Porsche Cayenne 955(9PA)
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
500–549 PS
4.8L V8 Turbo Benzin
Biturbo V8 of the second generation
Fun to Drive!Generations
Engine Overview
The Porsche Cayenne 955 is available with 7 engine variants — from 239 to 549 hp. 3 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Porsche Diesel (Diesel, 239 PS) has the M05.9D (3.0L V6 TDI) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The Porsche 3.2L V6 (Benziner, 250 PS) has the M02.2Y (3.2L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The Porsche 3.6L V6 (Benziner, 290 PS) has the M55.01 (3.6L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The Porsche GTS (Benziner, 400–405 PS) has the M48.01 (4.8L V8) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Porsche S (Benziner, 340–385 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M48.00 (2002–2006, Be Careful) und M48.01 (2007–2010, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the S!
The Porsche Turbo (Benziner, 450–500 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M48.50 (2002–2006, Be Careful) und M48.51 (2007–2010, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the Turbo!
The Porsche Turbo S (Benziner, 521–550 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M48.50 (2005–2006, Be Careful) und M48.51 (2008–2010, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the Turbo S!
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Air suspension: compressor failure Air suspension compressor fails through overloading. Most common cause: leaking air bags force the compressor to run continuously. Vehicle sags. Symptoms: Vehicle sits unevenly or sags overnight, compressor runs constantly, suspension warning from 80,000 km | High | |
| Propshaft centre bearing faulty Propshaft centre bearing wears and causes vibrations. Simple repair, but if ignored, secondary gearbox damage can follow. Symptoms: Vibrations at 80-120 km/h, droning noise from the centre of the vehicle, clunking under acceleration from 80,000 km | Low |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
Porsche Cayenne 92A
Nachfolger (2010–2017)
BMW X6 E71
Großer SUV (2008–2014)
Hyundai ix55 EN
Großer SUV (2008–2012)
Mazda CX-9 TB
Großer SUV (2007–2015)
Audi Q7 4L
Großer SUV (2006–2015)
BMW X5 E70
Großer SUV (2006–2013)
Mercedes-Benz GL X164
Großer SUV (2006–2012)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 54 weaknesses have been documented for the Porsche Cayenne 955 (2002–2010) — 45 engine-related and 9 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Suspension, Rust, Body, Brakes.
Cayenne (M05.9D, 2009–2010) — Be Careful: Turbo bearing damage at high mileage, Timing chain stretches, Timing chain stretches on cold start. Power: 239 PS.
Cayenne (M48.00, 2002–2006) — Be Careful: Plastic coolant pipes break, Timing chain guides worn, Piston slap: cylinder bore coating detachment. Power: 340 PS.
Cayenne (M48.50, 2002–2006) — Be Careful: Turbo bearing wear, Piston slap: cylinder bore coating detachment, Crankcase breather failure — turbo engine damage possible. Power: 450 PS.
Cayenne (M02.2Y, 2003–2006) — Be Careful: Coolant distribution pipe cracks, Timing chain tensioner wears out, Plastic coolant lines become porous. Power: 250 PS.
Cayenne (M48.50, 2005–2006) — Be Careful: Turbo bearing wear, Piston slap: cylinder bore coating detachment, Crankcase breather failure — turbo engine damage possible. Power: 521 PS.
Cayenne (M55.01, 2007–2010) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretches, Coolant distribution pipe cracks, Timing chain tensioner wears out. Power: 290 PS.
Cayenne (M48.01, 2007–2010) — Be Careful: Plastic coolant pipes break, Timing chain guides worn, Piston slap: cylinder bore coating detachment. Power: 385 PS.
Cayenne (M48.51, 2007–2010) — Be Careful: Timing chain tensioner wear, Piston slap: cylinder bore coating detachment, Crankcase breather failure — turbo engine damage possible. Power: 500 PS.
Cayenne (M48.01, 2008–2010) — Be Careful: Plastic coolant pipes break, Timing chain guides worn, Piston slap: cylinder bore coating detachment. Power: 400–405 PS.
Cayenne (M48.51, 2008–2010) — Be Careful: Timing chain tensioner wear, Piston slap: cylinder bore coating detachment, Crankcase breather failure — turbo engine damage possible. Power: 550 PS.
What to watch out for with the Porsche Cayenne? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Porsche Cayenne 955 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Porsche Cayenne 955? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Porsche Cayenne 955 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Porsche Cayenne 955 worth buying used? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee