The 2019 718 Cayman is a mid-engine sports car plagued by catastrophic engine failures in the 2.0L turbo-four, while the 2.5L/2.7L flat-six versions are far more reliable. The four-cylinder engines suffer from severe bore scoring and cylinder liner failures, often requiring complete rebuilds at surprisingly low mileage.
2.0L Turbo Four Catastrophic Engine Failure (Bore Scoring/Cylinder Liner Cracking)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 30,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (quart per 500-1000 miles), Cylinder misfires with P030X codes, White or blue exhaust smoke on cold start, Metallic rattling from engine bay, Loss of compression in one or more cylinders
Fix: Complete engine rebuild or short block replacement required. Porsche extended warranty coverage on some VINs, but many fall outside. 40-60 hours labor for engine removal, disassembly, machining, new pistons/rings/bearings, reassembly. Some cases need complete crate engine.
Estimated cost: $15,000-28,000
Dual-Clutch Transmission (PDK) Oil Cooler Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking from bellhousing area, PDK overheating warnings on dash, Harsh shifts or delayed engagement when hot, Burnt transmission fluid smell
Fix: PDK oil cooler develops internal leaks or external seepage. Requires transmission removal to access cooler assembly. 12-16 hours labor including fluid refill and adaptation procedures.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500
Transmission Mount Failure (Rear/Gearbox Mount)
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive drivetrain clunk on throttle lift or engagement, Vibration through cabin at idle, Visible tearing or separation of rubber mount, Grinding or knocking from transmission tunnel
Fix: Rear transmission mount separates or tears due to mid-engine weight and performance driving. Requires lift access and exhaust work for clearance. 3-5 hours labor with alignment check.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
High-Pressure Fuel Filter Clogging (2.0L Turbo)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Rough idle and hesitation under load, Check engine light with fuel pressure codes (P0087, P0191), Extended cranking before start, Intermittent limp mode
Fix: High-pressure fuel filter in tank or inline system clogs prematurely on turbo-four engines, possibly related to fuel system contamination from failing injectors. Filter replacement plus system flush. 2-4 hours depending on location.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Head Gasket Weeping (2.7L Flat-Six)
Rare · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Minor oil seepage at cylinder head mating surface, Slight coolant smell from engine bay, Gradual coolant loss without visible external leaks, No overheating but low coolant warnings
Fix: Flat-six head gaskets can develop minor seepage, not as catastrophic as four-cylinder issues. Both heads should be done simultaneously. 18-24 hours labor due to mid-engine packaging and cooling system complexity.
Estimated cost: $5,000-7,500
Connecting Rod Bearing Wear (Track-Driven Cars)
Rare · high severity
Symptoms: Knocking noise that increases with RPM, Metal shavings in oil during analysis, Low oil pressure warning at idle when hot, Sudden catastrophic failure if ignored
Fix: Track-driven cars with sustained high RPM can experience accelerated rod bearing wear, especially if oil changes are stretched. Requires complete lower-end teardown. 35-50 hours for crank removal, bearing replacement, clearance checks, reassembly.
Estimated cost: $12,000-18,000
Owner tips
AVOID 2.0L turbo-four models entirely unless full engine replacement history is documented — the 2.5L/2.7L flat-sixes are night-and-day more reliable
Perform oil analysis every 5,000 miles to catch bearing wear or cylinder issues early, especially on turbo-fours
Inspect transmission mounts annually if car sees spirited driving — cheap insurance against PDK damage
Keep meticulous service records and use only Porsche-spec fluids; warranty claims on engine failures often hinge on proof of maintenance
For track use, consider 3,000-mile oil change intervals and install oil temperature/pressure monitoring
Buy a flat-six 718 Cayman S/GTS without hesitation; run screaming from the 2.0L turbo-four base model unless you enjoy five-figure engine bills.
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.
Fitment notes: Battery located in front trunk; AGM required for proper vehicle electronics operation
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Every control module on the 2018-2023 Porsche 718 Cayman — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Transmission Control Unit (TCU)3.5 hr R&Rsecurity gateway +0.8 hr▸ programming details
📍 Transmission housing, integrated valve body (PDK) or tunnel (manual)
🔧 PIWIS III + PPN subscription
⚠️ PDK models only; requires transmission adaptation after coding
Electric Power Steering Control Unit (EPS)2.5 hr R&Rsecurity gateway +0.6 hr▸ programming details
📍 Steering column, integrated with steering rack
🔧 PIWIS III + PPN subscription
⚠️ Steering angle sensor calibration required after coding
Park Assist Control Unit (ParkAssist)0.8 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Rear trunk, left side panel
🔧 PIWIS III
⚠️ Optional; sensor calibration may be needed
Seat Memory Control Unit (Seat Module)0.8 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Driver seat base, under seat
🔧 Autel MaxiSys or PIWIS
⚠️ Optional comfort seats; basic adaptation only
Sport Chrono Control Unit (Sport Chrono)dealer / factory tool +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center console, integrated with PCM/DME
🔧 PIWIS III
⚠️ Optional; software-based, no separate module replacement
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
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.
Performance
Horsepower
300hp
Torque
280lb-ft
0–60 mph
4.9sec
Quarter mile
13.4sec
Top speed
170mph
Capability & size
Curb weight
2,944lb
Wiper blades
Coupe body style, no rear wiper. Both blades are equal length.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2019 Porsche 718 Cayman 2.0L H4 Turbo and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Mechanic · 20+ years.