1996 Porsche 911
Only 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1992 | 2 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 12 |
| 1996 | 6 |
| 1997 | 3 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 8 |
| 2000 | 6 |
| 2001 | 8 |
| 2002 | 9 |
| 2003 | 9 |
| 2004 | 8 |
| 2005 | 3 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2013 | 6 |
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2015 | 8 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 6 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 6 total reports mention: air bags.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. DRIVER REACHED OVER AND TOUCH CASING OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INTO HIS HANDS, CAUSING INJURY.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980921
1 of 6 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
SUDDEN ACCELERATON.
NHTSA ODI report, 19971003
1 of 6 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
ACCIDENT POSSIBLE DUE TO EXTREME TIRE WEAR OR BLOWOUT.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980728
1 of 6 total reports mentions: structure.
1 of 6 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
PE 01 031/ WIRING HARNESS INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD MALFUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY.ENGINE WOULD REMAIN ON AFTER TURNING THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY FLASH, AND A/C WOULD NOT OPERATE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020923
SAFETY TIMELINE
ALLEGED DEFECTIVE WHEELS
THE COVER SLEEVES ON THE EXHAUST TAILPIPES HAVE BEEN SECURED WITH ONLY TWO INSTEAD OF FOUR WELDING SPOTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TAILPIPES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THEM WITH TAILPIPES ON WHICH THE COVER SLEEVE HAS BEEN SECURED WITH FOUR WELDING SPOTS.
Campaign 95V247000 — check if this car was fixed
THE INSIDE PIPES OF THE HEAT EXCHANGERS MIGHT BE SUBJECT TO CRACKING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEAT EXCHANGER IN THESE VEHICLES.
Campaign 95V248000 — check if this car was fixed
ALLEGED WHEEL FAILURE
INADVERTENT DRIVER'S SID AIR BAG
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSSENGER VEHICLES. INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG CAN OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM AND A SPECIAL FILTER HORN RELAY WILL BE INSTALLED THAT PROTECTS THE AIR BAG UNIT FROM VOLTAGE PEAKS.
Campaign 98V089001 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Porsche 911 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 95V247000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 95V248000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V089001 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1996 Porsche 911 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Porsche 911?
The most-reported component is air bags:frontal, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Porsche 911 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.