The 1997 Porsche 911 has 4 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are tires and vehicle speed control. Owners most often flag extremely high maintenance and repair costs — major engine or transmission failure can cost more than the car's value, and parts are exceptionally expensive. frequency: very frequent.
Safety record for the 1997 model year
4
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1997 Porsche 911 vehicles (US, public record).
Where owners report problems
tires
1
vehicle speed control
1
air bags
1
structure
1
Recalls affecting the 1997 911
air bags:on-off switch assembly
Campaign 98E005000
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: CHILD SEATING SYSTEM AIR BAG DEACTIVATION KIT FOR USE ON 1997-1998 911 CARRERA S, CARRERA 4, CARRERA 4S, AND TURBO (1997 MODEL ONLY), PART NO. 993 803 283 00, AND 1997-1998 BOXSTER MODEL VEHICLES, …
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is deeply polarized and varies significantly by generation and model. Long-term ownership satisfaction is frequently described as very high, with many owners reporting the car living up to or exceeding lifelong expectations. The 911 is often cited as
Extremely high maintenance and repair costs — Major engine or transmission failure can cost more than the car's value, and parts are exceptionally expensive. Frequency: very frequent.
Turbo lag in modern turbocharged engines (991.2, 992) — Noted as a significant dynamic flaw, with criticism that reviewers downplay its presence. Frequency: recurrent.
Interior material quality and durability — Hard plastics, manual seats in base models, and specific issues like peeling door cards on 991 models left in the sun. Frequency: recurrent.
Numb electric power steering (991 and 992 generations) — Criticized for lacking the feedback of older hydraulic systems. Frequency: recurrent.
Engine issues specific to generations — M96/97 engine issues (including IMS bearing) on older models (996, 997.1), susceptibility to carbon buildup on direct injection engines, and a noted case of a blown engine on a 996 under warranty. Frequency: recurrent.
Owner insights cover all generations of the 911.
Typical used price
Used 911 listings typically run $76,988–$270,070 across 1998 to 2026 model years.