Porsche Cayenne Recall R/2012/020: Headlight May Detach, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Book soon
- How serious
- 23 Feb 2012
- Launched
- 3,154
- vehicles in the UK
- R/2012/020
- DVSA reference
Porsche recalled Cayenne vehicles. If a headlight module is not locked correctly relative movements with respect to the wing can occur. The recall notice describes the fix as: will be recalled to have the locking mechanism on both headlights replaced. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
If a headlight module is not locked correctly relative movements with respect to the wing can occur. In rare cases this can cause the headlight to become detached from the wing. Based on results from internal quality control checks and individual complaints Porsche has decided to incorporate measures to make the locking system more robust into standard production and they will retrofit these changes on existing models.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: HEADLIGHT MAY DETACH Defect: If a headlight module is not locked correctly relative movements with respect to the wing can occur. In rare cases this can cause the headlight to become detached from the wing. Based on results from internal quality control checks and individual complaints Porsche has decided to incorporate measures to make the locking system more robust into standard production and they will retrofit these changes on existing models. Remedy: Affected vehicles will be recalled to have the locking mechanism on both headlights replaced.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could cause the headlight to become detached from the wing.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: will be recalled to have the locking mechanism on both headlights replaced.
Are You Affected?
Cayenne may be included. Porsche estimates 3,154 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Porsche, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Porsche.
- Book with any franchised Porsche dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/2012/020. See how to get a Porsche recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CayenneCheck the high-pressure pump connections and if necessary replace the high-pressure pumps including fuel lines | Urgent | R/2025/432 | |
| CayenneRe-programming DME control unit | Low | R/2025/063 | |
| CayenneReplacing upper trailing arm on the front axle | Book soon | R/2024/306 | |
| CayenneThe chassis geometry on the rear axle has deviated in some cases | Book soon | R/2022/052 | |
| Cayenne, PanameraImprove the engine control system in terms of nitrogen oxide emissions | Low | R/2022/002 |
This is one of 122 Porsche recalls in DVSA’s data. The Porsche recall launched before it was R/2011/133 on 9 May 2011, for wheel may detach. The one launched after it was R/2012/040 on 28 Mar 2012, for risk of fire. You can also see every Porsche recall and all recalls launched in 2012.
Source: DVSA recall R/2012/020, launched 23 February 2012. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.