Head-to-head reliability
Porsche 718 Cayman vs Toyota Camry
How the Porsche 718 Cayman and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Porsche 718 Cayman vs Toyota Camry: The Porsche averages 1.1 complaints per year over 9 years, while the Camry averages 205.6 over 10 years. The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries; the Porsche has 0 and 2. Both have recalls, but the Camry's are more numerous. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Porsche 718 Cayman or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Porsche 718 Cayman
The Porsche 718 Cayman is a low-volume sports car, averaging just over one complaint per year over nine years. Owners report issues like exhaust burns, engine faults, and drivetrain leaks, but the overall complaint count is small. Recalls cover fuel system, air bags, and side windows. For a buyer, this suggests a car with occasional but potentially serious problems, often related to design or component durability.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume family sedan with over 2,000 complaints in ten years, averaging about 206 per year. Reports include power train hesitation, brake noises, and electrical glitches, with many crash and injury counts. Recalls address wheels, seats, and air bag sensors. For a buyer, this indicates a common car with a wide range of reported issues, though many may be addressed by recalls or repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Porsche 718 Cayman | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 10 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.1 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Porsche 718 Cayman
- 01ENGINE5
- 02POWER TRAIN3
- 03SEAT BELTS3
- 04SEATS1
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
Owners report exhaust burns from protruding central exhaust pipes, and engine faults causing loss of responsiveness and check engine lights. These can lead to injuries and unexpected breakdowns, so inspect exhaust placement and scan for fault codes.
Complaints include CV joint grease boot clamp failures that leak grease, and clutch master cylinder return lines disconnecting, causing brake fluid loss. These issues can lead to drivetrain damage or brake failure, so check for leaks and secure connections.
Owners report passenger side seat belt retractor problems, such as looseness and rattling, which may affect restraint performance. This matters because a faulty seat belt can reduce safety in a crash, so test retraction and listen for noises.
One complaint mentions a passenger side seat issue, possibly related to the seat belt complaint. While less common, any seat problem can affect comfort and safety, so inspect seat adjustments and mounting.
“I SUSTAINED SERIOUS BURNS TO MY CALF FROM MY THE EXHAUSTS ON MY 2014 BOXSTER S, AND MY 2017 CAYMAN, ON TWO OCCASIONS. BOTH CARS SUFFER FROM THE SAME DANGEROUS DESIGN DEFECT: AN EXCESSIVELY PROTRUDING CENTRAL EXHAUST PIPE. THE FIRST INJURY WAS SUSTAINED ON FEB…”
“I received delivery of my vehicle this morning and put about 20 miles on it when I received an engine fault error and my vehicle check engine light came on while accelerating from a stop to about 15 mph before the issue occurred. I lost responsiveness and my…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report ignition key stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnect, and hesitation/shuddering with check engine lights. These can leave you stranded or cause delayed acceleration, so test key removal and look for transmission warnings.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when accelerating, sometimes taking several seconds to move. This can be a safety risk in traffic, so test drive at low speeds and check for lag.
Owners report electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring towing, and clicking/vibrating noises from the ABS system. These can prevent driving or indicate brake issues, so test the parking brake and listen for noises.
Complaints mention multiple system malfunctions, including stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring failing simultaneously. This can affect handling and awareness, so check for warning lights and test electronic features.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Porsche 718 Cayman — 7 recalls
The defect: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017-2019 718 Boxster, 718 Boxster S, 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S vehicles and 2018-2019 718 Boxster GTS and 2018-2019 718 Cayman GTS vehicles. In the event of a crash, a crossmember may detach from the luggage compartment bracket, pos…
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of fire.
The fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will secure the crossmember with additional rivets, free of charge. The recall began April 19, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is…
The defect: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017 911 Carrera, 911 Carrera S, 911 Carrera 4, 911 Carrera 4S, 911 Targa 4, 911 Targa 4S + GTS, 911 Carrera Cabriolet, 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet, 718 Boxster, 718 Boxster S, 718 Cayman,…
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will install improved fastening screws, free of charge. The recall began March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AH01.
The defect: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2017 718 Boxster, 718 Boxster S, 718 Cayman, 718 Cayman S, 911 Carrera, 911 Carrera S, 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4S, 911 Turbo, 911 Turbo S, 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet, and 911 Turbo Cabriolet vehicles. The seat mou…
The risk: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the side air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AG10.
The defect: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2018 718 Boxster, Boxster S and Boxster GTS, 718 Cayman, Cayman S and Cayman GTS, 911 Carrera, Carrera T, Targa 4 GTS, Carrera 4, Carrera S, Carrera 4S, Carrera GTS, Carrera 4 GTS, Carrera Cabriolet, Carrera S Cabriolet, Carrera 4S Cab…
The risk: In the event of a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the air bag sensors, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 17, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKA4.
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Porsche 718 Cayman or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Porsche 718 Cayman has far fewer complaints per year (1.1 vs. 205.6), but its issues can be severe, such as burns or brake fluid leaks. The Toyota Camry has many more complaints, often about drivability and brakes, but many are covered by recalls. In practice, the Porsche may need less frequent attention, while the Camry may have more common but potentially manageable problems.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Porsche averages 1.1 per year; Toyota averages 205.6 per year, a huge difference in reported problems.
- Crash and injury reports: Toyota has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries; Porsche has 0 crash-related and 2 injuries.
- Common issues: Porsche reports exhaust burns and drivetrain leaks; Toyota reports key stuck in Park, brake noises, and electrical glitches.
- Recalls: Porsche has 7 recalls (fuel, air bags); Toyota has 31 recalls (wheels, seats, air bag sensors).
- Check the central exhaust pipes for excessive protrusion that could cause burns, and inspect for any signs of heat damage.
- Inspect CV joint grease boots for leaks or missing clamps, and check clutch master cylinder return line for secure connection and brake fluid leaks.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park; if it sticks, it may require battery disconnect, indicating a power train defect.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which may indicate ABS issues, and test the electronic parking brake for proper disengagement.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the specific problem areas: exhaust and drivetrain for Porsche; power train, brakes, and electronics for Toyota.
- Test drive extensively, including low-speed acceleration and braking, to feel for hesitation or noises.
- Scan for stored diagnostic trouble codes, especially engine and transmission codes.
- Verify that seat belts retract properly and seats adjust smoothly, as these are reported issues.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Porsche 718 Cayman | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 163 |
| 2024 | 0 | 50 |
| 2023 | 1 | 64 |
| 2022 | 1 | 61 |
| 2021 | 2 | 157 |
| 2020 | 0 | 274 |
| 2019 | 1 | 395 |
| 2018 | 0 | 744 |
| 2017 | 5 | 148 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Porsche 718 Cayman or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Porsche 718 Cayman vs Toyota Camry
- Porsche 718 Cayman total complaints
- 10
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Porsche 718 Cayman total recalls
- 7
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Porsche 718 Cayman avg complaints/year
- 1.1
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Porsche 718 Cayman
- Porsche 718 Cayman top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN