Porsche 911 gt3 problems
The Porsche 911 GT3 is a high-performance homologation model of the Porsche 911 sports car. It is a line of high-performance models, which began with the 1973 911 Carrera RS. The GT3 has had a successful racing career in the one-make national and regional Porsche Carrera Cup and GT3 Cup Challenge series, as well as the international Porsche Supercup supporting the FIA F1 World Championship.
Road cars
996 GT3
911 GT3
The "GT3" nameplate was introduced in 1999 as part of the first generation of the Porsche 996 model range (commonly known as 996.1) as a homologation model for the cars entered in the FIA GT3 cup. As with Porsche's previous 911 RS models, the 996 GT3 was focused on racing, and so was devoid of items that added unnecessary weight to the car. Sound deadening was almost completely removed, as were the rear seats, rear loud speakers, sunroof, and air conditioning, although automatic air conditioning and CD/radio became no-cost optional add-ons.
The engine of the 996 GT's and Turbo set it apart from 996 Carrera models, as it shared nothing with the standard so-called "integrated dry sump" (eg. wet-sump) flat-six engine used in the water-cooled 996 Carrera engine introduced in MY1999. The 996 GT engine is naturally aspirated and based on "The Mezger" racing engine used in the 962 and 911 GT1 race cars. That engine was known as the 'Mezger' engine, after its designer Hans Mezger. The engine uses the original air-cooled 911's versatile dry-sump crankcase, with an external oil reservoir. The 996 GT3 has 360 PS (265 kW; 355 hp), compared to the 300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp) of the standard 996. In GT3 configuration, this so-called "split" crankcase (meaning the parting line of crankcase is on the crankshaft centreline) uses, instead of a fan and finned cylinders, separate water jackets added onto each side of the crankcase to cool banks of three cylinders with water pumped through a radiator. Thus, the GT3 engine is very similar to the completely water-cooled 962 racing car's engine, which is based on the same crankcase. The 962 differs, however, by using six individual cylinder heads while the "Mezger" (GT1 engine block) uses two cylinder heads, each covering a bank of three cylinders. The GT3 engine could thus also be thought of as similar to a 959 engine, but with water-cooled crankcase. Up until model year 2004 996 production, the basic casting used for the "Mezger" crankcase of the GT3 was the same as the 996 GT1 LeMans cars, and the same "964.." block part-number is visible on the bottom of the crankcase. Beginning with MY2004 however, production was outsourced to Valmet facilities in Spain, France, and Austria, and all subsequent road-legal Mezger engines are part-numbered "996.." (even 997 Generation).
Because the GT1 Mezger block uses the same legacy Porsche 356 engine to transmission mounting flange configuration, the 996 GT3 used a 6-speed manual gearbox also of air-cooled 911 heritage. This new G96/50 gearbox has interchangeable gear ratios and is more durable making it more suitable for racing than the standard type 996 Carrera's gearbox.
To bring the vehicle's track-prowess to the maximum level, Porsche endowed the GT3 with enlarged brakes, a lowered, re-tuned suspension system, lighter-weight wheels and a new front bumper with matched rear spoiler to help increase downforce, thereby increasing grip.
Porsche offered a no-cost option for the GT3 called the 'Clubsport' package. This option replaced the standard electrically adjustable leather front seats with manually adjustable racing bucket seats finished in fire-retardant fabric, single mass flywheel, bolt-in half-roll cage, 6-point drivers racing harness (also replacing the standard side airbags), fire extinguisher (mounted in the front passenger footwell) and preparation for a battery master switch. The Clubsport option was never offered to US customers, ostensibly due to the additional DOT crash testing that would have been required to allow US sales.
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Porsche 911 gt3 model years
Common Porsche 911 gt3 problems
The Porsche 911 GT3 cars, specifically the 991.1 GT3, have been known to have engine issues that have concerned some owners.
The engine issue was caused by a design flaw in the connecting rod bolts, which were not strong enough to handle the high loads generated during high-revving operation.
Porsche's response to the issue was swift and comprehensive. The manufacturer replaced the engines in all 785 cars produced in 2013-2014, regardless of whether they had experienced engine failure or not.
The 991.1 GT3 engines were replaced with one of three versions of the MA1/75 engine, which had different specifications and features.
For buyers of 991.1 GT3 cars today, the earliest examples only have a couple of years of the extended engine warranty remaining, which covers the car for 15 years or 125,000 miles.
While the engine issues were a significant concern for some owners, the 991.1 GT3 is still considered a reliable car, with transmissions and interiors standing up well to wear.
In summary, the Porsche 911 GT3 cars, specifically the 991.1 GT3, experienced engine issues related to connecting rod bolts that led to engine failure and, in some cases, engine fires. Porsche's response was comprehensive, replacing the engines in all affected vehicles and offering an extended engine warranty to maintain the car's value and reputation. While the engine issues were a concern for some owners, the 991.1 GT3 is still considered a reliable car with robust transmissions and interiors. However, buyers should be aware of the need to check suspension components and seek the help of specialists if necessary.
What is the problem with the 911 GT3?
Problems with the 991.1 GT3's 3.8-liter engine were apparent right from the start. Shortly after the release of the car, Porsche issued a recall for all GT3 models in March 2014. That notice came as a result of loosened screw joints on the connecting rods. The issue ultimately caused two cars to suffer engine fires.
What are the pros and cons of a Porsche GT3?
2024 Porsche 911 GT3 / GT3 RS
- Highs Sharp chassis reflexes, outrageous performance, expertly tuned flat-six engine.
- Lows Hedge-fund manager price tag, difficult choice between the wild RS or subdued Touring models, stiff-legged ride on RS model.
How long does a Porsche GT3 last?
Under the best circumstances, a Porsche could last you for 150,000 miles or around 10 years. With special care, many drivers can get even more than that out of their cars, even surpassing the 250,000-mile mark.
What year Porsche 911 to stay away from?
Quick Answer: Avoid 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2005 Porsche 996s
With such big changes to the chassis, engine, cooling system, and front suspension, you might expect there to be tons of problems with the 996 generation of Porsche 911.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Porsche 911 gt3 years
We have researched Porsche problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Porsche 911 gt3 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Porsche 911 gt3 model years:
- Porsche 911 gt3 2010
- Porsche 911 gt3 2011
- Porsche 911 gt3 2018
- Porsche 911 gt3 2004
- Porsche 911 gt3 2005
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Porsche 911 gt3 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Porsche 911 gt3 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Porsche 911 gt3 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Porsche 911 gt3 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine problems
- Suspension problems
- Power train problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Porsche 911 gt3 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 911 gt3 model years
A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by 911 gt3 model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Porsche 911 gt3 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Porsche 911 gt3 vehicles.
List of Porsche 911 gt3 complaints
Porsche 911 gt3 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-02
- Date Complaint: 2023-01-12
- VIN: WP0AC2A94AS
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Last year my 2010 Porsche 911 GT3RS experienced a catastrophic engine failure while on the road. I had to shut off the car in the middle of a 4-lane highway and try to coast to a stop while navigating around much faster traffic risking my safety and the safety of other drivers. There was no warning prior to the failure. Just a sudden bang, followed by shaking and rattling noise. Once the car was towed to an automotive repair shop, the engine was taken apart and it was concluded that a piece from the intake broke off and got swallowed by the engine while on the road. I have images and documentation of the damage and the parts are available for inspection. The trouble is that the failed piece of the intake was part of a manufacturer recall to fix that exact issue back in 2013. After the findings of the repair shop I contacted Porsche Cars North America. The car was subsequently brought in to a Porsche dealer for inspection, where I was told multiple times that a failed recalled part would be covered by the manufacturer's good will repair policy. After 4 months of back and forth with the headquarters I was told that Porsche would not be responsible. I have spoken to other owners of this exact model cars and several of them have confirmed that their replacement intakes have failed, in some cases causing the engine to completely seize while on the road. Thankfully that did not happen to me.
Porsche 911 gt3 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-24
- Date Complaint: 2022-01-27
- VIN: wp0aa2a90js
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Porsche Carrera. The contact stated while driving at 50MPH when the contact attempted to turn off their headlight switch on the vehicle but instead accidentally hit the ignition switch which caused the engine to shut off and the vehicle to coast on its own. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road and restart the vehicle and continue to drive to their residence. The contact concern was that headlight and ignition switch on the vehicle were so close together that its manufacturer design an error with the vehicle which could lead into an accident while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
Porsche 911 gt3 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2013-04-28
- Date Complaint: 2013-07-02
- VIN: WP0AC2A92BS
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE CAR DEVELOPED A COOLANT LEAK THAT WAS DISCOVERED WHEN I STOPPED THE CAR AND NOTICED FLUID LEAKING UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR TIRE. THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN TO PORSCHE AND THERE WAS A FAILED COOLANT LINE. *TR
Porsche 911 gt3 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2013-06-14
- Date Complaint: 2013-06-20
- VIN: WP0AC2A90AS
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I HAD THE 8 COOLANT FITTINGS, PRONE TO EPOXY FAILURES, SECURED TO HOUSINGS BY WELDING. COST FOR WELDING WAS $275. *TR
Porsche 911 gt3 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2013-04-26
- Date Complaint: 2013-04-30
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: DUE TO WELL-DOCUMENTED ISSUES WITH GLUED COOLANT TUBES FAILING AND RESULTANT LOSS OF COOLANT OVER REAR TIRES WHICH WOULD ALMOST CERTAINLY MAKE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IMPOSSIBLE IN THE "GT1"-ENGINE PORSCHE MODELS, I HAD THE COOLANT TUBES WELDED TO THE COOLANT MANIFOLD OF THE ENGINE AT MY EXPENSE AT MY LOCAL PORSCHE DEALER TO PREVENT THE FAILURE FROM OCCURRING. I STRONGLY FEEL THAT THIS KNOWN FAILURE MODE SHOULD BE COVERED BY A NHTSA RECALL AND THE COST OF THE REPAIR SHOULD BE BORNE BY PORSCHE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Porsche 911 gt3 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2013-04-19
- Date Complaint: 2013-04-22
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: COOLANT LINES / FITTINGS WELDED/ PINNED - MK2 MEZGER ENGINE HAS A FAULTY DESIGN OF COOLANT HOSES/LINES. UPON RESEARCH ONLINE, I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON AFFECTED BUT ALL TURBO/GT3/RS/GT2 CARS FROM 2004-CURRENT I HAVE ALSO COME ACROSS CARS WITH LESS THAN 10K MILES THAT HAD THIS PROBLEM SO MY PROBLEM IS NOT ISOLATED. THERE HAS BEEN INCIDENCE ON HIGHWAY WHERE THESE HOSES JUST BURST OR LOSES FITTING AND SPILLS COOLANT CONTENTS ALL OVER THE ROAD. THIS ALSO CAUSE CAR TO SPIN OUT SINCE LOST IN PRESSURE AND TRACTION. VERY DANGEROUS. PORSCHE DEALER WILL ONLY USE DIFFERENT GLUE TO FIT THEM. PROPER WAY IS NOT USE RUBBER HOSE BUT TO USE METAL PIPES AND WELD THEM SO THESE COOLANT LINES DO NOT EVER FALL OUT. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED CATASTROPHIC INJURY IN PUBLIC ROAD. PORSCHE DENIES ANY FAULTY OR SUB-STANDARD MATERIAL THAT WAS USED IN A CRITICAL COMPONENT OF HIGH PERFORMANCE ENGINE. IN ORDER FOR ME TO FIX THIS, I HAVE TO PAY MY PORSCHE MECHANIC TO REMOVE THE ENGINE, FIND THE COOLANT LINES, REPLACE ALL OF THE HOSES WITH METAL PIPE LINES, WELD THEM, THEN PUT IT BACK IN THE ENGINE BAY. I FEEL THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS OUT OF POCKET FOR SAFETY OF MYSELF OR OTHERS IN PUBLIC ROAD. PORSCHE SUGGESTED THAT THEY WILL USE THE SAME RUBBER HOSES WITH JUST A BETTER ADHESIVE GLUE TO HOLD THEM. THEY WILL FAIL WITHIN TIME. THIS IS A TEMPORARY FIX THEY ARE OFFERING. IT IS FOR SAFETY OF THE MOTORIST. *TR
Porsche 911 gt3 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2012-05-25
- Date Complaint: 2012-05-30
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WP0AC2A99AS
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: RIGHT REAR CENTERLOCK HUB FAILED/SHEARED OFF RESULTING IN HIGH SPEED EXIT FROM ROAD SURFACE AND 800' SLIDE. WHEEL AND TIRE LEFT VEHICLE AND TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 1500' CROSSING ACTIVE ROAD. CENTERLOCK NUT WAS FOUND ABOUT 700' FROM VEHICLE. ISSUE SEEMS TO BE FAILURE OF THE CENTERLOCK HUB CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF WHEEL AND VEHICLE CRASH. BUTTONWILLOW RACEWAY PARK, CA UPON EXITING BUTTONWILLOW TURN 12 (CW DIRECTION), LOUD POP HEARD FROM RIGHT REAR OF CAR (WITNESS DESCRIBE VERY LOUD POP/BANG "LIKE HAND GRENADE GOING OFF"), VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY ROTATED COUNTER CLOCKWISE AND EXITED ROAD SURFACE, SLIDING SIDEWAYS (RIGHT SIDE IN DIRECTION OF SLIDE), RIGHT SIDE DOWN, LEFT SIDE UP (BOTH OCCUPANTS NOTED THEY FELT THE VEHICLE WAS GOING TO ROLL), PARALLEL TO THE ROAD SURFACE. AFTER SLIDING POSSIBLY 600 FEET, CAR HIT INTERSECTING ROAD (ABOUT 6 INCH RISE IN SURFACE) BECOMING AIRBORNE FOR POSSIBLY 20 FEET PASSING OVER THE ROAD AND PIVOTING CLOCKWISE. UPON LANDING, CAR SLID PARALLEL WITH ORIGINAL ROAD SURFACE, ALIGNED WITH ROAD COMING TO REST AFTER ABOUT 800 FEET AFTER THE HUB FAILED. CAR DID NOT ROLL, THE SLIDE SIDEWAYS AND LIKELY THE IMPACT WITH THE CROSS ROAD DID SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE CAR. DETAILS ON VEHICLE: - WHEEL WAS INSTALLED 2 DAYS PRIOR TO INCIDENT AFTER CHANGING TO NEW DOT TIRES. PORSCHE CENTERLOCK MOUNTING AND TORQUING PROCEDURE WERE FOLLOWED, TORQUING TO 444 FT LB. - TORQUE WRENCH SETTING WAS VERIFIED AFTER INCIDENT AND FOUND TO BE SET PROPERLY TO 444 FT LB. - DATA SHOWS VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 100 MPH, WITH THROTTLE ON AND LOADED WITH 1.1 - 1.2 LATERAL GS (TURNING LEFT, LOADED ON RIGHT SIDE), BRAKE AND STEERING INFORMATION IS NOT AVAILABLE. WHEN HUB FAILED. *TR
Latest 5 recalls Porsche 911 gt3
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the Porsche 911 gt3.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Porsche 911 gt3 2018
- Report Received Date: 2019-12-11
- Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
- Summary: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2014 Cayman and Cayman S, 2014-2016 911 GT3, 2016 911 GT3 RS and 911 R, 2018 911 GT3 and 911 GT2 RS and 2019 911 GT3 RS, 911 GT3, and 911 GT2 RS vehicles. The Child Restraint System (CRS) instructions within the Owner's Manual may not provide enough specificity for proper installation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
- Consequence: Improper CRS installation increases the risk of an injury to the occupant in the event of a crash.
- Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will provide a an Owner's Manual supplement with proper CRS installation instructions, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2020. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKC0.
- Model: Porsche 911 gt3 2010
- Report Received Date: 2012-12-03
- Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:SPINDLE
- Summary: Porsche is recalling certain model year 2010 911 GT3 vehicles manufactured May 15, 2009, through February 11, 2010. The rear wheel hubs may be prone to failure under certain driving conditions. Also, the original, suggested maintenance intervals may be insufficient to prevent wheel hub failure.
- Consequence: If the rear hub fails, there may be a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheel hubs on the rear axle free of charge. The service interval specifications will also be revised and provided to owners as part of Porsche's owner notification letter. The recall began on January 22, 2013. Owners may contact Porsche at 1-800-767-7243.
- Model: Porsche 911 gt3 2010
- Report Received Date: 2011-06-10
- Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
- Summary: PORSCHE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011, 911 TURBO; TURBO S, 911 GT3, GT3 RS AND GT2 RS HIGH PERFORMANCE VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 18, 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 17, 2010, AND EQUIPPED WITH CENTER LOCKING HUB AND WHEEL ASSEMBLIES. OVER TIME THE HUBS CAN WEAR PREMATURELY.
- Consequence: AS THE HUBS WEAR, THE WHEELS COULD LOOSEN, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CENTRAL LOCKING HUBS AND WHEELS WITH AN IMPROVED DESIGN, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-767-7243.
- Model: Porsche 911 gt3 2011
- Report Received Date: 2011-06-10
- Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
- Summary: PORSCHE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011, 911 TURBO; TURBO S, 911 GT3, GT3 RS AND GT2 RS HIGH PERFORMANCE VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 18, 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 17, 2010, AND EQUIPPED WITH CENTER LOCKING HUB AND WHEEL ASSEMBLIES. OVER TIME THE HUBS CAN WEAR PREMATURELY.
- Consequence: AS THE HUBS WEAR, THE WHEELS COULD LOOSEN, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CENTRAL LOCKING HUBS AND WHEELS WITH AN IMPROVED DESIGN, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-767-7243.
- Model: Porsche 911 gt3 2008
- Report Received Date: 2007-12-11
- Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
- Summary: ON CERTAIN 2 DOOR COUPE VEHICLES, THE SWITCH CONSOLE FOR THE PORSCHE ACTIVE SUSPENSION MANAGEMENT (PASM) AND THE TRACTION CONTROL (TC-OFF) SWITCHES WAS INAPPROPRIATELY INSTALLED. THE LEDS IN THE SWITCHES CAN SIGNAL A FUNCTIONAL CHANGE IN THE PASM MODE OR THE DEACTIVATION OF TRACTION CONTROL EVEN THOUGH THE SWITCHES ARE NOT ACTUATED.
- Consequence: IF THE TRACTION CONTROL OR ACTIVE STABILITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ARE INADVERTENTLY DISABLED, AND THE SUBSEQUENT WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATION IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ONBOARD COMPUTER IS UNNOTICED BY THE DRIVER, THE SAFETY BENEFITS OF THESE SYSTEMS WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE TO THE DRIVER WHICH COULD INCREASE THE POSSIBILITY OF A CRASH DURING AGGRESSIVE DRIVING MANEUVERS.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCH CONSOLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 7, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-767-7243.
Are you having problems with your Porsche 911 gt3?
