel economy varies a lot by version, from 16 to 24 combined MPG for gas and diesel[18][5].

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2016 Porsche Cayenne?
NHTSA has 40 complaints[1]. The largest groups are unknown or other (16), air bags (11), power train (7) and exterior lighting (6)[1][6][7][8][9].
Does the 2016 Porsche Cayenne have recalls?
Yes, 2 recalls[2][3]: 22V656 for headlight adjustment caps and 16V169 for the brake pedal pin. Both have a free dealer remedy[2][3].
What is the gas mileage of the 2016 Porsche Cayenne?
EPA combined ratings run from 16 MPG (Turbo S) to 24 MPG (Diesel), and the S e-Hybrid is rated 22 MPGe[18][5][19].
Did the 2016 Porsche Cayenne get a NHTSA safety rating?
No. NHTSA lists it as not rated[20].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 40 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Porsche Cayenne (0 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 2 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Recall 22V656, filed August 30, 2022: Exterior Lighting › Headlights. NHTSA recall database
  3. Recall 16V169, filed March 23, 2016: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages. NHTSA recall database
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every Porsche Cayenne model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for Cayenne Diesel, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Diesel, All-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,000. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. 16 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 16,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 11 complaints name the air bags component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 7 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 6 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 5 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 5 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 3 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 1 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. EPA rating for Cayenne, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for Cayenne S, 3.6L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Cayenne GTS, 3.6L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Cayenne Turbo, 4.8L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Cayenne Turbo S, 4.8L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 21 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Cayenne S e-Hybrid, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (AM8), Premium Gas or Electricity: 22 MPGe combined, 480 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  21. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  22. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  23. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  24. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  25. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  26. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  27. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Porsche Cayenne with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 416 hp. www.epa.gov
  28. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Porsche Cayenne with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 300 to 440 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  29. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Porsche Cayenne with 4.8L 8-cylinder: rated 520 hp. www.epa.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CAYENNE 4DR SUV: length 191 in, width 76 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 4,652 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CAYENNE DIESEL 4DR SUV: length 191 in, width 76 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 4,652 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  32. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CAYENNE S E-HYBRID 4DR SUV: length 191 in, width 76 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 5,181 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  33. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CAYENNE S/GTS 4DR 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
  34. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CAYENNE TURBO/TURBO S 4DR SUV: length 191 in, width 76 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 4,982 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.