The 2008 Porsche Cayman (987.1) ranks first on NHTSA complaints for the base coupe, with 0 complaints and a KBB price of $24,100, though its recall count could not be confirmed. The 2019 718 Cayman (982) follows with 0 complaints, 1 recall campaign and KBB prices from $50,500, then the 2021 with 0 complaints and prices from $52,100. The best 987.2 value is the 2012, with 1 complaint and KBB prices from $29,000. The 2014 ranks last with 7 complaints and 4 recalls.
7 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Cayman, the most of any year here
Buyers who want the first 981 body and are checking the recall history by VIN
Pick by what you want
Best overall
2008 Porsche Cayman (987.1)
Best modern pick
2019 Porsche 718 Cayman (982)
Best flat-six
2021 Porsche 718 Cayman (982)
Best last 987
2012 Porsche Cayman (987.2)
Best 981
2015 Porsche Cayman (981)
The ranking
1
2008 Porsche Cayman (987.1)
Photo: Thomas doerfer / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe cheap, clean 987.1.
NHTSA complaints: 0 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Cayman, tied for the fewest of any year hereNHTSA recalls: Could not be confirmed: NHTSA's recall lookup returned no results for the 2008 Cayman, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recallsKBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $24,100 for the base Cayman (originally $57,125) and $23,000 for the Cayman S (originally $68,700)Power and economy: 245-295 hp across trims (KBB); 21-23 combined mpgEngine: The first-generation 987 Cayman S has a 3.4-litre flat-six with a 6-speed manual; the base car has a 2.7-litre engineOwner rating: KBB owners rate the second-generation Cayman 4.8 out of 5 for reliability
The 2008 is a late 987.1 with the 3.4-litre flat-six in the S and a 2.7-litre base engine. NHTSA lists 0 complaints. Recalls could not be confirmed: NHTSA's recall lookup returned no results for the 2008 Cayman, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. KBB prices run from $23,000 to $24,100 and owners rate reliability 4.8 out of 5.
Go ifBuyers who want the cleanest owner record at the lowest KBB price of any year here
Skip ifYou want a modern chassis, direct injection or PDK, which came later
Why #1 over #2: It matches the 2019 and 2021 on 0 complaints and starts at $24,100 versus $50,500.
2
2019 Porsche 718 Cayman (982)
Photo: L.C. Nøttaasen from Sandnes, Norway / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe clean turbo-four.
NHTSA complaints: 0 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2019 718 CaymanNHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed by NHTSA (fuel system)KBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $50,500 for the base 718 Cayman (originally $60,480) and $62,500 for the GTS (originally $84,280)Power and economy: 300-365 hp across trims (KBB); 21-24 combined mpg718 era: The 718 Cayman has turbocharged flat-four engines of 2.0 and 2.5 litres, and the GTS models got 365 hp from the 2.5-litreOwner rating: KBB owners rate the third-generation Cayman 4.7 out of 5 for reliability
The 2019 718 Cayman has a turbocharged flat-four, and the GTS makes 365 hp. NHTSA lists 0 complaints and 1 recall campaign for the fuel system; KBB prices run from $50,500 to $62,500.
Go ifBuyers who want a late-cycle 718 with a clean record and a manual or PDK
Skip ifYou want a flat-six: the base 718 uses a turbo four
Why #2 over #3: It ties the 2021 on 0 complaints and starts lower, $50,500 versus $52,100, with 1 recall versus 2.
3
2021 Porsche 718 Cayman (982)
Photo: Calreyn88 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe flat-six returns.
NHTSA complaints: 0 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 CaymanNHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA (suspension; engine, which covers the Cayman GT4 and GTS 4.0)KBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $52,100 for the base 718 Cayman (originally $61,250) up to $93,400 for the GTS 4.0 (originally $89,500)Power and economy: 300-414 hp across trims (KBB); 19-21 combined mpgFlat-six returns: The 2020 GTS 4.0 brought back a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six rated 394 hp and 310 lb-ftOwner rating: KBB owners rate the third-generation Cayman 4.7 out of 5 for reliability
The 2021 718 Cayman can be had with the GTS 4.0 and its 394 hp naturally aspirated flat-six. NHTSA lists 0 complaints and 2 recall campaigns (suspension; engine); KBB prices run from $52,100 to $93,400.
Go ifBuyers who want the newest 718 and the option of the 4.0-litre flat-six
Skip ifYou are on a budget: KBB prices start at $52,100
Why #3 over #4: It lists 0 complaints versus 1 for the 2012, though it costs from $52,100 versus $29,000.
4
2012 Porsche Cayman (987.2)
Photo: Calreyn88 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe last 987.
NHTSA complaints: 1 complaint filed with NHTSA for the 2012 CaymanNHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed by NHTSA (seat belts)KBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $29,000 for the base Cayman (originally $59,480) up to $35,600 for the S Black Edition (originally $69,100)Power and economy: 265-330 hp across trims (KBB); 22 combined mpgFacelift: The 987.2 debuted in February 2009: the base Cayman grew to a 2.9-litre engine and the Cayman S gained direct injectionOwner rating: KBB owners rate the second-generation Cayman 4.8 out of 5 for reliability
The 2012 is the last 987 year, with direct injection on the S and a 2.9-litre base engine. NHTSA lists 1 complaint and 1 recall campaign for the seat belts; KBB prices run from $29,000 to $35,600.
Go ifBuyers who want the last, most developed 987 with direct injection and one recall
Skip ifYou want the lowest price: the 2008 starts at $24,100
Why #4 over #5: It lists 1 complaint versus 2 for the 2009, at a lower starting price, $29,000 versus $29,800.
5
2009 Porsche Cayman (987.2)
Photo: Calreyn88 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe first of the facelift.
NHTSA complaints: 2 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 CaymanNHTSA recalls: Could not be confirmed: NHTSA's recall lookup returned no results for the 2009 Cayman, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recallsKBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $29,800 for the base Cayman (originally $56,495) and $34,000 for the Cayman S (originally $68,335)Power and economy: 265-340 hp across trims (KBB); 22 combined mpgFirst facelift year: The 987.2 debuted in February 2009: the base Cayman grew to a 2.9-litre engine and the Cayman S gained direct injectionOwner rating: KBB owners rate the second-generation Cayman 4.8 out of 5 for reliability
The 2009 is the first facelifted 987.2 year, with a 2.9-litre base engine and direct injection on the S. NHTSA lists 2 complaints. Recalls could not be confirmed: NHTSA's recall lookup returned no results for the 2009 Cayman, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. KBB prices run from $29,800 to $34,000.
Go ifBuyers who want the first 987.2 with the 2.9-litre engine
Skip ifYou want fewer complaints: the 2012 lists 1
Why #5 over #6: It lists 2 complaints versus 4 for the 2007.
6
2007 Porsche Cayman (987.1)
Photo: Elise240SX / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe early 987.
NHTSA complaints: 4 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2007 CaymanNHTSA recalls: Could not be confirmed: NHTSA's recall lookup returned no results for the 2007 Cayman, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recallsKBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $24,900 for the base Cayman (originally $54,955) and $29,100 for the Cayman S (originally $64,455)Power and economy: 295 hp (KBB); 21-23 combined mpgEngine: The 987.1 Cayman S has a 3.4-litre flat-six mated to a 6-speed manual; a 2.7-litre engine with a 5-speed was standard on the base modelOwner rating: KBB owners rate the second-generation Cayman 4.8 out of 5 for reliability
The 2007 is an early 987.1 with up to 295 hp. NHTSA lists 4 complaints. Recalls could not be confirmed: NHTSA's recall lookup returned no results for the 2007 Cayman, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. KBB prices run from $24,900 to $29,100.
Go ifBuyers who want an early 987 Cayman at a low KBB price
Skip ifYou want fewer complaints: the 2008 lists 0
Why #6 over #7: It lists the same 4 complaints as the 2015 and starts at $24,900 versus $38,400.
7
2015 Porsche Cayman (981)
Photo: Yahya S. on Flickr : https://www.flickr.com/photos/128326674@N06/ / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe modern flat-six.
NHTSA complaints: 4 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 CaymanNHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA (hood latch; axle assembly)KBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $38,400 for the base Cayman (originally $55,825) and $40,000 for the Cayman S (originally $65,465)Power and economy: 275-340 hp across trims (KBB); 23-24 combined mpgThird generation: The 981 Cayman has a new body, a longer wheelbase, a wider front track and electrically powered steering; the base car has a 2.7-litre engine and the S a 3.4-litreOwner rating: KBB owners rate the third-generation Cayman 4.7 out of 5 for reliability
The 2015 is a 981 Cayman with a 2.7-litre base flat-six or a 3.4-litre S. NHTSA lists 4 complaints and 2 recall campaigns (hood latch; axle assembly); KBB prices run from $38,400 to $40,000.
Go ifBuyers who want a naturally aspirated flat-six on a modern chassis
Skip ifYou want zero recalls: NHTSA lists 2
Why #7 over #8: It lists 4 complaints versus 5 for the 2011 and keeps the flat-six that the turbocharged 718 dropped.
8
2011 Porsche Cayman (987.2)
Photo: Calreyn88 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe Cayman R year.
NHTSA complaints: 5 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 CaymanNHTSA recalls: Could not be confirmed: NHTSA's recall lookup returned no results for the 2011 Cayman, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recallsKBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $27,000 for the base Cayman (originally $61,030) and $35,000 for the Cayman S (originally $69,995)Power and economy: 265-320 hp across trims (KBB); 22 combined mpgCayman R: The Cayman R launched in 2011 as the top 987, based on the 2009 Cayman S with more power and a 55 kg weight reductionOwner rating: KBB owners rate the second-generation Cayman 4.8 out of 5 for reliability
The 2011 is the year of the lightweight Cayman R. NHTSA lists 5 complaints. Recalls could not be confirmed: NHTSA's recall lookup returned no results for the 2011 Cayman, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. KBB prices run from $27,000 to $35,000.
Go ifBuyers who want the year the lightweight Cayman R arrived
Skip ifYou want fewer complaints: the 2009 lists 2 and the 2012 lists 1
Why #8 over #9: It lists 5 complaints, the same as the 2017, and starts at $27,000 versus $46,600.
9
2017 Porsche 718 Cayman (982)
Photo: Nicolas Völcker / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe first 718.
NHTSA complaints: 5 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 718 CaymanNHTSA recalls: 4 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA (fuel system; fuel delivery hoses; side air bags; passenger air bag inflator)KBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $46,600 for the base 718 Cayman (originally $57,270) and $56,300 for the Cayman S (originally $69,670)Power and economy: 300-350 hp across trims (KBB); 22-24 combined mpgFirst 718: The 2017 982 swapped the naturally aspirated flat-sixes for turbocharged flat-fours of 2.0 and 2.5 litres, and the Cayman was priced below the BoxsterOwner rating: KBB owners rate the third-generation Cayman 4.7 out of 5 for reliability
The 2017 is the first 718 Cayman, with turbocharged flat-fours of 2.0 and 2.5 litres. NHTSA lists 5 complaints and 4 recall campaigns, and CarComplaints calls it the worst 718 year. KBB prices run from $46,600 to $56,300.
Go ifBuyers who want the cheapest turbo 718 and accept first-year teething risk
Skip ifYou want few recalls: NHTSA lists 4
Why #9 over #10: It lists 5 complaints versus 7 for the 2014 and 4 recalls, the same as the 2014.
10
2014 Porsche Cayman (981)
Photo: Damian B Oh / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe first-year 981.
NHTSA complaints: 7 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Cayman, the most of any year hereNHTSA recalls: 4 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA (electrical system; owner's manual; hood latch; axle assembly)KBB price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $35,900 for the base Cayman (originally $55,825) and $45,900 for the Cayman S (originally $65,465)Power and economy: 275-325 hp across trims (KBB); 22-24 combined mpgFirst 981: The 981 Cayman was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show and the production version was released as a 2014 model in the spring of 2013Worst year: CarComplaints rates the 2014 Cayman the worst model year, with the most-reported problem being a PCM that constantly reboots
The 2014 is the first 981 Cayman. NHTSA lists 7 complaints, the most of any year here, and 4 recall campaigns; CarComplaints rates it the worst Cayman model year. KBB prices run from $35,900 to $45,900.
Go ifBuyers who want the first 981 body and are checking the recall history by VIN
Skip ifYou want few complaints or recalls: NHTSA lists 7 and 4
How we ranked these
We ranked Cayman model years like for like on the base coupe by NHTSA owner complaint counts only, with ties broken by the lower KBB base-trim Fair Purchase Price; recall counts, CarComplaints counts, Kelley Blue Book used prices against the original MSRP and owner reliability ratings are shown for each year but did not change the order. NHTSA's recall lookup returned no results for the 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011, so those years get no credit for recalls and recall counts were not used to rank. Counts were read from the NHTSA API and prices from KBB in October 2026, and prices change weekly. The 2013 year is not shown because Wikipedia says the 981 Cayman reached the market as a 2014 model. J.D. Power would not load and no Consumer Reports model-year scores were used. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare years within a generation. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the best Porsche Cayman year?
By NHTSA complaint counts on the base coupe, the 2008 Cayman (987.1) ranks first with 0 complaints and a KBB price of $24,100. Among newer cars, the 2019 718 Cayman also lists 0 complaints, with a KBB price of $50,500.
What is the best Porsche Cayman year for the money?
The 2008 (987.1) and 2012 (987.2) are the value picks: KBB lists the base Cayman at $24,100 and $29,000, with 0 and 1 NHTSA complaints. The 2008's recall count could not be confirmed.
Which Porsche Cayman years have the most problems?
The 2014 Cayman has the most NHTSA complaints here (7) and 4 recall campaigns, and CarComplaints rates it the worst Cayman model year. The 2017 718 Cayman lists 5 complaints and 4 recalls.
How much is a used Porsche Cayman?
Kelley Blue Book lists the base Cayman at $24,100 for a 2008, $29,000 for a 2012, $38,400 for a 2015 and $50,500 for a 2019 718 Cayman.
KBB Fair Purchase Price for the base Cayman coupe by model year (USD, as listed) at a glance
2008 Porsche Cayman (987.1)24,100 USD
2007 Porsche Cayman (987.1)24,900 USD
2011 Porsche Cayman (987.2)27,000 USD
2012 Porsche Cayman (987.2)29,000 USD
2009 Porsche Cayman (987.2)29,800 USD
2014 Porsche Cayman (981)35,900 USD
2015 Porsche Cayman (981)38,400 USD
2017 Porsche 718 Cayman (982)46,600 USD
2019 Porsche 718 Cayman (982)50,500 USD
2021 Porsche 718 Cayman (982)52,100 USD
KBB Fair Purchase Price for the base Cayman coupe by model year (USD, as listed), as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.
