Porsche›Cayenne›2012›Overview/porsche/cayenne/2012/base/

2012 Porsche Cayenne

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2012 Cayenne.

Body SUVTransmission Automatic (S8)

The 2012 Porsche Cayenne is an SUV equipped with an eight‑speed automatic transmission (S8) and carries an EPA fuel‑economy rating of 17/23/19 mpg. Owner‑reported data show 36 total complaints for the model year, with the power train cited as the most frequent problem area and five recalls issued. Compared with the broader 2003‑2026 complaint trend — where 2004 peaked at 101 reports and 2010 hit a low of just one — the 2012 figure places it in the middle of the range, indicating a reliability level that is better than the worst years but not as strong as the best.

Model year2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2012

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Lug nut torque118 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy17/23/19 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 94R · 650 CCA battery, OE oil filter 95810732200. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 94R · 650 CCAOEM · verified

Tail / brake / turnLIGHTOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	95810732200 alt 9A711549900
Engine air filter	95811013000 alt 95811013010
Fuel filter	95862042100
Spark plug	99917023690 alt 99917013090
Battery	9A7915089 alt 9A7915089B
Front wiper blades	V04015001HS
Serpentine belt	95810225110 alt 7PP903137
Thermostat	94810603404 alt 95810612601

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic (S8)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	190.9 in
Overall width	76.4 in
Overall height	67.3 in
Wheelbase	114.2 in
Curb weight	4398 lb
Track (front / rear)	65 / 65.7 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	53/47

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	17 / 23 / 19 mpg
Drivetrain	All-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuel	Premium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Cayenne of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

4.5 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 4.50 sec — 2012 Turbo V8

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2012	Turbo V8 4.8L Twin-Turbo V8	4.50 sec	13.00 sec	500 hp	AWD
2011	Turbo V8 4.8L Twin-Turbo V8	4.00 sec	12.40 sec	500 hp	AWD
2011	Turbo V8 4.8L Twin-Turbo V8	4.30 sec	12.80 sec	500 hp	AWD
2011	S V8 4.8L V8	5.50 sec	14.10 sec	400 hp	AWD
2011	S Hybrid 3.0L supercharger V6 + Elec	5.60 sec	14.30 sec	380 hp	AWD
2011	S Hybrid 3.0L Supercharger V6 + Elec	5.70 sec	14.30 sec	380 hp	AWD
2011	S V8 4.8L V8	5.70 sec	13.90 sec	400 hp	AWD
2011	S V8 4.8L V8	5.90 sec	14.40 sec	400 hp	AWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

Torque lug nuts to 118 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	Porsche part number 98530054000
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	2.5 Pints,
Manual Transmission Fluid	Porsche part number 00004330338
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity	1.9

Engine torques

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	17.0 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	11.0 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	20.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	118 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	15.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	15.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-6-2-4-3-5
Cylinder Firing Order	1-5-3-6-2-4
Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.80-2.25 lbs
Standard BCI Group Number	94R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	650 cca
Standard BCI Group Number	94R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	650 cca
Standard BCI Group Number	49
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	740 cca

Brakes

Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in
Minimum Shoe Thickness	0.079 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 6 stages

1	22.0 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs
2	37.0 ft. lbs.	37 ft. lbs
3	Loosen all bolts 360 degrees	360 degrees
4	22.0 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs
5	22.0 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs
6	110 degrees	110 degrees

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs every 30,000 mi.

Every 10,000 mi	Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
At 20,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Active Suspension System (inspect fluid level) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Housing (clean)
Every 30,000 mi	Spark Plugs (replace)
Every 40,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Active Suspension System (inspect fluid level) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 80,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace)
At 160,000 mi	Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Transfer Case Assembly (drain & refill) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

In 2012 the Cayenne generated 36 complaints, 5 recalls and 1 investigation, with a total of 496 TSB filings. That complaint level sits between the 62 complaints recorded in 2011 and the 40 complaints in 2013, marking a modest decline from the prior year but still above the 2010 low of 1 complaint. The 2012 model’s recalls (5) are comparable to 2011’s 5 but higher than the 3 reported in 2013, while investigations remain at 1, consistent with the surrounding years. Power‑train problems account for the largest share of complaints (17), followed by engine issues (4), and the single crash and fire complaints indicate limited but notable safety concerns. Consequently, while the 2012 Cayenne is not the most problematic year in the generation, the presence of recurring power‑train complaints and safety‑related incidents suggests a cautious approach, making it a mediocre choice for a used purchase.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

496

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

1 involved a crash · 1 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11’12’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19 ’20 ’21 ’22 ’23 ’24 ’26

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 36 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train17

Engine4

Unknown Or Other3

Electrical System1

Air Bags,Unknown Or Other1

Unknown Or Other,Engine1

Seats1

Electrical System,Electronic Stability Control (Esc),Fuel/Propulsion System1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 4 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

16V169000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Pedals And LinkagesReported 23/03/2016

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Cayenne vehicles manufactured April 28, 2010, to January 11, 2016. The brake pedal pivot pin may be missing a circlip, allowing the… Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly circlip, installing any missing circlips, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016. Owners…

12V065000Exterior Lighting:HeadlightsReported 21/02/2012

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… 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 496 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
40/26 4407	2026-06-30	Wheels	Wheel Bolt Replacement Requirement - Change from Wheel Bolts with Aluminum Washers to…
TSTR2636	2026-06-29	Unknown Or Other	Porsche Tester Software Update Information Software Version: 44.200.031
TSTR2635	2026-06-29	Unknown Or Other	Porsche Tester Software Update Information Software Version: 44.200.030
20/26	2026-06-25	Engine	Overview of Approved Porsche C20 Engine Oils (20/26)
19/26 1701	2026-06-25	Engine	Overview of Approved Porsche C30 Engine Oils (19/26)

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Cayenne. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 94R battery Engine oil filter 95810732200 Engine air filter 95811013000 Fuel filter 95862042100 Spark plug 99917023690

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

Does the 2012 Cayenne have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Cayenne get?

EPA figures are 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined mpg.