2002 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.
Social links
Common 2002 Porsche 911 problems
The Porsche 911 2002 is a high-performance sports car that has been praised for its design and performance. However, like any other vehicle, it is not immune to common problems and issues that can affect its reliability and performance. Here are some of the most common problems with the Porsche 911 2002 based on complaints from owners of this car:
- Ignition Switch Failure: The ignition switch is another common problem area in the Porsche 911 2002. The ignition switch can fail, causing the key to become stuck in the ignition or preventing the car from starting.
- Interior Electrical Misbehavior: Some Porsche 911 2002 owners have reported strange and seemingly random electrical misbehavior of interior systems, such as interior lights staying on, air bag faults, and seat malfunctions.
- Rear Spoiler Malfunction: The rear spoiler, which raises and lowers based on speed, can also be a problem area in the Porsche 911 2002. Failure of this system can be expensive, as it may require replacement of the slave cylinder or the entire spoiler mechanism.
- Engine Failure: Some Porsche 911 2002 owners have reported rare engine failure, which can be caused by a number of issues, including a faulty intermediate shaft bearing (IMS bearing) or a cracked cylinder head.
It is important to note that these problems are not guaranteed to occur in every Porsche 911 2002 and that many owners have reported no issues with their cars. However, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and consider having a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) done by a qualified mechanic before purchasing a used Porsche 911 2002.
Is a 2002 Porsche 911 a good car?
The 2002 Porsche 911, 996.2, is amazing value. These models were not loved by many enthusiasts but are incredible to drive and reliable sports cars. As time goes by, these will only be more appreciated. It's an affordable 911.
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.
Is a Porsche 911 expensive to maintain?
Yes, Porsches are expensive to maintain compared to most automakers' vehicles. Estimates from RepairPal show maintaining a Porsche costs an average of about 83% more than the industry average.
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.
2002 Porsche 911 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Porsche 911.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
Negative 2002 Porsche 911 car reviews
Positive 2002 Porsche 911 car reviews
-
This Targa has been a great car! I've owned a 996 coupe before it, as well as several older Targas. The large moon roof is a lot of fun when up, providing wind and volume free driving. And when it's down, it's even better! The hatchback feature is terrific, and I don't understand why Porsche hasn't done this on the coupe. Unlike prior Targas, it corners as well as the coupe. The only downside is that when it slides back, the rear visibility is reduced. Overall, it's a great car!
-
It's great to hear that you've had the chance to experience some amazing vehicles in the mid-price range, including the Elise, NSX, and S2000. In your opinion, the 911 edges out the NSX for top honors, which is fantastic to hear. It's impressive how the 911 provides a smooth ride when driving calmly, but tightens up significantly during hard acceleration or cornering. It's also great to hear that your wife is comfortable driving the car, which is a testament to its user-friendliness. The torque curve is much more linear than any car you've previously owned, which is a welcoming contrast to the lack of bottom end power you've experienced in the past. Lastly, you mentioned that you prefer the Targa design over the standard 911, as the glass breaks up the roof line nicely. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
-
I drive my car to work every day, depending on which office, between 20 and 60 miles. I can't help but notice how solid and rigid it feels, like a fast tank. I've only had to replace one of the four O2 sensors and an oil separator, and of course, the tires.
-
I've had a few different cars in the past, but recently I decided to try out the 911 Carrera4 Cab. This car exudes class, success, and prestige. As I drove down a windy road, I noticed five Corvettes looking on with envy, but anyone can afford a GM. A Jag, or rather a Ford, pulled up beside me and I smiled. Then a Mercedes, or rather a Mopar, pulled in and I shook my head. When I spend $100,000 on a car, I don't want to see ten of them on my way to the store or wish I had chosen something else. You really have to drive one to appreciate the true artistry and class of this car.
-
After a disastrous experience with a Ferrari, I returned to Porsche. However, I was looking for something more aggressive than my previous 2002 996. Luckily, I stumbled upon a GT-2 with only 9,000 miles on it. It is an amazing car with no issues, starts every time, and doesn't miss a beat. This particular model had a Techart exhaust and equal length headers, which makes the power just insane (it made my 355 w/ Tubi seem downright slow in comparison). I don't think anything can keep up with this car when it goes from zero to 100. Given how cheap these cars are selling for, I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants something more exotic than the Turbo. Also, with the low production, it is destined to be a collectible.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2002 Porsche 911 problems:

Looking to buy 2002 carrera, advise please. - Rennlist - Porsche ...
Apr 1, 2009 ... Much of the internet uproar over the RMS issues dates back to the practice Porsche had of replacing motors which had a leaking RMS instead of ...

99 to 02 porsche 911 Looking to buy any issues. - 6SpeedOnline ...
Feb 23, 2013 ... Hey guys Im looking to purchase a 99 to 2002 porsche 911 6 speed non turbo. Are there any known issues with these cars to look out for and ...
2002 Porsche 911 Problems and Complaints - 19 Issues
Problem with your 2002 Porsche 911? Our list of 19 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2002 Porsche 911.

2002 996 TT - Known Problems? What to look for? - 6SpeedOnline ...
Apr 30, 2010 ... 2002 996 TT - Known Problems? What to look for ... Porsche Dismantler Maint - Repair $109.75 ... 911 with the fewest number of miles is sound ...
2002 Porsche 911 Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Various Faults Due to Intenal Leak at the Oil S... Smoke, oil consumption, and fuel trim issues with various fault codes can be traced to an internal leak at ...
Dante Fadel 2025-03-24
Hey there! My car just lost power and stopped downtown with no warning. Unfortunately, it looks like the engine is broken. I'm currently waiting for a repair appointment and estimates. I have to admit, I'm a bit disappointed with the quality of the car. The on-board computer doesn't even have a diagnostic message to display. Hopefully, the repair won't take too long. Thanks for listening!
Abner Zemlak 2025-02-15
I live in Manhattan and only drive my car once a week, or even less frequently during the winter months. Unfortunately, my Porsche has a battery that drains quite quickly if the engine is not idled or the car is not driven several times a week. Due to my busy schedule, I didn't have time to rev the engine every day, which led to battery problems. Disconnecting the battery is not a solution, as it can cause safety issues and prevent the doors from opening. Therefore, I had to sell my car. It's important to be aware of this issue and stay alert. It's unfortunate that Porsche and many car review magazines fail to mention such important details.