Owners have filed 26 complaints
about the 2001 Porsche 911 Turbo with NHTSA between 2003 and 2017.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 64
Against the median year of the Porsche 911 Turbo. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 40
7.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 41
24% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2001 compares with every other Porsche 911 Turbo
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
14.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
312.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
936.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
728.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
416.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
14.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2003peak 7Sep 2017
NHTSA investigations into the 2001 Porsche 911 Turbo
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE13009Opened 26 Apr 2013Closed 10 Mar 2014ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
Rapid coolant loss
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...
Recalls on the 2001 Porsche 911 Turbo
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
20E091000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT
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.
Risk: If the pin fails, it will cause separation of the strut from the vehicle, affecting vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
01V016000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE COULD LEAK DUE TO CHAFFING WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND/OR THE FUEL RETURN LINE COULD LEAK DUE TO CHAFFING WITH A SPRING BAND CLAMP USED TO SECURE A COOLANT LINE.
Risk: THE LEAKING FUEL COULD COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
01V015000
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:PEDAL/HAND LEVER(MOTORCYCLE)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE CLUTCH PRESSURE LINE COULD LEAK IN THE AREA OF ITS CONNECTION WITH THE CLUTCH CYLINDER.
Risk: A REDUCTION, OR COMPLETE LOSS, OF THE CLUTCH AND STEERING POWER ASSISTANCE COULD RESULT. IF LEAKING FLUID CONTACTS THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, THERE IS A RISK OF FIRE.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200103661 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, the clutch pressure line may leak in the area of its connection with the clutch slave cylinder. This may result in loss of power assist to the steering or clutch system. If the hydraulic fluid comes in contact with hot exhaust components a fire could result. Correction: Clutch pressure line will be replaced and an additional bracket will be installed.
Recall 200103735 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, the fuel supply line may leak due to chafing with the intake manifold and/or the fuel return line may lead due to chafing with a spring band clamp used to secure a coolant line. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. Correction: All affected vehicles will have a protective sheath installed on the fuel supply line. Also, on certain vehicles, the spring band clamp will be replaced with a screw type hose clamp and installed in such a way that it can not come into contact with the fuel return line.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 3,500 milesWinnetka, ILCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
ON SEPTEMBER 21, 2001, I WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BY A LARGE PASSENGER VEHICLE OR SUV, WHILE DRIVING A BRAND-NEW 2001 911 PORSCHE TURBO, SUPPOSEDLY EQUIPPED WITH SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS. THE VEHICLE THAT HIT ME RAN A STOP SIGN AND THE DRIVER DID NOT APPLY HIS BRAKES. I HAD NO STOP SIGN. I WOULD ESTIMATE THAT THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING IN EXCESS OF 25 MILES AN HOUR WHEN IT IMPACTED ME AND MY TWO YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE PORCH. THE VEHICLE THAT HIT ME, HIT THE PORSCHE DIRECTLY IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE, IT RIPPED THE SIDE MIRROR OFF THE PORSCHE, BLEW OUT ALL THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW GLASS, AND SEVERELY DAMAGED THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT OPERATE OR DEPLOY AND THE DOOR FLEXED AND HIT ME (THE DRIVER) IN THE LEFT SIDE. THE SIDE AIR BAG, ACCORDING TO PORSCHE LITERATURE, IS SUPPOSED TO INFLATE AND PROVIDE A PROTECTIVE CUSHION BETWEEN THE DRIVER AND THE DOOR. THE DAMAGE TO THE PORSCHE WAS SIGNIFICANT, COSTING WELL OVER $15,000 TO REPAIR. WHILE FOLLOWING UP WITH PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA AS TO WHY THE SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, TWO REPRESENTATIVES OF PCNA, IN POSITIONS OF IMPORTANCE AND KNOWLEDGE WITHIN THE COMPANY, TOLD ME THAT THE SIDE AIR BAGS DO NOT OPERATE AT ALL (OR DEPLOY) WHEN THE PORSCHE IS IMPACTED BY AN SUV, OR OTHER PASSENGER CAR THAT HAS A HIGHER FRAME THAN THE PORSCHE. I WAS TOLD BY THESE SAME GENTLEMEN FROM PCNA THAT THE REASON FOR THIS WAS THAT THE TRIGGERING DEVICES ON THE PORSCHE WERE SET VERY LOW IN THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY THESE SAME GENTLEMEN THAT THE DEALER THAT LEASED ME THE VEHICLE, CHAMPION MOTORS IN POMPANO BEACH, FLORIDA, HAS A HISTORY OF EVEN LOWERING THE PORSCHE VEHICLES FURTHER BEFORE THEY ARE SOLD. AFTER I LEARNED THESE FACTS, I TELEPHONED SEVERAL REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NHTSA AND I WAS ROLLED THAT THIS IS NOT THE WAY SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEMS ARE DESIGNED, OR SUPPOSED TO BE DESIGNED, TO OPERATE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS DEFECT. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10005332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 59,000 milesColumbus, OH
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
COOLANT PIPE EXPERIENCED CATASTROPHIC FAILURE WHILE ON A PUBLIC ROADWAY. WAS TRAVELING ON STRAIGHT, SMOOTH ROAD ABOUT 55-60MPH WHEN COOLANT WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND ENGINE TEMPERATURE ROSE WITHOUT WARNING. I HAD NO WHERE TO PULL OVER ON THE TWO-LANE ROAD, SO WAS FORCED TO STOP CAR IN LANE, PUTTING MYSELF AND FAMILY AT RISK OF BEING HIT BY TRAFFIC WHILE WE WAITED 4 HOURS FOR A TOW.
NHTSA complaint #11023348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,800 milesLyons, CO
ENGINE
COOLANT PIPES COME APART WHILE DRIVING AND THERE WAS RAPID LOSS OF ENGINE COOLANT. THE PROBLEM EXISTS ON THE GT1 MOTOR BECAUSE THERE ARE A COUPLE COOLANT PIPES IN THESE MOTORS THAT ARE NOT A SINGLE CAST PIECE: THE LARGER CAST PIECES HAVE EXTRUDED INLET/OUTLET TUBES THAT ARE CONNECTED USING AN ADHESIVE. THERE IS NO METAL-TO-METAL FRICTION OR PRESS-FIT TO KEEP THESE TUBES IN PLACE, SO AFTER ENOUGH HEAT CYCLES THE ADHESIVE WILL SOFTEN/LOOSEN UP AND THE TUBE WILL COME OUT OF THE CAST BLOCK (WITH THE HOSE STILL ATTACHED), RESULTING IN A RAPID LOSS OF ENGINE COOLANT. ....UPDATED 04/25/16
NHTSA complaint #10716256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,612 milesPark City, UT
ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OCCURRED IN THE COOLANT SYSTEM. ONE OF THE ALUMINUM HOSE FITTINGS THAT IS EPOXIED INTO THE ALUMINUM HOUSING BROKE FREE CAUSING ENGINE COOLANT TO EMPTY OUT OF THE ENGINE ONTO THE HIGHWAY IN A MATTER OF SECONDS. THE RUBBER HOSE DID NOT FAIL AND IT WAS STILL CONNECTED TO ALUMINUM HOSE FITTING THAT BROKE AWAY FROM THE HOUSING. I PULLED THE CAR OFF THE FREEWAY IMMEDIATELY TO PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE CAR. FURTHER INSPECTION AT THE DEALER SERVICE CENTER SHOWED THERE WAS VERY LITTLE TO NO COOLANT LEFT IN THE ENTIRE SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #10525577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,342 milesNewport Beach, CA
ENGINE
PRESS FIT GLUED COOLANT PIPE FITTING FAILED ? COOLANT COVERED ENGINE AND REAR TIRES.
NHTSA complaint #10524591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,857 milesPhoenix, AZ
ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE HIGHWAY AT 65MPH AND I NOTICED THAT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE STARTED INCREASING AND THAT THERE WAS STEAM BELLOWING OUT OF THE ENGINE. PULLED OFF HIGHWAY AND CAR WAS POURING OUT COOLANT FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT - HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALER TO INSPECT. CAR WAS DIAGNOSED WITH EPOXY COOLANT PIPE FAILURE WHERE THE EPOXY HAD FAILED TO KEEP COOLANT PIPE IN PLACE.
NHTSA complaint #10515907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesMelrose, FL
POWER TRAIN
MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT PORSCHE USED AN INFERIOR AND MECHANICALLY POOR DESIGN FOR THE ENGINE COOLANT LINES. THEY ARE GLUED TOGETHER IN A PLACE WHERE THEY GET HOT. AFTER SEVERAL HEAT CYCLES, THEY WILL FAIL. ALL CARS WITH THIS ENGINE DESIGN WILL HAVE THIS FAILURE OVER TIME. IF THE COOLANT LINES FAIL WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING, THE SLICK COOLANT CAN GET ON THE TIRES AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. ALSO, THE ENGINE CAN OVERHEAT WITH A REPLACEMENT COST OF OVER $20,000. PORSCHE IS AWARE OF THIS, AS THEY HAVE USES A SUPERIOR THREADED DESIGN ON THEIR RACE CARS WITH THIS ENGINE. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT THIS WILL TAKE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX, AND THE CAR WILL BE OUT OF SERVICE FOR WEEKS.
NHTSA complaint #10514698 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesMelrose, FL
POWER TRAIN
I HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY MY PORSCHE TECHNICIAN THAT PORSCHE USED AN INFERIOR AND MECHANICALLY POOR DESIGN FOR THE ENGINE COOLANT LINES. THEY ARE GLUED TOGETHER IN A PLACE WHERE THEY GET HOT. AFTER SEVERAL HEAT CYCLES, THEY WILL FAIL. ALL CARS WITH THIS ENGINE DESIGN WILL HAVE THIS FAILURE OVER TIME. IF THE COOLANT LINES FAIL WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING, THE SLICK COOLANT CAN GET ON THE TIRES AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. ALSO, THE ENGINE CAN OVERHEAT WITH A REPLACEMENT COST OF OVER $20,000. PORSCHE IS AWARE OF THIS, AS THEY HAVE USED A SUPERIOR THREADED DESIGN ON THEIR RACE CARS WITH THIS ENGINE. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT THIS WILL TAKE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX, AND THE CAR WILL BE OUT OF SERVICE FOR WEEKS.
NHTSA complaint #10514700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesMelrose, FL
ENGINE
MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT PORSCHE USED AN INFERIOR AND MECHANICALLY POOR DESIGN FOR THE ENGINE COOLANT LINES. THEY ARE GLUED TOGETHER IN A PLACE WHERE THEY GET HOT. AFTER SEVERAL HEAT CYCLES, THEY WILL FAIL. ALL CARS WITH THIS ENGINE DESIGN WILL HAVE THIS FAILURE OVER TIME. IF THE COOLANT LINES FAIL WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING, THE SLICK COOLANT CAN GET ON THE TIRES AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. ALSO, THE ENGINE CAN OVERHEAT WITH A REPLACEMENT COST OF OVER $20,000. PORSCHE IS AWARE OF THIS, AS THEY HAVE USES A SUPERIOR THREADED DESIGN ON THEIR RACE CARS WITH THIS ENGINE. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT THIS WILL TAKE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX, AND THE CAR WILL BE OUT OF SERVICE FOR WEEKS.
NHTSA complaint #10514698 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesMelrose, FL
ENGINE
I HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY MY PORSCHE TECHNICIAN THAT PORSCHE USED AN INFERIOR AND MECHANICALLY POOR DESIGN FOR THE ENGINE COOLANT LINES. THEY ARE GLUED TOGETHER IN A PLACE WHERE THEY GET HOT. AFTER SEVERAL HEAT CYCLES, THEY WILL FAIL. ALL CARS WITH THIS ENGINE DESIGN WILL HAVE THIS FAILURE OVER TIME. IF THE COOLANT LINES FAIL WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING, THE SLICK COOLANT CAN GET ON THE TIRES AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. ALSO, THE ENGINE CAN OVERHEAT WITH A REPLACEMENT COST OF OVER $20,000. PORSCHE IS AWARE OF THIS, AS THEY HAVE USED A SUPERIOR THREADED DESIGN ON THEIR RACE CARS WITH THIS ENGINE. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT THIS WILL TAKE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX, AND THE CAR WILL BE OUT OF SERVICE FOR WEEKS.
NHTSA complaint #10514700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,700 milesFullerton, CA
ENGINE
I WAS ACCELERATING UP TO HIGHWAY SPEEDS (65 MPH) ON A ON RAMP WHEN I HEARD A POP UNDER THE CAR. I FELT THE CAR SHAKE AND DECIDED TO PULL OVER. I DISCOVERED COOLANT LEAKING FROM UNDER THE CAR AND THE SHAKE WAS CAUSED BY MY REAR TIRES SLIPPING AND TRACTION CONTROL COMPENSATING FOR ACCELERATION UNDER SLIPPERY CONDITIONS. LUCKILY I DIDN'T LOOSE CONTROL AND CRASH INTO ANOTHER PERSON THAT MAY HAVE CAUSED INJURY OR DEATH TO THEM OR MYSELF. THE COOLANT PIPING IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR MODEL CAR, IT IS ONLY SECURED BY A GLUE LIKE SUBSTANCE NOT CLAMPED, IT SEEM THE GLUE LET GO AND CAUSED A PRESSURE RELEASE IN MY COOLANT SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #10511600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesSAN Francisco, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
PROBLEM SIMILAR TO CASE PE13009 INCIDENTS OF SUDDEN COOLANT LOSS WHICH OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON PUBLIC ROADWAYS WELL UNDER HIGHWAY SPEED LIMIT (LESS THAN 60MPH). THE PROBLEM OCCUR SUDDEN WITH NO WAY TO AVOID AND CHECK PRIOR INCIDENT HAPPEN. THIS COULD CAUSE HUGE ISSUE TO OTHER MOTORWAY DRIVERS AND I HOPE PORSCHE USA CAN BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10511547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesSAN Francisco, CA
ENGINE
PROBLEM SIMILAR TO CASE PE13009 INCIDENTS OF SUDDEN COOLANT LOSS WHICH OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON PUBLIC ROADWAYS WELL UNDER HIGHWAY SPEED LIMIT (LESS THAN 60MPH). THE PROBLEM OCCUR SUDDEN WITH NO WAY TO AVOID AND CHECK PRIOR INCIDENT HAPPEN. THIS COULD CAUSE HUGE ISSUE TO OTHER MOTORWAY DRIVERS AND I HOPE PORSCHE USA CAN BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10511547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,910 milesLehi, UT
POWER TRAIN
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR WHEN SUDDENLY THE LOW COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON. INSTANTLY, TEMPERATURE STARTED RISING AND I SHUT IT DOWN. I WASN'T SURE WHAT WAS WRONG BUT I FOUND COOLANT ALL OVER THE REAR WHEELS AND TIRES. AFTER SITTING ON SIDE OF ROAD, ANOTHER PORSCHE OWNER STOPPED BY. WE THOUGHT THE CAR WAS JUST OVERHEATING, SO WE ADDED WATER. IT SEEMED FINE SO I STARTED DRIVING HOME AND THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN. WE PUT THE CAR ON MY BUDDY'S LIFT AND IDENTIFIED THAT THE COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE MOTOR. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH AND TALKING TO MY MECHANIC, IT APPEARS THAT THE COOLANT HOSES THAT ARE BONDED TO THE EXCHANGER HAVE SEPARATED. APPARENTLY, THE HOSE IS GLUED TO THE FITTING. THEY ARE BOTH METAL. MY MECHANIC IS STILL TRYING TO IDENTIFY A PERMANENT FIX BUT AS OF YET WE HAVEN'T FIXED IT. I AM WAITING A BIT TO FIGURE OUT THE BEST WAY TO FIX THE CAR TO AVOID FUTURE FAILURE. THE CAR HAS LOW MILES AND I AM CONCERNED AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH THAT IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10510343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,910 milesLehi, UT
ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR WHEN SUDDENLY THE LOW COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON. INSTANTLY, TEMPERATURE STARTED RISING AND I SHUT IT DOWN. I WASN'T SURE WHAT WAS WRONG BUT I FOUND COOLANT ALL OVER THE REAR WHEELS AND TIRES. AFTER SITTING ON SIDE OF ROAD, ANOTHER PORSCHE OWNER STOPPED BY. WE THOUGHT THE CAR WAS JUST OVERHEATING, SO WE ADDED WATER. IT SEEMED FINE SO I STARTED DRIVING HOME AND THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN. WE PUT THE CAR ON MY BUDDY'S LIFT AND IDENTIFIED THAT THE COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE MOTOR. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH AND TALKING TO MY MECHANIC, IT APPEARS THAT THE COOLANT HOSES THAT ARE BONDED TO THE EXCHANGER HAVE SEPARATED. APPARENTLY, THE HOSE IS GLUED TO THE FITTING. THEY ARE BOTH METAL. MY MECHANIC IS STILL TRYING TO IDENTIFY A PERMANENT FIX BUT AS OF YET WE HAVEN'T FIXED IT. I AM WAITING A BIT TO FIGURE OUT THE BEST WAY TO FIX THE CAR TO AVOID FUTURE FAILURE. THE CAR HAS LOW MILES AND I AM CONCERNED AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH THAT IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10510343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesFayetteville, GA
ENGINE
MY CAR SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC LOSS OF COOLANT AT HIGHWAY SPEED. I WAS DRIVING AND SUDDENLY A PLUME OF SMOKE APPEARED IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. I THOUGHT THAT MY ENGINE HAD BLOWN AND I PULLED THE CAR OFF OF THE ROAD. TURNS OUT THAT SMOKE WAS ACTUALLY STEAM! I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT SHOP WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS THE WATER CONSOLE FITTINGS HAVING BLOWN OUT. THEY EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THESE FITTINGS WERE HELD INTO THE CONSOLE WITH AN EPOXY FROM THE MANUFACTURER, AND THAT THE EPOXY EVENTUALLY FAILS. FORTUNATELY, I WAS GOING STRAIGHT WHEN THE COOLANT ESCAPED OR THE RESULT MIGHT HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. THE SHOP REPAIRED MY CONSOLE BY REPLACING THE FITTINGS AND ALUMINUM WELDING THEM IN PLACE SO THEY COULD NOT FAIL AGAIN. THEY HAD TO LOWER THE ENGINE TO DO THIS. THEY ALSO TOLD ME THAT THERE WERE A COUPLE OF OTHER FITTINGS THAT WERE SIMILARLY EPOXIED IN PLACE ON THE TOP OF THE ENGINE THAT SHOULD BE WELDED TOO. THEY SAID THEIR EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN THAT FAILURES OF THOSE UPPER ENGINE FITTINGS HAVE BEEN LESS COMMON. I OPTED TO NOT HAVE THOSE FITTING WELDED AT THAT TIME AS THE SHOP WOULD HAVE HAD TO COMPLETELY REMOVE THE ENGINE AT CONSIDERABLE ADDITIONAL EXPENSE. THEY RECOMMENDED I HAVE THEM WELDED IF EVER THE ENGINE WAS REMOVED FROM THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10510232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesRedmond, WA
ENGINE
FIRST I NOTICED A BURST OF WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE REAR, AND AFTER THAT, ENGINE TEMPERATURE START TO GO UP. SINCE I HAVE VERY CLOSE TO HOME, I JUST CRUISE BACK. *TR AFTER INSPECTION AT MECHANIC, COOLANT HOSE HAS FLY OFF ITSELF AND CAUSING ALL THE ENGINE COOLANT LOST. REPAIRING IT COSTS ME 5000+ AS IT REQUIRES DROPPING THE ENGINE, MANY HOURS OF LABOR AND 2 WEEKS WITHOUT THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10510337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,350 milesSAN Antonio, TX
ENGINE
I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM VIRGINIA TO TEXAS WHEN I EXPERIENCED CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE OEM ADHESIVE ON THE COOLANT LINE FITTINGS IN MY 911 TURBO. I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH WESTBOUND ON I10. IT COST ME $3700 TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED AND HAVE ALL OF THE FITTINGS TIG WELDED IN PLACE TO ENSURE THIS NEVER OCCURS AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10509008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,670 milesMendham, NJ
ENGINE
ENGINE COOLANT PIPES THAT ARE EPOXIED IN BY THE MANUFACTURE WORK THEMSELVES LOOSE OVER TIME AND CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC COOLANT LOSS THAT SPRAYS COOLANT ALL OVER THE REAR TIRES CAUSING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I HAD TO HAVE THE ENGINE PULLED AND THE COOLANT PIPES REPLACED AND WIELDED IN.
NHTSA complaint #10508943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,500 milesMorgan Hill, CA
ENGINE
I WAS TOLD BY SIMILAR OWNERS LIKE MYSELF THAT THE 996 AND 997 PLATFORMS COOLANT HOSE RUPTURE DUE TO BEING GLUED FROM THE FACTORY. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR SINCE IT HAD 19,000 MILES AND MY CAR HAD 85,000 MILES AND I HAD NOT HAD AN ISSUE SO I WAS NOT SURE HOW TRUE IT WAS. ON SEP 29, OF 2012 I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HWY WITH MY BROTHER WHEN I NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE BACK OF MY VEHICLE. I PULLED OVER AND WENT TO THE BACK OF THE MOTOR AND THE COOLANT HOSE NEAR THE ALTERNATOR HAD POP OFF DUE TO THE GLUE NOT HOLDING ANY LONGER. I'M GLAD THAT NO ONE WAS HURT, BUT I'M AFRAID OF THE POTENTIAL DAMAGE THE COOLANT LEAKING IF I WOULD HAVE BEEN ON A HIGH RISE RAMP, ON THE HIGHWAY WHERE IT COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY A DEATH TO MYSELF OR PEOPLE FOLLOWING BEHIND ME. I HAVE SINCE TALKED TO A FEW OTHER PORSCHE OWNERS AND THEY ALL SEEM TO KNOW MANY OTHER OWNERS WHOM HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE. SOME ACTUALLY DAMAGING OTHER'S PROPERTY DUE TO SPIN OUT'S BECAUSE OF THE SLIPPERY COOLANT. SINCE THEN I HAVE TAKEN PRECAUTION AND HAD A FITTING WELDED IN PLACE, AND CLAMPED ON. I BELIEVE THE FACTORY SHOULD HAVE ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE AND DONE IT CORRECTLY VS GLUING A COOLANT HOSE.
NHTSA complaint #10508415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesArlington, VA
ENGINE
FACTORY PORSCHE COOLANT FITTINGS FAILED AND RELEASED FROM ENGINE BLOCK. DUMPED COOLANT OVER REAR TIRES. OEM COOLANT FITTINGS ARE GLUED INTO THE BLOCK AND FATIGUE OVER TIME. THEY SHOULD BE WELDED OR THREADED INTO BLOCK TO PREVENT SAFETY ISSUES. CAR WOULD HAVE LOST TOTAL CONTROL IF TRAVELING AT HIGHWAYS SPEEDS.
NHTSA complaint #10508439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,500 milesCrawfordsville, IN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
SUDDEN, CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF COOLANT HOSE 996.106.502.74 BY LONGITUDINAL SPLIT APPROXIMATELY 4" LONG. COOLANT DUMPED ON LR WHEEL CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL AND VEHICLE SPIN.
NHTSA complaint #10433639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,000 milesSAN Jose, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WATER MANIFOLD HAS PRESS-FIT EPOYY CONNECTIONS THAT HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO COME LOOSE. MINE DID AND I LOST ALL OF MY COOLANT. IT BLEW ACROSS THE WHOLE ENGINE BAY AND OVER BACK TIRES. VERY DANGEROUS AS A CAR SPUN OUT OF CONTROL BEHIND ME AS WELL. TOOK ENGINE APART AND WELDED TWO OF THE FITTINGS BUT SEVERAL OTHERS REMAIN OEM. EXPENSIVE FIX THUS FAR, AND NOT YET DONE. VERY POOR DESIGN AND DANGEROUS!!
NHTSA complaint #10433654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,800 milesPrior Lake, MN
AIR BAGS
SRS SYSTEM ON PORSCHE 911 TURBO 2001 HAS BEEN IN TO DEALERSHIP MANY TIMES TO ATTEMPT TO SOLVE A SRS MALFUNCTION LIGHT. PORSHE REPAIRS AND RETURNS TO ME STATING THAT CAR IS SAFE. LAST FALL WHEN LIGHT CAME ON THEY SAID IT WAS A CONTROL MODULE AND REPLACING IT WITH A NEW ONE WOULD CURE IT, LESS THAN 2,000 MILES HAVE BEEN DRIVEN SINCE THAT REPAIR AND CAR WAS STORED FOR THE WINTER, IT HAS FAIL AGAIN AND THEY ARE GOING TO REPLACE SEATBELT, WHICH HAS BEEN DONE 4 PREVIOUS TIMES TO NO AVAIL. I HAVE TRIED TO RAISE THIS ISSUE WITHIN PORSCHE NORTH AMERICAN BOTH THRU MY DEALERSHIP, FIELD REP AND WRITING DIRECTLY. I BELIEVE I HAVE A FUNDAMENTAL SAFETY ISSUE AND TRACK RECORD OF PORSCHE NOT BEING ABLE TO SOLVE IT. CAN YOU HELP ME?
NHTSA complaint #10225555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesDallas, TX
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
AT ABOUT 30,000 MILES, THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2001 PORSCHE 911 TURBO BEGAN POPPING OUT OF SECOND GEAR UPON DECELERATION. PORSCHE IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM IN THE MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS IN THESE CARS, AND EVEN HAS A TECHNICAL BULLETIN OUT THAT STATES IT MIGHT BE BECAUSE OF ASSEMBLY DEFECTS. CERTAINLY, THE BRASS SYNCHROS IN THE TRANSMISSION ARE VERY WEAK AND PRONE TO FAILURE. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE IN SUCH AN EXPENSIVE AND POWERFUL CAR. PORSCHE HAS TAKEN NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS AND CHARGES UPWARDS OF $5000 FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION. THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE THE DRIVING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CAR CHANGE DRAMATICALLY WHEN YOU ARE SLOWING DOWN, ESPECIALLY IF TURNING A CORNER AT THE SAME TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10207743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
University Park, TX
TIRES:SIDEWALL
I HAVE A 2001 PORSCHE 911 TURBO. ON IT, I HAVE PS2 TIRES FROM MICHELIN. BOTH OF MY REAR TIRES HAVE SPLIT ON THE INNER SIDEWALL, NECESSITATING REPLACEMENT. THE TIRES OBVIOUSLY WOULD HOLD NO AIR WHEN THIS HAPPENED. FORTUNATELY, I WAS NOT DRIVING FAST WHEN EITHER TIRE FAILED, BUT THIS IS MOST DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE. THE TIRE SIZES ARE 315/19/25 ZR RATED AND COST ALMOST $500 EACH. FROM MY READING AND POSTING ON 6SPEEDONLINE.COM, I KNOW THAT THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM THAT HAS HAPPENED JUST TO ME.
NHTSA complaint #10164007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.