The 2017 718 Cayman represents Porsche's controversial switch to turbocharged four-cylinder power (2.0L base, 2.5L S). While the chassis is bulletproof, the early 982 models suffer catastrophic engine failures due to debris ingestion and bearing starvation—problems severe enough that many techs won't touch used examples without full engine history.
Symptoms: Sudden loss of power under load, often during spirited driving or track use, Metallic rattling or knocking from engine bay, Oil pressure warning light, followed by immediate engine seizure, Rod knock that appears seemingly overnight on low-mileage cars
Fix: Complete engine replacement or rebuild. Early 2.0L turbo motors ingested casting debris from factory, shredding bearings. Porsche extended warranty coverage for some VINs but many fall outside. Rebuild requires crankshaft replacement, all bearings, often pistons. 40-60 labor hours for short block swap, 80+ for full teardown/rebuild if block salvageable.
Estimated cost: $15,000-28,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking onto exhaust, causing burning smell, Puddles under car after parking, red ATF visible, Transmission temperature warning on dash during spirited driving, Visible wetness on belly pan near transmission tunnel
Fix: PDK transmission cooler lines corrode where they route near heat sources. Lines must be replaced, not repaired. Requires removing undertray and partial exhaust work for access. 3-5 hours labor depending on how many lines are compromised. Flush and refill PDK fluid afterward.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Fuel Filter Clogging and Fuel System Recall Complications
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Rough idle or hesitation during acceleration, especially after refueling, Check engine light with fuel trim or fuel pressure codes (P0087, P0171), Hard starting after sitting overnight, Limp mode activation under wide-open throttle
Fix: The 2017s had a fuel line recall (NHTSA) for improper hose fittings that can leak. Beyond that, turbocharged 718s are sensitive to contaminated fuel; clogged filters starve the high-pressure pump. Filter replacement requires dropping tank or accessing through trunk area depending on model. 2-3 hours labor. If fuel pump also damaged, add 4 hours and significant parts cost.
Estimated cost: $600-2,200
Transmission Mount Failure (PDK Models)
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from reverse to drive or during aggressive takeoffs, Vibration at idle that worsens with A/C on, Visible sagging or cracking of rubber mount during inspection, Gear lever feels notchy or imprecise
Fix: Rear transmission mount deteriorates from heat and stress, especially on PDK cars driven hard. Mount replacement requires lifting transmission slightly. 2-3 hours labor. OEM mount preferred; aftermarket often too stiff for street use.
Symptoms: Recall notice from Porsche for airbag inflator replacement, No symptoms until deployment, then risk of shrapnel injury
Fix: NHTSA recall for passenger airbag inflator—similar concerns to Takata but Porsche-specific supplier issue. Dealer-only repair, 2-3 hours, covered under recall. Check VIN to confirm completion; many 2017s still unrepaired due to parts backorders.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall)
Owner tips
Before buying any 2017 718, demand full engine inspection or borescope—early 2.0L motors are landmines. Some VINs got revised blocks, but documentation is spotty.
Change PDK fluid every 40k miles regardless of Porsche's 'lifetime fill' claim—heat destroys it faster in turbo cars.
Run top-tier fuel exclusively; these direct-injection turbo motors are hypersensitive to contaminants and low-octane knock.
Verify all recalls completed, especially fuel system and airbags—many 2017s still have open campaigns.
If tracking the car, install oil temperature and pressure gauges; factory warnings trigger too late to save engine.
Buy only if engine history is bulletproof or budget includes $20k for replacement—this is a driver's car with a time-bomb motor in 2017 form.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017-2019 718 Boxster, 718 Boxster S, 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S vehicles and 2018-2019 718 Boxster GTS and 2018-2019 718 Cayman GTS vehicles. In the event of a crash, a crossmember may detach from the luggage compartment bracket, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of fire.
Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will secure the crossmember with additional rivets, free of charge. The recall began April 19, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKA3.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 17V134000
2017-03-02
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2016 911 GT3 RS and 911 R vehicles and 2017 911 Carrera, 911 Carrera Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4, 911 Carrera 4S, 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet, 911 Carrera S, 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, 911 Targa 4, 911 Targa 4S, 911 Turbo S, 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, 718 Boxster, 718 Boxster S, 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S vehicles. The passenger frontal air bag inflator initiator may fail to ignite during a crash.
Consequence: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the passenger frontal air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bags, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2017. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AH03.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · 17V054000
2017-01-25
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017 911 Carrera, 911 Carrera S, 911 Carrera 4, 911 Carrera 4S, 911 Targa 4, 911 Targa 4S + GTS, 911 Carrera Cabriolet, 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet, 718 Boxster, 718 Boxster S, 718 Cayman, and 718 Cayman S vehicles. The screws that fasten the fuel collection pipes in the engine compartment may shear off, resulting in a fuel leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will install improved fastening screws, free of charge. The recall began March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AH01.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW · 16V946000
2016-12-30
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2017 718 Boxster, 718 Boxster S, 718 Cayman, 718 Cayman S, 911 Carrera, 911 Carrera S, 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4S, 911 Turbo, 911 Turbo S, 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet, and 911 Turbo Cabriolet vehicles. The seat mounted side air bag inflator initiator may fail to ignite during a crash.
Consequence: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the side air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AG10.
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