1997 Porsche 911: common problems and reliability
4 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about tires. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 1997 911?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.
Safety record for the 1997 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1997 Porsche 911 vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1997 a good year for the 911?
Across the 30 911 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 2 (1998) to 200 (2022). With 4 complaints, the 1997 911 sits below the model's median of 38.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1997 911
air bags:on-off switch assembly
Campaign 98E005000EQUIPMENT 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, PART NOS. 996 803 283 00 AND 996 803 083 00. DUE TO A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM, THE CONTACT BUCKLE (WHICH IS PART OF THE KIT) DOES NOT DEACTIVATE THE AIR BAG(S).
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.
Owner insights cover all generations of the 911. See the full 911 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used 911 listings typically run $49,999–$134,800.
Other 911 model years
Compare every 911 year side by side to see how 1997 ranks against the rest.
Compare the 911 against its rivals
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