MotorDeets

2008 Porsche Cayenne: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2008 Porsche Cayenne: 3 recalls, 27 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
27owner complaints
0mention a crash
16best combined mpg
2008 Porsche Cayenne
Photo: OSX · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Fuel system Vehicle recall #08V076000 · 2008 · 5,573 vehicles

What's wrong: A fuel line in the plenum panel area May contact the rear engine compartment cover. Relative movements of the engine while driving May cause knocking noises and chafing on the fuel line. A fuel leak May develop.

Why it matters: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

The fix: Dealers will reroute the fuel line and install an additional spacer ring free of charge. The recall began on February 15, 2008.

Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #19V446000 · 2019 · 99,665 vehicles

What's wrong: 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 s executive, panamera turbo executive, panamera turbo s g1 II, panamera turbo s executive, 2013 panamera 4 platinum…

Why it matters: 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.

The 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 August 9, 2019.

Exterior lights Vehicle recall #22V656000 · 2022 · 222,858 vehicles

What's wrong: Porsche 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…

Why it matters: Improperly adjusted headlights May not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will inspect the headlights for sealing caps and install missing caps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical7
Transmission & drivetrain6
Engine6
Fuel & propulsion3
Tires2
Visibility (wipers, glass)2
Exterior lights2
Suspension2

What owners describe

The 2008 Porsche Cayenne has 27 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 23 Cayenne model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 22). Complaints peaked in 2020 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 10 years old, at a median of 76,388 miles. Neighboring years: 2009 (15 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.6 L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive142016Premium
3.6 L 6-cylManual 6-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive142016Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2008 Porsche Cayenne.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2008 Porsche Cayenne manual

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FAQ

Does the 2008 Porsche Cayenne have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2008 Porsche Cayenne. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2008 Porsche Cayenne problems?

Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (7), transmission & drivetrain (6), engine (6).

What gas mileage does the 2008 Porsche Cayenne get?

EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (3.6 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2008 Porsche Cayenne repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Cayenne years

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