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2004 Porsche Cayenne S transmission problems

14 complaints (29% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 71,000.

owner complaints
14
of this car's complaints
29%
typical mileage
71,000
crashes
0
recalls
2

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
    3
  • Driveline: driveshaft
    2
  • Driveline: center support bearing
    1
  • Driveline
    1
  • Automatic transmission
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Porsche Cayenne S transmission problems in other years

2003200420062008201120122020

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)Reported June 12, 2019 · 99,665 vehicles affected
What is 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 Edition, Panamera Platinum Edition, 2016 Panamera 4 Edition, Panamera Edition, Panamera Turbo S Executive Luxury Sports vehicles. The bushing that attaches the gear selector lever to the gearbox may degrade over time, causing the bushing to detach. This condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
Risk
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.
Remedy
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. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1‑800‑767‑7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKB1.

Recall number 19V446000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported February 18, 2004 · 4,099 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain sport utility vehicles may have had a transfer case installed that could, due to changes in the housing casting, result in the oil pump rotation. Should this occur, oil starvation of the internal gears might result.
Risk
Continued operation of the vehicle could result in a fracture of the transfer case housing. Incorrect torque would then be applied to the driven wheels or oil could leak and contact the tires.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the transfer case housing and, if necessary, replace the transfer case. Owner notification began on may 3, 2004. Owners should contact porsche at 1‑800‑545‑8039.

Recall number 04V071000 · Recall details

What 2004 Porsche Cayenne S owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 3, 2016 · Lights, Transmission · 119,000 miles · CT

Porsche has recalled the 2011 for headlight becoming loose. I have a 2004 with same problem. Any type of vibration or bump it becomes loose safety hazard when driving at night. Porsche is aware of driveshaft clunking because of faulty bushings and will not recall driveshafts it clunks whenn you need to accelerate to passs a semi but also when slowing down to a stop it also does it too. Porsche dealerbin wallingford ct will not acknowledge workshop campaigns.

Filed Apr 10, 2015 · Electrical, Seat belts · 134,390 miles · LA

While driving I heard a loud knocking noise and coming from under the center console and my truck started to shake. I came to a complete stop then proceeded on but once the truck got over 20mph the knocking noise started again .

Filed Apr 30, 2014 · Acceleration, Transmission · 98,490 miles · TX

The porsche cayenne is notorious for drive / cardan shaft failures. Had bad drive shaft noises, and subsequent premature failure, it was a worn center support dampener and a faulty center support bearing. I experienced banging, bumping, grinding noises from my porsche cayenne and was unaware at the time it was the drive shaft. I have outlined the noises and causes below: - a clanking or clunking noise while accelerating or from deceleration to acceleration around 35to 40mph and while cayenne was shifting from 2nd to 3rd to 4th gear. Around 5th and 6th gear going around 50-60 MPH it stopped. If I kept the RPM under 200 it seemed to run ok, no issue, but if I pressed the accelerator hard or gunned it, it went haywire. It was the result of a worn and damaged dampener or diaphragm located on the center support bearing. This condition will allow for the drive shaft to travel up and down with variations in drive line torque. This movement will produce a loud clanking or clunking sound and make for a very uncomfortable ride. I later found out that this condition is one of the most common failures on the cayenne drive shaft, all models 2003 to 2006. This should be a recall and free fix by porsche because it has happened to so many of the vehicles and model years stated above! But no, porsche quoted me $2,500 to fix it. Not fix the problem area, the hard rubber dampener on the center support shaft of the power train, which by the way is possible. No, porsche would only replace the entire power train for $2,500.

Filed Jun 26, 2012 · Transmission · 94,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 porsche cayenne s. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to respond when contact attempted to accelerate. The vehicle accelerated at once and jolted rapidly. The contact stated that the failure recurred every time vehicle's speed was around 20 MPH. The contact was able to avoid the failure if the vehicle maintained a higher speed. After several days, the vehicle was not able to be driven. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection or repair; however when notified, they stated that the failure could be related to a failed drive shaft. The manufacturer was not made aware. The failure and current mileages were 94,000.

Filed Apr 10, 2012 · Transmission · 71,000 miles · CA

Coolant level appears low all the sudden and pipes r leaking.

Filed Apr 7, 2011 · Transmission · 50,800 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 porsche cayenne s. While driving approximately 50 MPH, a severe vibration occurred along with a simultaneous banging sound outside of the vehicle. The failure occurred whenever the vehicle was in motion. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they informed the contact that the center drive shaft bearing was faulty and would need to be replaced. The contact scheduled an appointment with the dealer for the repair. The failure mileage was 50,800. Updated 5/24/11 *cn updated 06/06/11

Filed Jan 31, 2011 · Transmission · 32,419 miles · CA

Main drive shaft center bearing faulty, failure without notice, causing severe vibration in drive train. Dealer will replace with upgrade part with no reimbursement from maker.

Filed Feb 1, 2010 · Electrical, Engine · 77,059 miles · MA

**uncontrolled acceleration** cayenne s accelerated uncontrollably while driving. While driving at approx 60 MPH, I encountered traffic ahead and took my foot off the accelerator, however the car began accelerating. I tried lifting the pedal with my foot, no luck, applied the brakes and the car slowed, however, when I removed my foot from the brake, the cayenne continued to accelerate. The cruise control had not been activated and was off. I kept pressing the gas pedal and releasing it at least a dozen times and finally the cayenne stopped accelerating on its own, only to lose any control to accelerate. I coasted into a parking lot and stopped the car. Turned it off and restarted - I was able to drive, however acceleration was very slow and gear indicator on the dash cluster displayed a black 'd' in an orange square. This is a symbol that does not exist in the owners manual. The car shifted through gears normally. The rapid uncontrolled acceleration repeated itself and I was able to pull into another parking lot, slowing and stopping the car thanksto massive 14" front brakes with 6 piston calipers and 13"+ rear brakes with 4 piston calipers. I turned the car off for a few minutes and restarted. Gear selection indicator appeared normal and I was able to drive off, however acceleration was still veryslow. Drove home with the rapid acceleration repeating itself again and then stopping after a few miles. The only reason this did not cause a crash is the massive braking power of the cayenne and astute driving. I ran diagnostic software when I made it home and there was an "accelerator module" failure reported. The tail lights, alarm, central locking, and the ability to open the tailgate at all have also failed - "rear lighting control module" failure. So while driving, my tail lights failed, car accelerated uncontrollably and failed to accelerate in a safe normal manner. This is a major safety issue and should be promptly addressed!

Filed Sep 10, 2007 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · CA

Car was driving normal. Parked in garage and 2 hours later took back out for short drive. Reaching 25 MPH, car begin shaking violently and than as accelerated further stopped shaking. Pulled over, than accelerated again slowly, car begin shaking at approx 50 MPH. Slowed again. And car continued to shake violently at various speeds. Took to independent porsche shop, and was diagnosed as "failed drive shaft center bearing".

Filed Jun 7, 2006 · Transmission · 72,000 miles · SC

Severe vibration/noise in main rear drive shaft. Failure of rubber bushing component on center support bearing causes severe instability of drive shaft. Potential for loss of drive train component at speed. First failure at 72000 miles. Dealer admits that there have been multiple instances of failure on vehicles nationwide to the extent that porsche does not have replacement parts available from warehouse and other dealers are reluctant to transfer stock because of anticipated need.

Questions about the 2004 Porsche Cayenne S transmission

Does the 2004 Porsche Cayenne S have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the transmission of the 2004 Porsche Cayenne S, 29% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2004 Porsche Cayenne S transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 71,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2004 Porsche Cayenne S transmission?

Yes, 2 recalls: 19V446000, 04V071000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

Other 2004 Porsche Cayenne S problems

Engine 17Fuel system 8Electrical 7Locks 4Tires 4Brakes 3Acceleration 2Airbags 2Body 2Lights 2Visibility 2Driver assistance 1Seat belts 1Suspension 1

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