Research · Two Seaters
2009 Porsche CaymanRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 2 owner complaints for the 2009 Porsche Cayman. Most complaints involve power train (2) and vehicle speed control (1). The EPA rates it 22–24 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
22–24mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
2
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$3,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2009 Porsche Cayman as of Nov 6, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 6, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
2 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2013 – Jun 2015
- Power train2
- Vehicle speed control1
- Engine1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 6, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Power train
2 reports
“WHILE ON A PUBLIC FREEWAY, I HEARD A LOUD SNAP AND THE SHIFTER CABLES BROKE IN AN ATTEMPT TO SHIFT INTO 4TH GEAR, LEAVING THE VEHICLE STUCK IN 3RD GEAR. VEHICLE WAS IN A GRADUAL ACCELERATION AT THE TIME OF FAILURE ENTERING THE FREEWAY. THIS RESULTED IN AN UNSAFE CONDITION, AS INITIALLY IT WAS NOT APPARENT WHAT HAPPENED AND THE ENGINE OVER REVED CAUSING UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. EVENTUALLY IT BECAME APPARENT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STUCK IN GEAR. SPEED CONTROL WAS IMPAIRED, AND VEHICLE WAS IN AN UNSAFE, DIMINISHED CONTROL CONFIGURATION. THIS ALSO CAUSE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL FOR A MOMENT AS THE TAIL OF THE CAR SWEPT OUT. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS MINIMAL TRAFFIC WHICH ALLOWED THE SITUATION TO BE HANDLED. HAD THE TRAFFIC BEEN HEAVIER THIS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN THE CASE. THIS ALSO MADE FOR AN UNSAFE SITUATION TRYING TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN AND MOVE OFF THE FREEWAY. VEHICLE IS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, SO EVENTUALLY REDUCED THROTTLE AND USE OF THE CLUTCH ENABLED A SAFE OUTCOME. REPLACEMENT OF THE SHIFTER CABLES WAS REQUIRED TO RESTORE VEHICLE TO OPERATIONAL CONDITION ( AFTER TOW TO A REPAIR LOCATION). UPON SEARCHING FORUMS, THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THE DESIGN OF THE SHIFT CABLES. A…”
Vehicle speed control
1 report
Engine
1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
4 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Two Seaters
- Engines
- 2.9L 6-cyl · 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 Nov 6, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cayman Auto 7-spd, 6 cyl, 2.9 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 24 | $3,300 | 370 |
| Cayman S Auto 7-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | $3,450 | 386 |
| Cayman Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 2.9 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,600 | 404 |
| Cayman S Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,600 | 404 |
- 24mpg comb.
- 23mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Porsche Cayman as of Nov 6, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 6, 2026Vehicle 5190
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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.
2009 Cayman questions
How many recalls does the 2009 Porsche Cayman have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 6, 2026.
What are the most common 2009 Porsche Cayman problems?
Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (2), vehicle speed control (1), engine (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2009 Porsche Cayman get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Porsche Cayman at 22–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 6, 2026