Porsche Cayman MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 14,097 MOT tests on the Porsche Cayman carried out in 2023. 11% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 9 in 10 Caymans passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2005 to 2020. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2009 models did best (89% passed, +30.3 points against the average for 14-year-old cars), while 2020 models fared worst (96%, +8.2 points). Tested cars had covered 47,152 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 3.8% of tests (noticeably below the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 2.0% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 14,097
- First-time pass rate
- 89%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +17.3 points
- Average mileage at test
- 47,152
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Cayman?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Cayman MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 464 | 96% | 88% | +8.2 points | 13,330 |
| 2019 | 1,058 | 96% | 86% | +9.8 points | 19,246 |
| 2018 | 1,209 | 94% | 84% | +9.7 points | 24,023 |
| 2017 | 884 | 95% | 82% | +13.2 points | 28,295 |
| 2016 | 985 | 94% | 79% | +15.5 points | 26,953 |
| 2015 | 1,125 | 94% | 75% | +18.9 points | 33,227 |
| 2014 | 1,203 | 92% | 72% | +20.5 points | 42,115 |
| 2013 | 1,050 | 91% | 68% | +22.8 points | 46,366 |
| 2012 | 345 | 91% | 66% | +25.4 points | 47,111 |
| 2011 | 537 | 90% | 63% | +27.0 points | 53,250 |
| 2010 | 534 | 89% | 60% | +28.1 points | 62,602 |
| 2009 | 662 | 89% | 59% | +30.3 points | 64,084 |
| 2008 | 897 | 79% | 57% | +21.5 points | 70,196 |
| 2007 | 1,439 | 79% | 57% | +22.2 points | 74,428 |
| 2006 | 1,519 | 77% | 56% | +21.2 points | 76,787 |
| 2005 | 166 | 73% | 56% | +17.3 points | 79,643 |
Why the Porsche Cayman fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Cayman | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 3.8% | 11.3% |
| Tyres | 2.8% | 6.3% |
| Brakes | 2.3% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 1.8% | 8.9% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.7% | 3.1% |
| Visibility | 1.3% | 4.8% |
| Steering | 0.6% | 1.8% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.5% | 0.4% |
| Body and structure | 0.5% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.2% | 1.0% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working2.0%
- 2tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.1%
- 3Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.0%
- 4excessively corroded0.9%
- 5too high0.9%
- 6fractured or broken0.8%
- 7does not clear the windscreen effectively0.7%
- 8has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords0.7%
- 9inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.5%
- 10has ply or cords exposed0.5%
Common Cayman MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Cayman, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 8.0% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 7.0% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 6.7% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 5.8% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.9% |
| Play in steering rack inner joint(s) | Non-component advisories | 1.9% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 1.8% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 1.7% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 1.7% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 1.3% |
Tips to help your Cayman pass
Based on where Caymans most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 3.8% of Cayman tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 2.3% of Cayman tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the Cayman ULEZ compliant? See the Porsche Cayman ULEZ check, or view all Porsche models.
Other Porsche models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 14,097 first MOT tests of the Porsche Cayman carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 14,097 first MOT tests of the Porsche Cayman.
What is the Porsche Cayman MOT failure rate?
In our data, 11% of 14,097 first MOT attempts on the Porsche Cayman ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Porsche Cayman fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (3.8% of tests), tyres (2.8% of tests), brakes (2.3% of tests).
Which Cayman year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2009 cars performed best: 89% passed first time, +30.3 points against the average for 14-year-old cars. The weakest was 2020, at 96% (+8.2 points).
How many miles had a typical Porsche Cayman covered at its MOT?
The average was 47,152 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2020 cars averaged 13,330 miles and 2005 cars 79,643.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Porsche Cayman?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 8.0% of tests, in the tyres area. 2.8% of Caymans failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Cayman's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 14,097 Caymans in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 73% to 96% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
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