The 2018 718 Cayman is a capable mid-engine sports car, but the 2.0L turbo four (300 hp base model) has earned a reputation for catastrophic cylinder scoring and bearing failures, often requiring complete engine rebuilds. The 2.5L/2.7L turbo fours in S/GTS models share similar architecture and risk, though failures seem slightly less common.
Cylinder Scoring and Bearing Failure (2.0L/2.5L Turbo Four)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 30,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: metallic knocking or rattling at idle, worsens with load, sudden loss of oil pressure warning, metal shavings in oil during analysis, rough idle with misfires, catastrophic failure with no warning in severe cases
Fix: Complete engine rebuild or short block replacement required. Cylinder walls score due to inadequate lubrication design in high-load scenarios. Often accompanied by spun bearings (rod or main). Porsche has issued goodwill coverage case-by-case but no formal recall. 25-35 labor hours for short block swap, more if full tear-down and machine work needed.
Estimated cost: $15,000-25,000
Fuel Filter Clogging and Fuel Pump Failure
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: hesitation or stumbling under hard acceleration, limp mode activation, intermittent fuel pressure faults, rough running that clears after sitting
Fix: Fuel filter is inside the tank, integral with fuel pump assembly. Contamination from tank debris or ethanol fuel degradation clogs filter. Requires fuel tank drop and pump module replacement. 4-6 labor hours. Porsche OE pump assembly required—aftermarket often fails quickly.
Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: transmission fluid spots under vehicle, near front, burning smell from undercarriage after spirited driving, transmission overheat warning on track or hot days, low fluid level on dipstick check
Fix: PDK transmission cooler lines run along undercarriage and develop leaks at crimped fittings or from stone damage. Both cooler lines and often the cooler itself need replacement. 5-7 labor hours due to access—requires partial undertray removal and sometimes subframe lowering.
Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800
Transmission Mount Failure (PDK)
Common · low severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: clunking when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, vibration at idle with transmission in gear, excessive drivetrain movement felt during hard launches, visible tearing or separation of rubber mount
Fix: Rear transmission mount (engine/trans assembly mount) deteriorates from heat and load cycles. Hydraulic mount fails internally. Requires lift access and supporting drivetrain during replacement. 3-4 labor hours. OEM mount strongly recommended over aftermarket.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200
Head Gasket Seepage (2.0L Turbo Four)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: coolant weeping at cylinder head mating surface, slight coolant smell after hard driving, gradual coolant loss with no external leaks visible, white residue around head gasket area
Fix: Factory head gasket torque specs or gasket material may be marginal under sustained boost. Requires engine removal in most cases due to mid-engine layout and tight access. Both heads should be done simultaneously. 18-24 labor hours. Often discovered during other engine work.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,000
Airbag Wiring Harness Chafing (Recall 67V)
Rare · high severitySymptoms: airbag warning light illuminated, intermittent airbag system fault codes, potential for airbag non-deployment in crash
Fix: NHTSA recall 67V-285: airbag wiring harness in center console can chafe against metal bracket, causing short circuit. Porsche inspection and harness reroute/replacement if needed. 1-2 labor hours. Covered under recall—verify completion before purchase.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall)
Buy the GTS or S with the 2.5L if you must have a 718, or better yet, find a 981 Cayman with the naturally aspirated flat-six—the turbo four's engine-replacement lottery isn't worth the mid-engine handling magic.
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.