Research · Two Seaters

2011 Porsche Cayman SRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints for the 2011 Porsche Cayman S. Most complaints involve power train (3) and engine (2). The EPA rates it 22–23 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
22–23mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
5
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$3,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2011 Porsche Cayman S as of Oct 27, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

5 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2012 – Aug 2021
  1. Power train3
  2. Engine2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Cayman S model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
200612
20115
20154
20167
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

3 reports
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 27, 2020Power trainODI 11326216

Engine

2 reports1 fire
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 29, 2021EngineFire reportedODI 11430927
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Two Seaters
Engines
3.4L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 7-spd · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Cayman S
Auto 7-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
202923$3,450386
Cayman S
Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
192622$3,600404
  • Cayman S
    Auto 7-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L
    20 city · 29 hwy · $3,450/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Cayman S
    Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L
    19 city · 26 hwy · $3,600/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Porsche Cayman S as of Oct 27, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 27, 2026Vehicle 409
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2011 Cayman S questions

How many recalls does the 2011 Porsche Cayman S have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 27, 2026.

What are the most common 2011 Porsche Cayman S problems?

Owners filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (3), engine (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2011 Porsche Cayman S get?

The EPA rates the 2011 Porsche Cayman S at 22–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 27, 2026