2002 Porsche 911 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine (5) · Power Train (2) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Porsche 911 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (368)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-29 · GR13D801-1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
parts information for parts withdrawal - radio & satellite radio receiver. note that part 91164559100 is also applicable to the following models not in the product list: 911 (1970-1989), 914 (1970-1976), 924 (1976-1985), 924s (1986-1988), 928 (1978-1995), 944 (1982-1991), 964 (1989-1994), 968 (1992-
Power Train 2026-09-22 · No. 28-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
manufacturer's certificate for overview of approved porsche c40 engine oils. note that this bulletin covers all models back to model year 1984, for which c40 engine oils are allocated.
Power Train 2026-09-22 · No. 27-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
manufacturer's certificate for overview of approved porsche c20 engine oils. note that the bulletin covers all models back to model year 1984, for which c20 engine oils are allocated.
Power Train 2026-09-22 · No. 26-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
manufacturer's certificate for overview of approved porsche c30 engine oils. note that the bulletin includes all models back to model year 1984, for which c30 engine oils are allocated.
Power Train 2026-09-22 · No. 25-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
manufacturer's certificate for overview of approved porsche a40 engine oils. note that this bulletin covers all vehicles from model year 1997 to 2020, for which a40 engine oils are assigned. model years 1997-2001 are not available for selection in the system.
Wheels 2026-09-14 · SPTL2609 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
special tools and equipment information for alignment machines - q3 2026 software spec update available
Showing the 6 most recent of 368 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2016-11-29 · Engine · 72,135 mi“aluminum coolant tubes which apparently are glued together via the oem factory become old and brittle and blow apart. coolant is then pouring out of the engine at a high rate into the city street. in my case, i was sitting at a red traffic light when the coolant pipe burst/separated. in order to fix/repair the issue, the engine must be removed fro…”
2015-03-23 · Power Train · 52,400 mi“the clutch slave failed on my 911 turbo and had to be replaced with a gt2 slave which removes the hydraulic assist. *tr…”
2015-02-13 · Engine“i noticed steam coming from the engine bay while driving in a residential area. stopped the car immediately and contacted a tow service. a coolant line came loose due to a failed fitting at the manifold and discharged the entire reservoir, leaving a puddle of coolant underneath the vehicle. *tr…”
2013-05-13 · Engine · 39,000 mi“there was no incident, but there is a coolant smell which regularly happens after a long drive. my mechanic told me that this is because the coolant fittings weep; i've found many forum posts, and was told by my mechanic that the lines bursting and/or spilling is common in 996 turbos ('01-'05). he advised me that i should have preventive welds to…”
2013-05-02 · Engine · 60,300 mi“i own a 2002 911 carrera turbo, which has a well-know and documented design defect in the engine (gt1 motor). it is know as the coolant-pipe failure issue. while my car has not yet suffered a failure, there is a reasonable probability that the coolant pipes may fail during regular use, causing a substantial likelihood of property damage and perso…”
2012-10-27 · Power Train · 48,000 mi“intermediate shaft failure. *tr…”
2012-08-03 · Engine · 85,200 mi“intermediate shaft bearing failed, causing catastrophic engine failure and loss of all engine oil on the roadway. luckily, the car was stopped at the time. *tr…”
2005-03-02 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine“while traveling at 45 mph there was a loud rumbling noise coming from the rear of vehicle, the vehicle started to misfire. the consumer pulled over and noticed that all the oil had leaked out of vehicle. the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, who stated a bearing had broke and the engine needed to be replaced. please provide any further …”
2004-06-14 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/Control Module · 15,500 mi“air bag signal light stayed on. dealer stated air bag was inoperative. the part had been repaired four times, however the problem recurred. *ak…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.