Does anyone else have problems with acceleration with a 2016 Cayenne? My car will start to go and then hesitate making it dangerous to drive. Dealer can't find anything wrong.
91 Answers
Take it to another dealer, should be covered under warranty. If its not fixed contact chevys home office and see if they can help...
Check or replace the mass airflow sensor. Mounted on the air intake tube, easily accessible. You might need a 5 point torx tool to remove it. Don't touch it. Clean it with CRC mass airflow sensor cleaner per instructions. Do not use anything else! If that doesn't do it, replace or switch out with a unit known to be good. Good luck
Did the dealer ever figure out your acceleration problem? Having the same issue on my 2016 base model...engine revs, but no go unless you almost floor it, then it jumps! Getting dangerous to drive.
It may sound too simple, but check the fluid level with the engine hot and idling in park. Check on a level surface and never overfill. Porsche transmissions are considered bullet proof. Don't drive it if it still continues, it's too dangerous.
Thx Stephen. Had the vehicle back for a several days fold owing a transfer case swap under warranty. Put 600 + miles on it since, then the acceleration issue statedyesterday. Called dealer this morning, says it's normal....blah blah blah.....and they tell me they dropped the pan to check for metal in the fluid when they swapped the transfer case. The tranny on the Cayenne has a drain plug... I'm with you, low fluid (dealer fail to refill etc...) or the torque converter is dying. The car has 9,400 miles on it....
This dealer is bullshitting you, obviously. Try to talk to a Porsche "Zone Rep" to get some satisfaction. This is why dealers have a bad rap.
I have the same problem with my S, 13,000 miles. Recently replaced the transfer case but the problem is back.
I have an update.... it seems that if you're left foot braking from a stop and hit the gas simultaneously with your right foot, the " nanny system" doesn't know whether you want stop or go.... so it takes a pause - up to 10 seconds! I've stopped left footing the brake and have not been able to duplicate the problem. My service guy, who is a gear head, ID'd the issue and solution. He's trying to find a white paper on it that I will post if I get it. Our Cayenne has both Sport and Sport plus not sure if that matters, regardless this quirk may have something to do with the quasi- launch control on the tiptronic trannys. Regarding the transfer case, once it was replaced the jerky acceleration stopped and its now super smooth. According to my dealer, they're not using reman'd TC's from Porsche because they've not scaled up production, so the factory is sending brand new units.
I have a 2016 cayenne s and at my wits end with acelleration issues. I've come nervous to pull out as I'm not sure it will go or not. Even when it's going okay it has a hesitation in the acelleration Thats noticeable to me. Love the car when it works well but have become increasingly discouraged and dealer claims nothing wrong. I also get this feeling of a harnessed power out of the blue while on the highway and I have to get the rpm' up to get through it. The sport mode doesn't seem to correct that harnessed power very much.
Had the same problem with my Volvo. I tried everything. The problem turned out to be a worn or dirty mass airflow sensor. After much frustration, that was the culprit. I bought an extra MAF sensor for my 2000 Carrera for $22 online. Easy fix. Good luck!
Interesting... I'll try anything at this point. Thanks for the reply
Gregpell - What you're describing is exactly what I experienced, I almost got clipped a couple of times. See my comments above for my solution. Interestingly it never happened with my wife, she's a right foot only driver. I switch up occasionally, old school...., but I'm more aware of that now when I drive the Cayenne. So far I've not been unable to duplicate the condition, but I've been extra careful not to apply the brake and gas simultaneously from a dead start...... Still waiting on a tech paper from my dealer on this. Hope this helps! This should probably be posted on a different thread, but out of curiosity how accurate is your speedo? Our's reads 4 mph high at 75, e.g. shows 75, actual is 71. I hate it! I've complained several times, got a note from Porsche USA Tech center saying 4 over is within spec.... Only other issue is the stop/start feature that defaults to "on" every time you restart the vehicle. There's a company in MI "t-design9.com" who sells a memory module that goes in the console that remembers your settings, e.g. S/S off, Sport on etc... Good reviews and diy installation etc.. I'll be getting one.
Not sure how my answer posted under Guru926R8, but this is really Scat958. Gregpell - What you're describing is exactly what I experienced, I almost got clipped a couple of times. See my comments above for my solution. Interestingly it never happened with my wife, she's a right foot only driver. I switch up occasionally, old school...., but I'm more aware of that now when I drive the Cayenne. So far I've not been unable to duplicate the condition, but I've been extra careful not to apply the brake and gas simultaneously from a dead start...... Still waiting on a tech paper from my dealer on this. Hope this helps! This should probably be posted on a different thread, but out of curiosity how accurate is your speedo? Our's reads 4 mph high at 75, e.g. shows 75, actual is 71. I hate it! I've complained several times, got a note from Porsche USA Tech center saying 4 over is within spec.... Only other issue is the stop/start feature that defaults to "on" every time you restart the vehicle. There's a company in MI "t-design9.com" who sells a memory module that goes in the console that remembers your settings, e.g. S/S off, Sport on etc... Good reviews and diy installation etc.. I'll be getting one.
I'm not sure on the speedo as I really hadn't considered it but now that you mention it once on a public radar speed zone warning it did so different from my speedo but I just discounted it at the time. for the acceleration.... I began to think that I was too light on the pedal and it wanted to be driven harder but I found no better results as it just creates a greater drop of power if it does initially start well. All these issues started at 17k when on the highway it out of the blue had the issue of harnessed power in a concerning manner and since then it's been horrible. I did notice when that occurred the tranny signal was showing both the auto and manual buttons red like it was confused. the only real offset to the loss of power seems to be staying in manual as that has given some improvement but I shouldn't have to do that in my mind. I'll check out your memory module suggestion. thanks
That sounds like more than the nanny systems. I'm guessing no cel or obdII codes are coming up? Have you tried resetting your throttle adaptation? Have you replaced your transfer case?
As a high speed driver instructor, NEVER drive with 2 feet unless when shifting using the clutch. Why do you see so many people driving into buildings and killing other people? It's because they are using 2 feet. Don't believe otherwise, because it's a dangerous habit. It also messes up the cars brain and doesn't know what to do.
I don't use two feet!!!
I haven't reset anything. The car now has 12,000 miles on it and has been to two dealers for the same problem. I also filed a complaint with Porsche.
It's got to be related to either the nanny software, the pedal signaling, or both. I hope you can duplicate it for the service folks that have hopefully escalated it up through Porsche....
What i am reading here is exactly what I am experiencing myself. I just took ownership of a 2016 Cayenne 3.6V6 base. On the test drive I noticed I would come to a stop, then after looking to make sure it was safe, went to pull out. The car SLOWLY started out and then I kept on pressing the gas pedal and FINALLY it lurched forward. I thought I did something wrong and forgot about it. After the purchase, it was there again, and again, and again. It has 3yrs left on warranty and I will use it. Now, reading other posts, specifically this one: Thought I would post the resolution. Porsche sent a tech manager out from Georgia to try and fix the acceleration problem. Within a few hours, he ascertained that it ws a software issue. He installed a software update and the delay is gone. Without this forum, we would have been up a creek. The dealer finally stopped denying the problem only after I supplied them with messages describing the same unfixed issues. Thank you I am confident it can be addressed with a software update. I have an appointment this coming Sat 8-26-17 @ 8:30am at the dealership to start the process. I will check back here and detail my progress and resolution.
Sometimes a little knowledge and the courage to display it can achieve remarkable positive results, good for you!!
Thanx Stephen, My wife and I love the car. It is really a remarkable machine. If I can just address this issue and start to really enjoy it, instead of worrying about it each and every time I sit in the drivers seat.... wow! You know what I mean. We do not actively drive it because of this issue. I worry about it every single time i come to a stop. Will it go or will I have to floor it? My wife has MS and it has affected her legs. With that said, she does not have the reaction time nor the motor control to navigate a failing gas pedal. It is a cause of MAJOR concern for me and for her. Like I said, I will be as courteous, respectful, kind, pleasant, and accommodating as i humanly can be to the Porsche dealership. I am sure they have to endure many many many irritated people every day and smile about it... which can not be easy. I will not be one of them. I am sure with logical conversation and honest real concern it will get addressed. I will keep all posted. Again, thank you for the kind words.
What you're describing is exactly what I experienced, I almost got clipped a couple of times. Interestingly it never happened with my wife, she's a right foot only driver. I switch up occasionally, old school...., but I'm more aware of that now when I drive the Cayenne. So far I've not been unable to duplicate the condition, but I've extra careful now not to apply the brake and gas simultaneously from a dead start...... No tech paper available from my dealer on this. Drove over 500 miles yesterday to see the eclipse, which by the way was righteous, and had zero acceleration issues. Caught myself a few times left footing the brake especially on hill starts....hill assist is still hard for me to trust. Hope this helps!
Scat958 it does. All info helps. I have been in touch with the Porsche Dealership in Atlanta and sent them all the links to all the blogs and posts including this one. I am relieved it is NOT just ME saying these things. I did do one of the mentioned "fixes" in that i turned off the PSM and it WORKED. BUT, as soon as you set the cruise, it sets the PSM enabled. I know it is a software issue now. Just hoping the SW update is easy and not a battle to get done.
I didn't try PSM. No need really after I toyed around with the car in an empty parking lot. Ours is a '16 base VR6 and it has a few quirky issues like the stop/start that won't stay activated between start ups. I detest this feature, it's not safe especially when it shuts off before you get stopped..... I've had it kick back on (lurched forward) a few feet from the car ahead and almost hit it. T-designs (?) has an aftermarket module for $200 that solves the problem, but it's my wife's car and she just deactivates the feature every time she gets in. Then there's the warranty issue if you installed the module.... My advice, take the car to empty parking lot and experiment with it.
Scat958: Keep your left foot at all times on the "Dead Pedal", it's called that for a reason, and it's there for a reason. ONLY drive using your right foot at ALL times. Break that dangerous habit of yours.
Further research .... I found where the "nanny" wants to see zero brake. I get that. But, I have a 2007 911 Turbo Auto and to does NOT exhibit this. I also turn off the auto stop / start ASAP. I too have seen it stop PRIOR to coming to a complete stop and all of a sudden start while stopped and lurch forward a tad. I think that has something to do with the battery and all the things on while the engine is stopped. I have my thoughts on it, but it is what it is. If it would just act like the 911 or my Sonata or my Camry or my Ranger....... a "normal" car..... with normal brake / gas interaction. Been driving for 30+ years. and it is a hard habit to "brake" ... get it? hahahaha.... Also got a Honda ST1300 so I know a tad about how to drive and what it should "feel " like... Just my .02.
Been driving over 50+ years. Taught high speed defensive driving for police depts and ambulance services. Autocrossed 100's of times and have driven many tracks such as Watkins Glen, Pocono and NHIS and Limerock. AAA certified instructor. Even on a track and driving "Heel-Toe" you only use one foot, except to clutch. I know what I'm talking about, and have NEVER driven granny style.
Granny here: How do you keep a car with an autobox from rolling backwards without using your left foot on the brake and no hand brake????
It seems wh have am impasse... Hand brake or no hand brake.. that is the question.
The auto tranny should be able to handle the hill situation at idle. I teach slowly releasing the hand brake as you give it some gas, much the same as a standard transmission.
What if you don't have a hand brake only a foot brake? In that case, you have to left foot brake on hills, you have no choice. However, Porsche decided to let the car e-brake for you on hills, e.g. hill assist. Left foot braking on hills with hill assist activated confuses the computer apparently when you hit the fly-by-wire accelerator pedal with your right foot, e.g. the computer doesn't know whether you want to stay or go.....hence the problem many of us are experiencing. Like I said, old habits are hard to break. I'm with you on heal-toe if you can master it. Most of us mortals have go with left foot braking for a variety of reasons. Clearly applying the brake and gas at the same time has its benefit. One common race situation that requires left-foot braking is when a racer is cornering under power. If the driver doesn't want to lift off the throttle, potentially causing trailing-throttle oversteer, left-foot braking can induce a mild oversteer situation, and help the car "tuck", or turn-in better. Mild left-foot braking can also help reduce understeer. In rallying left-foot braking is very beneficial, especially to front-wheel drive vehicles.[3][4] It is closely related to the handbrake turn, but involves locking the rear wheels using the foot brake (retarding actually, to reduce traction, rarely fully locking – best considered a misapplication), which is set up to apply a significant pressure bias to the rear brakes. The vehicle is balanced using engine power by use of the accelerator pedal, operated by the right foot. The left foot is thus brought into play to operate the brake. It is not as necessary to use this technique with rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive rally vehicles because they can be easily turned rapidly by using excess power to the wheels and the use of opposite lock steering, however the technique is still beneficial when the driver needs to decelerate and slide at the same time. In rear wheel drive, left foot braking can be used when the car is at opposite lock and about to spin. Using throttle and brake will lock the front tires but not the rears, thus giving the rears more traction and bringing the front end around. Be safe!
Well.... i was told "that is how it is". They did find a few things... misconfigured. I do not belive it was fixed. I was unable to recreate the event when i went on a test drive with the tech. But they have an open case and it is under warranty.. i will continue to report the times and events.
I bet they just flashed the ECM. Sometimes that's all it takes because of all the electronics new cars in general have on board. (Give me something with a carburetor! LOL) I hope you have an extended warranty, it pays for itself. Ours came with a CPO 5/100K warranty, it came out of the dealer's loaner pool in April of this year with just 5.4K on the clock.
UPDATE: I was called by the service manager from the dealership after my 1st visit and they are honestly concerned. We spoke at length and I told them it did indeed exhibit the same issue again, although not as often. He was curious as to the conditions that it manifested itself. This made me really think. I told him i would contact him back with more intelligent information. Since that call, my wife and i drove it and really took note of all aspects. This is what I called him back with: The car drives great when 1st started and for the 1st 30 min or so. Once heated up and at running temp, it usually does it AFTER a lengthy trek on the HWY or steady driving. Example, I get on the interstate and cruise at 75 for 5 miles to the next exit. Take the exit and stop. Then, when turning left or right, it will hesitate. After that it will be a while and then random. Also, after a few quick stops and starts. Like, we went to CVS, my wife got out and got her prescription and came back, When we were turning out of the parking lot onto the main road, it did it. So... that is usually the conditions that it will present itself. Also, we spoke about the transfer case issues. He admitted the 2015 and 2016 had VINs that were prone to issues. according to him, ours was not in that line, but he would not rule it out. On another note, and more interestingly, I also have a 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera 40th edition. It has the M96 3.6L engine with the single row IMS bearing. I am sure you know of what I speak. Anyway, I need a new clutch and I was asking about the replacement cost and such. We started to talk about the IMS. He and I quickly came to the point where he knew I knew all about it and he leveled with me. Porsche .... PORSCHE.... has a FACTORY IMS bearing FIX and it comes with a 2 year WARRANTY. It is $765.00 /less labor. He told me Porsche came out with this about two months ago... so around... June of 2017. He said Porsche is worried about resale value of that line of car / engine and wanted to address the issue. If I get this installed at a Porsche certified service location with Porsche certified parts... it will have a 2 yr warranty and will raise the value as it is a perm FIX, not an aftermarket band-aid. With the receipt and parts list, I can ask more proving the engine is not going to grenade! FYI for all you M96 owners. I have the part number and all as i asked for an itemized quote. More to come.
While the clutch is being done, and hopefully a new rear main seal, the labor involved to installing the new IMS bearing shouldn't be more than 1-2 hours. So if a dealer gets $150/hr, the labor charge shouldn't be more than $300 or so. I would do it. But if the dealer charges you some ungodly amount for the install what do you do then? I'd pay no more $500 for the install. If you go to a Porsche shop, not a dealer, there are many honest installers out there that will sell you a guaranteed bearing with the clutch install for a lot less than any dealer. Porsche speed shops do this work all the time and at much better prices and take the time to do it right. Your choice. Me, I avoid dealers like the plague. Good luck.
I have already found the parts (less the IMS part) clutch kit, oils, etc... cheaper from pelican parts for example.... So, I will see if i can purchase they parts and they install. As far as the bearing, well....... for authenticity sake (at least for me) I would prefer a Porsche dealership to install. The total $$ quoted was about $2,150.00 give or take a $100.00 at the dealership. I was already quoted $1,950.00 for a clutch replacement at a place that does work on Porsche's and other imports... less the IMS. So, that ~ $2,200.00 included the IMS fix from Porsche. I feel it was a good $$.
Most all dealers will not guarantee supplied parts, you'd be lucky to find one that did. That being said, your price seems reasonable. Have 'em throw in a rear main seal, and I'd say you did OK. Good Luck
You read my mind.... i called and NO.... the parts will not be guaranteed... BUT... they are working a NEW quote WITH RMS.... and IMS... So.... we shall see... He did laugh however... saying I am one of the FEW that actually asked about the cost and new what I was asking about. We agreed, we were gears heads...
They will mark up their parts a-lot, sometimes to over 300%. One way or the other, thell get you. They use Sachs clutch kits, and Victor Reinz seals with Porsche labels on the box. You get to pay enormous mark-ups because the box says "Porsche". Check Rock Auto for the clutch and RMS costs. The savings will surprize you enough to find an independent shop. That's what I did on my 2000 Carrera Conv. Shop around.
Just did a quick check at Rock Auto. Sachs clutch kit: about $460. RMS about $15. All parts plus shipping. Same as Porsche parts. Porsche will want way more.
Having the issue with 2017 Cayenne S. Uphill acceleration is a huge problem. With cruise control on the vehicle can lose as much as 20 mph. With it off it won't hold speed on a hill unless I crush the gas then it drops to 3rd or 4th with no turbo activity. Dealer has had it twice this time for 2 weeks. I gave them video of the issue which they say they cannot replicate. Porsche says all normal. I'm refusing to pick up the car without a resolution. NOT SAFE. $95,000 vehicle.
Has you dealer been in touch with the factory engineering/technical folks? If not, I would absolutely insist that the area service rep meet you at the dealership and go for a test drive. Once ID's by the area rep, he/she can escalate the issue. If you've not had the vehicle for very long, you may want to check the lemon laws in your state. There is a time bar. Sounds like a software or CPU issue or both to me, especially with no TC's. Have they flashed the entire system?
OK... SO....... here is the latest. I worked w/my service manager there at the Dealership (Hennessy). They had the Cayenne for a week. Gave us a loaner of a 2017 Macan. It was an OK loaner... peppy and fun, but cramped as compared to the Cayenne. More of a millennial thing I guess. ANYHOO...... So, I get it back. hesitation is 99% gone. It DID do it ONCE since I have had it back in the 3 weeks since, but nothing like the everyday event it was. So, the 99%. He told me they did "things-n-such" he was very tight lipped about what was actually done. To me it feels like they reprogrammed the TCU and adjusted the transfer-case A LOT. It is "tighter" and more peppy. MPG is same if not a tad better. It is very attentive.. and eager.... hard to describe. If I have to compare it to something, remember the old auto's that had the kick down cable from the throttle body to the tranny? If you adjusted it and made it preloaded, then all you were doing was raising the pressure in the valve body so you could launch faster... made it crisper off the line, not like the marshmallow it was. That is kinda what it is like, yet all electronic. Will keep you posted if more is to come... UPDATE: Porsche PULLED their IMS bearing "fix". They were told to ship ALL IMS units BACK to Porsche and that a new, revised one is forthcoming. He told me they actually did ONE IMS install whilst they had them and that one is now under review.... Not sure as to what is going on, but glad i did not have that one installed. I want the one they vet, then re-vet then vet again. I bet you a box of doughnuts it is going to be like the DOF on out there now, with the oil feed. Fingers crossed.
UPDATE: So, apparently my brother SOMEHOW...... ran into and became fast friends with the Regional Porsche manager that is in charge of CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE... used / new cars. So, I asked my bro to ask HIM about the IMS thing. Latest word was ....... and I quote "He said it should have NEVER been released and it looks like it will not be re-released. Porsche is working on a certified IMS fix and will announce soon". So, upon further digging, it appears... and this is unverified.. so take it with a grain of salt.... Porsche is going to partner with one of the current IMS offerings.... that offer oil feed abilities... and install that one.... with warranty? Unknown and unverified. He was quite.... vague at best. Now, we did talk about that... and he did not say "no" but not a "yes". I have been in communication with my service adviser and he said that when Porsche released it initially, he was able to install ONE.... a single customer did indeed have the IMS Porsche kit installed and soon after Porsche pulled it and i am back in limbo. As far as the Cayenne, no more hesitation and it is smooth. I am finally happy with the work!
Hello All, but mostly scat958. I can not THANK YOU enough for posting this about left footed braking. I have had my Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition for 11 months and literally was about to trade it in for a BMW when I THANKFULLY came across your post. I have had my Porsche into two dealers in Arizona, neither could "re-create" the problem or "fix something they could not re-create", basically they thought I was nuts. Not one service person, mechanic or owner of the dealership even suggested this simple fix or bothered to do a ride along to figure out my problem. After reading your posting and adjusting my driving (no left foot braking) I have about 100 miles and 10 days of FUN driving. My Porsche has not hesitated at all. No bogging down and no fear of getting hit. Everyday prior to reading your post I felt like I was going to get into an accident. Now, I feel like I have a new car. Again from my RIGHT footed brake pedal to you THANKS, THANKS and MORE THANKS. Bonnie in Phoenix.
UPDATE: So, the 2016 Cayenne was kept for a week and they "addressed" the hesitation issue. All was good for a while but since then a slow but steady "other" issue has arisen. It now feels like (once it is warmed up, not cold....) when I accelerate from a stop, and liner throttle... it "feels" like it surges or I am going over those single speed bumps. It is rather consistent. So, I alerted the Porsche service manager and I a taking it BACK up there again for this issue. I just want a stable, smooth, functional cayenne. ***sigh*** Will keep you posted...
Hey Bon, I hope that's the fix for your car. Ours is still without issue, I just have to remind myself (when I get to drive it) NOT to left foot brake it at a stop. The only remaining issue I have with the car is the stupid default auto start/stop function. I absolutely detest it and have found it dangerous, the car shuts off while still rolling to a stop. I will be adding a memory module (T-Design9.com) (http://t- design9.com/memory_module_cayenne_958_install.html) to correct this obvious factory defect.
Having the same problem with 2017 Cayenne S. Also losses power going up hills at highway speeds. Cruise control set to 76 speed drops all the way to 58 on a modest incline. Porsche says the car is fine. Made videos and still getting the run around. Its been at the dealer for over 2 months. Porsche refusing to fix or do a buyback. They offered me 3k today for my "inconvenience" $96,000 car that isn't safe to drive. Porsche seems to not give a shit about my safety or satisfaction. Looks like I'll have to file suit under the CA lemon law statute.
Christian: Has the Porsche area service rep met with you yet? That's the person you need to raise hell with! Once the dealer escalates your problem to "P-Tech" in Atlanta, that's when they get serious apparently. Our delay start problem seems to have been tied to left foot braking at start. No problems since I retained myself. The master tech at our dealership told me just last week, that the delay is only programmed on Cayenne's with the VR6 engine like ours. The rational being its supposed to save the transmission from self destruction. Sounds like BS to me. Isn't that how launch control works? VW has had way to much to say about how the Cayenne's are setup according to my tech, but that's about to change for 2018, e.g. dropping the VR6 etc... Absent some tech resolution, Porsche needs to buy your car back or replace it.
UPDATE: FINALLY.... a resolution..... I took the Cayenne BACK to the dealership Dec. 15th 2017. I was introduced to the shop manager as well as greeted by my adviser. We sat down and had a "conversation". In a nutshell, the manager confirmed the existence of the hesitation and confirmed a software update was applied. In addition he confirmed the existence of the "surging" and SHOWED me the affected part. It is a viscous clutch in the transfer case and is known to exhibit this condition. Basically, it is a variable limited slip devise that controls the power distribution between the front and rear axle based on driving conditions. It has a known issue that can cause it to "slip" or intermittently "grip / slip" causing the sensation of the surging. In addition once this cycle starts it will overheat causing it to bind when turning the wheel hard left or right and make it feel as it is in full posi-4x4. The remedy is a new transfer case and alignment once done. We shook hands and ALL work is covered under warranty! I also stated that since I have been bringing this condition up repeatedly, that if the front tires are showing premature wear, that I would like those addressed as well. So, issue FINALLY resolved! NOW.... the IMS debacle.... apparently Porsche pulled the IMS and is silent on a time frame or part to replace it with... if ever. I asked if they would install a 3rd party one and was told flat out NO. The service manager is looking into the issue and hopefully will get back to me with something... good, bad, indifferent... I do not care.. just SOMETHING so I can make an informed and intelligent decision on the direction I need to go. More to come as I know more on the IMS, but the 2016 Cayenne hesitation / surging is RESOLVED!
Our transfer case was replaced at 7K too, e.g. surging. According to our tech Porsche, in an effort to lighten the '15-'17 vehicles, redesigned the transfer case with lighter components. My guess is they just used a VW TC which isn't rated for the higher hp/torque VR6 Porsche spec engines. As we say in the south, "How'd that go for you, Mr. Porsche?" The replacement TC was brand new according to our parts mgr., not a reman., which I would have insisted on anyway. 10K miles later no more surging, but it makes you wonder about the long-term reliability of these drivetrains..... The old V8 Cayenne drivetrains were bullet proof. Sadly, a Tahoe is starting to look better and better. Fortunately, we have a factory extended warranty....
Sadly Porsche has dropped this in a hole. Just last night I wrote 4 members of the executive team. They passed it to someone downstream who then passed it right back to the dispute resolution team. The very team that has been stalling and ignoring details of the case for the past 3 months. I've had Mercedes's BMW's never had service ice this bad. Even my daughters Hyundai dealer is better. I know the service manager reached out to the regional P-Tech 2 months ago but nothing happened wit that.
Time will tell.... Just got the notification from the dealership all is done and ready for me to get. I am sure it will drive smooth and "Porsche" like...... I think I might invest in the extended warranty as well. My ultimate goal is to get this thing paid for... (2 years) and then sell and get a "newish" Cayenne S...... with the bells and options I want.... hindsight being 20/20.
LAST UPDATE: So, I got to the dealership Friday December 22nd, 2017 and arrive there around 8:00am ish. I live 100 miles away and had to drive through downtown Atlanta in morning traffic... there is really no good way to get to the dealership. ANYHOO... I arrive and there she is.... awaiting my arrival. A few issues were spoken about and addressed. I drive it home and then, later that evening I have to drive it to Dothan. My uncle was celebrating his 50th wedding anniversary. Long story short, from about 10am till 1:am Sat Morning, I put around.... 450 miles on it. It drives like a PORSCHE SHOULD FINALLY! I was getting about 26mpg on to and from Dothan. Smooth, steady, quiet, peaceful and no nothing, just pure driving fun. A new transfercase, alignment and rotate and balance were done. I got the info on the extended warranty and will investigate. I will start a new thread on the IMS, as it really was a side note here.
Our 2016 Cayenne had transfercase changed last week due to weird sound. Today, I got a call from my son who is driving it that it suddenly lost acceleration & had weird noise. He was on the fast lane on freeway and thank God nothing bad happened to him, his wife & their 10 month old son. My 2015 Cayenne S also had transfer case changed. What is going on with Cayennes?
I have this problem with my 2016 Cayenne S too! I was initially told be the dealer it was just because it wasn't a V8 engine anymore. After months of complaining and finally an email to corporate president, Porsche admitted there was a software problem. Then it took them several months to update the software. That seemed to fix the problem somewhat. However, I now have a major issue with a complete lack of acceleration when it is needed to enter the freeway or avoid a traffic situation. A big lag before the car will accelerate. So unsafe and why bother to by a Porsche if this is what you get. And then when I ease off the gas, the car stays revved way up and lags horribly before gearing back down. Took it to dealer and was told Porsche does not make System Based Repair Program for the 2016 Cayenne S. What's wrong Porsche??
Guru: Is the acceleration problem off the line? I learned by trial and error with our '16 Base model that you cannot, under any circumstances, left foot brake & right foot accelerate it off the line. The computer can't decide what you want to do for 5-10 seconds or so I was told by my Master Porsche Tech. I heard recently that Audi finally gave Porsche their autonomy back, because a lot of these issues were caused by stuffing VW/Audi parts into a Porsche...shades of GM in the 70's. E.G., The VR6 is now totally gone from the line up. Just curious, how accurate is your speedo? Mine reads 4 mph too fast at any speed..... precision machine?
elfuerterr answered 6 years ago
same problem with transfer case with mine 2013 porsche cayenne with 59k hopefully my warranty take care me with that problem
I was told it was a software update.. which was done and it did indeed fix the acceleration issue. I had a surging feeling when it was at operating temp when I pulled away from a sop. This was confirmed to be the transfer case which was replaced under warranty. So far, with 10,000 miles since all the work, it has been a dream... drives like a Porsche should.
I ended up trading in my 2016 Cayenne S because of all these issues and Porsche dealer refused to acknowledge the issue but thought it was strange they were reporting the problem to Porsche corporate.....if no issues then whats the need to report other than acknowledging there is more issues with additional cars. Funny when the new dealer called for a payoff, corporate called my original dealer to find out what was going on and we received a phone call which added up to be a formality and no support to change my mind. that car was something I had always wanted and it turned out to be probably one of the worst cars I ever owned in regards to leaving me emotionally drained and beaten down. then add in the financial damage that trade-in resulted in. for me Porsche is no longer as exciting as the perception of one was ....which is really unfortunate.
When I first read about the 2 foot driving problem I didn’t believe it, but then I tried it and it solved my acceleration problem. After I got used to driving with just one foot the hesitation was gone.
So Glad the two footed driving/braking issue is becoming more well know- WAY TO GO SCAT958. You saved me from trading in my Porsche. I only drive 1 footed and have not had the problem since. THANKS SO MUCH- NO MORE LEFT FOOT BRAKING.
Sweet!!! It's dumbest thing I've ever seen on a vehicle. Without adequate warning/notice to the owner, a good trial lawyer will kick Porsche's ass over this. It's flat out dangerous! How do you like the default stop/start feature? Another dumb idea by Porsche. How's accurate is your speedo? Mine is off 4 mph. 70 on the speedo is actually 66mph, that's 9%. My shop tried to tell me it was my oem turbo 21" rims. They lost that argument, the tire diameter is within .01% of their std. 19"s, e.g. less 1/2 of 1 mph difference.
I meant to say 6% variation on the speedo..., its a pain in traffic, especially at highway speeds.
Help ! I cant get any answers. I was driving and all of a sudden my gas pedal went to the floor, started to bog down and lost the use of the steering wheel and chugged off. I got the fuel filter replaced and it was running fine until today. It happened again out of nowhere. Thank god I was on the street and not on the freeway. I had it towed and its not showing anything and now of course working fine ??
I'm having this issue now with the hesitation. I've been complaining since May. They replaced the transfer case. I don't know if it was a reman. They did a software flash. And it still happening. In fact their delivery person experienced it when they were bringing it back last time. Now they say, we can't recreate my concern. This is a real pain because the dealership is a 40 minute drive one way. so I'll end up wasting over 2 hours just to show them something I can demonstrate at will. The really annoying thing is that their rep complained of the issue. it's obviously happening but their "test" drives are not able to reveal the issue to them...
Oh, and I've never driven any automatic vehicle with 2 feet. In fact I don't think I could ever get used to something like that
Graziella22 answered 6 years ago
I am having the hesitation problem with my 2027 Cayenne, which I bought a year ago and I have been having the problem for the last 11 +/- months. I have had the car in for service regarding this problem every other month or more with the Porsche rep coming in to check it out. They r kept the car for a week or more on numerous occasions - only to tell me they can not “duplicate:re-create” the problem. I told him to keep the car until it does happen… Promising them that it will happen. The car has a mind of its own and does it according to its timeline, nobody else’s. I also have CarPlay issues - when I am In a call, CarPlay will mute my call and call someone randomly from my contacts. VERY FRUSTRATING! There is also a loud and distracting noise that my caller heard on their end. Porsche is aware, yet they fine nothing to help fix the issues. I am here a year later and I am looking to trade the car in for another brand. I am done with Porsche.
So, My 2016 Cayenne is back in the shop. This time I drove there and showed them the issue. So it went from we can't duplicate it to, "oh, yea..." to now, "Oh they all do that..." So this is the 4th time it is in for this. The swapped the transfer case, re flashed the software, did software updates. The car does this hesitation thing under various conditions, It happens if I'm coasting slowly and need to accelerate moderately, like in heavy but, not stop and go traffic. It happens if your braking and then go quickly to accelerate, like trying to take advantage of a break in traffic to make a left turn (this is the most troubling). One time I was coming out of a parking lot with a pretty good rise/slope down to the street. I stopped looked, took my foot off the brake and the car started to roll, when the real wheel reached the bottom of the slope I went to accelerate, conservatively, into a left turn, there was nothing. I stepped once, nothing, came off and stepped again, nothing, came off and stepeed again and she went. I've explained all this to the dealer but they just focused on the going from break and quickly to throttle aspect of the issue. They would "like to invite you to drive other Cayenne's on the lot that we have that do the exact same thing" I'm not sure what that would do to ease my discomfort in the safety aspect of my car's behavior. I re-iterated my experience under other driving conditions and asked if porch was involved and the response was that "Porsche is aware of it, and it's not an issue to them as everything has passed checks." I have not heard back again since I re-explained the other driving conditions where this happens. Not too sure where things are right now...
I have had similiar acceleration issues with my 2016 Cayenne S. I took it in about 8 months ago and they replaced the transfer case. Issue was fixed until a week ago. The problem seems more pronounced this time. Loss of power, wimpy acceleration even when dropping gears.
Following up on this. I have contacted Porsche directly and opened a case. From this point forward the repair process will be followed by them. We'll see if this help. Phone number to do the same is 1800-767-7243
I involved Porsche directly as well and the response was, "The car is performing as designed so, we're closing this case." I've been making sure I put the car in sport mode and it helps a lot.
GuruHX and FXDawg... Dumb question, but are either of you left foot braking and right foot accelerating? If so, see my prior posts. If not, got to be a software gremlin.
I did read the prior posts and I never drive with my left foot unless driving a manual. Drove it for 6 hours on the expressway and experienced loss of power and exceleration. Also, loss of power going uphill in cruise control. Didn't drive it after that for a week. Drove today for the first time and all seems to be back to normal. I did read one post that mentioned they discovered the car has to be driven so many miles before the problem was exhibited. Any thoughts on that?
After a lot of pushing Porsche and finally getting to drive with the regional Sr. field tech he admitted Porsche has been aware of the problem since June of 2017. At one point they thought they had a software fix but it did not work. It's only a known problem on the 2017 Cheyenne S and random. A great test is to find long hill hoping up, set your Cruise Control at about 75 and see if the vehicle can maintain the speed. I did notice this power problem occurred when it was very warm outside and the vehicle had been driven for at least an hour. My Cheyenne was black on black so likely go hotter than others. All that said Porsche finally relented and bought the vehicle back from me in Feb 2018. I special ordered a Macan Turbo. So much happier. Good luck.
crbnftprnt answered 6 years ago
My 2018 base Cayenne has all of the aforementioned symptoms. I believe that this is intentional programming by Porsche (lawyers) to prevent "unintended acceleration" which has been the subject of numerous lawsuits, especially with Toyotas. (And though there have been settlements, the last I knew it has still not been proven that the cars were actually at fault.) In discussion with my dealer shop, the tech asked if I was left-foot braking. I don't do that while I'm moving, but after his question I realized that at a stop sign I was holding the brake with my left foot. I have quit doing that and the situation is improved. But it still happens sometimes, and can even occur when I'm still rolling at 10-15 mph and try to accelerate. At any rate, this "nanny" programming is far too aggressive and creates serious safety hazards. Some have referenced a software re-programming by Porsche and I am going to explore that path.
crbnftprnt: No left braking ever in these cars, at least in my '16 base model. Regarding unintended acceleration, mine will do that when I forget to turn off the stop/start function. (I hate that feature and will be installing a memory module.) If the S/S is active, the damned thing will shut off when you're coming up to a red light or slow rolling etc.... The first time it happened, I was coasting up to a red light, applying normal gradual braking, and the engine stopped and of course so did the power to the back wheels which changing my glide path. Startled by the rolling shut down, I got off the brake and it fired back up and then lurches forward almost hitting the car head of me! If I hadn't have hit the brakes hard I would have rear-ended the car ahead of me. When I complained to my Master shop tech, he say's that's the way it as designed, e.g. "normal." It may be normal for Mr. Porsche, but it's dangerous as hell to me. I predict there will be a class-action on this at some point that will combine the left foot braking issue. Just curious, any issues with your speedo reading faster then actual? Mine is off by 6%, e.g. 74 is actually 70. I have a statement from Porsche that this is within SAE spec, but they couldn't provide the SAE spec docs to back up their claim, copyright infringement they said. I'm an atty and called BS, they can provide the spec, they just don't want to because the spec says 4% +/- is acceptable. Get this, Porsche says, the odometer and computers accurately reflect the true mileage for warranty purposes. Right....., we're looking into that.
GuruXH3M3: That is very odd.... My only thought is the computers in cars now learn from us. My S-class has learned how I like my transmission to shift.... I flashed the ECU in my Merc a couple of weeks ago and the default programming was called up. The car drove like new, snappier higher rpm shifts etc..., I didn't know what I was missing. After a couple of weeks the TCM figured out I don't drive the car that aggressively so the shift points have adapted to a lower rpm. Don't think it would hurt to re-flash your ECM.
I have a 2015 Cayenne Turbo with 55K miles on it. Not a single issue withe the SUV until last weekend. I drove back from Iowa (3hrs) and I live in Chicago. When I got back and driving on side streets, I noticed a slight catching of the acceleration bw 1000-2500 rpm on slow starts. My first though was transmission transfer case. The next day it did the same thing, but It only occurred after driving the car for 30 min or longer. In other words, after it warmed up. I took it to my dealer in Highland Park and had them take look at it. They couldn't duplicate it on a short drive. I told them specifically what to do and I had them drive for > 30 minutes. They called me back and concurred with my findings. They said my transfer case was starting to go bad and they offered to replace it. Under warranty, No Charge. No highway issues with acceleration. I will ask them more specifics based on the posts above. Glad this post exists. Has anyone had issues with trade-in or private sell after having transfer case replaced.
Hello, I am having the same issue with a used 2016 Cayenne base that I just purchased two weeks ago. It drives like a dream @ highway speed, but the low gears stutter and as some said it feels like "you are going over tiny speed bumps". It is so frustrating and I knew after 100 miles that I had missed this very annoying glitch with the acceleration. I live in Atlanta. Can someone please point me in the direction of a service rep or dealer that hes helped with this issue?? scd911 can you help? My email is danahler7@yahoo.com or 770-843-7700. Thank you in advance. With the exception of this extremely annoying issue, we love the Cayenne! Thanks
Danahler, I know these symptoms very well. I experienced in my first 2013 model and again in my 2016 model. It is undoubtedly your transfer case. The most notable recognition of the symptoms, both times, was in heavy stop and go traffic. If i was simply rolling, slowly, and then when to lightly press the accelerator just to keep moving with the slow moving traffic, I would get a pattern of 3 specific bumps, always the same. 2 quick and then a 3rd. Bah bump..Bump. When I brought in the 2016, the service manager jumped in the car with me and before I moved the car 50 feet said, I know exactly what it is. I mentioned the transfer case and he said yea, I actually have one in stock. They gave me a loaner and had it finished that day. The first, different dealer, was a little more trouble getting it diagnoded and fixed. Both cars were around 20,000 miles when the transfer cases went. I'm a 2019 Cayenne S now. I'm hoping they've resolved the issue. I was going to go with a Macan Turbo but I always feel the Macan is a little small for me. I drove everything in an effort to get away from Porsche but, nothing drives as great as a Porsche. So, here I am in my 3rd one. Fingers crossed!
Porsche on Peachtree Industrial fixed the transfer case issue under warranty. It rides fantastic now, however due to the issues my front tires have cuts and need to be replaced. They also recommended an alignment, which I believe should be covered under warranty due to the transfer case causing the irregular wear on the tires. I intend to take it back in within the next few weeks and will keep you posted. The dealership has been great to work with so far!
I replaced the OEM N spec Michelins last year with Continential Extreme Contact DWS 06's. My car has the 21" turbo rims and they do really well with 36psi all the way around. Performance, ride, and wear are perfect. The "n" spec OEM Michelins were the absolute worst tires Michelin ever made....even worse than the PAX tires they put on Honda Odysseys. I got 27K miles out of the Michelins which wasn't bad, but they road like a buck board, were noisy, and picked up anything that looked like a nail....6 flats and a side wall ripped out in 18 months. Junk! Go with the DWS's and get them road force balanced when mounted. I've put 13K on them so far and no issues.
I can't image a bad TC would cause cuts to your tires. Gravel roads sure will cause cut and chunks out of your tires. Glad you got your TC fixed, danahler. They're great road cars.
UPDATE: Well.... we are on Transfer case #3 The one that came in the car...... bad.. the one I put in Dec 2017, bad.... Dec. 2018 replaced again....
I've got a 2005 Cayenne Turbo that just started to exhibit this same hesitation issue from a stop... Could this be the same TC issue as outlined in this thread, or are there other considerations that can be coming into play?... This started out of the blue one day... Vehicle has 210,000 miles and has been rather maintenance free for me other than this issue. Any suggestions?
I am on my third transfer case. Was only 2,800 miles between #2 and #3. Same problem - press on accelerator and get hesitation. Also, after finally accelerating, it revs in gear before dropping back down. Porsche not offering any solution to this dangerous driving condition other than to extend the warranty. 100K vehicle that won't accelerate and perform and is unsafe - and that's Porsche's solution. Seriously?! 2019 engine is completely redesigned finally. Does a fatal accident have to occur before Porsche will provide a reasonable solution? Maybe a class action suit will get their attention?
