2012 Porsche Cayman

The 2012 Porsche Cayman is a mid-engine sports car known for its balanced handling and engaging driving experience. Available engine options included a 2.9L flat-six producing 265 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.4L flat-six producing 320 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options consisted of a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic. Owners often praise the Cayman’s precise steering, responsive engine, and overall performance. Some criticisms include the limited cargo space and relatively high cost of maintenance and repairs.

Engine

2.9L Flat-Six

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks commonly occur from the rear main seal or valve cover gaskets. Symptoms include oil drips under the car and a burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replacing the rear main seal or valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The water pump can fail, leading to overheating. Symptoms include a high temperature reading, coolant leaks, and steam from the engine bay.
  • Solution: Replacing the water pump and potentially the thermostat.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $700 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.4L Flat-Six

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 2.9L, oil leaks can occur from the rear main seal, valve cover gaskets, or other engine seals. Symptoms include oil drips and burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected seals or gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The water pump can fail, causing overheating. Symptoms include a high temperature reading, coolant leaks, and steam from the engine bay.
  • Solution: Replacing the water pump and potentially the thermostat.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $700 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Manual

• Clutch Slave Cylinder Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting, soft or spongy clutch pedal feel, or complete clutch failure.
  • Solution: Replacing the clutch slave cylinder.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

7-Speed PDK

• PDK Failure/Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, failure to shift, transmission warning lights, or complete loss of drive. PDK issues can be complex and stem from various internal components.
  • Solution: Diagnosis by a qualified Porsche technician is crucial. Repairs can range from software updates to replacing the entire PDK unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 (for software) - $10,000+ (for full replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature wear or failure of the PASM shocks can lead to a bouncy or unstable ride, clunking noises, and PASM warning lights.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty PASM shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2500+ (per pair)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The instrument cluster may experience intermittent failures, including dimming, flickering, or complete loss of function.
  • Solution: Replacement or repair of the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door locks may fail to operate correctly, either not locking/unlocking or making unusual noises.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Side Marker Lens Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: The plastic side marker lenses can become brittle and crack over time, particularly in areas with high sun exposure.
  • Solution: Replacing the cracked side marker lenses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Air Conditioning Compressor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The air conditioning compressor can fail, resulting in a loss of cooling.
  • Solution: Replacing the air conditioning compressor and potentially other AC components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Porsche Cayman, while a desirable sports car, can be subject to various issues as it ages. Engine oil leaks and water pump failures are potential concerns. PDK transmission issues can be costly, so it’s important to have the transmission inspected by a Porsche specialist before purchasing. Suspension issues, specifically with the PASM system, and electrical problems can also arise. Overall, while some issues are relatively minor, others can be more significant and expensive to repair. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended.