One of the most reliable modern Porsches and arguably the best value sports car in the lineup. The naturally aspirated 2.7L engine is the detuned version of the 3.4L unit, shares the same block, and is generally solid with proper maintenance. No IMS bearing issues on this generation. Main concerns are PDK transmission sensor failures (expensive if out of warranty), carbon buildup on intake valves after 60,000+ km, coolant pipe leaks, and the notorious door panel warping plus headlight delamination on early cars. Regular oil changes and letting the engine warm up before hard driving are essential to prevent bore scoring.
Internal sensors fail, causing limp mode or no reverse gear · more· less
The PDK transmission is generally very reliable, but when it fails, repair is expensive. Common failure is the shift rod position sensor, which neither Porsche nor ZF will sell separately. Dealers often quote full transmission replacement at €18,000-20,000. Specialist shops can sometimes repair sensor issues for €5,000-6,000. PDK fluid and filter service should be done at 40,000 km or 4 years (not the factory's 120,000 km recommendation) to prevent expensive failures. Most PDK problems stem from lack of maintenance. Some dealers will replace under warranty or goodwill even slightly out of warranty.
Carbon buildup on intake valves€1,200 - €1,400
Direct injection engines accumulate carbon causing rough idle and power loss · more· less
The MA1 flat-six uses direct injection, meaning fuel never touches the intake valves to clean them. Oil vapors from the PCV system cause carbon deposits to build up over time. Symptoms include rough idle, hesitation, and reduced power, typically appearing after 60,000-80,000 km. Walnut blasting cleaning costs approximately €1,200-1,400 including new gaskets. Owners report significant improvement in smoothness and throttle response after cleaning. Installing a catch can helps prevent carbon buildup. No fuel additives will help since fuel doesn't contact intake valves in direct injection engines.
Coolant pipe leak€1,600 - €2,200
Plastic coolant pipes develop leaks at joints, risking overheating · more· less
The 981 Cayman uses plastic coolant pipes connecting the front radiators to the engine. Rubber seals between plastic and metal sections degrade over time, causing coolant leaks typically around wheel wells. Porsche has updated these parts multiple times. Repair costs €1,600-2,200 depending on whether the water pump is replaced simultaneously (recommended since engine is already disassembled). Small cracks in the coolant reservoir can also develop, starting with a faint coolant smell and slow fluid loss before suddenly splitting. Approximately 8 hours labor due to mid-engine access challenges.
Door panel warping€2,500 - €4,000
Plastic door panel trim warps from heat, even on full leather interiors · more· less
This is an infamous problem on both 981 and 991 models. The plastic trim within door panels warps under high heat, especially in warm climates. Full leather interiors don't prevent this issue. Some owners argue this should be a safety recall since door airbags could be affected. Dealer replacement costs over €2,500 per panel, with typical charges over €4,000 for both sides. Some specialists offer repairs with lifetime warranties for less. Early 2013-2014 cars are most affected. Check door panel alignment closely during pre-purchase inspection, especially on cars from warmer regions.
Headlight delamination/condensation€2,500+
Bi-Xenon headlights develop crazing or persistent condensation · more· less
Well-known problem on 981, 991, and Macan models. Heat stress from Bi-Xenon headlights running in rain can cause cracking/crazing of the lens. Most common in hot/sunny climates like Southern California and Florida. Normal condensation that clears is acceptable, but persistent condensation indicates seal failure. Dealers quote over €2,500 for replacement and typically won't cover under warranty. CPO warranty may cover replacement. Alternative: specialist detailers can sand, polish, and apply paint protection film for less cost, though longevity is uncertain. Early 981 models (2013-2014) most affected.
Sagging headliner€600 - €1,500
Foam backing disintegrates causing headliner fabric to sag · more· less
Very common problem on many Caymans. The foam between the fabric and headliner panel disintegrates, causing sagging. Can't be re-glued since foam is bonded to fabric. Wind buffeting during track use accelerates failure. Porsche dealer charges around €1,500 for parts and labor. Independent Porsche specialists charge €600-1,250. Some owners successfully DIY for around €100 using aftermarket fabric. Many owners are disappointed Porsche doesn't take responsibility for what appears to be a design flaw rather than normal wear.
AC condenser leak€600 - €1,600
Front-mounted condensers damaged by stones, no protective grilles · more· less
The 981 has AC condensers on each side at the front, exposed without protective grilles (unlike GT models which come with protection standard). Stone damage causes pitting and leaks, often within 4 years and 30,000 km. Original Porsche condensers cost approximately €225 each plus VAT. Dealer labor to replace runs around €800 per side since front of car must be disassembled. Recommend replacing both while car is apart. Aftermarket condensers available for under €100 each. DIY owners complete both condensers, dryer replacement, and regas for under €300. Zunsport protective grilles highly recommended to prevent damage.
Water pump failure€1,600 - €3,200
Electric water pump fails typically between 70,000-100,000 km · more· less
The electric water pump integrated with the thermostat housing commonly fails between 70,000-100,000 km. Symptoms include coolant warning light, engine overheating, or poor cabin heating. Parts cost around €450-500. Labor is expensive (approximately €1,100-2,600) because the exhaust must be removed to access the pump on the mid-engine layout. Dealerships charge €2,100-3,200 total. Independent shops quote €1,600-1,800. Recommend replacing thermostat simultaneously. Premature failures often result from overtightened belts causing strain on the pump shaft. Verify belt tension during services.
Bore scoring (rare on 2.7L)€15,000 - €25,000
Cylinder wall scoring from cold starts, very rare on 2.7L engines · more· less
The 2.7L engine is less susceptible to bore scoring than larger 3.4L/3.6L/3.8L engines, but it can still occur. The 981 uses Alusil aluminium rather than Lokasil (previous generation), which reduced this issue significantly. Documented case: 2014 Cayman 2.7 with 66,000 km showed bore scoring in cylinder 4 with ticking noise, metal in oil, and smoke when warmed up. Caused by running engine hard in cold weather before oil reaches 80°C - tight clearances mean cold oil doesn't protect cylinders adequately. Prevention: use quality oil with molybdenum, change every 6 months or 8,000 km, always warm engine fully before hard driving. Symptoms: ticking noise, excessive oil consumption, metal particles in oil, black carbon on one exhaust tip.
Exhaust actuator sticking€90 - €2,500
Sports exhaust valve actuators seize from lack of use · more· less
Known issue across most Porsche models with sport exhaust (PSE). Vacuum actuators that control exhaust flaps seize from corrosion/lack of movement. Official Porsche solution: replace entire muffler at €2,000-3,000. However, actuators are available separately for around €100 each (same part numbers as 997/991). Independent shops can free seized actuators for €90-150. Prevention: manually cycle the valves regularly during washing and apply penetrating oil/copperslip to actuator rods. Many owners check actuators frequently and grease rods to prevent sticking. DIY fix possible with mole grips and penetrating fluid in 10 minutes.
Clutch wear (manual transmission)€2,300 - €3,000
Clutch life varies 25,000-150,000+ km depending on driving style · more· less
Manual transmission is very reliable and clutch life varies dramatically by driver - some fail by 25,000 km with track use, others exceed 150,000 km. Signs include slipping (high revs without acceleration), burning smell, and difficulty engaging gears. Dealer charges around €3,000 including flywheel resurfacing. Independent Porsche specialists quote €2,300-2,900 including flywheel, clutch kit, throwout bearing, pressure plate, and rear main seal. Transmission removal required (11 hours labor). A slipping clutch can damage the flywheel, adding €700 if dual-mass flywheel needs replacement. Recommend replacing clutch slave cylinder simultaneously since it's inexpensive insurance. Judder on release may indicate RMS oil leak contaminating clutch.
Parasitic battery drain€50 - €800
Excessive parasitic draw prevents car from sleeping, drains battery · more· less
Normal parasitic draw should be around 50 milliamps when car sleeps (2 hours after key removal). Some 981s have draws of 1-7 amps, draining battery overnight. Common causes: instrument cluster circuit triggering fuel pump relay (remove cluster fuse to test), aftermarket PCM boards, car not locking (prevents sleep mode), failed alternator components (smart alternator for start/stop). Car must be left 40+ minutes before testing to get accurate reading. Batteries decline rapidly after 5 years regardless of use. Solutions range from replacing battery (€50-200) to fixing cluster circuit (€500-800). Some owners remove cluster fuse as temporary workaround. Antigravity battery monitor useful for tracking draw over time via Bluetooth.
Reliable engine, but watch for trim quality issues
The 981 Cayman is widely considered one of the most reliable modern Porsches. The 2.7L engine is fundamentally solid with no IMS bearing concerns. Main reliability issues are interior trim quality (door panels, headliner, headlights) rather than mechanical failures. PDK transmission is generally excellent but expensive when it does fail - prioritize maintenance. The manual transmission is more reliable long-term. Regular oil changes and proper warm-up before spirited driving are essential to prevent the rare but catastrophic bore scoring.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Porsche dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes at 10,000 km or annual intervals minimum.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns. Rear tires wear faster. Standard sizes: 235/45R18 front, 265/45R18 rear.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for timing chain rattle, ticking (bore scoring), or rough idle (carbon buildup) in first 30-60 seconds.
Body condition
Check for accident damage, paint mismatch, stone chips on front bumper and side sills. Inspect underbody for scrapes.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway speeds to get engine and transmission fully warmed up. PDK issues often only appear when hot.
Specific for this vehicle
Door panel warping
Carefully inspect both door panels for warping where plastic wraps around to window. Very common issue, especially on 2013-2014 cars.
Headlight condition
Check for crazing, delamination, or persistent condensation. Test all PDLS+ features if equipped. Shine flashlight to inspect lens clarity.
Headliner sagging
Look for any drooping fabric, especially around edges and rear section. Foam backing failure is very common.
Front radiators and AC condensers
Shine flashlight into front air intakes. Look for stone damage, debris buildup, or leaves trapped around radiator sides.
Coolant system inspection
Check coolant level and look for leaks around wheel wells. Inspect coolant reservoir for cracks. Smell for sweet coolant odor.
PDK maintenance history
Verify PDK fluid and filter changed at 40,000 km or 4 years maximum. Factory 120,000 km interval is too long.
Carbon buildup symptoms
Test for rough idle, hesitation at low RPM, or lack of power. Any of these suggest carbon cleaning needed soon.
Exhaust actuators (if PSE equipped)
Manually check exhaust valve movement. Should move freely without sticking. Corroded actuators common on neglected cars.
Battery health and parasitic draw
Verify battery holds charge when parked for a week. Ask if car requires trickle charger. Check battery age (over 5 years = replace soon).
Request over-rev report (manual transmission)
Porsche diagnostics can reveal if engine was over-revved or abused. Important for track-driven cars.
Check for bore scoring (listen carefully)
Any ticking noise that doesn't disappear after warm-up could indicate bore scoring. Check oil for metal particles. Look for uneven carbon on exhaust tips.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Front hood latch strength (2014-2015)Verify completed
Filler flap switching element defectWorkshop campaign
Instrument cluster software updateTSB for incorrect display
PDK control unit reprogramming (2013-2014)TSB available
Front/rear end electronics software updateTSB TI-59-14
Enter your 17-character VIN at recall.porsche.com to verify all recalls and campaigns completed. Most 981 TSBs are software updates covered under workshop campaigns. None are considered major safety concerns.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (4 years/80,000 km)Expired on all 981s
Porsche Approved CPO warranty2 years/unlimited km if eligible
CPO eligibilityUnder 13 years old, under 200,000 km
CPO +1 extension availableAdd 1 year for total 3 years
All 981 Caymans (2013-2016) are outside original factory warranty. Porsche Approved CPO warranty provides 2 years unlimited mileage coverage if vehicle is under 13 years old with under 200,000 km and passes 111-point inspection. CPO covers virtually everything the factory warranty does, with minor exceptions for wear items. Expect to pay €2,500-3,500 premium for CPO certification. Extended warranty can be valuable given PDK and trim issues that aren't cheap to repair.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.