The final 958 Cayenne — the last of the transfer-case-and-coolant era, buyable well if the warranty-extension work is documented and the engine and driveline check out.

On the 2018 S E-Hybrid, owners report high-voltage-battery range and performance loss (one at ~81,000 miles, with the dealer declining to run a battery state-of-health report), and a charging-cable failure where the plastic near the plug melted and shorted. A charging-cable recall (Porsche code APB6) was issued but, per an owner, excluded the 2018 model year even though it uses the same cable. High-voltage-battery work is a major expense out of warranty. If it's the plug-in, ask for a documented battery state-of-health check and inspect the OEM charging cable's plug for heat damage.

The dominant 2016–2020 Cayenne theme continues: the leather dashboard delaminates and lifts over the passenger airbag, with owners warning it could impede airbag deployment and dealers quoting a full dashboard replacement around $8,000–$10,000. Porsche treats it as cosmetic; there is no recall. The VW-group cousin of this defect drew an Audi warranty extension but nothing from Porsche. Inspect the dash for bubbling or lifting over the passenger airbag — it's a safety-adjacent check, not just a looks issue.

Two drivability complaints recur on the 2018. Several owners describe a 'dead spot' or lack of acceleration when pulling out from a stop or a slow roll, sometimes followed by a lurch — one had the transfer case replaced without curing it, and Porsche described it as normal. Separately, an owner reported a random 'Service Necessary' warning that disables cruise control at highway speed for about an hour, which Porsche couldn't rectify (and said was fixed on the 2020). Test-drive specifically from rolling and quick stops, and exercise the adaptive cruise control.

The generation's background items. V8 cars carry the plastic coolant-pipe 'when, not if' leak (aluminum-upgrade fix ~$1,500–$3,000 labor). Tail-light water intrusion is common enough that Porsche extended the tail-light warranty on 2018–2019 Cayennes — check the lenses for moisture and ask whether they were replaced. And keep the sunroof and body drains clear, since a blocked drain can flood the interior electronics. These are ownership maintenance items, not 2018-specific defects.