How Reliable is the Porsche 911?

Front 3/4 view of a Porsche 911

911 owners have made 13 complaints over 31 model years. It ranks 5th in reliability out of 8 eligible Porsche models.

Our reliability rank is based on our PainRank™ system. A higher number means you can expect more significant problems. The average Porsche score is 1.27 while the 911 comes in at 0.52.

What 911 Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks

Years to Avoid

Full Lists on CarComplaints.com

911 Generations

The 911 has 6 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 5th generation (2005–2011).

  1. 7th Generation 911

    Years
    2020–2020
    Reliability
    N/A
    PainRank™
    N/A
    Complaints
    0
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a 911

  2. 6th Generation 911

    Years
    2012–2019
    Reliability
    6th of 13
    PainRank™
    0.37
    Complaints
    3
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a 911

  3. 5th Generation 911

    Years
    2005–2011
    Reliability
    7th of 13
    PainRank™
    0.58
    Complaints
    7
    Continue

  4. 4th Generation 911

    Years
    1999–2004
    Reliability
    4th of 13
    PainRank™
    0.32
    Complaints
    3
    Continue

  5. 3rd Generation 911

    Years
    1995–1998
    Reliability
    4th of 13
    PainRank™
    N/A
    Complaints
    0
    Continue

  6. 2nd Generation 911

    Years
    1990–1994
    Reliability
    4th of 13
    PainRank™
    N/A
    Complaints
    0
    Continue

911 Key Numbers

  1. 13 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  2. 220 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  3. 21 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Recent 911 News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. When it comes to the 911 Carrera, the 911 Targa, or the 718 Boxster, there's an indisputable fact – those cars are hot.

    As in, their engines can leak gas, spark a flame, and turn into one of the world's most expensive bonfires. What did you think I meant?

    Porsche is recalling about 4,100 cars because the fuel collection pipes' fastening screws can shear off and lead to gas leaks. While there haven't been any fires yet, Porsche knows it's only a matter of time. The recall affects 37 engine types:

    "The recalled replacement engines are 2.0L, 2.5L, 3.0L LP and 3.0L HP engines with part numbers 9A2100920 X, 9A2100925 X, 9A2100927AX, 9A2100930 X and 9A2100930AX."

    Get the full scoop on CarComplaints.com.

    keep reading

  2. Porsche 911 cars with the GT1 engine might suddenly lose all their coolant and shut down, just don't expect a recall for it.

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which opened an investigation last year says Porsche has fixed the problem.

    "Porsche submitted reports suggesting a problem with the adhesive used to attach coolant pipes in about 6,800 model year 2007-2008 Porsche 911 cars. The problem was fixed by the supplier and according to NHTSA, the initial problem wasn't as bad as first thought."

    NHTSA said no injuries or crashes were caused by coolant leaks and since they only order recalls for safety-related issues, it's no surprise the investigation was closed. Disappointing? Yes. Predictable? Also yes.

    keep reading

  3. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is going to take a look at the 2001-2007 Porsche 911 to find out why it's GT1 engine is suddenly losing all its coolant and shutting down.

    I should say allegedly, but try telling this guy that it's not real:

    "One Porsche owner said their vehicle took on a mind of its own when hot antifreeze leaked and covered the road and rear tires. The vehicle went out of control and traveled off the road."

    The most likely source for a sudden leak that fast would be a coolant hose fitting disconnecting from the engine block.

    keep reading

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