Porsche Cayenne II (958) (2010 – 2018)

Reliability score : 7.2/10

The Porsche Cayenne II (Type 958) marks a major break from the first generation (955/957). More dynamic, it benefits from a drastic weight loss (up to 250 kg less) thanks to the abandonment of the low-range transfer case in favor of a lighter active AWD. The interior takes a spectacular leap forward, inspired by the Panamera's center console. Facelifted in 2014 (Phase 2), it abandons the naturally aspirated V8 for a twin-turbo V6 on the S and GTS versions. Although overall reliability is significantly higher compared to its predecessor, it remains a complex ultra-premium SUV whose maintenance requires a substantial budget.

✅ Strengths

Exceptional road handling, the absolute benchmark for SUVs of its era
Interior finish quality and ergonomics (airplane cockpit style)
Very smooth and reliable Tiptronic S automatic gearbox (8-speed Aisin) (contrary to PDK rumors)
Significant weight reduction compared to the 955/957 generation
Vast choice of engines for all uses

⚠️ Weaknesses

Prohibitive cost of maintenance, insurance, and spare parts
Very fragile transfer case (jerking, premature wear)
Air suspension prone to leaks (air springs, compressor) after 80,000 km
Sometimes capricious electronics (PCM multimedia system bugs, various sensors)
Very rapid wear of brakes and tires due to weight (especially on V8 and Hybrid)

🎯 Verdict

The Porsche Cayenne II (958) is an exceptional vehicle that corrected the most serious teething problems of the first generation (notably the V8 coolant pipes). TÜV and ADAC statistics place it in the average for its category, which is honorable for such a complex SUV. However, make no mistake: buying a used Cayenne requires a 'supercar' level maintenance budget. The transfer case is the Achilles heel of this generation, and the air suspension will inevitably require expenses. For a petrol purchase, the 3.6 V6 (300 hp) is the choice of reason and reliability, while the V6 Bi-Turbo (Phase 2) offers the best performance/reliability compromise. Flee from examples with a blurry history or that have been modified.

Common issues

Défaillance de la boîte de transfert High

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 2 000 – 4 000 €

Tester la douceur de la transmission à basse vitesse et en virage serré.

Usure du palier central de l'arbre de transmission Medium

🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km

💶 600 – 1 200 €

Écouter les bruits de claquement ou vibrations sous le véhicule.

Fuites de liquide de refroidissement (tuyaux, raccords, thermostat) Medium

🔧 90 000 – 160 000 km

💶 400 – 1 000 €

Vérifier régulièrement le niveau de liquide et les traces de fuite.

Défaillance des composants de la suspension pneumatique (compresseur, amortisseurs) High

🔧 120 000 – 200 000 km

💶 1 500 – 3 000 €

S'assurer que le véhicule monte et descend correctement, sans affaissement.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£160 – 280
Complete brakes	£750 – 1 500
Estimated annual budget	£950 – 2 000

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.