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2021 Porsche Cayenne Gts
Solid pick. The public record on this car is clean for its age. Inspect it, then negotiate with confidence.
12 owner complaints · 2 recalls · data verified July 18, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why buy?
Very few owner complaints for its age and sales volume.
Complaint reports have faded. Early issues appear resolved or aged out.
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
How it crashes
NHTSA’s own crash tests, separate from the reliability score above.
NHTSA crash-tested this model year but didn’t publish an overall star rating for it.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings. Star ratings compare vehicles within the same class and size, not across every car on the road.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2021 Porsche Cayenne Gts, plotted where owners report it happening.
Electrical system
25%3 complaints
“Problem with the hybrid system and the engine control system. Unit changed automatically and unexpectedly from battery power mode to engine power mode when on battery …”
Airbags
17%2 complaints · 1 in the last 2 years
“The car is notifying me that the drivers airbag is not working. the message that appears is: “Airbag system error, please visit workshop””
Engine
17%2 complaints
“Problem with the hybrid system and the engine control system. Unit changed automatically and unexpectedly from battery power mode to engine power mode when on battery …”
Transmission & drivetrain
17%2 complaints
“When the vehicle is decelerating and the transmission is in gear 2 the vehicle will lurch forward interfering/fighting with the normal operation of the brakes. This co…”
Recalls (2)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Engine · 21V341000
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne GTS, and Cayenne GTS Coupe vehicles. Cracks may develop on the surface of the engine cylinder bore.
Risk: Cracks may cause engine damage and a stall or an oil leak, increasing the risk of a crash or fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMB1.
Seats · 21V318000
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Cayenne GTS, Cayenne GTS Coupe, 2020-2021 Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne S Coupe, Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe vehicles. The passenger seat back heating element was not installed and may impact the calibration of the Occupant Classification System.
Risk: The front passenger air bag may fail to deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will install a heating element, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMB0.
Before you hand over money
Check the VIN for open recalls
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150 to $250 independent inspection of this exact 2021 Porsche CAYENNE GTS beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2021? See how every Cayenne Gts model year scores →
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What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score. If they disagree, that’s worth knowing.