2011 Porsche Cayman problems
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Common 2011 Porsche Cayman problems
The Porsche Cayman 2011, like any vehicle, has its share of common problems reported by owners. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues:
- Faulty fuel level indicator: Some owners have reported inaccuracies in the fuel gauge readings, which could be due to a faulty fuel level sensor or wiring issues.
- Turbo failure: Turbocharger failures have been reported in some 2011 Caymans, which may require replacement of the turbo unit or related components.
- PDK faults: The PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe) transmission, available in the 2011 Cayman, can experience various faults, including issues with downshifts, which may require professional diagnosis and repair.
- Decaying headlights: The headlights on the 2011 Cayman may degrade over time, leading to reduced visibility and the need for replacement.
- Lane Change Assistance Malfunction: Some owners have reported issues with the Lane Change Assistance system, which may require professional diagnosis and repair.
- Rear main seal oil leak: This issue can cause oil to leak between the engine and transmission, potentially leading to more severe problems, such as clutch damage or even car fires, if not addressed promptly.
- Airbag system problems: Faulty airbag control modules have been reported, which could lead to deactivated airbags and pose a serious safety risk in the event of a crash.
- Engine-related issues: While the IMS (Intermediate Shaft) bearing problem is less prevalent in the 2011 Cayman compared to earlier models, oil leaks can still occur, leading to potential engine issues due to lack of lubrication and overheating.
- Problems with the electric system and equipment: Issues such as excessive battery discharge, faulty equipment (e.g., hood latch, seatbelt anchor plates), and inadequate owner's manual instructions have been reported.
It is important to note that not all 2011 Porsche Caymans will experience these issues, and some problems may be more common in certain vehicles than others. If you are considering purchasing a 2011 Cayman, it is recommended to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to identify any potential issues before making a purchase. Regular maintenance and inspections can also help prevent or address these common problems.
Is the 2011 Porsche Cayman a good car?
Thanks to its petite size, modest weight and midengine layout, the 2011 Porsche Cayman handles superbly, managing to feel glued to the road and light on its feet at the same time. Body roll is virtually nonexistent, and the variable-ratio steering is among the best systems on the market.
Is A Porsche Cayman a reliable car?
Are Porsche Caymans Generally Reliable? On average, you can expect the Porsche Cayman to be fairly reliable. There aren't very many model years you should avoid, and most Porsche Cayman users don't have major complaints.
Which Cayman year is the best?
While every year of the Cayman's production has its own merits, the 2016 model stands out as the best year. With its powerful performance, exceptional handling, luxurious interior, and strong resale value, the 2016 Cayman is the perfect choice for anyone looking to experience the thrill of driving a Porsche sports car.
Is a 2010 Cayman reliable?
The Porsche Cayman is a practical sports car that handles beautifully, yet is reliable and comfortable enough for everyday use.
2011 Porsche Cayman car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Porsche Cayman problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2011 Porsche Cayman vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2011 Porsche Cayman complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2011 Porsche Cayman.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-08-05
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WP0AB2A84BU
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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 metal objects. This vacuum pump provides vacuum to the brake booster and during the event drastically reduces the ability of the car to stop. The car was quickly consumed by fire (30-45 seconds) and I received very minor burns to my left arm exiting the car (mid-engine so the flames were coming out from under the drives side rear tire). I no longer have the car or parts but do have a lot of photos of the damage
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-27
- VIN: WP0AB2A81BU
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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 this time no fire was caused and the vehicle is repairable. Please see NHTSA tracking number 11430927. I also spoke with a Porsche mechanic and was told he had seen this failure on several Porsche Cayman. I have not had the vehicle repaired yet, but will document the repair and retain the parts for inspection if needed.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-26
- VIN: WP0AA2A82BU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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 AND YOU ARE NOW NOT IN ANY GEAR. *BF *TR CONSUMER STATED WHILE PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND HIT THE GARAGE, AIRBAG DEPLYED.*JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-04-12
- VIN: WP0AA2A82BU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-01-26
- VIN: WP0AA2A88BU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AT APPROXIMATELY 47 MPH IN TRAFFIC AND THE ON BOARD COMPUTER DISPLAYED THE WARNING MESSAGE "TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE TOO HIGH" FOLLOWED BY THE MESSAGE "TRANSMISSION EMERGENCY RUN". THE CAR AT THIS POINT STOPPED MOVING AND I COASTED TO A STOP IN TRAFFIC. THE IMMEDIATE CUT OFF OF THE POWER TRAIN AND PDK TRANSMISSION POSES A SERIOUS THREAT TO SAFETY THAT COULD LEAD TO A REAR-END COLLISION DUE TO THE IMMEDIATE DISENGAGEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND INFORMATION ON THE INCIDENT WAS SENT TO PORSCHE FOR A PROBLEM DETERMINATION. PORSCHE HAS SINCE DECIDED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION. *TT
Negative 2011 Porsche Cayman car reviews
Positive 2011 Porsche Cayman car reviews
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I'm glad to hear that you found a car that suits your needs! It sounds like the Porsche 08 Cayman Design is a great choice for an everyday car and weekend driving enthusiast. The interior comfort and spaciousness seem to be impressive features, and I'm sure the exhaust sounds amazing. It's also exciting to hear that you own #350 of 777, making it a unique and special car. I hope you continue to enjoy your new ride and that it brings you many happy memories!
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I chose the 08 model because it doesn't have all the electronic features that modern cars have. I wanted a driver's performance sports car that handles like a Formula 1 car. I didn't want a car with a lot of technology that defeats the purpose of owning a Porsche. The car runs smoothly with Michelin PS Z tires and can easily handle 55 mph curves at 100 mph. When manually shifting, I wind it to 4800 rpm and shift, and it feels like you're on a rocket. The gas mileage is about 19.8-20.5 at speeds of 75-85, and the AC works well. I appreciate the simple dashboard without screens and entertainment, making everything easy to operate. The gauges are easy to read, and the car is of the same quality range as my MBZ 250 coupe. The dealer service is fantastic, and I get new Porsche loaner cars with every service. With 80,000 miles, there are no worries about engine problems. I sold the car last month because I realized that I was overwhelmed by the high performance and speed of the Cayman. This car is for someone who is at the top of their driving game and skill. The car demands 200% attention, like flying an airplane. If you don't have that skill level, it can be dangerous. This is not a car for daily commuting, but rather for hard-core performance enthusiasts. You can keep up with Lamborghinis and Ferraris if that's your wish (the top speed Porsche lists is 212 mph). After owning the car for a year, I realized that if I kept the car, it would very likely be too much for me to handle. It's a safe car, and as I mentioned, it's like a safe airplane in that it requires a person trained in its operation.Driving a high-performance car can be dangerous if you are not aware of the risks involved. It is important to understand the machine's capabilities and not exceed your skill level. I decided to sell my car because I realized that it was like a motorcycle, and it was not a matter of if it would hurt me, but when. I found that my MBZ 250C, with the same tires, handled almost as well and was more comfortable and quiet. Although it was fun to drive, I became aware of the temptation to exceed safe limits for me.
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I'm so glad to hear that you've had such a positive experience with your car! It sounds like you've really enjoyed every mile you've driven in it. It's great to hear that you haven't had any performance or mechanical issues, even after putting over 10K miles on it in just 12 months. While there have been a few minor interior rattles and some minor comfort issues on longer trips, it's clear that this car has been the most fun and engaging vehicle you've ever driven. It's always nice to get some positive attention when driving around town, and it sounds like your car has been turning heads! With its great sound and handling, as well as its surprisingly spacious storage, it's no wonder that you're so happy with your purchase.
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I bought a Cayman S in January 2008 and have only put 1700 miles on it since. Overall, I am very happy with the performance and driving experience. In the past, I have owned BMWs, Mercedes, Lexuses, and Infinitis. However, the Cayman has given me the most exhilaration and fun by far. Above all, it returns an average of 19.7 mpg, which is simply incredible for a pure sports car.
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The car is an absolute joy to drive, thanks to its perfect blend of handling, braking, and acceleration. I opted for the basic model (non-s, 5 speed, 19 inch wheels, bose, heated seats), which was a bit hard to find. While the other features are certainly tempting, they can be quite expensive and add a lot of weight. Trust me, you won't even miss them, and you can save a whopping 25 grand. The car is designed for drivers, but it's also incredibly comfortable, quiet, and fuel-efficient, achieving an impressive 29 mpg on the highway.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2011 Porsche Cayman problems:
Porsche Cayman Common Problems | Cayman Reliability Issues
Porsche Cayman Common Problems · Oil Leak - Rear Main Seal · Smoke on Start Up of Cold Engine · Likely Oil Leaks · Air Oil Separator (AOS) · IMS Bearing - Hype vs ...
Tech Q&A - 2011 Cayman S 987.2 Known Issues? | The Porsche ...
The 987.2 has a very sturdy and reliable engine. The PDK was the first generation, and they is not as "smart" as the newer versions. You can get new firmware ...
Gen 2 Cayman Problems | Planet-9 Porsche Forum
Feb 2, 2014 ... Just bought a 2010 manual transmission Cayman and wondered what the most common 4 or 5 problems with it might be.
Any problems with the 2011 Porsche Cayenne v6? - 6SpeedOnline ...
Aug 7, 2015 ... Cayenne 958 - Any problems with the 2011 Porsche Cayenne v6? - Hi I'm looking to purchase another Porsche Cayenne v6 but I just got a few ...
Water Pump Failures....Common Problem? | Planet-9 Porsche Forum
Feb 15, 2011 ... By the time I hit 6,500 I traded it in for a 2011 911S. Still think Caymans are great cars and may own another one some day however I do love my ...
Other years of Porsche Cayman
Are you having problems with your 2011 Porsche Cayman?
Ansel Kuvalis 2024-08-02
This car is definitely a head turner in the looks department and can be quite fun to drive (when it runs properly). It also has some functional features such as cupholders and front and rear storage. However, I have had some unfortunate experiences with Porsche as a brand. I have owned two Porsches and both have been the most unreliable vehicles I have ever owned. This particular car has been in the garage every $5K miles due to various issues such as failed oil separator (2x), maf issues (2x), power steering leak, and more. It's quite puzzling to me how this car has received good reviews.
Christ Swaniawski 2024-05-21
I like the car but have noticed that the headliner is sagging.
Rudolph Lebsack 2024-04-12
This car has good handling, but it's important to be cautious about overpaying. Dealers tend to overcharge for this model, and it's easy to realize you've overpaid when you try to sell it later. Unfortunately, this model is known for IMS problems, which can cause major engine issues. Unlike American or Japanese cars, the cost of repairing a Porsche engine can be very high. If you're interested in this model, I suggest looking for a 2009 or later version, as they are less common and tend to hold their value better. It's important to be aware that, like many German cars, this model can be overrated if it's not an S model. Non-S models may lack the performance you're looking for.
Quinn Nader 2024-03-29
You had the car for just 3 days and managed to put over 200 miles on it. It's definitely a fun car to drive, with superb handling. Your car comes with a range of great features, including sport chrono and comfort package, paddle shift steering, sound system upgrade, natural leather (red), and bi-xenon headlights. However, you regret your choice of the optional 19