1988 Porsche 911 problems

Common 1988 Porsche 911 problems

The Porsche 911 is a classic sports car that has been in production since 1963. However, like any other car, the 1988 Porsche 911 is not immune to certain problems. Here are some common issues that owners of this car have reported:

• Rear main seal leaks: Porsche vehicles have a number of regular sources for leaking oil. Some of the most common include rear main seal leaks, valve covers, spark plug seals, and turbo oil supply line seals.

• Interior electrical misbehavior: On occasion, 911 models will exhibit strange and seemingly random electrical misbehavior of interior systems. This could be interior lights staying on, air bag faults, seat malfunctions, etc. Often this can be traced back to a single control module. Porsche placed the module that controls interior settings under the drivers seat.

• Ignition switch failure: Turning the key will not start the car or the key has become stuck in the ignition switch. This problem is typically caused by a failure in the ignition switch mechanism. Replacing the electrical portion of the switch is fairly straightforward and typically solves the no start problem. However, on some occasions, it may be necessary to replace the mechanical portion of the switch as well, which is a little more involved and requires some additional skills.

• Rear spoiler malfunction: Failure of the spoiler system can be expensive. The slave cylinder, which controls the spoiler, can leak and fail, causing the spoiler to not raise or lower properly. This can be caused by wear and tear or by debris getting into the cylinder.

• Soggy dampers: Soggy dampers are common and inexpensive. Notchy steering results from a seized bearing on the top of the rack, which can be replaced.

It's important to note that not all 1988 Porsche 911s will experience these problems, and many owners have reported no issues with their cars. However, it's essential to be aware of these potential issues when considering purchasing a 1988 Porsche 911. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these problems or catch them early before they become more significant issues.

What years did Porsche have engine problems?

The Porsche IMS bearing problem years are from 1997 to 2005, with the M96 or M97 engine in these models being particularly susceptible. The single-row bearing used from model year 2000 through 2005 is of the greatest concern. However, any IMS bearing can and will fail if not replaced as part of regular maintenance.

What is the main problem that Porsche has to deal with?

Oil leaks can be a significant concern for any car, including Porsches. If left unaddressed, they can lead to extensive damage. The rear main seal, located between the engine and the transmission, is a common source of oil leaks.

Are classic Porsche 911 reliable?

Spare parts are still easy to find but expensive when purchased from dealers. Properly maintained, early 911s can be reliable daily drivers that are bound to turn more heads than their modern counterparts, particularly in loud period colors.

How many 1988 Porsche 911 were made?

6,076

Porsche 911 (G-Body) Sales & Production Numbers (1974 – 1989)

Model Year	Model	Production
1988	911 Carrera 3.2 Coupe	6,076
1988	911 Carrera 3.2 Targa	2,867
1988	911 Carrera 3.2 Cabriolet	3,698
1989	911 Carrera 3.2 Coupe	4,688

1988 Porsche 911 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Porsche 911 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

• Fuel system problems
• Gasoline problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Porsche 911 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.