What are the most common Porsche Cayman problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 7,800+ owner reports, the 2006 Porsche Cayman has 9 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Intermediate Shaft (IMS) Bearing Failure, Cylinder Bore Scoring, Air-Oil Separator (AOS) Failure. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Porsche Cayman reliable?
The 2006 Porsche Cayman has 9 known issues documented across 7,800+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Intermediate Shaft (IMS) Bearing Failure and Cylinder Bore Scoring. 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 Cayman problems?
Repair costs for known Porsche Cayman issues range from $100 to $20,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Intermediate Shaft (IMS) Bearing Failure, typically costs $1,800-$4,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2006-2012 Porsche Cayman Intermediate Shaft (IMS) Bearing Failure?
The Cayman shares the M97 engine with the 911 and Boxster, inheriting the IMS bearing weakness. The 2006-2008 single-row bearing variant is the highest risk. The Cayman R with its 3.4L engine is equally susceptible despite its performance-oriented positioning. Repairs typically run $1,800-$4,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2006-2016 Porsche Cayman Cylinder Bore Scoring?
The Cayman M97 and MA1 flat-six engines develop bore scoring on cylinders 1 and 6, identical to the pattern seen in the 911 and Boxster. The Cayman GT4 with its 3.8L 911-derived engine is also affected. Oil starvation at the cylinder walls during cold starts is the primary cause. Repairs typically run $7,000-$20,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2006-2012 Porsche Cayman Air-Oil Separator (AOS) Failure?
The Cayman M97 engine shares the same AOS weakness as the Boxster and 911. The diaphragm ruptures, causing vacuum leaks, excessive oil consumption, and fouled spark plugs. The mid-engine layout makes the AOS moderately accessible for replacement. Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2006-2016 Porsche Cayman AC Compressor Failure and Clutch Burnout?
The AC compressor on the Cayman fails prematurely, often due to clutch bearing wear or internal seal failure. The mid-engine layout subjects the AC system to higher ambient temperatures. When the compressor clutch fails, it can throw the serpentine belt and disable all accessorie… Repairs typically run $1,000-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2006-2012 Porsche Cayman Ignition Switch Failure / No-Start (Key Not Responding)?
The electrical ignition switch behind the lock cylinder wears out, so turning the key produces nothing — no dash lights, no steering-lock click, no crank. The lock cylinder can also become stiff, fail to return, or trap the key. It is a well-documented 987 Cayman/Boxster fault di… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2006-2016 Porsche Cayman Coolant Expansion Tank and Cap Failure / Cooling System Leaks?
The plastic coolant expansion (header) tank develops hairline cracks at the seams from heat cycling and age, and the pressure cap frequently fails — losing seal and letting the system lose pressure. The result is slow coolant loss that often evaporates off hot components without… Repairs typically run $150-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2006-2016 Porsche Cayman Front Radiator / A/C Condenser Corrosion and Debris-Trapped Leaks?
The twin radiators and A/C condensers sit low behind the front bumper grilles, directly in the path of road debris, leaves, and salt. Debris packs between the condenser and radiator, traps moisture, and corrodes the aluminum until it perforates; rocks also puncture the exposed fi… Repairs typically run $300-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2006-2012 Porsche Cayman Rear Main Seal (RMS) Oil Leak?
The crankshaft rear main seal between the engine and transmission weeps oil, which appears as drips from the bell-housing seam. On the M96/M97 flat-six it is frequently aggravated by a failing air-oil separator that pushes crankcase pressure too high under hard acceleration, dama… Repairs typically run $900-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2006-2016 Porsche Cayman Front Suspension Clunk — Control Arms, Sway Bar Bushings, Drop Links?
Higher-mileage cars develop a clunk or rattle over bumps at low speed. Common culprits are worn lower-control-arm ball joints and bushings, a sway (anti-roll) bar that has gone loose inside its rubber mount bushings, and worn drop links (sway bar end links). Owners frequently cha… Repairs typically run $100-$900. Severity: low.
