Porsche Cayenne engine dragging and not accelerating issue on Porsche Cayenne

Submitted by Vehicle Owner · Jun 23, 2025
Published by RepairPal

Problem overview

Some Porsche Cayenne owners report experiencing engine dragging and acceleration issues due to several potential factors. An overly sensitive knock sensor may be retarding the timing during acceleration, which is a known issue in V6 models from certain eras; Porsche offers an update to the engine control unit to resolve this. Other owners have identified improper spark plug firing, an imbalanced air-fuel ratio, or a faulty timing belt as causes of poor acceleration, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues promptly to maintain engine health. Additionally, a dirty throttle body can lead to symptoms such as poor engine performance, erratic idle, and engine sputtering. Some drivers have also noted "staggering" or "shuddering" during heavy acceleration, particularly at higher RPMs, which may not affect idle but is noticeable under acceleration. Lastly, engine hesitation or jerking that subsides at a certain speed could indicate a problem with the mass airflow sensor, aligning with known issues in certain Porsche models. It is crucial for owners to seek a thorough diagnosis and appropriate repairs from a qualified mechanic or Porsche specialist if these problems persist.

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Porsche Cayenne vehicles with this problem

1 model year affected
Average mileage: 100,005 miles
(100,005 - 100,005)

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