Recall 16V169 affects 88,300 2011-2016 Porsche Cayenne SUVs for a missing brake pedal circlip. Repair is free at any franchised Porsche dealer.
Porsche is recalling 88,300 2011-2016 Cayenne vehicles because the brake pedal pivot pin can be missing a circlip, letting the pin move and the brake pedal dislodge. If the pedal dislodges, the driver can lose braking ability and face a higher crash risk; Porsche dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The brake pedal in a 2011-2016 Porsche Cayenne pivots on a metal pin inside the pedal bracket. A small retaining clip, called a circlip, sits on that pin and keeps it from sliding out of position when you press and release the pedal.
On affected Cayennes, that circlip is missing because it was pulled off during pre-assembly of the pedal holder. Without the clip, the pivot pin can work its way out of the pedal brackets. As the pin moves, the brake pedal loses its proper support and can dislodge from the pedal assembly.
Before the pedal comes loose, the brake pedal can feel spongy as the pivot pin starts moving out of the brackets. That is the warning sign to take seriously: the pedal no longer feels firm because the hardware holding it in place is shifting.
Who's affected?
Covers Cayenne SUVs across six model years, all tied to the hydraulic brake system.
| 2015 Porsche Cayenne | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2011 Porsche Cayenne | hydraulic brake system |
| 2014 Porsche Cayenne | hydraulic brake system |
| 2016 Porsche Cayenne | hydraulic brake system |
| 2012 Porsche Cayenne | hydraulic brake system |
| 2013 Porsche Cayenne | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 88,300 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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 the brake pedal dislodges, the driver can lose the ability to apply the brakes, increasing crash risk. A spongy pedal is the warning sign that the pivot pin has started moving out of the pedal brackets. Stop driving if the pedal feels spongy and call a Porsche dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Porsche dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2016 Porsche Cayenne is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Porsche dealer to schedule the free brake-pedal circlip inspection and repair that keeps the pivot pin secured.
- Bring the recall notice if Porsche mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V169 and Porsche recall AG02 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete; leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking.
- Call Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243 with questions about the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Porsche technician inspects the brake pedal assembly circlip on the 2011-2016 Cayenne. If the circlip is missing, the technician installs the correct circlip so the brake pedal pivot pin stays secured. The inspection and any needed installation are free under the recall, with parts and labor covered. Porsche is not offering customer reimbursement for this campaign.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| March 23, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 8, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V169?
Recall 16V169 covers 88,300 2011-2016 Porsche Cayenne SUVs with a brake pedal pivot pin that lacks a circlip. Without that clip, the pivot pin can move and the brake pedal can dislodge. Porsche dealers inspect the brake pedal assembly and install any missing circlip for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2016 Porsche Cayenne is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Cayenne is included in recall 16V169. If it is, contact a franchised Porsche dealer to schedule the brake pedal assembly inspection. Reference Porsche recall number AG02 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Porsche's remedy says dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly and install any missing circlip free of charge at a franchised Porsche dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of braking ability if the brake pedal dislodges. NHTSA campaign 16V169 says that condition increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free Porsche dealer inspection and circlip installation before relying on the vehicle for regular driving.
What if I bought my Porsche Cayenne used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Cayenne is included, then call a franchised Porsche dealer and reference recall 16V169 or Porsche recall number AG02.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V169000 |
|---|---|
| Porsche customer service | 1-800-767-7243 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V169 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V169000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →