2021 Porsche Cayenne: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Porsche Cayenne first registered in 2021: we looked at the 3,122 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2021 Porsche Cayenne MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2021 Porsche Cayenne MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres21% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes5% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics2% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors2% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Suspension1% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
Known faults on the 2021 Porsche Cayenne
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Some cars
Steering column, rear axle and engine recalls
Recalls covered steering column screws not to specification, rear axle geometry and trailing arm lock nuts, the brake wear display, and possible cracking of the engine cylinder bores.
At the viewing: Ask a Porsche centre to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
Source: What Car?: used Porsche Cayenne (2018 on) reliability
- All engines
Kerbed wheels and worn rear seats
Town use leaves scuffed bodywork and kerbed alloys, and heavy loads wear the rear seats.
At the viewing: Look over the wheels, corners and rear seats.
Source: What Car?: used Porsche Cayenne (2018 on) reliability
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Porsche Cayenne
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Have all the recalls been done, including the cylinder bore check?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Porsche Cayenne?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Porsche Cayenne compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 130 | Tyres 13% |
| 2022 | 2,491 | Tyres 19% |
| 2020 | 7,140 | Tyres 21% |
| 2019 | 9,556 | Tyres 21% |
| 2018 | 5,477 | Tyres 22% |
| 2017 | 5,377 | Tyres 24% |
| 2016 | 8,347 | Tyres 23% |
| 2015 | 7,071 | Tyres 23% |
| 2014 | 5,650 | Tyres 23% |
| 2013 | 6,494 | Tyres 24% |
| 2012 | 5,830 | Tyres 25% |
| 2011 | 3,676 | Tyres 25% |
| 2010 | 2,668 | Tyres 24% |
| 2009 | 2,471 | Tyres 26% |
| 2008 | 1,773 | Tyres 25% |
| 2007 | 2,115 | Lights and electrics 30% |
| 2006 | 2,699 | Lights and electrics 27% |
| 2005 | 3,901 | Lights and electrics 30% |
| 2004 | 3,236 | Lights and electrics 33% |
| 2003 | 1,570 | Lights and electrics 31% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Porsche Cayenne cars first registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score