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2002 Porsche 911

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

Counts are not adjusted for sales, age, mileage exposure or reporting. A lower count does not establish that a car is problem-free.

About this comparison →
9Owner complaints

Model-year median: 2

0Recall campaigns

View recall details →

1Investigations

View investigation details →

Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗ Model-level counts do not show whether a particular VIN is affected or repaired.

Inspection summary

2002 Porsche 911

NHTSA snapshot: September 18, 2026. 9 owner complaints · 0 recall campaigns · 1 investigations.

Counts are not failure probabilities and are not adjusted for sales, age, mileage exposure or reporting. One report may name several categories. Comparison method and limitations.

Top reported categories (up to 5)

  • Engine: 6 reports
  • Power Train: 2 reports
  • Air Bags: 1 reports
  • Engine And Engine Cooling: 1 reports

Full reported-category list and vehicle report

Recall links

    No recall campaigns in this snapshot.

    Check a VIN with NHTSA. Model-level history does not establish whether a particular VIN is affected or repaired.

    Print the top reported categories, recall links, snapshot date and comparison limits.

    How this year compares

    Owner complaints by model year

    Other model years Selected year
    8
    1999    6
    2000    8
    2001    9
    2002    9
    2003    8
    2004    3
    2005
    Compare all 911 years →

    Counts vary with age, sales, mileage exposure and reporting. They are not failure rates.

    What owners reported most

    Engine
    6    Power Train
    2    Air Bags
    1    Engine And Engine Cooling
    1

    Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

    When problems were reported

    Mileage at the reported incident

    Limited mileage data: 7 of 9 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

    NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

    What to inspect

    Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

    • Engine. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
    • Power Train. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
    • Air Bags. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

    NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

    0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports

    Engine complaints

    6 reports
    Clear category filter
    72,135 miles · Nov 29, 2016
    Engine

    ALUMINUM COOLANT TUBES WHICH APPARENTLY ARE GLUED TOGETHER VIA THE OEM FACTORY BECOME OLD AND BRITTLE AND BLOW APART. COOLANT IS THEN POURING OUT OF THE ENGINE AT A HIGH RATE INTO THE CITY STREET. IN MY CASE, I WAS SITTING AT A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT WHEN THE COOLANT PIPE BURST/SEPARATED. IN ORDER TO FIX/REPAIR THE ISSUE, THE ENGINE…

    Read full complaint

    ALUMINUM COOLANT TUBES WHICH APPARENTLY ARE GLUED TOGETHER VIA THE OEM FACTORY BECOME OLD AND BRITTLE AND BLOW APART. COOLANT IS THEN POURING OUT OF THE ENGINE AT A HIGH RATE INTO THE CITY STREET. IN MY CASE, I WAS SITTING AT A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT WHEN THE COOLANT PIPE BURST/SEPARATED. IN ORDER TO FIX/REPAIR THE ISSUE, THE ENGINE MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE 8 COOLANT TUBES MUST BE WELDED AND/OR DRILLED AND PINNED TO KEEP THE ISSUE FROM HAPPENING AGAIN

    NHTSA ODI #10928575

    Mileage unknown · Feb 13, 2015
    Engine

    I NOTICED STEAM COMING FROM THE ENGINE BAY WHILE DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA. STOPPED THE CAR IMMEDIATELY AND CONTACTED A TOW SERVICE. A COOLANT LINE CAME LOOSE DUE TO A FAILED FITTING AT THE MANIFOLD AND DISCHARGED THE ENTIRE RESERVOIR, LEAVING A PUDDLE OF COOLANT UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. *TR

    NHTSA ODI #10683181

    39,000 miles · May 13, 2013
    Engine

    THERE WAS NO INCIDENT, BUT THERE IS A COOLANT SMELL WHICH REGULARLY HAPPENS AFTER A LONG DRIVE. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THIS IS BECAUSE THE COOLANT FITTINGS WEEP; I'VE FOUND MANY FORUM POSTS, AND WAS TOLD BY MY MECHANIC THAT THE LINES BURSTING AND/OR SPILLING IS COMMON IN 996 TURBOS ('01-'05). HE ADVISED ME THAT I SHOULD HAVE…

    Read full complaint

    THERE WAS NO INCIDENT, BUT THERE IS A COOLANT SMELL WHICH REGULARLY HAPPENS AFTER A LONG DRIVE. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THIS IS BECAUSE THE COOLANT FITTINGS WEEP; I'VE FOUND MANY FORUM POSTS, AND WAS TOLD BY MY MECHANIC THAT THE LINES BURSTING AND/OR SPILLING IS COMMON IN 996 TURBOS ('01-'05). HE ADVISED ME THAT I SHOULD HAVE PREVENTIVE WELDS TO MAKE SURE THAT THE COOLANT LINES DO NOT UNSEAT AND SPILL ALL OF MY COOLANT. I WAS TOLD THAT IT COULD HAPPEN TOMORROW, OR COULD HAPPEN 50K MILES FROM NOW; EITHER WAY, I WOULD BE STRANDED WHEREVER I WAS. THE WORK TO COMPLETE THE PREVENTIVE MEASURE WAS QUOTED AROUND $5-6K, BUT I HAVE NOT HAD IT COMPLETED. *TR

    NHTSA ODI #10511813

    60,300 miles · May 2, 2013
    Engine

    I OWN A 2002 911 CARRERA TURBO, WHICH HAS A WELL-KNOW AND DOCUMENTED DESIGN DEFECT IN THE ENGINE (GT1 MOTOR). IT IS KNOW AS THE COOLANT-PIPE FAILURE ISSUE. WHILE MY CAR HAS NOT YET SUFFERED A FAILURE, THERE IS A REASONABLE PROBABILITY THAT THE COOLANT PIPES MAY FAIL DURING REGULAR USE, CAUSING A SUBSTANTIAL LIKELIHOOD OF PROPE…

    Read full complaint

    I OWN A 2002 911 CARRERA TURBO, WHICH HAS A WELL-KNOW AND DOCUMENTED DESIGN DEFECT IN THE ENGINE (GT1 MOTOR). IT IS KNOW AS THE COOLANT-PIPE FAILURE ISSUE. WHILE MY CAR HAS NOT YET SUFFERED A FAILURE, THERE IS A REASONABLE PROBABILITY THAT THE COOLANT PIPES MAY FAIL DURING REGULAR USE, CAUSING A SUBSTANTIAL LIKELIHOOD OF PROPERTY DAMAGE AND PERSONAL INJURY TO MYSELF AND OTHERS UTILIZING THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY. IT IS A CLEAR SAFETY ISSUE THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED BY WAY OF RECALL AND REPAIR. THERE IS A KNOWN SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. HERE IS A HYPERLINK TO ONE OF THE SOURCES OF INFORMATION FOR THIS ISSUE. HTTP://FORUMS.RENNLIST.COM/RENNFORUMS/997-GT2-GT3-FORUM/613440-GT1-COOLANT-PIPE-PREVENTION-FIX-ON-2011-GT3RS-SHARK-WERKS.HTML THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE REQUIRED BY THE NHTSA TO RECALL AND REPAIR ALL VEHICLES WITH THIS KNOWN DEFECT. THE COST OF REPAIR AND THE SAFETY OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD NOT BE BORNE BY THE INDIVIDUAL CAR OWNER. ALSO, HERE'S A VIDEO SHOWING HOW THE TUBE COMES APART: HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=RH56CKZC-QE. *TR

    NHTSA ODI #10510421

    48,000 miles · Oct 27, 2012
    EnginePower Train

    INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FAILURE. *TR

    NHTSA ODI #10482460

    85,200 miles · Aug 3, 2012
    Engine

    INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BEARING FAILED, CAUSING CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE AND LOSS OF ALL ENGINE OIL ON THE ROADWAY. LUCKILY, THE CAR WAS STOPPED AT THE TIME. *TR

    NHTSA ODI #10469113

    Recall campaigns

    0

    No recalls in this snapshot.

    Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

    Defect investigations

    1

    PE13009 · Rapid Coolant Loss

    Opened Apr 26, 2013 · Closed Mar 10, 2014

    Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings

    On April 26, 2013, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE13-009 to investigate 10 complaints alleging incidents of sudden coolant loss while traveling on public roadways in certain model year (MY) 2001 through 2007 Porsche 911 vehicles.The complaints alleged that pipe ends joined by epoxy to certain cooling system components may fail suddenly and separate, resulting in large volumes of coolant leakage.The investigation was opened to assess evidence of a design or manufacturing defect in the coolant pipe fittings and any related safety consequences. In response to ODI?s Information Request letter, Porsche identified a manufacturing quality issue with the supplier?s application of adhesive to coolant pipe fittings that resulted in elevated failure rates in approximately 6,800 early production 997 generation vehicles (MY 2007 and early MY 2008).ODI?s analysis of field data showed that the age-adjusted failure rate for these vehicles was approximately six times greater than MY 2001 through 2005 996 generation vehicles and MY 2008 through 2011 997 generation vehicles built after a process improvement for adhesive application was implemented by the supplier.Most of the leak complaints reviewed by ODI did not appear to involve complete separation of the fittings and many were detected when the vehicle was parked.There were no crashes or injuries reported to be related to the alleged defect in any of the subject vehicles.ODI identified two allegations that coolant leakage resulted in loss of control incidents, but neither involved vehicles affected by the assembly process quality issue.A third loss of control allegation involving a vehicle built during the period affected by the supplier process concern is not counted since ODI was unable to contact the owner to confirm the incident.See the full closing resume in the document file for PE13-009 for additional information about the subject cooling system and ODI?s analysis of field data related to the alleged defect. A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

    Additional source detail variants (3)

    Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings

    On April 26, 2013, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE13-009 to investigate 10 complaints alleging incidents of sudden coolant loss while traveling on public roadways in certain model year (MY) 2001 through 2007 Porsche 911 vehicles.The complaints alleged that pipe ends joined by epoxy to certain cooling system components may fail suddenly and separate, resulting in large volumes of coolant leakage.The investigation was opened to assess evidence of a design or manufacturing defect in the coolant pipe fittings and any related safety consequences. In response to ODI?s Information Request letter, Porsche identified a manufacturing quality issue with the supplier?s application of adhesive to coolant pipe fittings that resulted in elevated failure rates in approximately 6,800 early production 997 generation vehicles (MY 2007 and early MY 2008).ODI?s analysis of field data showed that the age-adjusted failure rate for these vehicles was approximately six times greater than MY 2001 through 2005 996 generation vehicles and MY 2008 through 2011 997 generation vehicles built after a process improvement for adhesive application was implemented by the supplier.Most of the leak complaints reviewed by ODI did not appear to involve complete separation of the fittings and many were detected when the vehicle was parked.There were no crashes or injuries reported to be related to the alleged defect in any of the subject vehicles.ODI identified two allegations that coolant leakage resulted in loss of control incidents, but neither involved vehicles affected by the assembly process quality issue.A third loss of control allegation involving a vehicle built during the period affected by the supplier process concern is not counted since ODI was unable to contact the owner to confirm the incident.See the full closing resume in the document file for PE13-009 for additional information about the subject cooling system and ODI?s analysis of field data related to the alleged defect. A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

    Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System

    On April 26, 2013, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE13-009 to investigate 10 complaints alleging incidents of sudden coolant loss while traveling on public roadways in certain model year (MY) 2001 through 2007 Porsche 911 vehicles.The complaints alleged that pipe ends joined by epoxy to certain cooling system components may fail suddenly and separate, resulting in large volumes of coolant leakage.The investigation was opened to assess evidence of a design or manufacturing defect in the coolant pipe fittings and any related safety consequences. In response to ODI?s Information Request letter, Porsche identified a manufacturing quality issue with the supplier?s application of adhesive to coolant pipe fittings that resulted in elevated failure rates in approximately 6,800 early production 997 generation vehicles (MY 2007 and early MY 2008).ODI?s analysis of field data showed that the age-adjusted failure rate for these vehicles was approximately six times greater than MY 2001 through 2005 996 generation vehicles and MY 2008 through 2011 997 generation vehicles built after a process improvement for adhesive application was implemented by the supplier.Most of the leak complaints reviewed by ODI did not appear to involve complete separation of the fittings and many were detected when the vehicle was parked.There were no crashes or injuries reported to be related to the alleged defect in any of the subject vehicles.ODI identified two allegations that coolant leakage resulted in loss of control incidents, but neither involved vehicles affected by the assembly process quality issue.A third loss of control allegation involving a vehicle built during the period affected by the supplier process concern is not counted since ODI was unable to contact the owner to confirm the incident.See the full closing resume in the document file for PE13-009 for additional information about the subject cooling system and ODI?s analysis of field data related to the alleged defect. A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

    Engine And Engine Cooling

    On April 26, 2013, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE13-009 to investigate 10 complaints alleging incidents of sudden coolant loss while traveling on public roadways in certain model year (MY) 2001 through 2007 Porsche 911 vehicles.The complaints alleged that pipe ends joined by epoxy to certain cooling system components may fail suddenly and separate, resulting in large volumes of coolant leakage.The investigation was opened to assess evidence of a design or manufacturing defect in the coolant pipe fittings and any related safety consequences. In response to ODI?s Information Request letter, Porsche identified a manufacturing quality issue with the supplier?s application of adhesive to coolant pipe fittings that resulted in elevated failure rates in approximately 6,800 early production 997 generation vehicles (MY 2007 and early MY 2008).ODI?s analysis of field data showed that the age-adjusted failure rate for these vehicles was approximately six times greater than MY 2001 through 2005 996 generation vehicles and MY 2008 through 2011 997 generation vehicles built after a process improvement for adhesive application was implemented by the supplier.Most of the leak complaints reviewed by ODI did not appear to involve complete separation of the fittings and many were detected when the vehicle was parked.There were no crashes or injuries reported to be related to the alleged defect in any of the subject vehicles.ODI identified two allegations that coolant leakage resulted in loss of control incidents, but neither involved vehicles affected by the assembly process quality issue.A third loss of control allegation involving a vehicle built during the period affected by the supplier process concern is not counted since ODI was unable to contact the owner to confirm the incident.See the full closing resume in the document file for PE13-009 for additional information about the subject cooling system and ODI?s analysis of field data related to the alleged defect. A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

    An investigation is not a finding of a defect, and closure does not prove a vehicle is problem-free.