The RIGHT FRONT HEADLIGHT has experienced recurring water/moisture intrusion and has now completely failed and no longer illuminates. This creates a safety concern because the vehicle has substantially reduced forward illumination for nighttime driving. On September 23, 2024, an authorized Porsche dealer performed headlight-related warranty work. The dealer’s repair record states that both headlights were removed and the modules were swapped side-to-side during diagnosis. On September 30, only seven days later, I photographed substantial condensation/water inside the right front headlight. On October 1, 2024, I reported the continuing condition to my Porsche service advisor. In written communications, the advisor asked whether the affected light was the right side. I confirmed that it was. He stated that the condition was “not normal” and that he would order the headlight. He subsequently confirmed in writing that the right headlight had been ordered. I continued reporting the problem. A November 27, 2024 dealer repair order specifically documents: “CUSTOMER STATES-RIGHT HEADLIGHT IS HOLDING WATER.” The headlight was not replaced because the moisture reportedly was not visible when the vehicle was inspected. The water/condensation continued to recur, and I have dated photographs documenting the condition over time. On September 7, 2026, the vehicle displayed the warning “Check front right dipped headlight.” I photographed the warning. The right front headlight has now completely failed and does not illuminate at all. The vehicle and failed headlight are available for inspection. I have reported the matter to Porsche Cars North America and provided repair records, dated photographs and contemporaneous communications. Porsche confirmed receipt of the documentation, but the problem remains unresolved. I am concerned that recurring moisture intrusion into the headlight assembly has progressed to complete lighting failure and may represent a safety issue
Porsche Cayenne headlights problems
28 of the 509 owner complaints about the Porsche Cayenne describe headlights failing or too dim, most of them for the 2016 model year.
- owner complaints
- 28
- worst model year
- 2016
- typical mileage
- 55,000
By model year
- 20241
- 20194
- 20181
- 20174
- 20165
- 20153
- 20142
- 20131
- 20112
- 20091
- 20081
- 20061
- 20051
- 20041
Often reported together
What owners say
During rain events, headlight housings are becoming inundated with moisture (L and R sides). A quick search on multiple forums shows this is a known issue with all Porsche models. During night driving this issue reduces visibility significantly. Yes, this puts my occupants and other drivers at risk. Porsche is famous for not acknowledging and addressing out of warranty manufacturing defects, even safety issues. They would not address this issue. Brief warning lights and flashing of the headlight system was evident. This has been happening for a few years and is getting progressively worse.
Seals around both headlights appear to be improperly/weakly sealed. Water intrusion is coming in from light rain or even a car wash causing entire headlight system to shut off until the moisture dries up often while driving. This vehicle has matrix adaptive led headlights and there is no self service bulb to replace since they’re leds. Local Porsche dealer service advisors appear to know this is a common issue but state Porsche has yet to do a recall and they have no fix option and only offer to sell me a full headlight assembly replacement.
June 7-8, 2024 driving in rain, the #17- 25 amp headlight fuse blew, leaving my family and me stranded without headlights in the dark on I-70 highway. When headlights quit during this drive and it became Very Very dangerous! After getting the 2015 Cayenne home, I inspected both headlights. Driver's side headlight had a lot of moisture on the inside of lens. The passenger side headlight had about 1 cup of water inside headlight. Reading about Porsche Cayenne headlights leaking online, this issue should be a recall. I am going to take to dealership have them work on unrelated recall. I will ask them to inspect Cayenne. I can not drive this vehicle during inclimate weather or at night for an emergency or otherwise. I have been really busy at work and personally to take 60 miles to dealership. I have another vehicle I have been driving.
**Subject**: Urgent Safety Concern: Headlight Condensation and Water Damage in 2015-2018 Porsche Cayenne 958.2 I am writing to report a serious safety issue with the LED matrix headlights on my 2016 Porsche Cayenne GTS (958.2). The problem involves severe condensation buildup within the headlight assembly, leading to water damage and electrical failures. This defect has caused my headlights to fail, particularly during nighttime driving in heavy rain, which significantly reduced visibility. This failure could have resulted in a major accident, putting my life and the lives of others at risk. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The issue first became noticeable after a rainstorm, where condensation started to build up inside the headlights. Despite multiple visits to my local Porsche dealership, where they confirmed the problem and attempted repairs, the issue continues to persist. I also notified Porsche corporate directly, but neither the dealership nor Porsche offered any assistance or permanent resolution. Both have failed to take responsibility for what I believe is a widespread defect, as I have found numerous similar reports from other owners. No warning lights or messages were displayed prior to the headlight failure, which made the issue even more dangerous. Without any prior indication, I was left driving without functioning headlights at night, in poor weather conditions. Given the potential for catastrophic consequences, I strongly urge the federal safety agency to investigate this issue. A recall or other corrective action is necessary to prevent further risks to drivers. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
headlamp wiring and turn signal failures. Big hazard!! Why is in the headlight assembly including the headlight wire harness is corroding due to the heat this is a common issue that I see that’s online. Everyone is having the same issue with the same type of vehicle this needs attention immediately and recalled before the media gets wind of this. The group chats that I am in is starting to do a petition because this was reported to you guys numerous amount of times as I can see in our group chats so please call this recall because it is a safety hazard to the roads. Headlights are going off as we’re driving due to that Issue please give me a email at [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My 2024 Cayenne is outfitted with the LED HD Matrix headlights. The low beam lights "when adjusted to specifications" only project 30-40ft down the road. This is very dangerous not being able to see adequately in front of the car especially where I live which have many deer. I'm told this is partially because the US does not allow full HD Matrix functionality. Porsche should not sell vehicle which do not function properly in the USA>
Headlight not working properly.
The contact owns a 2016 Porsche Cayenne. The contact stated that water had leaked inside the front driver's side and passenger's side headlamps. The contact stated that the failure caused the headlights to become foggy and significantly dim, reducing the visibility of the roadway. The contact stated that he had received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V656000 (Exterior Lighting) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that the dealer sealed the headlamps while there was water inside. The dealer declined to perform additional repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
The two headlights have appeared to have condensation due to sealing problem of the headlight. When the light bulbs and beam heat up the air with moisture, it will leave water inside of the headlight cover. This will increase the safety risks when we were driving on the road. There is no warning message for that. The problem should not be normal and this should really be manufacturer’s problem to fix.
Related recalls
Exterior lighting: lighting control module: software
- What is wrong
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2024 Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne Turbo GT, and Cayenne S Coupe vehicles. After the vehicle is turned off, the rear hazard warning lights and the parking lights may not illuminate if they are activated within 10 seconds after the gateway control unit shuts off. 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
- Rear hazard warning lights and parking lights that fail to illuminate can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the gateway control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 26, 2023. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1‑800‑767‑7243. Porsche's number for this recall is APB1.
Recall number 23V527000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: headlights
- What is 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 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 22V656000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: headlights
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 12V065000 · Recall details
Questions about the Porsche Cayenne headlights
Which Porsche Cayenne years have headlights failing or too dim problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2016 (5 complaints), 2017 (4 complaints) and 2019 (4 complaints).
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