Porsche718 Cayman2021Overview/porsche/718-cayman/2021/base/

2021 Porsche 718 Cayman

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 718 Cayman.

Transmission Automatic (AM-S7)

The 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman pairs an automatic AM‑S7 transmission with EPA‑rated fuel economy of 21/27/24 mpg. It has accumulated only three recorded owner complaints, with the engine identified as the primary complaint area and two recalls documented. Its complaint history from 2017 to 2025 shows a peak of five complaints in 2017 and a low of one complaint in 2023, indicating a recent improvement in reliability for this model year.

Model year202520242023202220212020201920182017

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

EPA fuel economy21/27/24 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI The OEM uses various batteries during production based on vehicle options. PR codes will denote factory installed options for this vehicle. Refer to the appropriate service information for options and battery usage. battery, OE oil filter 99970768540. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI The OEM uses various batteries during production based on vehicle options. PR codes will denote factory installed options for this vehicle. Refer to the appropriate service information for options and battery usage.OEM · verified
Tire size235/40ZR19 (92Y), Rear: 265/40ZR19 (98Y)OEM · verified
Wheel / rimStandard: 8, Optional: 8, 8.5, 8, 8.5; Rear: Standard: 10, Optional: 10, 10.5, 10, 10.5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter99970768540 alt 0PB115499A
Engine air filter98111013000 alt 982129620B
Spark plug9A790560600 alt 0PB905603A
Battery992915105B alt 9A7915089
Front wiper blades99162890101
Serpentine belt0PB903137A alt 9A210222500
Thermostat0PB121110A alt 0PB121688
Cabin air filter99157237100 alt 9P1819631

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (AM-S7)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length172.4 in
Overall width70.9 in
Overall height50.8 in
Wheelbase97.6 in
Curb weight2943 lb
Track (front / rear)59.8 / 61.4 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)46/54

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined21 / 27 / 24 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelPremium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the 718 Cayman of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

3.3–3.8 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 3.30 sec — 2021 GT4 Coupe
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2021GT4 Coupe 4.0L F-63.30 sec11.60 sec414 hpRWD
2021GT4 Coupe (Euro Spec) 4.0L F-63.40 sec11.80 sec414 hpRWD
2021GTS 4.0 Coupe 4.0L F-63.40 sec11.60 sec394 hpRWD
2021GTS 4.0 Coupe 4.0L F-63.40 sec11.80 sec394 hpRWD
2021GT4 Coupe 4.0L F-63.60 sec12.00 sec414 hpRWD
2021GTS 4.0 Coupe 4.0L F-63.80 sec12.00 sec394 hpRWD
2020GT4 Coupe 4.0L F-63.70 sec11.90 sec414 hpRWD
2020GT4 Coupe 4.0L F-63.90 sec12.10 sec414 hpRWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

Engine torques

Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs114.0 inch lbs. ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs114.0 inch lbs. ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.84 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46YF
Oil Capacity4.39 oz

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
1M6 x 38 Bolts42 in
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
142.0 inch lbs., Step 2: 12.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 80°, Step 4: Loosen all Bolts., Step 5: 42.0 inch lbs., Step 6: 12.0 ft. lbs., Step 7: 80°42 in
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
190.0 inch lbs., Step 2: 22.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 100°90 in
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
119.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 120°19 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
119.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 120°19 ft. lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
111.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45°11 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
142.0 inch lbs., Step 2: 11.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 37.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: Loosen all Bolts., Step 5: 42.0 inch lbs., Step 6: 11.0 ft. lbs., Step 7: 75°, Step 8: 75°42 in
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
142.0 inch lbs., Step 2: 37.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: Loosen all Bolts., Step 4: 108.0 inch lbs., Step 5: 42.0 inch lbs., Step 6: 15.0 ft. lbs., Step 7: 80°42 in

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs every 30,000 mi; coolant every 20,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 20,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Headlamp (inspect alignment) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (inspect) · Underbody (inspect) · Underbody Splash Shield (inspect)
Every 20,000 miAir Intake Duct (inspect) · Body Water Drains (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level)
Every 30,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
Every 40,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 60,000 miDrive Belt (replace)
Every 80,000 miEngine Mount (inspect)
At 120,000 miClutch Hydraulic System (drain & refill) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman sits toward the lower end of the complaint and recall arc for this generation: 2017 recorded 5 complaints and 4 recalls, 2018 saw 0 complaints and 2 recalls, 2021 had 2 engine‑related complaints and 1 wheel complaint, and 2023 reported only 1 complaint with no recalls. The overall trend shows a sharp decline in recalls from 2017 to 2018 and none thereafter, while complaints remained modest and peaked again only at 2021 before dropping to 1 in 2023 and 2025. The 2021 model’s top complaint areas—engine and wheels—are the only issues noted, with no crash or fire complaints recorded. Because 2021 falls at the height of the complaint curve but still far below the 2017 peak, it implies a relatively stable but not flawless model year. Given the modest complaint count and absence of recalls or safety investigations, a 2021 Cayman can be considered a solid purchase, though buyers should scrutinize engine and wheel components during inspection.

2
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
454
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
3
Owner complaints
0 involved a crash · 0 a fire
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 3 complaints on record, top 2 components.

Engine2
Wheels1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

No recall campaigns on record with NHTSA for this vehicle as of the last data refresh.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 454 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
40/26 44072026-06-30WheelsWheel Bolt Replacement Requirement - Change from Wheel Bolts with Aluminum Washers to…
09/26 37302026-06-30Power TrainPermanent Fault Memory Entries “P1775”/“P071400”/“P184900” in Transmission Electronics…
TSTR26362026-06-29Unknown Or OtherPorsche Tester Software Update Information Software Version: 44.200.031
TSTR26352026-06-29Unknown Or OtherPorsche Tester Software Update Information Software Version: 44.200.030
20/262026-06-25EngineOverview of Approved Porsche C20 Engine Oils (20/26)

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific 718 Cayman. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

Does the 2021 718 Cayman have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 718 Cayman get?

EPA figures are 21 city / 27 highway / 24 combined mpg.