2017 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid Problems: What To Look Out For
The 2017 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid is an excellent combination of luxury and power all wrapped up in the body of a Porsche SUV. In theory, you get the best of both worlds: a car that combines a sports car’s performance, an SUV’s convenience, and a hybrid’s efficiency.
However, like any vehicle, it’s not immune to problems. And unfortunately the 2017 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid problems have become quite well known by now. If you’re considering buying a used 2017 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid, it’s important to be aware of common issues that may arise before or after you make your purchase.
In this blog post, we’ll take a really brief look at the history and specs of the 2017 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid and highlight some of the most common problems to look out for.
By being aware of these potential problems, you can decide whether the 2017 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid is the right vehicle for you overall. Or, at the very least, know the right questions to ask and warning signs to look out for so you aren’t diving into the used car market totally blind. Let’s get right into it.
Highlights
- The 2017 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid combines luxury and power with a V6 engine coupled with a hybrid electric motor.
- Common 2017 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid problems include electrical issues, brake noise, air suspension failure, transmission issues, steering issues, oil leaks, and hybrid system issues/failure.
- Electrical problems often involve battery issues and other malfunctioning electrical systems.
- Brake noise occurs when coming to a stop and may be related to brake pad wear or component contamination.
- Air suspension failure is less common but can result in poor ride quality and handling issues.
- Transmission problems include rough shifting and slipping gears, affecting both new and older models.
- Steering issues may stem from a faulty steering column, leading to unresponsiveness or difficulty turning.
- Oil leaks have been reported from the engine or transmission, which is unusual for a relatively young car.
- Hybrid system issues or failures are particularly concerning, as they can result from faulty connections between the battery and engine, making them expensive to repair.
A Quick History Of The 2017 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid
The 2017 Porsche Cayenne S is a mid-size luxury hybrid SUV designed to combine power and convenience. It’s powered by a 3.6L V6 engine that is coupled with an eight-speed auto, as well as Porsches own hybrid electric motor.
This gets you a respectable output of 416 brake horsepower and 435 lb-ft of torque. The 2017 Cayenne S is equipped with a complex suspension system that aims to give you the perfect middle ground between precise handling and a comfortable ride.
The interior is spacious and luxurious, with all the modern bells and whistles you might expect, including a touchscreen infotainment system, heated seats, etc.
It is in all fairness a pretty solid car, but it isn’t without flaws. And when you are commanding the kind of price tag that all Porsches do, the Cayenne in particular, it is perfectly fair to be concerned about some of its major issues we will cover right now.
2017 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid Problems To Look Out For
Here are some of the most common 2017 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid problems. Remember, not every individual vehicle will suffer from these issues, nor are these issues necessarily hugely prevalent across the entire line, they are just the most frequently reported ones. Here they are in no particular order:
Electrical Issues
Some 2017 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid owners have reported various electrical problems on their vehicles which isn’t good, to say the least coming from a hybrid vehicle.
The most common issues are with the battery not holding a charge properly as well as other malfunctioning electrical systems. Electrical issues are difficult to diagnose and repair, especially when the damaged electrical component is a major part of the vehicle’s engine.
Brake Noise
Another common issue reported by 2017 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid owners is a super annoying brake noise. Brake noise typically occurs when the brake pads are worn down or when the brake components are contaminated with debris.
The problem with the 2017 Cayenne is that the brakes tend to squeal when you come to a dead stop. Many people wonder whether this is because they don’t quite fit the wheel type that the Cayenne uses.
Air Suspension Failure
This one isn’t very common at all but still deserves a mention just so you are prepared. A few 2017 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid owners have reported air suspension failure which is pretty serious.
It can result in poor ride quality, becoming uncomfortable and inconsistent, which is annoying but not the end of the world.
But it can also cause you to suddenly jerk around in tight corners as your car fails to support itself properly, which has the potential to be an actually serious issue if you should crash due to this jerking motion.
Transmission issues
The 2017 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid has developed a bit of a track record with transmission problems. There are a few prevalent issues such as rough shifting or slipping gears. Since it’s an automatic transmission slipping gears can feel jarring and there isn’t really anything you can do about it.
These gearbox issues can be due to several reasons, so if you don’t properly maintain your car, it’s hardly Porsche’s fault if the transmission struggles. However, these issues are reported on relatively new and old models alike.
Steering Issues
A few older 2017 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid problems revolve around steering issues stemming from a faulty steering column. In particular, a lack of responsiveness or difficulty turning coming out of a corner.
Steering issues can be pretty dangerous if left unchecked so if you are in the market for one of these cars you will want to test drive it on a freeway if possible to give yourself a chance to identify if there is wheel drift, etc.
Oil Leaks
A fair few 2017 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid owners have mentioned their cars having oil leaks from the engine or transmission. This is kind of expected on older cars but since we are talking about a car that is barely six years old and likely hasn’t got over 100,000 miles on the clock that’s pretty poor.
The older the exact model you are looking at, the more likely this issue will occur.
Hybrid System Issues/Failure
Last but not least, we have issues or even outright failures with the hybrid systems on the 2017 Porsche Cayenne S. You heard right.
The core concept that makes this car special tends to fail pretty badly sometimes because faulty connections are made between the battery and engine or other electrical components.
This is super hard to rest for if you are on a simple test drive, so your best bet is to probably just ask whether it has had any hybrid system failures and gauge their reaction to see if they are telling the truth. These issues are not cheap or easy to fix.
Our Verdict On 2017 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid Problems
The 2017 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid is undoubtedly a marvel of engineering, skillfully blending the luxury and power that the Porsche brand is known for with the benefits of hybrid technology. Its performance, features, and design attest to its appeal, merging sports car prowess with SUV practicality and environmental awareness.
However, prospective buyers should approach with caution. As with many vehicles, especially those of this complexity, there are vulnerabilities to consider. Reports of electrical issues, particularly concerning for a hybrid vehicle, as well as brake noise, suspension and transmission problems, are noteworthy.
Steering difficulties and oil leaks also crop up more frequently than one might expect for a car of this age and caliber. Perhaps most concerning are the issues with the very hybrid system that sets the vehicle apart.
As with any significant investment, potential owners should do their due diligence, investigating these areas of concern, asking pointed questions, and ensuring that they’re getting the quality they expect from a name like Porsche.
In essence, while the 2017 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid promises a dynamic driving experience, it’s crucial to weigh the advantages against the known issues before making a purchase decision.