1999 Porsche 911 problems
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.
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Common 1999 Porsche 911 problems
The Porsche 911 1999, also known as the 996 generation, is a popular sports car that has been praised for its performance and design. However, like any other vehicle, it is not without its common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the Porsche 911 1999, based on complaints from owners of this car:
- Rear Main Seal Oil Leaks: One of the most common problems with the Porsche 911 1999 is rear main seal oil leaks. The rear main seal is a critical component that prevents oil from leaking out of the engine. However, in the 996 generation, this seal has been known to fail, causing oil to leak onto the ground and potentially leading to engine damage. The fix for this issue involves replacing the rear main seal, which can be a complex and expensive repair.
- IMS Bearing Failure: The Intermediate Shaft (IMS) bearing is a component that connects the crankshaft to the camshafts in the engine. In the Porsche 911 1999, the IMS bearing has been known to fail, causing the engine to seize up and potentially leading to catastrophic engine failure. This issue is particularly common in the 2000-2004 models, and it can be expensive to repair. The fix for this issue involves replacing the IMS bearing, which can be done with a retrofit kit that installs in-car without removal or disassembly of the engine.
- Engine Cooling System Issues: The Porsche 911 1999 has been known to have issues with its engine cooling system. This includes problems with the water pump, thermostat, and radiator. These issues can lead to overheating, which can cause engine damage and reduce the lifespan of the vehicle. The fix for this issue involves replacing the faulty components, which can be expensive.
- Interior Electrical Misbehavior: Some owners of the Porsche 911 1999 have reported issues with the interior electrical systems. This includes problems with the dashboard warning lights, ignition switch, and key failure. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including water damage and faulty electronics. The fix for this issue involves diagnosing and repairing the faulty component, which can be expensive.
- Rear Spoiler Malfunction: The Porsche 911 1999 features a rear spoiler that raises and lowers based on speed. However, this system has been known to fail, causing the spoiler to become lopsided or malfunction. The fix for this issue involves replacing the faulty component, which can be expensive.
- Cylinder Scoring: The Porsche 911 1999 has been known to suffer from cylinder scoring, which involves deep gouges in the cylinder liner. This issue is typically associated with a knocking noise and can eventually lead to catastrophic engine failure. The fix for this issue involves replacing the cylinder liner, which can be a complex and expensive repair.
In summary, the Porsche 911 1999 is a popular sports car that has been praised for its performance and design. However, like any other vehicle, it is not without its common problems. These include rear main seal oil leaks, IMS bearing failure, engine cooling system issues, interior electrical misbehavior, rear spoiler malfunction, and cylinder scoring. If you are considering purchasing a Porsche 911 1999, it is important to be aware of these issues and to budget accordingly for potential repairs.
Is 1999 Porsche 911 a good year?
Very reliable, plenty of power, great handling
A Very Fun car to own. the 1999 911 doesn't have the IMS bearing failure that the newer models had from 2000 to 2006 because Porsche changed over using a single smaller IMS bearing that sometimes failed, the 1999 has a dual row (two bearing set).
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.
Are older 911 reliable?
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. Stepping out of a 992 and into one of these cars for a Sunday morning drive is an exercise in time travel.
What are bad years for Porsche 911?
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.
1999 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:
- Seat belts problems
- Engine problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1999 Porsche 911 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1999 Porsche 911 complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1999 Porsche 911.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-06
- VIN: WP0CA2998XS
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: ENGINE HAS SEIZED DUE TO INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BEARING FAILUE (IMS BEARING FAILURE), THE ENGINE IS A 3.4 LITER FLAT 6 CYLINDER ENGINE WITH ONLY 95,500 MILES ON IT. THERE WAS NO WARNING SIGN OF AN ISSUE. TURNED OFF CAR WHEN I GOT HOME THEN WHEN I TURNED IT ON THE NAEXT DAY IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER TO CRANK. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP TO GET IT TESTED AND WAS TOLD I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE ENTIRE ENGINE WHICH COSTS UPWARDS OF $13,000 BECAUSE OF AN IMS BEARING FAILURE.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-04
- VIN: WP0AA2994XS
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PORSCHE 911. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE SRS INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PORSCHE OF ARLINGTON (3100 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY, ARLINGTON, VA 22202). THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW THE DIAGNOSIS RESULTS; HOWEVER, THE SEAT BELTS WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELTS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED ONCE AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PORSCHE OF ARLINGTON WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A SENSOR FAILURE. THE AIR BAG MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE SEAT BELTS IN ORDER TO FULLY REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO MAINTENANCE ISSUES AND THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-06-30
- VIN: WP0CA2997XS
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WAS DRIVING AND MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF ANTIFREEZE LEAKED OUT OF THE BACK ONTO THE ROAD AND ON MY TIRES. ENGINE THEN STARTED TO SMOKE AND OVERHEAT. COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS. OVERFLOW RESERVOIR CAP WAS SCREWED ON TIGHTLY SO THAT WAS NOT THE ISSUE. I READ THAT THERE WERE SOME ISSUES WITH THE 2001-07 PORSCHE 911. MY ENGINE WAS REPLACED IN 2003 SO PERHAPS IT WAS RETROFITTED WITH THE PROBLEM PARTS. IT WILL BE AT THE RAY CATENA PORSCHE DEALERSHIP IN EDISON NJ TOMORROW FOR REPAIRS. *TR
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-10-14
- VIN: WP0AA2992XS
- Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON A 16 LANE MAJOR HIGHWAY IN TORONTO IN THE EXPRESS LANES AT 70 MPH. WITHOUT WARNING THE ENGINE LOST ALL POWER AND STALLED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS FLASHING. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO STOP SAFELY SINCE THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES WERE NOT FUNCTIONING WITH THE ENGINE STOPPED. IT WOULD NOT RESTART AND I WAS LUCKY TO CHANGE LANES IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND PULL ONTO THE HARD SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. I WAS STUCK SITTING IN THE EXPRESS LANES BY A GUARD RAIL UNTIL A TOW TRUCK CAME, WHICH TOOK AN HOUR. AFTER TAKING IT TO THE PORSCHE DEALER IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A IMS BEARING FAILURE THAT REQUIRED A NEW ENGINE. I WAS ALSO TOLD THIS BEARING IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 1997 TO 2008 WATER COOLED 911 AND BOXSTER PORSCHES WITH A 10 PERCENT FAILURE RATE TO DATE, AND THAT THEY WILL ALL FAIL EVENTUALLY. THE DEALER ALSO SAID THERE IS A 3RD PARTY RETROFIT KIT THAT THE PORSCHE DEALERS ARE AWARE OF BUT DON'T USE BECAUSE IT WOULD ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR, SO PORSCHE TURNED A BLIND EYE AND LET THE ENGINES FAIL. PORSCHE HAS MODIFIED THE BEARING DESIGN SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE ABANDONING THE DESIGN IN THE 2009 MODEL YEAR. ALL THESE MODELS ARE UNSAFE WHEN THEY WILL FAIL WITHOUT NOTICE AND PUT DRIVERS IN HARMS WAY. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-15
- VIN: WP0CA2996XS
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES: VEHICLE DOORS UNLOCK AND WINDOWS ROLL DOWN AUTOMATICALLY WITHOUT BEING TOUCHED. THE VEHICLE DOES THIS WHETHER KEYS ARE IN THE IGNITION OR NOT. DEALER INSTALLED NEW DRIVERS DOOR KEY SWITCH ASSEMBLY AT THE CONSUMERS EXPENSE. *TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-11-01
- VIN: WP0AA2994XS
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: NEED KIT TO SOLVE AIRBAG PROBLEM. *BF THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT HAD COME ON AND DID SO EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE SEAT BELTS HAD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE WIRING AND A KIT WAS NEEDED TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. (VEHICLE MODEL/ PORSCHE 996 C2) *SC
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-07
- VIN: WP0AA2995XS
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: REAR SEAT BELTS CAUSES OCCUPANTS TO BE TRAPPED. THEY CAN NOT ESCAPE OR BE RESCUED IN CASE OF EMERGENCY. MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE.*TS ***DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12-12-02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS***761712
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-01
- VIN: WP0AA2992XS
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE HEAT SENSOR FAILED CAUSING COOLANT TO LEAK FROM VEHICLE. YH
1999 Porsche 911 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1999 Porsche 911.
- Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS N.A. INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. INCORRECT PROGRAMMING OF THE ELECTRONIC LOGIC UNIT CAN CAUSE AN INCORRECT FUEL LEVEL.
- Consequence: THE VEHICLE COULD RUN OUT OF FUEL CAUSING A LOSS OF POWER.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE SOFTWARE IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SO THAT THE FUEL LEVEL AND THE RANGE OF REMAINING FUEL ARE DETERMINED AND DISPLAYED CORRECTLY.
Positive 1999 Porsche 911 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1999 Porsche 911 problems:
Porsche's Deadly Sin #1: 1999 Porsche 911 (996) 3.4 | The Truth ...
Aug 3, 2010 ... Buttons wore out, dashes cracked, radios committed suicide in new and interesting ways, and every single electrical component in the car seemed ...
Advice on buying a 1999 Porsche 911 : r/cars
Jun 24, 2017 ... Everyone jumps to IMS, but coolant hose failures are a systemic issue across almost the entire Porsche lineup, and across many generations. The ...
1999 Porsche 911 Problems and Complaints - 12 Issues
Top 1999 Porsche 911 Problems · Various Faults Due to Intenal Leak at the Oil Seperator · Persistent Coolant Loss Due to Small Leak at Coolant Reservoir · Rear ...
Anything wrong with the 1999-2000 Porsche 911 Carrera's ...
... Porsche's. An engine problem would explain the price ZV, any more info on that? I'm with you Arkaign, Porsche 911 is my dream car, and being ...
1999 Porsche 911 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 1999 Porsche 911? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Other years of Porsche 911
Are you having problems with your 1999 Porsche 911?
Alexis Denesik 2024-11-13
I can tell you from personal experience that the 2002 M3 is a true sports car and nothing else compares.
Koby Littel 2024-10-02
A lot of fun to drive. Zero problems to date.
Uriah Ullrich 2024-09-25
The bright yellow Porsche 911 was truly a dream come true! Although my oldest son drove most of the miles, he convinced me to purchase this car and I'm so glad he did. Unfortunately, he did scratch the lower bumper guard when he pulled into the garage, but thanks to Michael Peleberg, the manager of service at Bryan Mawr, the car looks as good as new. Michael is not only detail-oriented but also a terrific person. One issue I had with the car was that it required the original set of tires plus two additional sets, which didn't seem right given the required maintenance. Despite this, I doubt you'll find a '99 Porsche Carrera with only 13,500 miles. I'm finally getting better at driving it and will probably get another Porsche in the future, even though my wife doesn't like yellow. Sorry about that! Best regards, [Your Name]
Mose Gottlieb 2024-09-20
I drove a pre-owned 2000 996 Cabriolet for 3 1/2 years, and recently sold it for 140% of what I paid for it. It was a sublime, reliable, and inexpensive sports car, but it was approaching 100k miles, and I no longer wanted the UV sunlight exposure of a convertible. Within days, I found a '99 996.1 coupe to replace it, and it's been amazing! If you're considering a coupe or a convertible, I highly recommend test driving both and weighing the pros and cons of each. The coupe is more rigid, quieter, about 200 pounds lighter, arguably safer, and more reliable. While the hydraulics, motors, and materials of a ragtop come with more maintenance risks. In the last year or so, the stigma of the headlight designs on the 996 have evaporated, and the 1999 with the amber headlight, signal lights, and taillights are now one of the most distinctive elements that are unique to the first year 996. The 'early' '99 also has the advantage of being hand-built alongside the last of the 993s, and was built with a higher quality dashboard material that is easily identified by its 'pebble grain' and almost indestructible composition. Finally, the '99 is the last of the throttle cable-equipped 911. It's the last of the purely analog Porsches. I probably don't need to mention the IMS issue, but just find a 996 that has a documented fix already done, and you never have to think about it again. Prices are on the rise, but if you're patient, you can still find decent deals on 996s. I won't call this an investment decision, but it's realistic to think you can buy one, enjoy it for as long as you want, and sell it for at least as much as you paid for it down the road. These cars are now considered classics, and we all know what has happened to the values of literally every other Porsche classic, including the 914s.
Leone Hintz 2024-09-10
For performance, comfort, reliability, looks and fun, this car has no peer! I've never owned an auto so enjoyable to drive, and it's so stable even in really awful driving conditions!