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.
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. We’ve since rechecked every model year against NHTSA, and owners have filed very few complaints about any Cayman (12 at most, for the 2006), so the table below is based on known problems and recalls rather than a complaint ranking:
| Porsche Cayman Generation | Best Porsche Cayman Years | Worst Porsche Cayman Years |
|---|---|---|
| 1st generation | 2009-2012 | 2006 |
| 2nd generation | N/A | N/A |
| 3rd generation | N/A | N/A |
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 (21V-679) in 2021 to fix the axle assembly fault on the 2014-2015 Cayman and Cayman S models, 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 2019 (19V-533) to fix this problem on 2016 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 applies to the 2006 to 2008 Cayman models (there’s no 2005 Cayman), while the 2009 and later engines don’t use an IMS bearing at all. 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 (14V-698).
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?
Honestly, owners have filed so few complaints about any Cayman that we can’t call any year truly bad. The one we’d be most careful with is the 2006, and the 2014 and 2015 have recalls you should check were done. We’ll explain why 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. It has the most NHTSA complaints of any Cayman (12, 8 of them about the engine), and the IMS bearing can lead to engine rebuilds. The 2007 and 2008 use the same type of engine, so check those too.
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.
Second-generation Cayman (2014-2015 model years)
By the second generation, the intermediate shaft bearing issue was long gone. However, the 2014 Cayman had a few problems of its own and five recalls, even though owners filed only 7 complaints with NHTSA. There’s no 2013 Cayman in the US, as this generation started with the 2014.
These issues mostly revolve around the axle assembly problem which made the suspension vulnerable especially at higher speeds, plus a hood latch recall. If the recall work has been done, a 2014 or 2015 is still a good car.
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. There aren’t enough NHTSA complaints to crown a single best year, but here are the safe bets if you are on the used car market:
- 2009
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2017 and newer
If you are going for the first generation, it’s best to avoid the 2006 model and go for later model years. The 2009 and later first-gen cars don’t have the IMS bearing. In the second generation, just make sure the axle and hood latch recalls were done on a 2014 or 2015.
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 has no owner complaints with NHTSA at all, but it still uses the engine with the IMS bearing, so ask for proof it was checked or replaced.
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. The 2006 is the one to be most careful with, 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.
Thinking about getting sports car? We analysed many models like Porsche 997, Porsche Boxster, or a Corvette C4 to show you the best years to buy and the ones to maybe skip.
What is the most reliable Porsche Cayman?
Owners have filed very few complaints about any Cayman with NHTSA, so there’s no clear winner. A 2009 or later car avoids the IMS bearing worry.
Do Porsche Cayman S have problems?
Porsche Caymans S don’t have many major issues and are considered to be reliable sports cars overall.