What are the most common Porsche 718 Cayman problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 4,850+ owner reports, the 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman has 10 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: PDK Mechatronic Unit Issues, 2.0L Turbo Wastegate Actuator Seizure Causing Boost Collapse / Limp Mode, Water Pump (Coolant Pump) Bearing/Seal Failure with Labor-Intensive Exhaust Removal. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Porsche 718 Cayman reliable?
The 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman has 10 known issues documented across 4,850+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: PDK Mechatronic Unit Issues and 2.0L Turbo Wastegate Actuator Seizure Causing Boost Collapse / Limp Mode and Water Pump (Coolant Pump) Bearing/Seal Failure with Labor-Intensive Exhaust Removal. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Porsche 718 Cayman problems?
Repair costs for known Porsche 718 Cayman issues range from $150 to $6,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, PDK Mechatronic Unit Issues, typically costs $2,500-$6,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2017-2023 Porsche 718 Cayman PDK Mechatronic Unit Issues?
The 718 Cayman PDK transmission shares the same mechatronic valve body issues as the 718 Boxster. Solenoid wear causes harsh shifts, delayed engagement, and transmission fault codes. Regular PDK fluid changes are the best prevention. Repairs typically run $2,500-$6,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2025 Porsche 718 Cayman 2.0L Turbo Wastegate Actuator Seizure Causing Boost Collapse / Limp Mode?
On the base 2.0L 718 the single turbocharger and its electronic wastegate actuator are mounted low under the belly pan, exposing the actuator to road water, salt, and debris. Over time the actuator rod corrodes and seizes, so boost builds momentarily (e.g., ~15 psi) then collapse… Repairs typically run $2,500-$6,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2025 Porsche 718 Cayman Water Pump (Coolant Pump) Bearing/Seal Failure with Labor-Intensive Exhaust Removal?
The engine-driven coolant pump on the 982-generation 718 four-cylinder turbo engines (2.0L and 2.5L) is prone to early bearing wear, plastic impeller degradation, and seal failure, sometimes as early as 20,000-40,000 km. A failing pump causes coolant loss and overheating risk, an… Repairs typically run $1,360-$3,610. Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2025 Porsche 718 Cayman Direct Injection Intake Valve Carbon Buildup?
The 718 Cayman turbo flat-four and naturally aspirated flat-six engines use direct injection, which does not wash the intake valves with fuel. Carbon deposits accumulate on the intake valves over time, restricting airflow and causing rough idle, misfires, and power loss. The turb… Repairs typically run $700-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2025 Porsche 718 Cayman Air-Oil Separator (AOS) Diaphragm Failure?
The air-oil separator in the crankcase ventilation system can fail, with the internal diaphragm tearing. This lets crankcase vacuum spike and draws engine oil into the intake, producing heavy blue/white exhaust smoke (often worst on cold startup or under load), oil residue in the… Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2025 Porsche 718 Cayman Manual Transmission 1st-to-2nd Gear Grind/Crunch?
Owners of 6-speed manual 718 Caymans (including base, S, and GTS) report an intermittent grind or crunch when shifting from 1st to 2nd, most often on quicker shifts above ~4,000 rpm but also occasionally during gentle low-rpm shifts. Reported contributors include air in the hydra… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2025 Porsche 718 Cayman Coolant Expansion Tank (Reservoir) Cracking at Seam Requiring Engine-Out Repair?
The plastic coolant expansion/overflow reservoir on the 982 718 can crack along the seam where its upper and lower halves are joined, causing slow coolant loss that often only appears when the system is hot and pressurized. Forum discussion and a 982 service bulletin tie a higher… Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2025 Porsche 718 Cayman Turbo Wastegate Rattle at Idle?
The 718 Cayman shares the same turbo flat-four engine as the 718 Boxster and exhibits identical wastegate rattle at idle. The metallic buzzing sound is caused by play in the wastegate actuator arm and is the single most common complaint on 718 forums. Severity: low.
What is the 2017-2025 Porsche 718 Cayman Headlight and Taillight Condensation / Internal Lens Coating Defect?
Moisture intrusion in the lighting units is a recurring weak spot on the 718. Owners report water droplets, pooling, or persistent fogging inside PDLS/LED headlights and in the taillights, even on low-mileage, garaged cars, attributed to imperfect housing seals. Separately, a def… Repairs typically run $300-$2,000. Severity: low.
What is the 2017-2021 Porsche 718 Cayman Seized Ignition Coil Bolts During First Spark Plug Service?
When the factory-fitted spark plugs are replaced for the first time (typically the ~4-year / ~40,000-mile service), owners and OPCs frequently find the ignition coil mounting bolts seized in place. The bolt must be drilled out and the coil pack replaced, turning routine plug main… Repairs typically run $250-$700. Severity: low.
