Best and worst Porsche Cayman years — which to avoid

Getting a Porsche Cayman can be a perfect compromise for those looking for a reliable, yet affordable Porsche, at least when compared with the 911. However, not all of the Cayman generations were created equal since there are some Porsche Cayman years to avoid.

These are affected by some issues that may not necessarily ruin the car, but might just lead to pretty expensive repairs. So, to tackle the issue, our team of automotive experts embarked on a quest to deliver the full breakdown of model years and their reliability by NHTSA standards, complaints, and other relevant ratings.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst Porsche Cayman years

In the thought process behind this article, we had to obtain proven and verified information on Porsche Cayman’s general reliability as a model. Since that was no easy feat, we used trustworthy databases of driving safety organizations like NHTSA and IIHS to provide factual information on official recalls and complaints.

We also made use of driver reviews and ratings based on their input on trustworthy automotive review sites like Edmunds, KBB, and CR which helped us form our list of the best and worst years:

Most common Porsche Cayman problems

While the Cayman is considered to be a reliable pick among Porsche’s lineup, there are still some common issues it comes with. Most notably, we have the axle assembly problem that presented a driving safety risk. There are also some lighter problems that Cayman owners experienced over the years, including faulty airbag modules.

1. Axle assembly problem

One of the biggest issues that owners of Porsche Cayman have faced over the years includes the matter of the axle assembly. It mostly affects the side carrier sections that are prone to damage and fractures, and this problem is more serious than you may think.

The axle and other suspension components are critical for having proper control over the vehicle. Especially when it comes to high-speed driving that the Cayman is capable of, this is a safety issue that could lead to dire situations in case of a control loss.

To help deal with the problem, Porsche issued an official recall in 2021 to fix the axle assembly fault on the 2014-2015 Cayman and Cayman S models. Nearly 5000 Cayman units were recalled in the US, and it’s a fortunate thing since the failure of the assembly causes similar consequences like a bad CV axle.

2. Airbag system problems

Another common type of issue that Porsche Caymen owners have encountered over the years is the faulty airbag control module. This is an issue that’s just as serious as the axle assembly problem, considering how it may influence driving safety.

It’s said that the problem was caused by a faulty capacitor that couldn’t lead the module to receive electric power, leading to the system’s deactivation. Of course, deactivated airbags could easily lead to lethal accidents in case of a crash, so Porsche issued a recall in 2016 to fix this problem on Porsche Cayman vehicles.

3. Engine-related issues

One of the major problems that owners of the first-generation Cayman could face is the problem with the infamous IMS. The intermediate shaft bearing could lead to improper crankshaft rotation and block the oil lines in the engine, leading to stalling and serious engine issues.

Luckily, this problem wasn’t as present for the Cayman as much as it was for the 911 and Boxster models. It mostly revolves around the 2005 and 2006 Cayman models, but oil leaks are still present regardless of this issue. If there’s no oil in a car, there won’t be proper engine lubrication and it leads to raised operative temperatures and overheating.

4. Problems with the electric system and equipment

The rest of the driver complaints about the Cayman include electrical issues like excessive battery discharge and even some problems with alternator cables. Besides these, there’s also the matter of faulty equipment in the model including the faulty hood latch that triggered a recall in 2014.

There were also reports of faulty seatbelt anchor plates and the owner’s manual didn’t have sufficient instructions for the proper installation of the child restraint seat.

Worst Porsche Cayman years to avoid

Now that you are aware of the major problems that Porsche Cayman came with, it’s time that we dig deeper into the most problematic model years. Since the issues are somewhat spread by generations, the big question is – what are the worst Porsche Cayman years?

The worst Porsche Cayman years are 2006, 2014, and 2015, and we’ll also explain why that’s the case in the following few sections.

First-generation Cayman (2006 model year)

When it comes to the first-generation Cayman, it’s best to avoid the 2006 model, especially with the 3.4-liter flat-six engine. These were the only Cayman models plagued by the problematic IMS failure and that sometimes led to expensive engine rebuilds.

On top of that, the first-generation Cayman struggled with some carbon buildup and oil leaks and this was most notable for the 2006 model year, with later model years being more reliable.

Third-generation Cayman (2014-2015 model years)

The second generation of Cayman didn’t have any serious problems and the issue of the intermediate shaft bearing has been fixed. However, the third-gen Cayman had sufficient problems for the 2014 model year that received the most driver complaints along with the 2006 model.

These issues mostly revolve around the faulty airbag module connections and the axle assembly problem which made the suspension vulnerable especially at higher speeds.

What are the best Porsche Cayman years to buy?

As you can see, there are far more good Cayman years than those that should be avoided, so our team wanted to recommend the best model years. Here’s a list of the best Porsche Cayman years to go for if you are on the used car market:

• 2007
• 2008
• 2009
• 2010
• 2011
• 2012
• 2013
• 2017
• 2018
• 2019
• 2020
• 2022

If you are going for the first generation, it’s best to avoid the 2006 model and go for later model years. The most reliable first-gen model year is 2008 and there weren’t any IMS issues for this one and later model years. All the model years from the second generation are considered to be reliable, and the 2014-2015 model should only be avoided from the third generation.

Also, there are some slight airbag problems and equipment issues for the 2017 model year, but it’s also reliable overall regardless of these.

2008 Porsche Cayman

As one of the most reliable models out there, the 2008 Porsche Cayman made a difference for those looking to get a slightly older, yet reliable model. It didn’t have all the bad features of the previous few years and that led to pretty decent ratings and positive feedback from owners.

The 2008 model didn’t have any reported issues concerning engine cooling or leaky axles, and it overall made a better option than the 2006 and 2007 models.

Is the Porsche Cayman worth buying?

All things considered, Porsche Cayman is worth buying and it’s one of the most reliable Porsche models so far. There are some issues with the 2006 and 2010 model years, but the other production-year models are pretty safe. You should only check for models recalled due to faulty airbags and suspension components to be sure.

We hope that this guide will help you avoid the few problematic model years and go for the most reliable Cayman model for your next car.

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