IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2003–2006 Porsche Cayenne (955/957)

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2003–2006 Porsche Cayenne (955/957). 2 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

3
Known Issues
2
Serious
1
Moderate
0
Minor

The 2003–2006 period has 1 more issue than the Porsche Cayenne (955/957) average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

Plastic Coolant Pipe Failure (955 V8)

SeriousCooling System

The original plastic pipes under the intake manifold fail and leak coolant onto the starter motor.

Most affected: 4.5 V8 (S and Turbo)

Estimated cost: £1,200–£1,600Affects: 2003–2006Often appears around: 50k-80k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Sudden coolant loss
  • •Steam from the engine bay

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Look for aluminium pipe upgrade in history

Bore Scoring (4.5 V8)

SeriousEngine

Catastrophic wear to the cylinder liners, most common on early 4.5L V8 engines.

Most affected: 4.5 V8

Estimated cost: £6,000–£10,000+Affects: 2003–2006Often appears around: 60k-100k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Ticking noise
  • •High oil consumption
  • •Smoke from exhaust

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Perform a cold-start check for knocking/ticking

Driveshaft Carrier Bearing Failure

ModerateGearbox & Transmission

The centre support bearing on the cardan shaft fails, causing a thumping noise under the centre console. A near-certain failure point on all 955/957 models.

Most affected: All AWD models

Estimated cost: £300–£600Affects: 2003–2010Often appears around: 60k-100k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Thumping under centre console
  • •Vibration during acceleration
  • •Clunking over speed bumps

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Listen for thumping from centre of car
  • ✓Inspect carrier bearing for play

Buying Tips for the 2003 Porsche Cayenne (955/957)

  • ✓On 955 V8s, verify if the plastic coolant pipes have been upgraded to aluminium.
  • ✓Listen for a "thumping" under the centre console, indicating a failed propshaft bearing.
  • ✓Check the carpets for dampness; clogged drains can flood the ECU/wiring.
2007–2010 Porsche Cayenne (955/957)

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Other Porsche Cayenne (955/957) Year Periods

2003–20062007–2010

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