2012 Porsche cayenne s S
WP1AB2A22CLA47168
Vehicle history report for the 2012 Porsche cayenne s S (VIN WP1AB2A22CLA47168). Black, sport utility vehicle [suv]/multipurpose vehicle [mpv], 4.8L 8-cyl 400 hp, gasoline. Title: Clean. 104,000 mi reported. Registered in Ca. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage,
![Stock photo of a 2012 Porsche cayenne s S, Black, Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] — not the actual vehicle with VIN WP1AB2A22CLA47168](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2c/2008-2010_Porsche_Cayenne_S_--_03-21-2012.JPG)
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 2 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Lower mileage than typical for the year.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN WP1AB2A22CLA47168, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 2 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 2012 Porsche cayenne s data →
Safety & driver-assistance equipment
Equipment the manufacturer reported to NHTSA for this VIN.
"Optional" means the feature was offered on this model but the VIN alone can't confirm it was fitted. Source: NHTSA vPIC.
📋 All factory specifications on file7 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
🛡️ Safety & driver assistance
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2012 Porsche cayenne s with this engine.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2012 Porsche cayenne s costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2012 Porsche cayenne s — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 1
Pedestrian alert sounds Closed
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that…
NHTSA #DP22005 · Electrical System · opened Jan 2023 · closed Aug 2023An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 514
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 514.
Manufacturer's Certificate for Overview of Approved Porsche C40 Engine Oils. Note that this bulletin covers all models back to model year 1984, for which C40 engine oils are allocated.
Bulletin No. 28-26 · Power Train, Engine · Sep 2026Manufacturer's Certificate for Overview of Approved Porsche C20 Engine Oils. Note that the bulletin covers all models back to model year 1984, for which C20 engine oils are allocated.
Bulletin No. 27-26 · Power Train, Engine · Sep 2026Manufacturer's Certificate for Overview of Approved Porsche C30 Engine Oils. Note that the bulletin includes all models back to model year 1984, for which C30 engine oils are allocated.
Bulletin No. 26-26 · Power Train, Engine · Sep 2026Manufacturer's Certificate for Overview of Approved Porsche A40 Engine Oils. Note that this bulletin covers all vehicles from model year 1997 to 2020, for which A40 engine oils are assigned. Model years 1997-2001 are not available for selection in the system.
Bulletin No. 25-26 · Power Train, Engine · Sep 2026Special Tools and Equipment Information for alignment machines - Q3 2026 Software Spec Update Available
Bulletin SPTL2609 · Steering, Suspension, Wheels · Sep 2026Technical Information for Damage to Nano Plug Contacts Due to Utilization of Incorrect Measuring Equipment
Bulletin No. 12-26 · Electrical System · Sep 2026Special Tools and Equipment Information for Diagnostic Equipment Standards for all USA Porsche Centers
Bulletin SPTL2314a · Aug 2026Special Tools and Equipment Information for alignment machines - Q2 2026 Software Spec Update Available
Bulletin SPTL2608 · Steering, Suspension, Wheels · Aug 2026Product Knowledge for Model Type Designations
Bulletin GR16D8a · Aug 2026Product Knowledge for Chassis/VIN Numbering Systems
Bulletin GR16D8 · Aug 2026Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the CAYENNE S AWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 3
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2012 Porsche cayenne s. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Engine
On certain vehicles, the fasteners of the camshaft adjusters could fail due to an assembly problem. If this occurs, this could cause abnormal engine noises, vibrations, illumination of the check engine light and could cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the fastening screws of the…
Transport Canada #2017296 · Jun 2017Brakes
On certain vehicles, a circlip at the brake pedal hinge may not have been installed at the time of assembly. This could allow the pivot pin to move out of position, which would allow the pedal to wobble, and could fracture the brake pedal pivot through continued use. A fractured hinge would allow the pedal to separate from its pivot, which could lead to impaired brake function…
Transport Canada #2016131 · Mar 2016Lights And Instruments
On certain vehicles, the headlamp assemblies may not have been secured correctly during vehicle assembly. As a result, the headlamps could loosen and detach from the vehicle, which could compromise the driver's ability to see the road and its users. In addition, the errant headlamp module could strike a vehicle, a stationary object, or a bystander. These issues could result in…
Transport Canada #2012070 · Feb 2012Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
Safety recall campaigns 2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2020 Porsche Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Cayman S, 2001-2004 Boxster, Boxster S, 2004 Boxster 50 JAHRE SPYDER 550 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all affected models and model years. The caps that cover the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws are missing, which can allow the headlights …
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the headlights for sealing caps and install missing caps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ANB4.
NHTSA Campaign #22V656000 · manufacturer #ANB4 · 30/08/2022EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
PORSCHE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 CAYENNE, CAYENNE S, CAYENNE S HYBRID, AND CAYENNE TURBO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 8, 2010, THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2012 BECAUSE THE HEADLAMPS MAY COME LOOSE AND DETACH FROM THE FENDER.
Remedy: PORSCHE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP LOCKING ASSEMBLIES, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 9, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-767-7243.
NHTSA Campaign #12V065000 · manufacturer #AC01 · 21/02/2012These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 4 Nov 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Porsche cayenne s, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 1 involved a crash 🔥 1 involved a fire
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 33
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2012 Porsche cayenne s.
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Porsche dashboard leather shrunk and staples pulled out around passenger side airbag. I was told that if the vehicle was in an accident the airbag might not deploy correctly. The Porsche dealer looked at it and recommended replacing it. This is a very common issue.
NHTSA ODI #11632899UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The transfer case on my car has been confirmed by two different mechanics that it needs to be replaced. Porsche no longer makes or sells the original transfer case and components, so the entire transfer case needs to be replaced, at a cost of approximately $5,000. Porsche extended the warranty for the transfer case for up to 10 years, but I was never notif…
NHTSA ODI #11492273UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
I own a 2012 Porsche Cayenne. Transfer case broke at 33,000 miles and was replaced by the dealer, and now it broke again at 55,000 miles. Repair cost is $6,340 plus tax. It broke under the warranty period but Porsche gave me the runaround and told me they wouldn't check it until after some body damage was complete (more details below). Honestly feel like I'm…
NHTSA ODI #11473037UNKNOWN OR OTHER
RECALL WORK MISHANDLED AND CAUSED PROBLEM: I WENT TO PORSCHE FOR A REGULAR OIL CHANGE. THEY SAID THAT THERE IS AN ACTIVE RECALL ON CAMSHAFT AND THEY CAN ALSO BE PERFORMED WHILE THE CAR IS IN. NOW WHEN I WENT TO GET MY CAR BACK THEY SAID THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND WHEN THEY CHECKED THE TECH SAYS THE PARTS SEEMS TO BE ALL NEW AND IT WAS DONE AT A DIFFEREN…
NHTSA ODI #11383645ENGINE
I HAVE A 2012 PORSCHE CAYENNE S HYBRID. IT IS SUFFERING FROM THE DEFECT DESCRIBED IN THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN: 17V36800. THE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE CAMSHAFT IN PLACE HAVE SHEARED OFF. PORSCHE IS REFUSING ANY TYPE OF CONSIDERATION BECAUSE THE VIN IS NOT IN THE RECALL LIST, BUT IT IS IN THE YEAR OF THE RECALL AND SUFFERS FROM THE ISSUE. I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE…
NHTSA ODI #11329783POWER TRAIN
THE TRANSFER CASE IS FAULTY. IT WAS REPLACED AT 26,000 MILES AND NOW IT IS ACTING THE SAME WAY AGAIN AT 48.000 MILES. I WAS ENTERING THE HWY AND THE CAR JUMPED FORWARD AND SUDDENLY LOST POWER BEFORE JUMPING INTO GEAR. THIS IS NOT SAFE CONSIDERING THERE WAS A CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND BEHIND. DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BUT COULD HAVE. DEALER ADMITS THE TRANSFER C…
NHTSA ODI #11321883POWER TRAIN
THE TRANSFER CASE IN THIS CAR IS FAILING AT 53,000 MILES CAUSING UNSAFE, JERKING ACCELERATION LEADING TO TOTAL BREAKDOWN/SHUTDOWN IF NOT CORRECTED. NUMEROUS OWNERS EXPERIENCE THE SAME ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER ACKNOWLEDGES THE DEFECT AND IS NOW PROVIDING NEWLY DESIGNED REPAIR PARTS DESCRIBED AS PERMANENTLY SOLVING THE PROBLEM AND COVERED BY A 2-YEAR WARRANTY A…
NHTSA ODI #11286672SEATS
POWER DRIVERS SEAT MOVED FORE/AFT AND UP/DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY ON 10.22.2019 ON ITS OWN. MOVING DRIVER AWAY FROM CONTACT WITH EITHER BRAKE OR GAS PEDAL AND A UNNATURALLY LONG REACH TO STEERING WHEEL. DRIVER ENGAGED BUTTONS TO MOVE SEAT FORWARD, PULLED OFF TO SAFE LOCATION AND SHUT DOWN/RESTARTED CAR. PROBLEM CONTINUED UPON RESTART
NHTSA ODI #11270126+ 25 more complaints on record.
Recently searched vehicles
2014 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
JN8AZ1FY3EW301092
2014 Lincoln MKT
2LMHJ5FK3EBL50167
2013 Ford E-Series Van
1FTNE1EW4DDA01256
2010 Chevrolet Malibu
1G1ZA5E02A4102834
2005 Chrysler Sebring
1C3EL46X45N560286
2002 Mazda 626
1YVGF22C325303614
2003 Ford Explorer
1FMZU63K23ZA59753
2014 Nissan NV Cargo
1N6AF0LY2EN101374