The 2020 Porsche Cayenne has it all. It’s got luxury, practicality, and apparently it also has a dangerous transmission problem. According to Consumer Report the newest model year Cayenne has a lot going for it, and owner satisfaction has so far proven that the car is worth the price, which starts around $67,000 and goes as high as $164,400. It has been reliable so far and even had good safety standard ratings, but left unfixed and this recall could change that.

What is the recall for, and how serious is it?

The major recall for the Cayenne revolves around the SUV’s transmission, and it could lead to some pretty serious issues. The recall is being issued due to a welding failure on the oil pipe attached to the transmission. As the weld fails the Cayenne begins to leak automatic transmission fluid, and that could cause several problems.

Transmission fluid mixed with water or icy conditions can cause the roads to be even more slippery. This can be a major road hazard as the tires could potentially lose traction and cause the car to slide or spin, causing minor accidents or just an overall scary experience.

Less dangerous but still serious, if the transmission empties of all of the fluids that keep the mechanical components lubricated and cool, this could cause a whole different problem. With low or no transmission fluid you are at risk of blowing your transmission, which could lead to more costly and time-consuming repairs, and it hasn’t been made clear yet what Porsche will cover with the recall.

What we do know from Porsche is that the recall will cover the repair of the welded oil pipe or even a complete replacement if the specific case deems it necessary. This will be done at no additional cost to owners but will be mildly inconvenient

You can still feel confident buying a new Cayenne regardless

Porsche has not officially issued a recall but sources say the owners will begin receiving notifications in regards to the potential problem starting July 10th.

If you are in the market for a luxury SUV, this recall shouldn’t deter you. Being a new 2020 model the Cayenne is under Porsche’s new car warranty. For the Cayenne, that means a basic warranty extending for 4 years or 50,000 which most used or new Cayenne’s have most likely not reached.

Other than the recall on the transmission the Cayenne maintains high customer satisfaction ratings and is still a safe option for your daily drive. Besides this recall on the transmission oil pipe welding, the history of the Cayenne speaks for itself and you can rest assured in knowing you’re purchasing a safe and reliable SUV.

If you own a 2020 Porsche Cayenne and want to see if your car is on the recall list, you can search your car by VIN on the Porsche recall website portal.