Porsche Cayenne Turbo (958.2) Reliability: The Transfer Case Trap
Common Failure Points & Costs
| Component | Failure Mileage | Symptom | Est. Cost (USD) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer Case | 40k - 60k miles | Shuddering, hesitation | $3,000 - $5,000 (Extended Warranty covers some) | Critical |
| Air Suspension | 70k+ miles | Sagging, compressor failure | $1,200 per corner | High |
| Coolant Vent Line | 60k miles | Sudden coolant dump | $800 | Medium |
| Valve Cover Gaskets | 80k miles | Oil smell, leaking on headers | $1,500 | Medium |
Reliability Verdict
The 958.2 Cayenne Turbo is a beast, but it has one specific, verified defect: The Transfer Case. Porsche extended the warranty on many units, but check if yours is covered. Beyond that, it is heavy and eats tires, brakes, and suspension components.
Porsche Cayenne Turbo (958.2) Reliability: The Transfer Case Trap
The Cayenne Turbo 958.2 (2015-2018) is the facelifted version of the second-generation Cayenne. It kept the 4.8L Twin-Turbo V8 (before the current Cayenne switched to the 4.0L).
It is fast, capable, and luxurious. But it has a fatal flaw in the driveline.
1. The Transfer Case Nightmare
If you own a 958 Cayenne, you know this pain. The transfer case (which sends power to all 4 wheels) was designed with a fatal flaw: the breather vent was poor, allowing moisture to enter / oil to degrade, and the clutch packs would slip/grab.
- Symptoms:
- Low speed hesitation.
- “Shuddering” or “hopping” sensation when turning or accelerating.
- Feeling like you are driving over rumble strips.
- The Scope: It affects nearly every Cayenne from this era.
- The Fix: Porsche extended the warranty to 7 years / unlimited miles (or similar, varies by region). But many 2015/2016 models are now out of that extension.
- Cost: $3,000 - $5,000 out of pocket.
Do not buy this car without verifying the transfer case status.
2. Engine: The 4.8L V8 (CFT)
The 958.2 uses the CFT engine code 4.8L.
- Reliability: Very good.
- Coolant Pipes: The glued pipe issue of the 955/957 was mostly fixed with screwed-in fittings, but the plastic vent line under the intake manifold still cracks.
- Cam Bolts: The Variocam bolt recall (shearing bolts) was an issue on earlier 2011-2012 models. By 2015, this was resolved.
3. Air Suspension
Like the Panamera, the Cayenne uses air suspension.
- Nitrogen System: It is a closed-loop Nitrogen system. If it leaks, you can’t just fill it with air (technically you can, but it corrodes the system).
- Pump Failure: If a bag leaks, the pump overworks and dies.
- Cost: $2,000+ to fix a corner correctly.
4. Drains & Sunroofs
A weird but common failure.
- Clogged Drains: The panoramic sunroof drains clog.
- The Flood: Water fills the footwells.
- The Damage: The Bose amplifier sits under the seat/floor. It shorts out. Electrical gremlins ensue.
- Prevention: Clip the “nipples” off the drain tubes in the wheel wells to allow better flow.
5. Maintenance: Heavy SUV = Heavy Bills
- Tires: 21-inch tires cost $1,800/set and last 15,000 miles.
- Brakes: 6-piston front calipers. Pads and rotors will run you $2,000.
- Fuel: It gets 12mpg city.
6. Buying Guide
- Transfer Case Warranty: Check the VIN with a dealer. Is it covered? If not, negotiate $4,000 off.
- Coolant Pipes: Check for smell of coolant.
- PDCC (Chassis Control): The hydraulic sway bars are amazing but if they leak, the pump replacement is an engine-accessory-drive job.
7. Conclusion
The 958.2 Cayenne Turbo is the best “value” super-SUV right now. You can find them for $40k. But that $40k price tag comes with $5k potential bills. Fix the transfer case, and it will run to 200,000 miles.
Expert Buying Advice
Verify the Transfer Case has been replaced with the updated unit (look for the 'vent' modification). Check for coolant leaks in the V of the engine. AVOID cars with tow hitches that have been heavily used.