Recall 12V065 affects 20,278 2011-2012 Porsche Cayenne SUVs because headlamps can loosen and detach. Repair is free at any franchised Porsche dealer.
Porsche is recalling 20,278 2011-2012 Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne S Hybrid, and Cayenne Turbo vehicles because headlamps can loosen and detach from the fender. A detached headlight reduces visibility and increases crash risk; Porsche dealers will complete the repair free of charge once it is available.
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What's wrong?
The headlamp assembly on 2011-2012 Porsche Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne S Hybrid, and Cayenne Turbo SUVs sits in the front fender area and lights the road ahead. It also helps other drivers see the vehicle's position at night, in rain, and in low-light traffic. The assembly needs to stay locked in place so the beam remains aimed and the lamp housing stays attached to the body.
On affected SUVs, the headlamps can come loose from the fender. Once the assembly is no longer secured, it can detach from the vehicle instead of staying fixed in the front corner. That leaves the SUV with reduced exterior lighting and a loose part that separates from the body.
There is no warning sign before failure in the recall information. An owner should not rely on a dashboard alert or a listed symptom before the headlamp comes loose.
Who's affected?
The included Cayenne variants share the same headlight component issue across the 2011 and 2012 model years.
| 2012 Porsche Cayenne S | Headlights |
|---|---|
| 2011 Porsche Cayenne | Headlights |
| 2011 Porsche Cayenne S | Headlights |
| 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid | Headlights |
| 2012 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid | Headlights |
| 2011 Porsche Cayenne Turbo | Headlights |
| 2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo | Headlights |
| 2012 Porsche Cayenne | Headlights |
| Units affected | 20,278 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
If a headlight detaches, visibility drops and crash risk increases, especially in low light. Treat a loose or missing headlight as a reason to avoid night driving and call a Porsche dealer for recall service. Repair will be free at any franchised Porsche dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Porsche Cayenne S, Cayenne, Cayenne S Hybrid, or Cayenne Turbo is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Porsche dealer and ask whether the headlamp locking assembly repair is open for your VIN.
- Schedule the free headlamp locking assembly replacement that secures the headlamps to the fenders.
- Bring the recall notice if Porsche mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V065 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, especially after dark or in poor weather.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Porsche technician replaces the headlamp locking assemblies that secure the headlamps to the fenders. That is the repair Porsche filed for campaign 12V065. The source for this section does not list a current remedy status, so do not assume the dealer visit is open until your VIN is confirmed and the dealer verifies parts. Once the repair is open for your vehicle, parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| February 21, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 9, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V065?
Recall 12V065 covers 20,278 2011-2012 Porsche Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne S Hybrid, and Cayenne Turbo vehicles with headlamps that can loosen and detach from the fender. A detached headlight can reduce visibility and increase crash risk. Porsche dealers replace the headlamp locking assemblies for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Porsche Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne S Hybrid, or Cayenne Turbo is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Porsche is included in recall 12V065. If it is, contact a franchised Porsche dealer to schedule replacement of the headlamp locking assemblies. Reference recall number 12V065 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Porsche dealers replace the headlamp locking assemblies free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Porsche dealer for vehicles included in recall 12V065.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced visibility from a headlamp that loosens and detaches from the fender. That loss of lighting can increase crash risk, especially when driving in low light or poor weather. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair.
What if I bought this Porsche Cayenne used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received the 2012 owner notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Cayenne is included, then call a franchised Porsche dealer with recall number 12V065.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V065000 |
|---|---|
| Porsche customer service | 1-800-767-7243 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V065 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V065000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →