Porsche 911 997 (2004–2013)
Generation-specific owner insights from 18+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Photo: Alexandre Prévot from Nancy, France / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons
367
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2004–2013
17
recall campaigns
engine
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners view the 997 as a highly desirable, analog sports car that retains the classic 911 DNA, with the Turbo models praised for their bulletproof Mezger engines.
8 problems reported · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Coolant line failure (997.1 Turbo)
Recurrent: The epoxy and plastic elbows can fail with heat cycles, requiring replacement with metal fittings.
- Camshaft sleeve spinning (997.1 Turbo)
Recurrent: The intake camshaft sleeve can spin and block oil passage; pinning is the fix.
- High-pressure fuel pump failure (997.2)
Isolated: Can cause rough idle; some owners report replacing them.
+ 5 more issuesShow fewer
- Clutch accumulator and synchro issues (997.1 Turbo manual)
Isolated: Reported while shopping for examples.
- Aged interior parts causing squeaks and rattles
Recurrent: Noted as a downside of daily driving an older car.
- Wing hydraulic system failure (997.1 Turbo)
Isolated: Some owners plan to replace with an electric system.
- Roof/seal leaks (997.1 Turbo Cab)
Isolated: One owner reported needing a full roof replacement.
- PCM failure (997.2 Turbo)
Isolated: Mentioned as a potential problem by a dealer.
The version owners recommend
997.2 Turbo with PDK is frequently cited as a bulletproof daily driver, while the 997.1 Turbo with a manual and the Mezger engine is the enthusiast's choice for its robustness and character. A 997.2 C2S is also recommended for avoiding the 997.1's IMS issues while delivering a great driving experience.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the 992 Carrera, 991.2 Turbo S, 991.1 GTS, 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and 981 Cayman GTS.
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Overall sentiment
Owners view the 997 as a highly desirable, analog sports car that retains the classic 911 DNA, with the Turbo models praised for their bulletproof Mezger engines. However, the consensus is that it is a poor choice as a sole daily driver compared to a modern 992, due to its age, dated interior, and need for proactive maintenance. The 997.2 is generally preferred over the 997.1 for its DFI engine that avoids IMS and some coolant line concerns, though both generations are seen as requiring a budget for deferred maintenance.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners consistently position the 997 as a more raw, engaging, and analog experience compared to the more capable, comfortable, and computerized 992, which is deemed a far superior daily driver. The 997 Turbo is seen as more impactful to drive than a base 992, but the 992 is considered the better all-around car. Against the 991.2 Turbo S, some owners find the 991.2 boring and perfect to a fault, while others see it as the ideal daily sports car. The 997 is often cross-shopped with the Cayman GTS 4.0, which is praised for its torque and handling but criticized for lacking rear seats.
Recommended configurations
For a daily driver, owners recommend a 997.2 Turbo with PDK for its reliability and modern transmission. For a weekend or fun car, a 997.1 Turbo with a manual transmission is the top pick for its Mezger engine and analog feel. The 997.1 Tiptronic is also noted as a surprisingly stout and reliable choice for daily use. A 997.2 C2S is a strong option for those wanting a balance of performance and reduced risk of major engine issues.
General recommendations
Owners strongly advise against selling a new 992 to buy a 997 as a primary daily driver, calling it a terrible financial and practical decision. The 997 is best as a second car or weekend toy. For any 997, a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) with a borescope is essential. Budget $5,000–$15,000 for immediate deferred maintenance and proactive fixes, such as replacing coolant lines and pinning camshafts on the 997.1 Turbo. A 997.2 is generally recommended over a 997.1 for those seeking fewer known major engine risks.
Remarks
Owners emphasize that the 997 Turbo's Mezger engine is a Le Mans-derived unit that is extremely robust when the known coolant line and camshaft issues are addressed. The 997.2's direct injection engine requires intake valve cleaning and is not immune to bore scoring, though it is considered less problematic than the 997.1's IMS bearing. Many owners report that driving the car regularly and hard (after proper warm-up) reduces issues. Analysis based on approximately 18 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 38 | 2 | exterior lighting |
| 2012 | 51 | 4 | exterior lighting |
| 2011 | 4 | 2 | engine and engine cooling |
| 2010 | 11 | 4 | engine |
| 2009 | 9 | 1 | engine |
| 2008 | 41 | 1 | engine |
| 2007 | 100 | 0 | engine |
| 2006 | 16 | 1 | electrical system |
| 2005 | 26 | 1 | engine |
| 2004 | 71 | 1 | engine |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2013 · suspension:front:macpherson strutcampaign 20E091000
Ohlins USA, Inc (Ohlins) is recalling certain Front Struts, part number POS 5N20. These struts were sold as part of Ohlins strut kits part number POZ MN02, intended for installation on 1999-2005 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 4S (generation 996), and 2001-2006 Porsche 911 Turbo / Turbo S (generation 996) and kit part number POZ MN05, intended for installation on 2005-2012 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 4S (generation 997), and 2006-2013 Porsche 911 Turbo / Turbo S (generation 997). The pin of the strut may experience excessive stress during maximum steering, possibly resulting breakage of the pin.
2013 · engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipecampaign 13V058000
Porsche is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 911 Carrera and Carrera 4 vehicles manufactured from March 7, 2012, through November 12, 2012, and equipped with a standard (not sport) exhaust system. The exhaust tail pipe may fracture and separate from the rear muffler.
2012 · suspension:front:macpherson strutcampaign 20E091000
Ohlins USA, Inc (Ohlins) is recalling certain Front Struts, part number POS 5N20. These struts were sold as part of Ohlins strut kits part number POZ MN02, intended for installation on 1999-2005 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 4S (generation 996), and 2001-2006 Porsche 911 Turbo / Turbo S (generation 996) and kit part number POZ MN05, intended for installation on 2005-2012 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 4S (generation 997), and 2006-2013 Porsche 911 Turbo / Turbo S (generation 997). The pin of the strut may experience excessive stress during maximum steering, possibly resulting breakage of the pin.
2012 · seat beltscampaign 11V409000
PORSCHE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 911 SPEEDSTER AND 911 GTS RS 4.0; AND MODEL YEAR 2012 BOXSTER (INCLUDING S AND SPYDER); CAYMAN (INCLUDING S AND R); 911 CARRERA (INCLUDING S, GTS, 4, 4S, AND 4 GTS); 911 TARGA 4 AND TARGA 4S; AND 911 TURBO AND TURBO S MODELS MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 31, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 10, 2011. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE MOUNTING HOLES IN THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR PLATES FITTED TO THE VEHICLE ARE TOO SMALL. IF THE HOLE DIAMETER IS TOO SMALL, THE ANCHOR PLATE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ROTATE ABOUT THE FASTENING BOLT AS DESIGNED.
2012 · engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipecampaign 13V058000
Porsche is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 911 Carrera and Carrera 4 vehicles manufactured from March 7, 2012, through November 12, 2012, and equipped with a standard (not sport) exhaust system. The exhaust tail pipe may fracture and separate from the rear muffler.
2012 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 12V107000
PORSCHE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 911 CARRERA S VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 26, 2011, THROUGH JANUARY 24, 2012. INTERFERENCE BETWEEN A COOLANT LINE AND A FUEL LINE MAY CAUSE THE FUEL LINE TO BECOME DISCONNECTED AT THE QUICK CONNECTOR.
2011 · wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studscampaign 11V285000
PORSCHE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011, 911 TURBO; TURBO S, 911 GT3, GT3 RS AND GT2 RS HIGH PERFORMANCE VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 18, 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 17, 2010, AND EQUIPPED WITH CENTER LOCKING HUB AND WHEEL ASSEMBLIES. OVER TIME THE HUBS CAN WEAR PREMATURELY.
2011 · seat beltscampaign 11V409000
PORSCHE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 911 SPEEDSTER AND 911 GTS RS 4.0; AND MODEL YEAR 2012 BOXSTER (INCLUDING S AND SPYDER); CAYMAN (INCLUDING S AND R); 911 CARRERA (INCLUDING S, GTS, 4, 4S, AND 4 GTS); 911 TARGA 4 AND TARGA 4S; AND 911 TURBO AND TURBO S MODELS MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 31, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 10, 2011. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE MOUNTING HOLES IN THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR PLATES FITTED TO THE VEHICLE ARE TOO SMALL. IF THE HOLE DIAMETER IS TOO SMALL, THE ANCHOR PLATE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ROTATE ABOUT THE FASTENING BOLT AS DESIGNED.
2010 · suspension:front:macpherson strutcampaign 20E091000
Ohlins USA, Inc (Ohlins) is recalling certain Front Struts, part number POS 5N20. These struts were sold as part of Ohlins strut kits part number POZ MN02, intended for installation on 1999-2005 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 4S (generation 996), and 2001-2006 Porsche 911 Turbo / Turbo S (generation 996) and kit part number POZ MN05, intended for installation on 2005-2012 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 4S (generation 997), and 2006-2013 Porsche 911 Turbo / Turbo S (generation 997). The pin of the strut may experience excessive stress during maximum steering, possibly resulting breakage of the pin.
2010 · wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studscampaign 11V285000
PORSCHE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011, 911 TURBO; TURBO S, 911 GT3, GT3 RS AND GT2 RS HIGH PERFORMANCE VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 18, 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 17, 2010, AND EQUIPPED WITH CENTER LOCKING HUB AND WHEEL ASSEMBLIES. OVER TIME THE HUBS CAN WEAR PREMATURELY.
2010 · equipmentcampaign 11E021000
PORSCHE IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET CENTER WHEEL MOUNTING KITS EQUIPPED WITH CENTER WHEEL LOCK AND HUB ASSEMBLIES BEARING THE TORQUE SPECIFICATION INSCRIPTION "500 NM" ON THE CENTER BOLT SOLD FOR USE ON MODEL YEAR 2010 AND 2011 PORSCHE 911 TURBO VEHICLES. SHOULD VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE AFFECTED KITS BE OPERATED UNDER RACING CONDITIONS, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE WHEEL RETENTION SYSTEM MAY FAIL.
2010 · suspension:rear:axle:spindlecampaign 12V558000
Porsche is recalling certain model year 2010 911 GT3 vehicles manufactured May 15, 2009, through February 11, 2010. The rear wheel hubs may be prone to failure under certain driving conditions. Also, the original, suggested maintenance intervals may be insufficient to prevent wheel hub failure.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.