Used buying checklist
Porsche Cayman reliability, common problems and used buying checks
A used Porsche Cayman looks better than average for reliability in UK MOT data: 8.8% of 14,865 tests failed, compared with 18.7% across all indexed models. A good example should have a clean MOT history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). MOT data does not capture every reliability issue, especially intermittent engine, gearbox or infotainment faults that do not appear during the test.
- 8.8% MOT failure rate
- Median tested mileage 42,359 miles
- 1,311 failed MOT tests analysed
Corrosion and structure is the clearest area to check
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in this model's MOT history (17.8 MOT notes per 100 tests). Example MOT phrases from this area include corroded and seriously weakened, excessively corroded, and ferrule excessively corroded.
Example MOT phrases to search in the car's history:
- corroded and seriously weakened
- excessively corroded
- ferrule excessively corroded
- corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened
- ball joint has excessive play
- ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated
- Play in steering rack inner joint(s)
- ball joint excessively worn
- leaking excessively from engine
- has a major leak of exhaust gases
Focus on corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust
The model's recorded failure rate is 8.8%, -9.9 percentage points compared with the average across all models. Use the seller questions below to check whether repeat MOT notes have actually been repaired.
- MOT tests analysed14,865 tests
- Median tested mileage42,359 miles
- Failed MOT tests1,311
Should you buy a used Porsche Cayman?
91.2% of the MOT tests we analysed for this model passed. The model's recorded failure rate is 8.8%, -9.9 percentage points compared with the average across all models. This is a buying brief for the exact car in front of you: clean repeat history matters more than badge reputation.
- Repeat unresolved MOT notes for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust
- corrosion and structure appearing across more than one MOT
- Any dangerous MOT failure on the exact car, especially if the same area appears again later
- No paperwork showing applicable recall work has been completed
- A seller who cannot explain MOT wording such as "corroded and seriously weakened"
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (17.8 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Past 100k miles on the Porsche Cayman, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
The MOT failure rate rises from 3.4% at 0-3 years to 16.0% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller.
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
What should I check first?
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller. Each item shows whether it comes from MOT results, recall notices, or a standard used-car check.
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Corrosion and structure Seen in MOT results
Corrosion and structure is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (17.8 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Inspect sills, subframes, mounting points, arches, and underside corrosion advisories.
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Suspension and steering Seen in MOT results
Suspension and steering is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (7.5 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and inspect steering play.
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Emissions, engine, and exhaust Seen in MOT results
Emissions, engine, and exhaust is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (4.9 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check warning lights, smoke, exhaust leaks, recent emissions failures, and service history.
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Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors Seen in MOT results
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (3.0 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check windscreen damage, wiper operation, washers, mirrors, and demisting.
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Lights and electrical Seen in MOT results
Lights and electrical is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (2.9 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check every lamp, warning light, horn, battery condition, and dashboard messages.
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Tyres and wheels Seen in MOT results
Tyres and wheels is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (2.0 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check tyre age, tread depth, sidewall damage, wheel condition, and alignment wear.
What changes with mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Porsche Cayman, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
Common MOT problem areas
Common faults: what usually fails on this model?
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (17.8 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Recall-related areas to verify
Official recall areas
Manufacturer recall notices for the Porsche Cayman mainly involve 4 areas: mixed recall notices, brakes, suspension and steering, and seatbelts and safety systems. Treat each as something to verify on the specific car you are viewing; the recall table below shows the official notice text.
Mileage and age checks
Mileage changes: what starts showing up after high mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Porsche Cayman, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. On lower-mileage cars, the most common named areas are corrosion and structure, windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, and tyres and wheels.
| Mileage range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50k | 8,606 | 7,835 | 4.7%-6.2 percentage points vs all models | 26,235 miles |
| 50-100k | 5,234 | 4,403 | 13.8%-7.0 percentage points vs all models | 69,151 miles |
| 100-150k | 904 | 715 | 20.0%-6.2 percentage points vs all models | 111,920 miles |
| 150-200k | 45 | 39 | 15.6%-11.7 percentage points vs all models | 163,002 miles |
| 200k+ | 5 | 4 | 20.0%-6.6 percentage points vs all models | 238,759 miles |
Problem areas by mileage
Past 100k miles on the Porsche Cayman, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
| Mileage range | Car areas most often recorded | Specific MOT defect examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50k |
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| 50-100k |
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| 100-150k |
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| 150-200k |
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| 200k+ |
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Fair comparisons: is this problem normal for its age?
The MOT failure rate rises from 3.4% at 0-3 years to 16.0% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%. The highest failure rate by age is 16.0% for 15+ years cars, based on 4,140 tests.
| Age range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-3 years 2023–2026 reg. |
385 | 371 | 3.4%-5.1 percentage points vs all models | 3.0 years |
| 3-6 years 2020–2023 reg. |
3,103 | 2,763 | 4.2%-6.4 percentage points vs all models | 4.9 years |
| 6-10 years 2016–2020 reg. |
4,422 | 4,016 | 5.5%-11.1 percentage points vs all models | 8.1 years |
| 10-15 years 2011–2016 reg. |
2,815 | 2,490 | 9.3%-14.2 percentage points vs all models | 13.0 years |
| 15+ years pre-2011 reg. |
4,140 | 3,393 | 16.0%-9.9 percentage points vs all models | 16.4 years |
Recall records and data freshness
Recall context: are there safety notices to know about?
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
| 2024-06-05 | ARA7 Recall campaign - Replace shift cable On affected vehicles the transmission shift cable may have had the safety clip on the shift cable incorrectly fitted or the cable sheath on the shift cable may be damaged resulting in the risk of a roll away incident after the vehicle is placed in park (P) if the parking brake is not applied. Replace shift cable |
|---|---|
| 2023-12-20 | On affected vehicles the rear spoiler setting may not meet specifications due to incorrect coding during production making it too high. The high-mounted brake light may become less visible while driving and the aerodynamics of the vehicle may change. On affected vehicles the rear spoiler setting may not meet specifications due to incorrect coding during production making it too high.� The high-mounted brake light may become less visible while driving and the aerodynamics of the vehicle may change. Re-code the rear vehicle electronics control unit on affected vehicles.� |
| 2021-09-15 | REAR AXLE CARRIER SIDE PARTS MAY NOT MEET REQUIRED SPECIFICATIONS The carrier side parts installed on the rear axle during a certain period may not meet the required specifications. The left and right carrier side parts of the affected vehicles must be replaced. |
| 2019-08-23 | AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED WITH A FAULTY CAPACITOR Possible fault within the air bag control unit. Software upgrade to the control unit and replacement if faulty. |
| 2019-04-16 | INADEQUATE CONNECTION BETWEEN LOWER LONGITUDINAL MEMBER AND CROSS MEMBER Inadequate connection between the lower longitudinal member and cross member. Secure the lower longitudinal member to the cross member using additional blind rivets. |
| 2019-03-25 | THE AIRBAG SENSORS IN THE SIDE MEMBERS ON THE VEHICLE MAY NOT BE SCREWED TIGHTLY ENOUGH There is a possibility that the side airbag sensors are not tightened to specification. Check both side airbag sensors and rework the fixing where necessary. |
Related searches
Common ways people look up the Porsche Cayman. Each link runs the search and lands on the relevant section of this report.
Related reliability guides
See where this model sits against other Porsche reports by MOT failure rate and common problem area.
Compare high-confidence model reports across all makes.
Use the fleet mileage baseline before checking this model's own mileage table.
Compare this model's age pattern with the wider MOT baseline.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). These are patterns from many MOT tests and recall notices. They help you decide what to inspect and what to ask; they do not certify the condition of one specific car.