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Model reliability

Porsche 911 reliability

The Porsche 911 fails its MOT less often than most cars over 10 years old: 14.9% of 34,858 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

Up to 5 years old
5.7% failed their MOT
Better than most
From 5,099 MOT tests of Porsche 911s this age.
6 to 10 years old
5.5% failed their MOT
Better than most
From 8,255 MOT tests of Porsche 911s this age.
Over 10 years old
14.9% failed their MOT
Better than most
From 34,858 MOT tests of Porsche 911s this age.
Safety recalls

37 DVSA recalls for the Porsche 911

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2025/07726 Feb 2025Built 2023ASA0 - 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.

Fix: 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.

Recalled models: 911 · 184 vehicles

R/2024/42728 Oct 2024Built 2023–2024ARC4 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.

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

Recalled models: 911 · 1,104 vehicles

R/2024/14013 Mar 2024Built 2020–2024ARA3 - 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

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

Recalled models: 911 · 2,098 vehicles

R/2023/3198 Nov 2023Built 2021–2023On 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.

Fix: Recode the airbag control unit

Recalled models: 911 · 1,048 vehicles

R/2021/31722 Sept 2021Built 2018–2021The 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.

Fix: The brake booster must be replaced or reworked depending on the vehicle type.�

Recalled models: 911 · 4 vehicles

R/2021/12624 Mar 2021Built 2019–2020The threaded connections of the upper control arms at the rear axle were not tightened with the specific tigtening torque

Threaded connections of the upper control arms at the rear axle may not be tightened with the specified tightening torque.

Fix: The chassis bolts will be replaced and tightened with the specified tightening torque.

Recalled models: 911 CARRERA · 2 vehicles

R/2020/21117 Jul 2020Built 2018–2019The four wheel final drive screw joints to the transmission mount have not been tightened to correct specifications

The front four-wheel final drive transmission support mounts may not be tightened according to specifications.

Fix: The front-axle final drive will be removed and the transmission support will be secured according to specifications. If necessary the front-axle final drive and any other damaged components will be replaced.

Recalled models: 911 CARRERA 4S · 30 vehicles

R/2020/10813 Dec 2019Built 2019There 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.

Fix: Re-program the operator control unit in front center console.

Recalled models: 911 · 581 vehicles

R/2019/25131 Jul 2019Built 2018–2019Loudspeaker cover may not have been installed in the door sub frame

Possible missing cover in the door sub-frame.

Fix: Inspect retrofit cover if required.

Recalled models: 911 CARRERA T · 1 vehicles

R/2019/2073 Jul 2019Built 2019Fastening nuts to secure the drive shaft and wheel hub on the rear axle are incorrectly coated

Incorrectly coated nuts were used to secure the drive shaft and wheel hub on the rear axle.

Fix: Replace the fastening nuts and torque to specification.

Recalled models: 911 CARRERA · 5 vehicles

R/2017/10227 Mar 2017Built 2016–2017Incorrect detonators fitted to front passenger airbags

Incorrect passenger air bag detonators were installed during manufacturer. this may adversely affect the airbag's deployment in the event of an impact.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace the passenger's air bag module.

Recalled models: 911 CARRERA · 15 vehicles

R/2017/0972 Mar 2017Built 2017Bonding 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.

Fix: Recall the likely affected vehicles and rebond the windscreen.

Recalled models: 911 · 149 vehicles

R/2017/05015 Feb 2017Built 2015–2016Fuel injection pipes may become insecure

The screws retaining the fuel collection pipe(s) may shear under stress. This may allow the pipe(s) to separate from the injector(s) and cause fuel to leak.

Fix: On affected vehicle replace the collection pipes' securing screws

Recalled models: 911 CARRERA · 1,091 vehicles

R/2017/02225 Jan 2017Built 2015–2016Fuel may leak

The high fuel pressure that builds up in the injection system when the engine is running can cause cracking and ultimately press the relevant fuel collection pipe off the injectors. This can cause a fuel leak in the engine compartment.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the fastening screws for the fuel collection pipes with different screws.

Recalled models: 911 CARRERA · 1,083 vehicles

R/2017/01520 Jan 2017Built 2016Front side airbags may be impaired

It has been identified that the front side airbags may have been fitted with the incorrect detonators. If the vehicle is involved in a collision then the airbags may not operate as intended.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to replace the front side airbags with a quality assured replacement.

Recalled models: 911 CARRERA · 11 vehicles

R/2016/24014 Oct 2016Built 2016Reduced brake performance

A vacuum supply line for the brake booster may not have been fitted correctly. The vacuum supply line could become loose resulting in reduced braking assistance. The brakes will still work but the driver will have to supply additional input for the required brake effort.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected where the connection points of the vacuum supply line will be checked/adjusted/replaced as necessary.

Recalled models: 911 CARRERA 4S · 28 vehicles

R/2014/1513 Nov 2014Built 2014Bonnet 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.

Fix: Replace upper part of catch mechanism and secure with new screws

Recalled models: 911 · 378 vehicles

R/2014/0591 May 2014Fire may occur

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

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

Recalled models: 911 · 168 vehicles

R/2013/03225 Apr 2013Tailpipe may become detached

Internal tests have shown that rear mufflers (silencer) installed on these vehicles do not achieve the required service life. As a result the exhaust tailpipe of the rear muffler can crack on vehicles with higher mileage this can result in the loss of the exhaust tailpipe and represents a danger to other road users

Fix: Replace both rear mufflers.

Recalled models: 911 CARRERA 4 · 280 vehicles

R/2012/15610 Dec 2012Rear 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.

Fix: 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

Recalled models: 911 · 76 vehicles

R/2012/04028 Mar 2012Risk of fire

A fuel pipe quick connector located under the vehicle could be contacting a heating pipe. The contact of the pipe and connector could impair the locking function of the connector and in the worst case could cause the fuel pipe to leak and the possibility of the engine cutting out or fire.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check for contact of the heating pipe and fuel line and if there is sufficient clearance fit a spacing ring and if there has been contact fit a new fuel line and spacer.

Recalled models: 911 CARRERA S · 367 vehicles

R/2011/1339 May 2011Wheel may detach

At a recent 24 hour race at the Nurburgring Circuit it was identified that the clamping force/torque on the centre wheel locking components is incorrect. If the vehicle is used under racing type conditions it is possible that the centre locking device could undo which if not identified could lead to a wheel detachment.

Fix: Recall all the affected vehicles to check the centre locking components and replace them if required.

Recalled models: 911 · 430 vehicles

R/2009/0011 Jan 2009Engine spacers may detach

Due to vibration it is possible that stress cracks make occur on the engine spacer. This will normally result in noises however it is possible on high milage vehicles for the spacers to become detached.

Fix: Fitment of additional damping elements to reduce the vibration and overcome the issue.

Recalled models: 911 CARRERA 4S · 217 vehicles

R/2008/1459 Oct 2008Steering could be impaired

It has been identified that it is possible that the threaded joints on the chassis of subject vehicles may not have been tightened to the prescribed torque. This may result in the screws becoming loose resulting in noises from around the vehicle. Should the screws detach steering control can become impaired.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the subject joints checked to ensure that they are tightened to the correct torque.

Recalled models: 911 CARRERA · 16 vehicles

R/2007/17912 Dec 2007Defective switch console

The switch console for the PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) and TC Off (Traction Control) may be defective and give incorrect signals or cause the above systems to fail.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check and where necessary replace the switch console.

Recalled models: 911 · 40 vehicles

R/2007/05626 Mar 2007Seat buckle may not de-latch following an impact

It has been identified that the possibility exists that a faulty seat belt buckle has been installed as part of the six- point seat belt harness. If a faulty buckle has been installed it may not be possible open the buckle following an accident if the belt straps have been subject to a tensile load thus requiring the seat belt straps to be cut before the occupant could leave the vehicle.

Fix: Subject vehicles will have the seat belt buckle checked for the production date and replaced as necessary.

Recalled models: 911 · 48 vehicles

R/2006/01424 Jan 2006Built 2005Parking brake may fail

A bearing flange on the parking brake lever is likely to break. If this occurs the parking brake will be ineffective.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the parking brake lever assembly.

Recalled models: 911 CARRERA · 111 vehicles

R/2006/00719 Jan 2006Weld seams on the exhaust tailpipe may fail

The welded seams on the exhaust tailpipe may fail. This can cause rattling noises while driving and can result in the loss of the exhaust tailpipe if the driver continues to drive the vehicle.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the exhaust tailpipes with modified units.

Recalled models: 911 CARRERA · 2,566 vehicles

R/2005/00929 Mar 2005Built 1994–1998The locking mechanism for convertible top may fail

There is a possibility that when the convertible top is closed the convertible top is not completely locked even though the warning lamp is extinguished. This could lead to the roof opening whilst the vehicle is in motion.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and fit modified locking-mechanism motors. In addittion check that the correct locating pegs are installed and that the convertible top is set correctly.

Recalled models: 911 CARRERA 4 · 806 vehicles

R/2004/06318 May 2004Seat backs do not meet the rigidity of porche specification

Front seats are fitted with seat backs that do not meet the rigidity Porsche AG demands.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace the front seats with those which meet all the appropriate requirements.

Recalled models: 911 · 519 vehicles

R/2003/17517 Nov 2003Possible fire risk

A connector bolt may be loose which could cause a steering fluid leak and loss of power assistance to the steering and and on the 911 Turbo to the power assistance to the clutch. Leaking fluid may ignite if it comes into contact with the exhaust system.

Fix: Vehicles must be recalled and the connector bolts must be tightened with the correct torque.

Recalled models: 911 · 303 vehicles

R/1996/02419 Feb 1996Built 1996Insecurity of tail pipe cover sleeve

The cover sleeve on the exhaust tail pipe may have been attached by two instead of four spot welds. There is therefore a possibility that the cover sleeve could detach from the tail pipe whilst driving.

Fix: The affected vehicles will be recalled to Porsche dealers for inspection. Any tail pipes where the cover sleeves are attached by two welds will be replaced with four weld version pipes.

Recalled models: 911 · 18 vehicles

R/1994/0454 Aug 1994Built 1994Possible cracking of rear axle side parts

Crack like surface defects may be present on the mould parting line on the rear axle side parts.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles and inspect the rear axle side parts for surface defects where these are present the original side part(s) will be replaced with quality assured parts.

Recalled models: 911 · 11 vehicles

R/1994/0135 Apr 1994Built 1991–1992Rear wheel lock up under braking

Under extreme circumstances rear wheel lock up could occur during heavy braking. This is due to the fitment of an incorrect brake modulator valve.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles and replace the original brake modulator valve with a modified example.

Recalled models: 911 · 258 vehicles

R/1994/01216 Feb 1994Built 1989–1992Rear heater blower resistor may overload

The rear heater blower resistor can become electrically overloaded due to binding or seizure of the heater blower. The overloaded resistor may become hot enough to ignite the plastic air pipe in which it is located.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for the installation of a modified resistor unit which incorporates a thermal link.

Recalled models: 911 · 2,709 vehicles

R/1993/05728 Aug 1993Built 1993Convertible top front locks may fracture

The front latch hooks securing the convertible top to the windscreen frame may fracture and in the worst case allow the convertible top to retract without warning whilst the vehicle is being driven.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for replacement of the original latch hooks with modified versions.

Recalled models: 911 · 2 vehicles

R/1993/0126 Nov 1992Built 1989–1992Cruise control ball joint failure

There is a possibility that a ball socket on the cruise control may detach. This could allow the linkage to jam on adjacent components and prevent the accelerator linkage returning to the idle position when the pedal is released.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for replacement of the original cruise control ball sockets with quality assured steel examples.

Recalled models: 911 · 192 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Porsche 911 before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.
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