At a Glance
The Porsche Cayman has 3 identified common problems across 3 generations, with the 987c (2006-2012) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 144K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Porsche Cayman common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Porsche Cayman generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Porsche Cayman Generations
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Most Common Porsche Cayman MOT Failures
Every reason Porsche Cayman vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre condition | 11.33% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 11.20% |
| 3 | Front lamp not working | 7.47% |
| 4 | Position lamp not working | 6.92% |
| 5 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 5.53% |
| 6 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 4.80% |
| 7 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 4.61% |
| 8 | Brake disc or drum worn | 4.60% |
| 9 | Stop lamp not working | 4.37% |
| 10 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 3.67% |
| 11 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.83% |
| 12 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.70% |
| 13 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 2.37% |
| 14 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.05% |
| 15 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.90% |
| 16 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 1.82% |
| 17 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.66% |
| 18 | Headlamp fault | 1.46% |
| 19 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.43% |
| 20 | Track rod end worn | 1.43% |
| 21 | Exhaust system fault | 1.34% |
| 22 | Steering rack fault | 1.18% |
| 23 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.98% |
| 24 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.95% |
| 25 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.81% |
| 26 | Driveshaft fault | 0.80% |
| 27 | Airbag warning light on | 0.79% |
| 28 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.73% |
| 29 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.65% |
| 30 | Indicator fault | 0.60% |
| 31 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.50% |
| 32 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.48% |
| 33 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.46% |
| 34 | Horn not working | 0.41% |
| 35 | Rear lamp not working | 0.39% |
| 36 | Fog lamp not working | 0.38% |
| 37 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.23% |
| 38 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.22% |
| 39 | Brake caliper fault | 0.20% |
| 40 | Steering arm worn | 0.19% |
| 41 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.18% |
| 42 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.17% |
| 43 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.15% |
| 44 | Parking brake condition | 0.15% |
| 45 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.15% |
| 46 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.15% |
| 47 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.14% |
| 48 | Brake lever fault | 0.13% |
| 49 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.12% |
| 50 | Electrical switch fault | 0.11% |
| 51 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.11% |
| 52 | Engine oil leak | 0.10% |
| 53 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.10% |
| 54 | ABS fault | 0.10% |
| 55 | Drag link end worn | 0.10% |
| 56 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.09% |
| 57 | Driver airbag fault | 0.09% |
| 58 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.08% |
| 59 | Brake pedal fault | 0.08% |
| 60 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.08% |
| 61 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.07% |
| 62 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.07% |
| 63 | Brake fluid leak | 0.06% |
| 64 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.06% |
| 65 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.06% |
| 66 | Front suspension fault | 0.06% |
| 67 | Seat belt condition | 0.05% |
| 68 | Front passenger door fault | 0.05% |
| 69 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.04% |
| 70 | Rear suspension fault | 0.04% |
| 71 | Steering free play excessive | 0.04% |
| 72 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.04% |
| 73 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 74 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.04% |
| 75 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 76 | Exhaust leak | 0.04% |
| 77 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.03% |
| 78 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 79 | Power steering ram fault | 0.02% |
| 80 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 81 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 82 | Propshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 83 | Steering lock fault | 0.02% |
| 84 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.01% |
| 85 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.01% |
| 86 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 87 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.01% |
| 88 | Dip switch fault | 0.01% |
| 89 | Electric power steering fault | 0.01% |
| 90 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.01% |
| 91 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.01% |
| 92 | Passenger seat fault | 0.01% |
| 93 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 94 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.01% |
| 95 | Transmission oil leak | 0.01% |
| 96 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 97 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 98 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 99 | Bumper damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 100 | Chassis condition | <0.01% |
| 101 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 102 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 104 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 105 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 106 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 107 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 109 | Brake pedal movement restricted | <0.01% |
| 110 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 111 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Handbrake cable fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 119 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
Showing all 119 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Porsche Cayman MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Porsche Cayman, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Porsche Cayman problems?
Based on analysis of 144K Porsche Cayman MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 3 identified common problems across 3 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Spark ignition emissions above threshold". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Porsche Cayman generation has the most problems?
The Porsche Cayman 987c (2006-2012) (2006–2012) has the highest number of identified common problems (3). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Porsche Cayman?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Porsche Cayman owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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