718 (987)
Data covers 6 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
2.7-V6-Gas
2.7L 6-cyl / 225 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
M97.21
3.4L 6-cyl / 295 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
Porsche 718 Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
2.9-V6-Gas
2.9L 6-cyl / 265 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Porsche 718, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2005-2012 Porsche 718
On a used 2005-2012 Porsche 718, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (30), the transmission and drivetrain (20) and the cooling system (19). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 30 owner complaints on the 2005-2012 Porsche 718 about the engine, all engines combined.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 20 owner complaints on the 2005-2012 Porsche 718 about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 19 owner complaints on the 2005-2012 Porsche 718 about the cooling system, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 4 owner complaints on the 2005-2012 Porsche 718 about the electrical system.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 1 owner complaint on the 2005-2012 Porsche 718 about the body and structure.
Recalls (2)
PORSCHE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 911 SPEEDSTER AND 911 GTS RS 4.0; AND MODEL YEAR 2012 BOXSTER (INCLUDING S AND SPYDER); CAYMAN (INCLUDING S AND R); 911 CARRERA (INCLUDING S, GTS, 4, 4S, AND 4 GTS); 911 TARGA 4 AND TARGA 4S; AND 911 TURBO AND TURBO S MODELS MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 31, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 10, 2011. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE MOUNTING HOLES IN THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR PLATES FITTED TO THE VEHICLE ARE TOO SMALL. IF THE HOLE DIAMETER IS TOO SMALL, THE ANCHOR PLATE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ROTATE ABOUT THE FASTENING BOLT AS DESIGNED.
PORSCHE HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 BOXSTER SPYDER 2 DOOR CONVERTIBLE PASSENGER VEHICLES. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE LOCKING HOOK ON THE SUN SHIELD (TEMPORARY SOFT TOP) MAY NOT ENGAGE CORRECTLY INTO THE LOCK CATCH WHICH IS POSITIONED ON THE WINDSCREEN FRAME OF THE VEHICLE.
All Generations
Alternatives in Sports Car
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2005-2012 Porsche 718 complaints?
Owners have filed 64 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005-2012 Porsche 718. The systems they name most often are the engine, the transmission and the cooling system.
Is the 2005-2012 Porsche 718 a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 64 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005-2012 Porsche 718. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005-2012 Porsche 718 have?
NHTSA has 64 owner complaints on file for the 2005-2012 Porsche 718 as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2005-2012 Porsche 718?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls covering some 2005-2012 Porsche 718 vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Porsche 718?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the transmission and the cooling system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the 718 have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2005-2012 Porsche 718. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 64 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-10-12.