VehicleVerdict

2016 Porsche Cayman problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 2016 Porsche Cayman — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

12

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Cayman years?

Cayman NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted12 complaints2006: 1 complaints2007: 5 complaints2009: 4 complaints2010: 6 complaints2011: 5 complaints2012: 1 complaints2014: 8 complaints2015: 5 complaints2016: 12 complaints2021: 1 complaints2022: 2 complaints2024: 0 complaints
Cayman NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cayman years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Porsche Cayman problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags325%
Seat Belts217%
Engine18%
Fuel System18%
Lighting18%
Other18%
Steering18%
Visibility & Wipers18%
Electrical System18%

Does the 2016 Porsche Cayman have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V533000AirbagsJuly 17, 2019 · 7,517 units

Defect

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2016-2017 911 and Boxster, 2016 Cayman and Panamera vehicles. The air bag Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have a defective power supply capacitor that can result in air bag deactivation or inadvertent deployment of the air bags.

Consequence

Deactivated air bags increase the risk of injury. Inadvertent deployment of the air bags increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will install new software and replace the air bag ECU as necessary, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 13, 2019. Owners received a second notice and the recall began February 12, 2020. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKB4.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TRW Automotive Inc. Airbag Control Unit (Part No. 218737-124 RI; Serial No. 11050089RI; Produced: April 20, 2015) was equipped in 2016 Porsche Cayman VIN [XXX] by Porsche (Vehicle Production Date: June 29, 2015). In 2019, TRW recalled the aforementioned ACU in NHTSA 19E-043. In 2019, in response to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 1, 2020

“2016 PORSCHE CAYMAN HAS AN ERROR CODE 'C11005 ? AIRBAG TRIGGERING UNIT, FAULTY' AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED BUT THIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN PORSCHE'S RECALL (AKB4) CONCERNING THIS ISSUE. PORSCHE HAS NOT CORRECTLY IDENTIFIED THE RECALL POPULATION OF 2016 PORSCHE CAYMAN CARS AFFECTED BY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · February 1, 2020

“Engine stalls when stopped if not in sport mode. Electronic gauge display for oil level is confusing and shows low oil level in green, causing the user to add oil when it is full. Steering rubs and knocks when turning.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 3, 2024

“Engine stalls when stopped if not in sport mode. Electronic gauge display for oil level is confusing and shows low oil level in green, causing the user to add oil when it is full. Steering rubs and knocks when turning.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 3, 2024

“Tail lamps are prone to hairline cracks difficult to see, when driven in rain or car wash tail lamp floods and causes electrical system to short circuit resulting in death or accident in inclement weather due to low visibility.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · September 16, 2024

2016 Porsche Cayman — common questions

Is the 2016 Porsche Cayman reliable?

The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2016 Cayman problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (3 complaints), seat belts (2 complaints), lighting (1 complaints).

Does the 2016 Porsche Cayman have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 Porsche Cayman. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.