Makes›Porsche›Cayenne›2011

2011 Porsche Cayenne

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

Porsche Cayenne
Pictured: Porsche Cayenne (III, Facelift) – f 01012025. Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Body styles
4 Dr SUV, S 4 Dr SUV, S Hybrid 4 Dr SUV, Turbo 4 Dr SUV
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl turbo
Horsepower
400 hp
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
21 combined · 20 city / 24 hwy
Length
190.9 in
Curb weight
4,398–4,938 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
  • Modest powerUp to 400 hp, versus about 555 hp for similar 2011 models.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2011 Porsche Cayenne is a SUV - offered with 4 engines (3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl and 4.8L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 191 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,398 lb (4 Dr SUV).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (20 city / 24 highway), 11% better than the 2011 SUV - average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 57 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2011

  • New body dimensions: 1.9 in longer, wheelbase +2.4 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • New hybrid version
  • Engine added: 3.0L 6-cyl
  • Best combined MPG up from 16 to 21

Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Cayenne →

Trims, performance & features

Engine400 hp4.8L 8-cyl
Engine–3.6L 6-cyl
Engine–3.6L 6-cyl hybrid

Trims

STurboHybrid

Built in: Leipzig, Germany

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2011 Cayenne configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4 Dr SUV190.9 in76.4 in67.3 in114.2 in65 / 65.7 in4,398 lb53/47
S 4 Dr SUV190.9 in76.4 in67.3 in114.2 in65 / 65.7 in4,553 lb53/47
S Hybrid 4 Dr SUV190.9 in76.4 in67.3 in114.2 in65 / 65.7 in4,938 lb53/47
Turbo 4 Dr SUV190.9 in76.4 in66.9 in114.2 in65 / 65.7 in4,784 lb53/47

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Cayenne S Hybrid Hybrid3.0L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive20 / 24 / 21+11%$3,900423
Cayenne3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 19+1%$4,350468
Cayenne S4.8L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-5%$4,550494
Cayenne3.6L 6-cylManual 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18-5%$4,550494
Cayenne Turbo4.8L 8-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 17-10%$4,850523
Spend $7,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.9 MPG2011 Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Porsche Cayenne.

Similar 2011 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2011 Porsche Cayenne (this car)21 MPGNot rated5
2011 Land Rover Range Rover15 MPGNot rated5
2011 BMW X522 MPGNot rated18
2011 BMW X321 MPGNot rated5
2011 Lexus RX29 MPGNot rated1
2011 Volvo XC9018 MPGNot rated1
2011 Audi Q720 MPGNot rated4

Recalls (5)

Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Aug 30, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V656000 · 222,858 vehicles

Problem
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 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."
Risk
Improperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ANB4.
Engine · Jun 7, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V368000 · 18,005 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2010-2012 Panamera S, Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo vehicles, 2011-2012 Panamera and Panamera 4 vehicles, and 2011 Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo vehicles. The affected vehicles have camshaft controllers that may come loose inside the engine, potentially resulting in an engine stall.
Risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fastening screws for the camshaft adjusters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 12, 2018. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy is available. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AH08.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages · Mar 23, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V169000 · 88,300 vehicles

Problem
Porsche 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.
Risk
If the brake pedal dislodges, the driver may not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly circlip, installing any missing circlips, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AG02.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Jan 20, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V016000 · 1,368 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cayenne S Hybrid, and 2012 Panamera S Hybrid vehicles manufactured April 26, 2011, to August 2, 2012. The fuel injection system may leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increasea the risk of a fire.
Fix
Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails, free of charge. The recall began on April 17, 2015. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Feb 21, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V065000 · 20,278 vehicles

Problem
PORSCHE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 CAYENNE, CAYENNE S, CAYENNE S HYBRID, AND CAYENNE TURBO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 8, 2010, THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2012 BECAUSE THE HEADLAMPS MAY COME LOOSE AND DETACH FROM THE FENDER.
Risk
A DETACHED HEADLIGHT COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VISIBILITY AND AN INCREASED RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
PORSCHE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP LOCKING ASSEMBLIES, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 9, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-767-7243.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2011 Porsche Cayenne is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

57Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
72,500 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine32
Power Train16
Unknown Or Other6
Service Brakes3
Air Bags3
Steering1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Electrical System1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
18/01: 318/02: 118/04: 118/05: 118/07: 118/10: 118/11: 119/02: 119/03: 119/07: 219/10: 120/01: 220/05: 120/06: 120/07: 120/08: 120/12: 123/01: 123/05: 324/04: 124/08: 124/11: 324/12: 125/04: 118/0118/0518/1119/0720/0520/0823/0524/11max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2011 Porsche Cayenne buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 32 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Power Train — 16 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Service Brakes — 3 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 72,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Porsche Cayenne. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Cayenne years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Cayenne19193.7 inNot rated15
2025 Cayenne22193.7 inNot rated26
2024 Cayenne19193.7 inNot rated55
2023 Cayenne19193.7 inNot rated25
2022 Cayenne21193.7 inNot rated34
2021 Cayenne21193.7 inNot rated721
2020 Cayenne21193.7 inNot rated625
2019 Cayenne21193.7 inNot rated847
2018 Cayenne22190.9 inNot rated114
2017 Cayenne22190.9 inNot rated219
2016 Cayenne24190.9 inNot rated240
2015 Cayenne23190.9 inNot rated315

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Porsche. How we calculate this →