2017 Porsche 911 Problems: 5 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2017 Porsche 911 Problems: 5 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

NHTSA Recalls7 recalls

AIR BAGS

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2018 718 Boxster, Boxster S and Boxster GTS, 718 Cayman, Cayman S and Cayman GTS, 911 Carrera, Carrera T, Targa 4 GTS, Carrera 4, Carrera S, Carrera 4S, Carrera GTS, Carrera 4 GTS, Carrera Cabriolet, Carrera S Cabriolet, Carrera 4S Cabriolet, Carrera GTS Cabriolet, Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet, Targa 4, Targa 4S, Turbo, Turbo S, Turbo S Exclusive Series, Turbo Cabriolet, Turbo S Cabriolet and GT3 vehicles. The side air bag impact sensors may not have been properly tightened to the vehicle.

Campaign #19V17900006/03/2019

SUSPENSION:REAR

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster, 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S Coupe, Carrera 4S Coupe, and Carrera S Cabriolet vehicles. The screw connection on the rear axle upper control arm may be loose.

Campaign #21V20100024/03/2021

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2016-2017 911 and Boxster, 2016 Cayman and Panamera vehicles. The air bag Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have a defective power supply capacitor that can result in air bag deactivation or inadvertent deployment of the air bags.

Campaign #19V53300017/07/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2016 911 GT3 RS and 911 R vehicles and 2017 911 Carrera, 911 Carrera Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4, 911 Carrera 4S, 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet, 911 Carrera S, 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, 911 Targa 4, 911 Targa 4S, 911 Turbo S, 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, 718 Boxster, 718 Boxster S, 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S vehicles. The passenger frontal air bag inflator initiator may fail to ignite during a crash.

Campaign #17V13400002/03/2017

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2017 718 Boxster, 718 Boxster S, 718 Cayman, 718 Cayman S, 911 Carrera, 911 Carrera S, 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4S, 911 Turbo, 911 Turbo S, 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet, and 911 Turbo Cabriolet vehicles. The seat mounted side air bag inflator initiator may fail to ignite during a crash.

Campaign #16V94600030/12/2016

+ 2 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Porsche 911 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 12,500+ owner reports, the 2017 Porsche 911 has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Cylinder Bore Scoring (Nikasil Wear), Timing Chain Tensioner and Guide Failure, Coolant Pipe and Fitting Leaks. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Porsche 911 reliable?

The 2017 Porsche 911 has 5 known issues documented across 12,500+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Cylinder Bore Scoring (Nikasil Wear) and Timing Chain Tensioner and Guide Failure and Coolant Pipe and Fitting Leaks. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Porsche 911 problems?

Repair costs for known Porsche 911 issues range from $800 to $25,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Cylinder Bore Scoring (Nikasil Wear), typically costs $8,000-$25,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2009-2019 Porsche 911 Cylinder Bore Scoring (Nikasil Wear)?

The 991-generation 911 suffers from cylinder bore scoring where the Lokasil cylinder liners develop deep vertical scores, typically on cylinders 1 and 6. This is caused by inadequate oil supply to the cylinder walls during cold starts and short-trip driving. The issue results in… Repairs typically run $8,000-$25,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2009-2019 Porsche 911 Timing Chain Tensioner and Guide Failure?

The 991-generation timing chain tensioners can lose hydraulic pressure, particularly after the car has been sitting for extended periods. This allows chain slack on startup, which can jump timing and cause catastrophic valve-to-piston contact. The plastic chain guides also wear p… Repairs typically run $3,000-$7,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2012-2019 Porsche 911 Coolant Pipe and Fitting Leaks?

The plastic coolant pipes and quick-connect fittings on the 991 generation are prone to cracking and leaking, especially at the connections near the front radiators. The plastic becomes brittle with heat cycling and age. Coolant loss can be gradual and difficult to detect until t… Repairs typically run $800-$2,500. Severity: high.

What is the 1999-2019 Porsche 911 Rear Main Seal (RMS) Oil Leak?

The rear main seal on the M96, M97, and MA1 flat-six engines is prone to leaking oil onto the clutch and flywheel. The seal hardens over time and the flange design allows oil to migrate past the seal. This is often discovered during clutch replacement or when oil drips appear und… Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2019 Porsche 911 Direct Injection Intake Valve Carbon Buildup?

The direct injection system on 991 engines does not spray fuel over the intake valves, allowing carbon deposits to accumulate on the valve stems and ports. Over time this restricts airflow, causing rough idle, misfires, and reduced power. The flat-six layout makes walnut blasting… Repairs typically run $800-$1,800. Severity: medium.

2017 Porsche 911 Problems: 5 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 5 Known Issues

When Issues Typically Appear

2009-2019 Porsche 911: Cylinder Bore Scoring (Nikasil Wear)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Owner tips & cautions

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2009-2019 Porsche 911: Timing Chain Tensioner and Guide Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Owner tips & cautions

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1999-2019 Porsche 911: Rear Main Seal (RMS) Oil Leak#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Owner tips & cautions

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2009-2019 Porsche 911: Direct Injection Intake Valve Carbon Buildup#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Owner tips & cautions

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2012-2019 Porsche 911: Coolant Pipe and Fitting Leaks#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Owner tips & cautions

Research This Issue

Other Porsche Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Porsche 911 problems?

Is the Porsche 911 reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Porsche 911 problems?

What is the 2009-2019 Porsche 911 Cylinder Bore Scoring (Nikasil Wear)?

What is the 2009-2019 Porsche 911 Timing Chain Tensioner and Guide Failure?

What is the 2012-2019 Porsche 911 Coolant Pipe and Fitting Leaks?

What is the 1999-2019 Porsche 911 Rear Main Seal (RMS) Oil Leak?

What is the 2009-2019 Porsche 911 Direct Injection Intake Valve Carbon Buildup?