Makes›Porsche›Cayenne›2012

2012 Porsche Cayenne

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

Engine400–520 hp4.8L 8-cyl
Engine300 hp3.6L 6-cyl
Engine500 hp4.8L turbo 8-cyl
Engine380 hp3.0L 6-cyl hybrid

Trims

SType 92ATurboS Hybrid

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

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 (S8)All-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 190%$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 / 17-11%$4,850523
Cayenne Turbo4.8L 8-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 17-11%$4,850523
Spend $7,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19 MPG2012 Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD average

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

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Porsche Cayenne (this car)21 MPGNot rated5
2012 BMW X521 MPGNot rated14
2012 BMW X321 MPGNot rated2
2012 Lexus RX29 MPGNot rated1
2012 Volvo XC9019 MPGNot rated0
2012 Audi Q720 MPGNot rated4
2012 Audi Q522 MPGNot rated6

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Porsche Cayenne is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

33Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
69,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train18
Unknown Or Other6
Engine5
Electrical System2
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Air Bags2
Vehicle Speed Control2
Service Brakes1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
17/03: 217/11: 117/12: 218/01: 118/02: 118/04: 118/06: 118/12: 219/01: 119/02: 119/03: 119/04: 219/06: 119/07: 319/08: 119/10: 119/12: 120/04: 120/06: 120/12: 122/07: 122/11: 124/12: 126/07: 117/0318/0118/0619/0219/0619/1020/0622/11max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Porsche Cayenne buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 18 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Engine — 5 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 69,000 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 2012 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 →