1991 Porsche 911 problems

porsche logo

The Porsche 911 (pronounced Nine Eleven or in German: Neunelf) is a two-door 2+2 high performance rear-engined sports car introduced in September 1964 by Porsche AG of Stuttgart, Germany. It has a rear-mounted flat-six engine and originally a torsion bar suspension. The car has been continuously enhanced through the years but the basic concept has remained unchanged. The engines were air-cooled until the introduction of the 996 series in 1998.

The 911 has been raced extensively by private and factory teams, in a variety of classes. It is among the most successful competition cars. In the mid-1970s, the naturally aspirated 911 Carrera RSR won world championship races including Targa Florio and the 24 Hours of Daytona. The 911-derived 935 turbo also won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1979. Porsche won the World Championship for Makes in 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979 with 911-derived models.

In a 1999 poll to determine the Car of the Century, the 911 was fifth. It is one of two in the top five that had remained continuously in production (the original Beetle remained in production until 2003). The one millionth example was manufactured in May 2017 and is in the company's permanent collection.

1991 Porsche 911

Social links

Common 1991 Porsche 911 problems

The Porsche 911, a classic sports car, has been in production since 1963 and has garnered numerous awards over the years. However, like any vehicle, the Porsche 911 has had its share of issues throughout the years. This article will focus on the common problems with the Porsche 911, specifically the 1991 model, based on complaints from owners.

One of the most common issues with the Porsche 911 is engine problems. These problems can range from broken head bolts to leaking hoses.

Another common issue with the Porsche 911 is oil leaks. This problem can be found in various areas of the car, including the oil thermostat, oil breather cover, and oil cooler (engine).

The 1991 Porsche 911, specifically the 964 variant, has been known to have several issues, including dual mass flywheel, power steering rack, and oil leaks from both the engine and power steering system.

In addition to engine problems and oil leaks, the Porsche 911 has also had issues with its interior. The 996 model, for example, was criticized for its interior design, which was described as more flamboyant compared to the classic 911.

In conclusion, while the Porsche 911 is a classic sports car with numerous awards and accolades, it has had its share of issues throughout the years. The 1991 model, specifically the 964 variant, has been known to have several issues, including engine problems, oil leaks, and interior design flaws. However, with proper maintenance and care, these issues can be addressed, and the Porsche 911 can continue to be a reliable and enjoyable sports car.

1991 Porsche 911 engine

Are old 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.

Are Porsche 911 high maintenance?

RepairPal, a website that compiles data on the costs of vehicle maintenance, estimates that the average Porsche costs around $1,192 per year to repair and maintain. This is about 83% more than the industry average of $652.

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.

Is Porsche 911 good for daily use?

Space is probably one of the biggest reasons people think the 911 can't be a daily driver. This is a valid concern but for most people, there is enough space for everyday driving. The Porsche 911 is a four-seater, but most 911 drivers agree that the rear seats are best suited for your coat or bag.

1991 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:

  • Engine problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Porsche 911 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1991 Porsche 911 complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Porsche 911.

2021-05-13

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-04-18
  • VIN: WP0AB2966MS
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: ON 4/18/2021 I WAS DRIVING MY 1991 PORSCHE C2 ON THE 10 FREEWAY IN MONTEREY PARK, CA WHEN SUDDENLY I HEARD A LOUD BANG SOUND FROM THE ENGINE. I GOT OFF THE FREEWAY AND STOPPED AND FOUND THAT THE ENTIRE ENGINE COOLING FAN HAD COMPLETELY SHEARED OFF AND BROKE APART ALONG WITH THE FAN BELTS. LESS THAN 5 YEARS AGO THE SAME ENGINE COOLING FAN HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT BROKE APART. THIS FAN ALSO BROKE APART ABOUT 20 YEARS AGO! THE CURRENT INCIDENT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE ALTERNATOR AND AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR AND THE BELTS AND SMALL DENTS TO THE BACK LID.

1991 Porsche 911 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1991 Porsche 911.

1996-08-08
  • Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS N.A. INC.
  • Components: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
  • Summary: A PART OF THE STEERING COLUMN UPPER UNIVERSAL JOINT CRACKED DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS.
  • Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN NOISE AND FREE PLAY IN THE STEERING SYSTEM AND IF LEFT UNCORRECTED, WILL RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE UNIVERSAL JOINT FOR CRACKS AND WILL REPLACE CRACKED JOINTS WITH NEW PARTS.
1993-12-07
  • Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS N.A. INC.
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • Summary: THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE PRESSURE REDUCTION VALVE CAUSES THE RATE OF HYDRAULIC PRESSURE REDUCTION TO SLOW DOWN, WHICH MAY RESULT IN THE REAR WHEELS LOCKING-UP EVEN WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM IN OPERATION.
  • Consequence: REAR WHEEL LOCK-UP MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLECONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: PORSCHE DEALERS WILL INSTALL A MODIFIED HYDRAULIC BRAKE PRESSURE REDUCTION VALVE.
1993-12-07
  • Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS N.A. INC.
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
  • Summary: AFTER THE ENGINE HAS BEEN TURNED OFF, THE REAR HEATER WILL AUTOMATICALLY OPERATE IN ORDER TO DISSIPATE HEAT IN THE ENGINE HEATING SYSTEM. DURING THIS OPERATION, THE RESISTOR FOR THE REAR HEATER BLOWER CAN BECOME OVERLOADED DUE TO A BINDING OR SEIZED REAR HEATER BLOWER.
  • Consequence: THE OVERLOADED RESISTOR CAN CREATE HEAT SUFFICIENT TOIGNITE THE PLASTIC AIR PIPE TO WHICH IT IS CONNECTED, RESULTING IN AN ENGINECOMPARTMENT FIRE.
  • Remedy: PORSCHE DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW RESISTOR CONTAINING A CIRCUIT BREAKER.
1992-10-05
  • Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS N.A. INC.
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: THE BALL SOCKETS ON THE CRUISE CONTROL LINKAGE CAN BREAK, ALLOWING THE CRUISE CONTROL LINKAGE TO BECOME DETACHED ON ONE END AND JAM ON NEARBY COMPONENTS, WHICH COULD IMPAIR THROTTLE PLATE OPERATION.
  • Consequence: IMPAIRED THROTTLE PLATE OPERATION COULD PREVENT THEENGINE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE, RESULTING IN UNWANTED ENGINE SPEED AND POSSIBLEVEHICLE ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: REPLACE THE CURRENT PLASTIC BALL SOCKETS WITH A NEW LINKAGE USING STEEL BALL SOCKETS, AND LUBRICATE THE CRUISE CONTROL RELAY LEVER. OWNERS ARE ADVISED NOT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL UNTIL THE MODIFICATION IS INSTALLED.

Positive 1991 Porsche 911 car reviews

  1. Isac Olson 2024-10-09

    This 911(964) has been an amazing driving experience since day one, straight from the showroom. The handling is superior, acceleration is instant, brakes are great, and the feel for the road is top-notch. It's been complete fun and has never needed to go to the shop except for scheduled maintenance. I had the chance to exchange test drives with my neighbor who has a Testarossa, and the 911 is superior in every category except top speed. Let's be honest, where can you even drive 180+ mph? Take the 911!

  2. Dominic Feest 2024-09-03

    The car is currently kept in the garage. It was bought second-hand for my wife, but she decided she wanted a bigger car. However, owning a Porsche has always been a lifelong fantasy of hers, so we decided to make it happen. The driver's window needs a new switch and the moon roof needs a minor adjustment, but we will fix any and all items before sale. The car is only driven now to keep it in working order. The exterior is a stunning red with perfect paint, and the interior is all new with black leather and tinted glass.

  3. Sonny Kertzmann 2024-08-08

    I've owned my Targa for three years now, and it's always a pleasure to take it out on weekends and explore new places for the day or even overnight. The car handles perfectly on both the interstate and back country roads. With more than enough luggage space, there's no need to worry about limiting what you want to take due to lack of room. The leg room is fantastic, and when the Targa top is down, cruising down the interstate at 70 mph makes you feel like a million bucks. I especially love the way it hugs the road on sharp turns, although high-performance tires are a must. Lastly, maintenance is minimal, but I service the car like clockwork!

  4. Dean Schulist 2024-05-28

    I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my experience with my Porsche. It has 60,000 miles on it and I've owned 4 Porsches in total. I must say, this is the finest, most comfortable, and reliable Porsche series ever built! Although they can be expensive to maintain, I take mine exclusively to Porsche and it runs perfectly. I'm even getting 18-19 mpg in the city, which is rare for an exotic car. The key is maintenance. It's important to replace the distributor every 50k due to the belts inside, which costs approximately $2800 with a proper tune-up. Additionally, when the engine seals need to be replaced (there are quite a few of them), it costs around $2000 total. However, when serviced properly, they don't leak oil. Lastly, the A/C and heat work wonderfully, unlike older models with the red, pull-up lever that freezes before the heat kicks in. I hope this information is helpful to you!

  5. Ronny Koelpin 2024-05-17

    This car is amazing! It's fast and pretty reliable. I love the styling, and the AWD provides the ultimate traction. It can get a bit unstable at speeds of 120 mph+, but it's very fast at accelerating.

Leave your review of 1991 Porsche 911

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1991 Porsche 911 problems:

1991 Porsche 911 Problems and Complaints - 47 Issues
1991 Porsche 911 Problems and Complaints - 47 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1991-porsche-911/problems

Top 1991 Porsche 911 Problems · Failed Hood and Deck Lid Supports · Engine Oil Leaks · Check Engine Light due to faulty oxygen sensor · Targa top wind noise and ...

964 Common Problems? - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums
964 Common Problems? - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums
https://rennlist.com/forums/964-forum/233176-964-common-problems.html

Oct 17, 2005 ... Best resource I have used is Adrian Streather's Porsche 911 Enthusiast's Companion: Carrera 2, Carrera 4, and Turbo 1989-1994 book. I wish I ...

Curbside Classic: 1991 Porsche Carrera 4 - Messing With Perfection ...
Curbside Classic: 1991 Porsche Carrera 4 - Messing With Perfection ...
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-european/curbside-classic-1989-porsche-carrera-4-messing-with-perfection/

Mar 20, 2020 ... Additional problem included failure of early versions of the dual-mass flywheel, added in 1990, and breakage of the tiny belt which maintained ...

1991 911 Turbo Reliability? - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums
1991 911 Turbo Reliability? - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums
https://rennlist.com/forums/911-turbo-930-forum/7690-1991-911-turbo-reliability.html

Jun 21, 2001 ... Look for oil leaks that might be an indication of higher than average engine & oil temperatures and could suggest this car led a hard life, thus ...

Loss of power problem - 964 turbo - Pelican Parts Forums
Loss of power problem - 964 turbo - Pelican Parts Forums
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/860942-loss-power-problem-964-turbo.html

Apr 16, 2015 ... I have a 1991 turbo that started exhibiting a weird problem. ... I took it to a local Porsche mechanic. ... That is a common problem with turbos.

Other years of Porsche 911

porsche 911 1992 photo
911 1992
Porsche

2

4

12

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
porsche 911 1995 photo
911 1995
Porsche

12

0

8

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
porsche 911 1996 photo
911 1996
Porsche

7

3

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
porsche 911 1997 photo
911 1997
Porsche

3

1

22

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
porsche 911 1998 photo
911 1998
Porsche

2

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
porsche 911 1999 photo
911 1999
Porsche

8

1

12

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Are you having problems with your 1991 Porsche 911?

Add car complaint
1991 Porsche 911 photo