Porsche Cayman problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 5 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
Limited NHTSA data — only 5 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily.
Only 5 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident reliability call. Could be a clean record or just thin data.
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
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…
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…
The linkage for the manual transmission has a high failure rate. It has separated twice now, each time failing in about 5,000 to 7,000 miles requiring being towed into the dealership for service. Very dangerous if this happens in traffic and your linkage fails while shifting…
While shifting from 5th to 6th gear, I felt something (presumably the shift cable) snap. The car was locked in gear, and I was unable to shift to another gear. In looking online I found complaints by several other Porsche owners that shift cables on their cars had broken. *tr
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2011 Porsche Cayman reliable?
Limited NHTSA data. Only 5 owner complaints have been filed for the 2011 Porsche Cayman, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.
Should you avoid the 2011 Porsche Cayman?
Only 5 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident reliability call. Could be a clean record or just thin data. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2011 Porsche Cayman without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.
What should I check before buying a used 2011 Porsche Cayman?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2011 Porsche Cayman to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.
Is the 2011 Porsche Cayman a good used car to buy?
Hard to say from federal data alone — only 5 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2011 Porsche Cayman?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 3 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 22,760 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 22,760 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Porsche Cayman has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2011 Porsche Cayman?
Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 5 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.