2021 Porsche Cayman: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Porsche Cayman first registered in 2021: we looked at the 445 MOTs these cars had during 2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 445 MOTs of these cars during 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2021 Porsche Cayman MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2021 Porsche Cayman MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres15% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes2% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics2% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors2% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Suspension1% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
Known faults on the 2021 Porsche Cayman
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Earlier PDK cars
PDK dual-clutch problems (earlier cars)
Earlier cars had problems with the dual-clutch gearbox. Engines are otherwise generally reliable.
At the viewing: Drive in traffic and check the changes are smooth.
Source: What Car?: used Porsche 718 Boxster (2016-2025) reliability
- All engines
Paint, roof, and fast-wearing tyres and brakes
Owners have complained about paint quality, and it wears tyres and brakes quickly. Check the folding hood works.
At the viewing: Look at the paint, the tyre tread and brake discs, and open and close the roof.
Source: What Car?: used Porsche 718 Boxster (2016-2025) reliability
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Porsche Cayman
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the PDK gearbox had any work or software updates?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Porsche Cayman?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Porsche Cayman compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 477 | Tyres 13% |
| 2020 | 440 | Tyres 18% |
| 2019 | 1,002 | Tyres 19% |
| 2018 | 1,195 | Tyres 17% |
| 2017 | 884 | Tyres 19% |
| 2016 | 1,006 | Tyres 13% |
| 2015 | 1,096 | Tyres 16% |
| 2014 | 1,196 | Tyres 17% |
| 2013 | 1,042 | Tyres 17% |
| 2012 | 345 | Brakes 15% |
| 2011 | 540 | Brakes 20% |
| 2010 | 530 | Brakes 25% |
| 2009 | 657 | Brakes 21% |
| 2008 | 853 | Brakes 25% |
| 2007 | 1,388 | Brakes 26% |
| 2006 | 1,449 | Brakes 30% |
| 2005 | 161 | Brakes 27% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2025, counting the MOTs of Porsche Cayman cars first registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score