Porsche 718 Cayman Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Porsche 718 Cayman options? We analyzed 9 model years (2017–2025) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Porsche 718 Cayman has 11 owner complaints and 7 safety recalls across model years 2017–2025. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2017 drew the most complaints; 2018 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Porsche
- Model
- 718 Cayman
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2025 (9 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 11
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Fire-related complaints
- 0
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2017 (5 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2018 (0 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Good
By model year
Porsche 718 Cayman: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
GoodThe PORSCHE 718 CAYMAN has 11 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 11 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 7 federal recall campaigns
- No crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
7 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
AIR BAGS
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2025. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 11 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
11 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The passenger side (right rear) inside CV joint grease boot clamp failed and leaked grease. I discovered it while switching out Winter to Summer tires. I have included pictures. In researching the defect I found that it is a common occurrence with the Porsche 718 Cayman and occurs with low mileage. I believe the clamp was defective or not installed correctly during the assembly process. If I didn’t catch the leak it could have resulted in a drive axle failure and breakdown on the road endangering myself or other vehicles. My car is not tracked and is used for pleasure driving. Because I caught the leak early the Porsche dealer was able to install a new clamp. I have included the repair invoice. There were no warning messages indicating the clamp failure. My car is maintained yearly by my dealer. In addition, during my research, I read that low mileage water pump failure is also a common occurrence with 718 Cayman’s.
seat belt will not retracted back it stays completly loose.
I have a Porsche 718 Cayman [XXX] I purchase this vehicle October 16, 2020 with only 1,500 miles on the odometer from Porsche of Tucson 4690 E 22nd St, Tucson, AZ 85711. Purchase Porsche extended platinum warranty for 96/100,000 miles. My passenger side 3- point seatbelt will not retract back properly. This is definitely a safety issue for the passenger. I set up an appointment to have it fix with the Porsche of Tucson dealership. I was told that it would not be covered under the platinum warranty. The odometer mileage I have now on my Porsche 718 Cayman is 13,685. I believe it should be covered due to a safety issue and especially with low mileage on the Porsche 718 Cayman with passenger seat belt not retracting back it stays loose on the passenger when seat belt is on. As a driver I never sit in the passenger side and just recently notice the belt being twisted and not properly aligned when my passenger complaint about belt. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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 FEBRUARY 19, 2017, WHEN I LEANED AGAINST MY 2014 BOXSTER S, AND THE REAR OF MY CALF MADE DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE PROTRUDING EXHAUST PIPE. THE SECOND INJURY OCCURRED ON AUGUST 11, 2018, WHEN I PLACED A SUITCASE IN THE TRUNK OF MY 2017 718 CAYMAN, AND THE FRONT OF MY CALF TOUCHED THE EXHAUST. THE 718/BOXSTER S EXHAUSTS ARE UNREASONABLY DANGEROUS AS IT IS EXTREMELY EASY, EVEN WHEN BEING VERY CAREFUL, TO INADVERTENTLY MAKE CONTACT WITH THE HOT PIPES. ALTHOUGH THERE ARE PURPORTED 'WARNINGS' IN THE OWNERS' MANUALS, THEY ARE INSUFFICIENT AND FLAT-OUT ABSURD, AS THEY CANNOT BE ADHERED TO IF ONE USES THE TRUNK. I AM ASKING THE NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE THIS PATENTLY DANGEROUS DESIGN DEFECT.
BOTH HEADLIGHTS GET FOGGY CONDENSATION DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR LOSE AND MAKING RATTLING NOISE WINDSHIELD WIPER HAS POOR CONTACT WITH FRONT WINDSHIELD. POOR VISIBILITY ON RAINY DAY
The dealer reported a misfire. Upon detailed investigation and a bore scope, the inside cylinder lining had disintegrated and metal shavings were in engine oil. The motor needed to be replaced. This took 30 days to receive new motor. Upon installation, the gear shifting linkage failed, necessitating removal and replacement of these parts. The issues are ongoing at this time and I still have not had the car returned to me. It is still being repaired nearing 45 days in the repair facility.
Read 5 more owner reports
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 engine was in “limp mode”. This occurred in traffic and I had to safely exit the roadway before calling roadside assistance to get it towed to the dealer. ODB error codes from a shop include: 2838-P0087 Fuel rail system pressure too low - short to plus 10591-P0301 Cylinder 1 misfire detected 10592-P0302 Cylinder 2 misfire detected 10593-P0303 Cylinder 3 misfire detected 851CH/34076 Undocumented code
I was driving on the highway when the oil pressure warning light came on, and then the engine completely failed. I was unable to restart the car while still coasting and was fortunately able to roll off the highway on to an exit ramp. In mid-day traffic, this could have been very dangerous. The car went straight to the dealership via flatbed - less than a year old, ~5300 miles - and it was determined the engine had seized. No cause was provided beyond 'oil exhaustion', and that there was no indication it was owner caused. The entire engine was replaced after 2 months, but I never received a full analysis or cause for the failure.
While travelling on the freeway on 7/30/23, I experienced a "low oil pressure, shut down engine immediately" warning. I pulled over to the shoulder and was unable to restart the car. It was towed to Porsche Carlsbad dealership where it is awaiting analysis by Porsche. The car has 4900 miles on it and is under the MFG warranty.
FAILURE OF THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM. SYSTEM REPORTS A NONI-RESETTABLE TPMS MALFUNCTION. PORSCHE TECHNICAL BULLETIN TI 4432 COMPLAINT. DEALER STATES NO SOLUTION FROM PORSCHE NORTH AMERICA
THE RETURN LINE FOR CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER CAME DISCONNECTED FROM THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR DURING DRIVING RESULTING IN A PUDDLE OF BRAKE FLUID WHEN THE CAR RETURNED TO THE GARAGE. FLUID WAS PROBABLY LOST DURING THE DRIVE. THERE IS NO CLAMP ON THIS HOSE, THERE IS A RIBBED MALE STUB COMING OFF THE RESERVOIR THAT THE HOSE SLIDES ON, BUT IT EASILY SLIDES ON AND OFF. I HAVE 2,000 MILES ON THE CAR. THE DEALER COULD NOT EXPLAIN WHY THE HOSE BECAME DISCONNECTED. IF I HAD NOT NOTICED THE PUDDLE, IF I HAD GONE FOR ANOTHER DRIVE, I MIGHT HAVE LOST ALL THE BRAKE FLUID AND LOST BRAKING AND THE CLUTCH OPERATIONS. WHY THERE ISN'T A CLAMP ON THIS HOSE IS CONFUSING. WILL THE HOSE COME LOOSE AGAIN DURING A FUTURE DRIVE? *TR
Showing 11 of 11 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Porsche 718 Cayman
These pages show model-year patterns across 9 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Porsche 718 Cayman, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Porsche 718 Cayman has 11 complaints on record across 9 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Porsche 718 Cayman has 7 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 0 of the Porsche 718 Cayman's 11 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Good) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Porsche 718 Cayman vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Porsche 718 Cayman vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Porsche 718 Cayman has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Porsche 718 Cayman.
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Porsche 718 Cayman reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Porsche 718 Cayman reliable?
Good. The Porsche 718 Cayman has 11 NHTSA owner complaints and 7 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Porsche 718 Cayman years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2017 (5 complaints), 2018 (0 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Porsche 718 Cayman problems?
Top reported issues: ENGINE (5 complaints); POWER TRAIN (3 complaints); SEAT BELTS (3 complaints).
Does the Porsche 718 Cayman have recalls?
Yes — 7 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Porsche 718 Cayman. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.