2012 Porsche Cayenne
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

- 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
- 300–520 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.
- 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 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 2012 SUV - average of 19 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 33 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Cayenne — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Cayenne →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Leipzig, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2012 Cayenne configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Dr SUV | 190.9 in | 76.4 in | 67.3 in | 114.2 in | 65 / 65.7 in | 4,398 lb | 53/47 |
| S 4 Dr SUV | 190.9 in | 76.4 in | 67.3 in | 114.2 in | 65 / 65.7 in | 4,553 lb | 53/47 |
| S Hybrid 4 Dr SUV | 190.9 in | 76.4 in | 67.3 in | 114.2 in | 65 / 65.7 in | 4,938 lb | 53/47 |
| Turbo 4 Dr SUV | 190.9 in | 76.4 in | 66.9 in | 114.2 in | 65 / 65.7 in | 4,784 lb | 53/47 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cayenne S Hybrid Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 24 / 21 | +11% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Cayenne | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | 0% | $4,350 | 468 |
| Cayenne S | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -5% | $4,550 | 494 |
| Cayenne | 3.6L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 17 | -11% | $4,850 | 523 |
| Cayenne Turbo | 4.8L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 17 | -11% | $4,850 | 523 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Porsche Cayenne.
Similar 2012 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Porsche Cayenne (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 BMW X5 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2012 BMW X3 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Lexus RX | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Volvo XC90 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Audi Q7 | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Audi Q5 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
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.
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.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger · Jul 12, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V329000 · 270 vehicles
- Problem
- PORSCHE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 PANAMERA TURBO, 2012 PANAMERA TURBO S, AND 2012 CAYENNE TURBO VEHICLES. THE TURBINE WHEEL OF A TURBOCHARGER MAY FRACTURE DUE TO A CASTING DEFECT. IF A FRACTURE OCCURS, VEHICLE PERFORMANCE WILL BE DECREASED AND THE TURBINE SHAFT MAY FRACTURE.
- Risk
- IF THE SHAFT FRACTURES, OIL MAY BE DRAWN INTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, RESULTING IN SMOKE AND THE INCREASED RISK OF A FIRE.
- Fix
- PORSCHE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TURBINE WHEELS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 31, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PORSCHE 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.
Not every 2012 Porsche Cayenne is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Porsche Cayenne buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 18 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 5 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 69,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Porsche Cayenne. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Cayenne years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Cayenne | 19 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2025 Cayenne | 22 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 6 |
| 2024 Cayenne | 19 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 5 | 5 |
| 2023 Cayenne | 19 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 5 |
| 2022 Cayenne | 21 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 4 |
| 2021 Cayenne | 21 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 7 | 21 |
| 2020 Cayenne | 21 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 6 | 25 |
| 2019 Cayenne | 21 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 8 | 47 |
| 2018 Cayenne | 22 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 14 |
| 2017 Cayenne | 22 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 19 |
| 2016 Cayenne | 24 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 40 |
| 2015 Cayenne | 23 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 15 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Porsche. How we calculate this →