Porsche Cayman
Reliability, NHTSA Complaints & Recall History
10 model years analyzed (2007–2016). All data sourced directly from the NHTSA public complaints and recall database — the same data used by federal regulators.
Checking a specific Porsche Cayman? Run a VIN check for its exact history.
⭐ 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.
AI Interpretation
Medium ConfidenceAverageNHTSA data for the 2007–2016 Porsche Cayman shows a moderate number of complaints, with the most reported issues in the power train and engine categories. No crash-related complaints were recorded, but the data suggests potential concerns in specific model years.
- Power train complaints account for the highest number of reports among all components.
- Model years 2014 and 2016 each have 7 complaints, the highest for any single year.
- Model years 2008 and 2013 have zero complaints, the fewest in the analyzed range.
- Power train issues are the most frequently reported component.
- Engine complaints are the second most common category.
- Air bag complaints are also notable, with 6 reports.
Model years 2014 and 2016 each have 7 complaints, the highest counts, driven primarily by power train and engine issues.
Model years 2008 and 2013 have zero complaints, suggesting these may be more reliable choices, though low reporting could also reflect lower sales volumes.
- Request service records for power train and engine repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the power train and engine before purchase.
- Check for any air bag-related service campaigns.
🔔 NHTSA Safety Recalls
8 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.
Safety Recall
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Safety Recall
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2007–2016. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
🔧 Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 35 NHTSA complaints.
📋 NHTSA Complaint Reports
35 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.
Rear axel carrier side section fractured in half. This can lead to loss of control of the vehicle when driving. Recall was issued for some models/years with specific batches, but mine was not included even though it’s the same issue.
Code P1023 Fuel Pump pressure/ quantity too low at start. Rough Start when engine is cold, high pressure fuel pump appears to be leaking. Replacement part is out of stock, unavailable. Unsafe to drive, could start a fire.
Fuel tank is rubbing against the body causing visible rub marks on the plastic tank itself. This is caused by foam pads either being misplaced or not installed at all from the factory. Porsche themselves have a TSB on it (SB-1403), but they will not handle the fix outside of warranty. This seems like a major safety issue where a plastic component holding flammable fuel is rubbing against the metal body and causing a potential failure point where fuel can leak onto hot components. Porsche has stated this is not a safety issue, but I cannot see how that is possibly the case. Many others online are facing the same issue and are getting quotes of $2k USD for the fix to be carried out. Please look into this as I do not feel safe driving my car knowing that the fuel tank can rub itself to failure at any point.
DOOR PANEL IS WARPING AWAY FROM THE DOOR FRAME AT THE WINDOW. THIS APPEARS TO BE WHERE THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG DEPLOYS FROM.
IGNITION COIL FAILURE ON CYLINDER #3 DUE TO NO HEAT SHIELD BETWEEN COIL & CATALYST WHICH IS SITUATED JUST BELOW THE COIL. THIS RESULTED IN SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AND MISFIRES OF #3 CYLINDER. MECHANIC STATES THIS PROBLEM WILL HAPPEN AGAIN UNTIL A PROPER HEAT SHIELD IS INSTALLED BETWEEN THE COIL & THE CATALYST. I WAS IN TRAFFIC AT THE TIME ON A FREEWAY AT A SPEED OF 65 MPH.
A SMALL ROCK CAME THROUGH THE FRONT AIR INLET ON DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR STRIKING THE FRONT AC CONDENSER. THIS CAUSED A LOSS OF FREON THAT BOTH ENTERED THE CABIN THROUGH THE SYSTEM VENTS AND SPEWED AC OIL INTO THE LEFT FRONT OF THE CAR, LEFT FRONT TIRE, ETC. THIS PRESENTED A HAZARD FROM INHALATION OF FREON GAS SUCKED INTO THE HVAC SYSTEM AS WELL AS THE POSSIBILITY OF OIL CONTAMINATING THE FRONT TIRE OR BRAKE ASSEMBLY NO PROTECTION (GRILL,SCREEN, ETC) IS PROVIDED FROM THE FACTORY. THE FRONT CONDENSERS ARE HIGHLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE. THERE ARE AT LEAST 10 OTHER REPORTS OF THIS HAPPENING ONLINE FROM OTHER 2013 TO 2014 BOXSTER AND CAYMAN MODELS. MY VEHICLE IS A 2014 CAYMAN S, MANUAL TRANSMISSION. PORSCHE WAS UNWILLING TO ASSIST IN REPAIRING THE VEHICLE. COST TO REPAIR $1200. *TR
AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP LIGHT I INTENDED TO SHIFT INTO FIRST GEAR BUT WHEN STARTING TO MOVE, THE CAR WAS ACTUALLY IN REVERSE GEAR AND ALMOST HIT THE CAR BEHIND ME. THIS HAPPENED TO ME MULTIPLE TIMES IN DIFFERENT A FEW OCCASIONS. I AM WELL TRAINED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND MY PREVIOUS 300,000 MILES OF DRIVING WERE ON SIMILAR CARS WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION FROM DIFFERENT VENDORS. A LARGE NUMBER OF 981 OWNERS WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION REPORTED SIMILAR EXPERIENCE AS CAN BE SEEN IN THIS PORSCHE 981 FORUM HTTP://WWW.PLANET-9.COM/981-CHAT/90509-ACCIDENTALLY-SELECTED-REVERSE-STOPLIGHT.HTML THE PROBLEM HAPPENS AS A RESULT OF TWO DESIGN ISSUES WITH THIS CAR MODE: 1. THERE IS NO MECHANICAL BLOCK THAT PREVENTS SHIFTING INTO THE REVERSE GEAR WHEN INTENDING TO SHIFT INTO FIRST GEAR (E.G. BY REQUIRING TO PRESS THE STICK SHIFT DOWN TO ENGAGE THE REVERSE GEAR) 2. THE CAR HAS AN ELECTRONIC GEAR INDICATOR BUT IT STAYS BLANK WHEN THE CAR STOPS AND DISPLAYS THE ENGAGED GEAR ONLY WHEN THE CAR STARTED TO MOVE AND ACHIEVED A CERTAIN SPEED, WHICH IS TOO LATE. THIS COMPLAINTS APPLIES TO 2014 PORSCHE 981 BOXSTER, BOXSTER S, CAYMAN AND CAYMAN S WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION ONLY. *TR
Porsche dashboard leather has strunk and separated from the main dashboard. My understanding is that in the event of an accident, this could interfere with the airbag's ability to deploy correctly. A Porsche dealer has reviewed but was unable to repair it. The next step would be to replace. I've discovered this is a very common issue with Porsche vehicles from model years similar to this one.
The Cayman S model with V6, 3.4L motor, commonly referenced as a 9A1 motor had been self destructing with increasing amounts of metal slivers/chips found in the drained oil, oil filter and oil filter housing. The in-warranty Porsche dealer "installed oil" was first inspected by my shop at 27,031 mi - alarmingly metal was found, PIC attached. Metal was non magnetic, appearing to be aluminium. Subsequent oil/filter inspections found the metal volume to be significantly increasing, PIC attached, putting the motor at risk of self destructing. Car was parked with only 29,509 mi in fear of having the motor blowup/lockup while driving at highway speeds. It would have the potential of stopping abruptly or locking up the rear wheels putting the car in a spin, possibly causing a crash. Risky. Without taking the motor out and disassembling, professional opinion and speculation indicates possible early main crankshaft bearing or rod bearing failure. Motor needs replaced (estimates from $25,000 to $45,000 depending on damage and whether a dealer or independent does the work.) The vehicle is currently parked and taken off the road. Too expensive to fix. Porsche North America offered no investigative or repair support because it is out of warranty. Disappointing customer support, with this being my fourth Porsche. Isolated incident or have others found a similar problem ????
The contact owns a 2015 Porsche Cayman. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the rear housing axle carriers repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V679000 (Power Train). However, upon picking up the vehicle, the rear suspension was unstable and drifted all over the road while driving. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who inspected the vehicle and completed a torque adjustment however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified but did not provide any assistance. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had not experienced a failure prior to the recall repair. The contact also stated that the engine was located at the rear of the vehicle, which presented a severe potential risk to safety. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
My door panels are delaminating around where the side curtain airbags are located. It has me concerned about driving the vehicle if I was involved in an accident.
Tail lamps are prone to hairline cracks difficult to see, when driven in rain or car wash tail lamp floods and causes electrical system to short circuit resulting in death or accident in inclement weather due to low visibility.
Engine stalls when stopped if not in sport mode. Electronic gauge display for oil level is confusing and shows low oil level in green, causing the user to add oil when it is full. Steering rubs and knocks when turning.
Windshield washer hose has snapped at the hood hinge which is preventing clearing of the windsheild of debris and obscuring forward visibility. This part was replaced by the dealer in 2016 during the first annual service for reasons unknown to me and has now failed.
TRW Automotive Inc. Airbag Control Unit (Part No. 218737-124 RI; Serial No. 11050089RI; Produced: April 20, 2015) was equipped in 2016 Porsche Cayman VIN [XXX] by Porsche (Vehicle Production Date: June 29, 2015). In 2019, TRW recalled the aforementioned ACU in NHTSA 19E-043. In 2019, in response to the TRW recall, Porsche recalled 2016 Porsche Caymans in NHTSA 19V-533 but Porsche & the NHTSA failed to include 2016 Porsche Cayman VIN [XXX] (Vehicle Production Date: June 29, 2015) from this recall by setting an incorrect production date bracket starting at July 8, 2015 which is at least 9 days too late. The ACU failed during normal operation of the vehicle on February 1, 2020. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
THE VARIABLE VALVE TIMING ADJUSTER SPROCKET BOLTS HAVE A TENDENCY TO SHEAR UNDER HIGH LOAD. THIS IS A DOCUMENTED ISSUE THAT WAS ALSO COMMON IN SEVERAL OTHER PORSCHE MODELS OF SIMILAR PRODUCTION YEAR RANGES. THE VALVETRAIN LOSES TIMING, RESULTING IN A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE WHICH DISABLES A VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE SUSTAINED SUCH A FAILURE AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY WENT INTO "LIMP MODE." ALL THE VALVES ON ONE CYLINDER BANK WERE BENT. OTHER MODELS WERE RECALLED BUT THE CAYMAN AND BOXSTERS THAT CAME WITH THE 9A1 ENGINE WERE NOT. PORSCHE REPAIRED MY ENGINE BUT THEY PUT THE SAME PART NUMBER THAT FAILED BACK INTO THE CAR. THERE HAS NOT BEEN AN ENGINEERING REVISION TO THE PART, AND ANOTHER FAILURE IS POSSIBLE.
PORSCHE HAS IDENTIFIED A PREVIOUSLY UNREPORTED FAULTY AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT SERIAL NUMBER 11050089RI EQUIPPED IN THE 2016 PORSCHE CAYMAN IN JUNE 2015 BY PORSCHE AG MERE DAYS BEFORE THE PRODUCTION DATE BRACKET START OF JULY 8, 2015 FOR MANUFACTURER RECALL AKB4. THE 2016 PORSCHE CAYMAN WAS ORDERED AS A CUSTOM SPECIFICATION 2015 PORSCHE CAYMAN IN EARLY 2015 HOWEVER, WHILE WAITING FOR THE CAR, THE OWNER WAS NOTIFIED BY THE DEALER THAT DELAYS HAVE PUSHED YOUR DELIVERY DATE BACKBUT YOU WILL RECEIVE A 2016 MODELTHE FACTORY IS GOING TO PRODUCE THE VEHICLE BEFORE THEIR SUMMER BREAK AND YOULL HAVE IT IN JULY 2015 BUT IT WILL BE A 2016 CAYMAN. THE 2016 PORSCHE CAYMAN IS A JULY 2015 PARTS BIN VEHICLE ASSEMBLED WITH FAULTY AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT SERIAL NUMBER 11050089RI IN JUNE 2015 BY PORSCHE AG. WITH COMPONENT SUPPLIER CORRECTIVE ACTION OCCURRING DURING WEEK 38 OF 2015 (MID-SEPTEMBER 2015) PORSCHE AG INSTALLED FAULTY AIRBAG TRIGGERING UNIT SERIAL NUMBER 11050089RI IN THE 2016 PORSCHE CAYMAN. THIS IS EVIDENT BY SCAN RESULTS PERFORMED ON THE 2016 PORSCHE CAYMAN DISPLAYING FAILURE CODE: C11005 AIRBAG TRIGGERING UNIT, FAULTY. THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ALSO ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. PORSCHE DID NOT IDENTIFY THAT FAULTY AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT SERIAL NUMBER 11050089RI IS AFFECTED BY MANUFACTURER RECALL AKB4 AND HAS NOT CORRECTLY IDENTIFIED THE POPULATION OF 2016 PORSCHE CAYMAN CARS IMPACTED BY MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER AKB4 (TRANSPORT CANADA RECALL 2019353 & NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 19V-533). PORSCHE MUST INCLUDE THE 2016 PORSCHE CAYMAN IN MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER AKB4, NOTIFY THE OWNER BY MAIL AND INSTRUCT THEM TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO A DEALER TO REPLACE THE FAULTY AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE UNDER RECALL. REFER TO VOLKSWAGEN GROUP COMPLIANCE REF. NUMBER 12638/2020, PCNA CASES 5591432 & 5595168, TC CONFIRMATION NUMBERS 2020-1107/-1108/-1310/-1311 AND US NHTSA TCN FKN23-56239 FOR DETAILS.
2016 PORSCHE CAYMAN HAS AN ERROR CODE 'C11005 ? AIRBAG TRIGGERING UNIT, FAULTY' AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED BUT THIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN PORSCHE'S RECALL (AKB4) CONCERNING THIS ISSUE. PORSCHE HAS NOT CORRECTLY IDENTIFIED THE RECALL POPULATION OF 2016 PORSCHE CAYMAN CARS AFFECTED BY MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER AKB4 (TRANSPORT CANADA RECALL 2019353 & NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 19V-533) AND SHOULD INCLUDE THIS 2016 PORSCHE CAYMAN VIN, NOTIFY THE OWNER BY MAIL AND INSTRUCT THEM TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO A DEALER TO INSPECT, AND REPLACE, THE FAULTY AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE UNDER RECALL. BASED ON A PRODUCTION DATE BRACKET OF JULY 8, 2015 ? APRIL 18, 2016 AND COMPONENT SUPPLIER CORRECTIVE ACTION OCCURRING DURING CALENDAR WEEK 38 OF 2015 (APPROXIMATELY MID-SEPTEMBER 2015) PORSCHE HAS MISSED THIS 2016 PORSCHE CAYMAN (PRODUCED JUNE 2015) FROM ITS DATABASE OF 2016 PORSCHE CAYMAN VINS AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. PORSCHE DID NOT CONSIDER THAT IT WAS PRODUCING 2016 PORSCHE CAYMANS EARLIER THAN JULY 8, 2015 AND, AS A CONSEQUENCE, THE OWNER OF THIS 2016 PORSCHE CAYMAN WAS NOT ALERTED DURING THE CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION PERIOD OF MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER AKB4 AND DID NOT BECOME AWARE OF THIS KNOWN SAFETY RISK UNTIL ALMOST A YEAR HAD PASSED. AT THIS TIME, PORSCHE REFUSES TO REPAIR THE FAULTY VEHICLE UNDER RECALL. THERE MAY BE OTHER 2016 PORSCHE CAYMAN VEHICLES IN ADDITION TO THIS 2016 PORSCHE CAYMAN ASSEMBLED OUTSIDE THE STATED PRODUCTION DATE BRACKET THAT ARE AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL AND WERE MISSED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TR
The vacuum pump (Porsche part number 9A1-110-090-02) cover retaining screws vibrated out causing the cover to damage the fuel lines and causing an engine oil leak. The fuel and oil were ignited by the exhaust or stray spark cause by the vacuum covers rotation and hitting other metal objects. This vacuum pump provides vacuum to the brake booster and during the event drastically reduces the ability of the car to stop. The car was quickly consumed by fire (30-45 seconds) and I received very minor burns to my left arm exiting the car (mid-engine so the flames were coming out from under the drives side rear tire). I no longer have the car or parts but do have a lot of photos of the damage
The vacuum pump retaining screws vibrated out, causing an oil leak and reduced functionality of the braking system. This is the second 2011 Porsche Cayman S that I have owned to have this problem. The first cause a fire and I received minor burns from the incident. Fortunately this time no fire was caused and the vehicle is repairable. Please see NHTSA tracking number 11430927. I also spoke with a Porsche mechanic and was told he had seen this failure on several Porsche Cayman. I have not had the vehicle repaired yet, but will document the repair and retain the parts for inspection if needed.
Showing 20 of 35 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check a Specific Porsche Cayman
This page shows fleet averages across all 10 model years. Enter a VIN to see the exact accident history, odometer records, title brands, and open recall status for a specific car.
📖 Understanding This Data
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 Cayman has 35 complaints on record across 10 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 Cayman has 8 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 Cayman's 35 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 AI Rating Calculated?
The AI reliability rating (Average) 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. The rating provides a plain-English summary for buyers who want a quick verdict without parsing raw numbers. It is one input in your buying decision — always verify with 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 Cayman vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Porsche 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 Cayman has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.