911 (996)
Data covers 9 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
Every complaint of any kind (brakes, airbags, electrical and the rest) whose VIN names the engine, across all model years. The score above counts only engine, transmission and drivetrain complaints, so its figures for the same engine are smaller. Fire, injury and death figures count complaints that report one.
M96.03
3.6L 6-cyl / 415 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Porsche 911 Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
3.4-6cyl-Gas
3.4L 6-cyl / 296 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
3.2-6cyl-Gas
3.2L 6-cyl / 270 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Porsche 911, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2000-2004 Porsche 911
On a used 2000-2004 Porsche 911, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (110), the cooling system (26) and the transmission and drivetrain (12). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-09. 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 110 owner complaints on the 2000-2004 Porsche 911 about the engine.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 26 owner complaints on the 2000-2004 Porsche 911 about the cooling system.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 12 owner complaints on the 2000-2004 Porsche 911 about the transmission and drivetrain.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 9 owner complaints on the 2000-2004 Porsche 911 about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Measure the tread on all four tires, read the date codes and look at each wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 6 owner complaints on the 2000-2004 Porsche 911 about the wheels and tires.
Recalls (8)
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.
US Specs is recalling one 2002 Porsche Carrera, one 1997 BMW 750IL, and two 1986 BMW 635 CSI vehicles for failing to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111, "Rearview Mirrors." While performing conformity-related modifications for the US market, labels with an incorrect size font were applied to the passenger side mirror.
US Specs is recalling one 2002 Porsche Carrera 911. This vehicle fails to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." After performing conformity-related modifications for the US market, this vehicle was released with passenger seatbelts that lack the required Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) function.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FITTED WITH FRONT SEAT BACKS, WHICH DO NOT MEET PORSCHE'S STRENGTH STANDARDS.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE A LOOSE FITTING IN THE PRESSURE LINE OF THE POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY.
Show 3 older recalls
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.
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. INCORRECT PROGRAMMING OF THE ELECTRONIC LOGIC UNIT CAN CAUSE AN INCORRECT FUEL LEVEL.
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Alternatives in Sports Car
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2000-2004 Porsche 911 complaints?
Owners have filed 145 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2004 Porsche 911. The systems they name most often are the engine, the cooling system and the transmission.
Is the 2000-2004 Porsche 911 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 145 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2004 Porsche 911. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2004 Porsche 911 have?
NHTSA has 145 owner complaints on file for the 2000-2004 Porsche 911 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 2000-2004 Porsche 911?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls covering some 2000-2004 Porsche 911 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 911?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the cooling system and the transmission, 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 911 have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2000-2004 Porsche 911. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 145 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-18.