The 2024 edition of the Porsche Cayenne was planned to usher in a new era for the SUV, but a mechanical issue has led to a false start. Thousands of cars are being recalled due to malfunctioning lights. Porsche is dealing with the error in the right manner, but it’s not the way any automaker wants to introduce their latest vehicle. 

The 2024 Porsche Cayenne recall is due to bad lights

Kelley Blue Book reported that Porsche has issued a Cayenne recall for close to 3,000 vehicles across several editions of the SUV from the 2024 model year. In the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) recall report, the problematic cars were manufactured between March 23 and June 23, 2023. 

A recall is needed because of a software error that makes the hazard warning lights and parking lights work inconsistently. The Cayenne’s gateway control unit, the electronic brain that manages a vehicle’s data network, is intended to function for about five minutes after the driver turns the vehicle off. However, due to the glitch, if the driver switches the hazard or parking lights within 10 seconds after the unit deactivates, then the lights won’t illuminate. 

The gateway control unit is an electronic brain that manages a vehicle’s data network. A software update is on the menu for the aforementioned 3,000 vehicles. Known owners will be informed of this recall on or about September 26. Vehicles produced after June 23 feature updated gateway control unit software.

Dealers will fix the problem with a quick software update. Recall repairs are legally obligated to be free of charge. 

The 2024 model is a mid-cycle refresh for the SUV

No automaker ever wants to be in a position where they have to recall any vehicles, but Porsche will be especially frustrated considering that these are brand-new models and the 2024 Cayenne is the debut of an updated version of the SUV. This problem puts them on the back foot and could impact the reputation of the Cayenne going forward, especially considering previous vehicle generations also had serious issues with their lights.

Last year, Porsche recalled nearly 200,000 models for headlight problems. Some of the offending cars were Cayennes from the periods in the first generation (2003 to 2006) and the second generation (2008 to 2017). 

That recall was due to missing adjustable screw caps instead of malfunctioning software, and the 2023 Cayenne is generally a reliable purchase. But the most recent recall parallels past Porsche problems that the brand would rather leave behind. 

2024 Porsche Cayenne specs

When the vehicle does work properly, the 2024 Porsche Cayenne provides improvements to the longstanding model in several significant ways. 

The interior now includes the 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster seen in the Taycan and a redesigned center console with new climate controls. 

The powertrains on all three Cayenne models (the base,  Cayenne E-Hybrid, and Cayenne S) are also upgraded across the board. The base model’s turbocharged V6 engine gets an additional 13 hp and 36 lb-ft of torque. The E-Hybrid includes a new electric motor and a bigger battery pack. The Cayenne S includes a new V8 engine that produces 468 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque.  

Porsche adds a number of safety features, new shock absorbers, and a restyled the Cayenne exterior. The base price starts at $79,200, and coupe versions of the Cayenne models start at $84,300.