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Known Faults Database

Porsche 911 problems, reliability and years to avoid

If you are considering buying a used Porsche 911, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 2 known faults for this model, 2 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.

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Is the Porsche 911 reliable?

The Porsche 911 has 2 known faults in our database across 4 generations, 2 of them rated high severity. The most serious are engine (intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing failure causing catastrophic engine destruction without) and engine (cylinder bore scoring on the M96/M97 flat six in first generation 997 and 987 cars). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.

That is a count of the faults we hold, not a reliability score. Popular cars get written about more, and a newer generation has had less time to show its faults.

Which Porsche 911 years should you avoid?

No year is a write-off on its own. What matters is which serious faults a given year and engine can have, and whether the car in front of you has had them fixed.

996 and 997 Gen 1, 1998 to 20082 high severity
2 known faults, the serious ones in the engine
997 Gen 2, 2008 to 2012
No faults on record yet
991, 2011 to 2019
No faults on record yet
992, 2019 on
No faults on record yet

Years and engines with a serious known fault

  • 1997 to 2007, M96 / M97 (Non-Mezger): intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing failure causing catastrophic engine
  • 2004 to 2007, 3.4 / 3.6 / 3.8 (M96/M97): cylinder bore scoring on the M96/M97 flat six in first generation 997

Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.

Generation 1 of 42 known faults · 5 owner reports · 2 good notes

Porsche 911 996 and 997 Gen 1 (1998 to 2008) problems

Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial

Intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing failure causing catastrophic engine destruction without warning. The risk depends on which bearing the engine has: engines from 1997 to 1999 used a double-row bearing that rarely fails, engines from 2000 and 2001 may carry either bearing, engines from 2002 to 2005 a single-row bearing that fails most often, and engines from late 2005 to 2008 a larger bearing that fails far less often but cannot be replaced without stripping the engine. The engines that replaced the M96 and M97 from the 2009 model year (997 Gen 2, 987 Gen 2 and later) do without an intermediate shaft entirely, and the Mezger engines in the Turbo, GT2 and GT3 use a different intermediate shaft design that does not suffer this failure

Rough guide
£Unknown

Typical symptoms

  • metallic debris in the oil filter during servicing
  • loud rattling noise from the engine
  • sudden and complete engine failure

Affected vehicles

Engines:
M96 / M97 (Non-Mezger)
Typical mileage:
Unknown miles
1 more owner report backs this up
  • June 2011The most common serious problem reported for this model appears to be failures of the engine's intermediate shaft bearing.
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity🔧 Specialist mechanic

Cylinder bore scoring on the M96/M97 flat six in first generation 997 and 987 cars, causing piston slap, high oil consumption, and eventual engine failure

Rough guide
£Unknown

Typical symptoms

  • ticking or tapping noise from the engine (piston slap)
  • high oil consumption
  • one exhaust tailpipe noticeably sootier than the other

Affected vehicles

Engines:
3.4 / 3.6 / 3.8 (M96/M97)
Typical mileage:
Unknown miles
1 more owner report backs this up
  • August 2015A 3.8 water-cooled Carrera S engine experienced overheating in one cylinder, damaging gaskets and causing oil burning and eventual cylinder bore damage.
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What owners report on the 996 and 997 Gen 1

5 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Suspension and steering · November 2016A Porsche 996 owner experienced very loose rear handling with cheap £42 Haida tyres, which improved dramatically after fitting Porsche-recommended N-rated Continentals.
  • Electrics · March 2015A 1997 to 2004 Porsche 911 996 was ranked the third least dependable European car in a warranty claims survey; electrical problems were the most frequent issue.
  • Electrics · February 2015The engine control unit in later Porsche models records usage, including any over-revving, which is crucial to check before buying a used 997.
  • General · December 2012A 2001 to 2006 Porsche 911 996 was rated the eighth most likely car built between 1997 and 2009 to suffer expensive problems in a reliability index.
  • General · September 2012Collapsible spare tyres on this model can only be inflated and used once, requiring replacement afterwards.

What owners like about the 996 and 997 Gen 1

2 notes
  • May 2012This model achieved the eighth highest first-time MoT pass rate at 87% among models with over 2000 examples.
  • The 911 Turbo offers a wonderful mechanical feel to drive, requiring engagement from the driver.
End of the 996 and 997 Gen 1 section.Pick another year ↑Check a Porsche 911 advert →
Generation 2 of 40 known faults · 4 good notes

Porsche 911 997 Gen 2 (2008 to 2012): owner reports

What owners like about the 997 Gen 2

4 notes
  • This model delivers impressive performance while also offering surprisingly good fuel economy for its class.
  • The car provides sublime handling characteristics and features a fuss-free cabin design.
  • This Porsche 911 is a very usable high-performance machine suitable for everyday driving.
  • The PDK double-clutch gearbox fitted to this model is highly impressive in its operation.
End of the 997 Gen 2 section.Pick another year ↑Check a Porsche 911 advert →
Generation 3 of 40 known faults · 4 owner reports · 6 good notes

Porsche 911 991 (2011 to 2019): owner reports

What owners report on the 991

4 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Bodywork · March 2016A 2015 911 991 cabrio at under 3,000 miles had front tyres firing stones into the disc brake backplate and radiator, with no fix available.
  • Engine · November 2013An £87,000 Porsche 911/991 experienced multiple problems, including numerous rattles, a suspension strut top mount change, and an oil separator replacement, all fixed under warranty.
  • Electrics · March 2012The navigation system in this model will not accept seven-digit UK postcodes.
  • General · March 2012This model still comes with only a two-year full factory warranty, with the third year provided as an insurance policy.

What owners like about the 991

6 notes
  • The move to turbocharged engines has improved the 911, offering the same sound but with better low-down response.
  • The 911 is comfortable and easy to drive around town, making it a high-performance car suitable for daily use.
  • The change to a twin-turbo 3.0-litre engine should theoretically result in slightly better fuel economy.
  • Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which lowers the ride height by 10mm, is included as standard equipment.
  • Navigation and DAB radio are included as standard features on all cars in this model range.
  • From 2019, this model features a proximity key disabling system to prevent key signal boosting and relay theft.
End of the 991 section.Pick another year ↑Check a Porsche 911 advert →
Generation 4 of 40 known faults · 2 good notes

Porsche 911 992 (2019 on): owner reports

What owners like about the 992

2 notes
  • The 3.0-litre flat-six engine provides abundant torque across the entire range of engine speeds.
  • This model features a notably impressive interior, praised for its design and overall build quality.
End of the 992 section.Pick another year ↑Check a Porsche 911 advert →

Sellers rarely admit these faults outright

We track 4 specific phrases sellers use in adverts to soft-pedal these exact issues. Paste any Porsche 911 advert and we check it in seconds.

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Porsche 911 recalls

Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. These are the 10 DVSA recalls for the 911, newest first. They do not tell you whether this particular car has had the work: for that, put the registration into the free GOV.UK MOT history check, which shows a recall status where the manufacturer shares it, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN.

🏛️ February 2025Cars built February 2023 to September 2023

ASA0 - Check rear seat belt buckles and rework if necessary

Due to a process error in the production an aluminium butyl may have been positioned incorrectly and the screw connection of the rear left and right belt buckle was potentially not executed according to the specifications. If this is the case the correct fastening of the belt buckle cannot be guaranteed. The loosening of the rear belt buckles in the event of an accident or emergency braking cannot be ruled out. This could increase the associated risk of injury.

Put right by: The positioning of the aluminium butyl mat on the left and right of the affected vehicles must be checked and depending on the test result the screw connection must be reworked.

DVSA R/2025/077184 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2024Cars built September 2023 to October 2024

ARC4 Stop Use & Safety Recall - Wheel attachment with central locking

On affected vehicles the wheel attachments using the central lock may not meet the required specifications. This can lead to damage / breakage and the possibility of wheel detachment.

Put right by: Check the correct functioning of the central lock wheel fastening system and replace if necessary.

DVSA R/2024/4271,104 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2024Cars built July 2020 to February 2024

ARA3 - Check front and rear windows and replace if necessary

On the affected vehicles it is possible that the front and rear window panes were not manufactured in accordance with specifications and their bonding to the body is therefore insufficient

Put right by: To prevent this from happening the front and rear windows on the affected vehicles must be checked and if necessary replaced

DVSA R/2024/1402,098 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2023Cars built March 2021 to October 2023

On affected vehicles the side airbag installed in bucket seats may be activated unnecessarily.

On affected vehicles the side airbag installed in bucket seats may be activated unnecessarily.

Put right by: Recode the airbag control unit

DVSA R/2023/3191,048 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2021Cars built November 2018 to April 2021

The screw connection of the pressure input rod of the brake booster was not carried out according to regulations

The screw connection of the pressure input rod of the brake booster may not have been tightened according to regulations.

Put right by: The brake booster must be replaced or reworked depending on the vehicle type.

DVSA R/2021/3174 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2019Cars built February 2019 to December 2019

There is a possibility that the hazard warning lights will not be activated after pressing the centre console button

There is a possibility that the hazard warning lights will not be activated after pressing the button in the center console.

Put right by: Re-program the operator control unit in front center console.

DVSA R/2020/108581 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2017Cars built January 2017 to February 2017

Bonding on windscreen is insufficient

On 911 Cabriolet and Targa models only the windscreen may have been fitted with insufficient bonding product. There is a possibility that the windscreen could detach from the vehicle in the event of an accident.

Put right by: Recall the likely affected vehicles and rebond the windscreen.

DVSA R/2017/097149 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2014Cars built May 2014 to June 2014

Bonnet catch assembly may fail

On affected vehicles the upper part of the catch mechanism fitted to the front luggage compartment lid may not be secured to the correct specification. The mechanism may become detached from the lid allowing it to open unintentionally.

Put right by: Replace upper part of catch mechanism and secure with new screws

DVSA R/2014/151378 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2014

Fire may occur

One or more engine con rod bolts may fail and lead to the crankcase being damaged and in the worst case fire.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the engine and vehicle specific identification stickers.

DVSA R/2014/059168 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2012

Rear hub may detach

Current market observations have shown that the track usage of many vehicles in the 911 model line now comes close to that of pure GT3 racing vehicles. The component stresses associated with race track use and competitive driving are much higher than for a sporty driving style on public roads. The revision intervals for race track use must be observed particularly for highly stressed chassis components in the same way as is required for GT3 racing vehicles. If these revision intervals are not observed the failure of highly stressed components and breakage of hubs on the rear axle for example cannot be ruled out particularly in the case of components in advanced stages of wear.

Put right by: In order to standardise revision intervals the wheel hubs on the rear axle will be replaced by standard wheel hubs on the affected vehicles with central wheel lock

DVSA R/2012/15676 vehicles affected in the UK

Recall data published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency under the Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall listed here may not apply to every car of this model: the build dates and the registration check are what decide it.

Porsche 911 timing chain, and service intervals

A timing chain has no change interval, which is not the same as lasting for ever. Listen for it on a used 911, and check the oil has been changed on time. These are the figures UK specialists work to.

Timing chainChain
M96, M97, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8
No fixed replacement interval

The M96/M97 engines use timing chains. However, the far bigger concern is the Intermediate Shaft (IMS) bearing which drives the chains. This bearing can fail catastrophically and should be proactively upgraded.

Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.

Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: September 2026

Porsche 911 buying questions

Which Porsche 911 years should I avoid?

No Porsche 911 year is a write-off, but the 996 and 997 Gen 1 (1998 to 2008) carries the most serious faults: engine. The 997 Gen 2 (2008 to 2012), 991 (2011 to 2019) and 992 (2019 on) have none rated high severity. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.

What should I check when viewing a used Porsche 911?

Ask the seller about the engine faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for metallic debris in the oil filter during servicing and ticking or tapping noise from the engine (piston slap). Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against its known faults before you travel. Check a Porsche 911 advert →

Are there any recalls on the Porsche 911?

The DVSA lists 10 safety recalls for the Porsche 911 issued between 2012 and 2025. The most recent, from February 2025, is "ASA0 - Check rear seat belt buckles and rework if necessary". Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. This list is by model, so it cannot tell you whether one particular car has had the work: the free GOV.UK MOT history check shows a recall status from the registration where the manufacturer shares it, and a franchised dealer can check the VIN.

Looking at a Porsche 911 right now? Check the advert before you go and see it.

Where this Porsche 911 fault data comes from

If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the Porsche 911 owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.

CarAdCheck is not affiliated with Honest John or Volkswagen Financial Services. What happened to Honest John, and where each feature lives now.

Before you go and see it

Knowing what a Porsche 911 goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.

How to haggle for a used car: negotiate the price with what its records show13 min readHPI check vs carVertical: which is better, and our pick for a UK car9 min readMOT advisories explained: how to check them, and which ones should worry you12 min read
All buyer's guides →

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