2012 Porsche 911 problems

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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.

2012 Porsche 911

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Common 2012 Porsche 911 problems

The Porsche 911 2012 is a high-performance sports car that requires careful maintenance and inspection to avoid large bills further down the line. Some common problems with the Porsche 911 2012 include issues with the dual-clutch transmission, poor quality paintwork, and engine failure, particularly in Gen 1 997s.

One of the most significant issues with the Porsche 911 2012 is the potential for engine failure, particularly in Gen 1 997s. Warning signs include a blackened exhaust tip on the left exhausts only, as well as a ticking sound from the engine at idle. If you spot either of these things, it's best to walk away as a new engine will cost around £8000. Gen 2 cars, on the other hand, didn't suffer from the same problems and are proving to be very robust if correctly maintained.

Another common problem with the Porsche 911 2012 is issues with the dual-clutch transmission. Earlier cars had problems with the transmission, and owners complained about the quality of the paintwork. It's worth taking a Porsche specialist with you if you're buying one of the older 911 models, as it's worth checking the condition of the engine and the exhaust very carefully if you're going to avoid large bills further down the line.

Rust isn't an issue on 997s, but if you see any, it's most likely a sign of a poor accident repair. Don't be too alarmed if the bumper has been resprayed though, as owners tend to do this to repair damage from stone chips. Also, check the tread across the entirety of the tyre as they can wear more heavily on their inside edges. With decent replacement tyres costing about £200 each, you don't want to be caught out.

Another common problem with the Porsche 911 2012 is damaged radiators and air-conditioning condensers due to their location behind the front bumper where they can become blocked with debris. They cost about £600 to replace, so it's worth checking their condition and testing the air-conditioning blows good and cold. Brake discs can corrode on the inside if a car isn't used regularly. This is obviously hard to spot, so again, it's worth arranging for an independent specialist to inspect the car if you're not sure.

The Porsche 911 2012 didn't feature in the latest Reliability Survey, but in a previous one, it finished three places from the bottom of the coupés, convertibles and sports car class. That said, the score of 90.1% does compare well with the class average and was a lot higher than the models ranked below it. Porsche as a brand languished in 25th place out of 30 car manufacturers.

In summary, the Porsche 911 2012 is a high-performance sports car that requires careful maintenance and inspection to avoid large bills further down the line. Common problems include issues with the dual-clutch transmission, poor quality paintwork, and engine failure, particularly in Gen 1 997s. It's worth taking a Porsche specialist with you if you're buying one of the older 911 models, as it's worth checking the condition of the engine and the exhaust very carefully if you're going to avoid large bills further down the line.

2012 Porsche 911 engine

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 the Porsche 911 a reliable car?

According to motorbiscuit.com, the Porsche 911 is one of the most dependable cars you could own, even more reliable than some traditional options from Honda. It's one of the best choices if you want to purchase a luxury sports car with some history. There are some issues with the Porsche 911, as with any vehicle.

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.

How long does a Porsche 911 engine last?

A well-maintained Porsche 911 can last 100,000 to 200,000 miles. If you drive around 13,500 miles per year, which is the average annual mileage for most drivers, your 911 can last for 15 years. With meticulous care and less usage, this car can last over 15 years.

2012 Porsche 911 complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Porsche 911.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

Negative 2012 Porsche 911 car reviews

  1. Brando Quigley 2025-01-25

    I bought my 2011 Carrera 911 S on July 3, 2010 and have driven about 7500 miles since then. While there are many Porsche 'Options' to choose from, I believe that one of them should be a 'QUIET' option to reduce road noise. At speeds over 60 mph, it's difficult to hear the radio and even at cruising speeds on the interstate, it's not worth trying to listen or have a conversation. Another issue I have is with the comfort of the seats. Although they are infinitely adjustable, they are just too hard and uncomfortable for long drives. With over 30 years of experience making the same car, I would expect concepts like noise reduction and comfort to be a priority for Porsche.

Positive 2012 Porsche 911 car reviews

  1. Andrew Dibbert 2025-06-13

    Driving this car to California, or even to the track at Lime Rock, would be an absolute blast! It's impossible not to smile when behind the wheel of this car. Initially, I was hesitant about trading my 09 Turbo stick coupe for this PDK 911S Coupe, but I couldn't be happier with my decision. I have no regrets whatsoever. This car is more sophisticated and luxurious than my previous one, and it's far more stable and smooth. It's also incredibly fast and has a fantastic exhaust note, reminiscent of a Ferrari, with pops, blips, growls, and attitude. The PDK is impressive, and in sport plus mode, it's an absolute beast. The electronic steering feels great, and the car is rock solid in the turns. This is truly a driver's car!

  2. Ben Cronin 2025-05-22

    This is my 3rd Porsche. The first one was unfortunately totaled in an accident with a van, but thankfully I walked away unhurt. The safety features built into the car really did their job. My current Porsche is the new 2009 model with an automatic transmission, which is great. It has plenty of power when you need it, and the automatic transmission makes it easy for my wife to drive too. She was intimidated by the older manual transmission. You can even manually shift with the steering wheel paddles, but the car's computer can handle the shifting requirements better than the driver. Plus, with the auto trans, you get better performance.

  3. Morgan Kunde 2025-05-21

    I used to own an 04 BMW M3 with SMG. It was a great car, but the SMG transmission felt primitive. On the other hand, the Porsche is more comfortable, handles better, and accelerates quicker. While the BMW was more involved, mechanical, and intense, the Porsche is more relaxed and simply responds better the more it is pushed. Overall, the Porsche is a better performing car. The BMW was edgy and felt like a real performance car, almost like a race car for the street. In contrast, the Porsche seems more sophisticated. I must admit that I need to adjust my attitude. The car's limits are far beyond anything I can safely approach on the street. I just need more time, and then I will hang the tail out on some turns. It's truly an amazing automobile.

  4. Marquis Miller 2025-04-24

    I bought this car brand new about 3 months ago and I absolutely love it! It always brings a smile to my face every time I look at it. However, I've been experiencing a few issues lately. Firstly, there's water in the tail lights which is causing some condensation. Secondly, my $400 phone won't link to the car's system, even though I followed the clear instructions in the manual. Lastly, the car won't learn my garage door code. Today, the radio seems to be having some issues with the antenna and it's not tuning in clearly on any station. I hope these issues can be resolved soon. Thank you for your help!

  5. Braden Zboncak 2025-03-27

    Congratulations on your new 09 911S cab! It sounds like you have quite the history with cars, having owned an 08 911S cab, an M3 cab, and even two 09 Jag cabs. However, it's clear that the 911S is the perfect car for you, especially with a six-speed. It's great to hear that you're enjoying the car and have already taken it for a spin on the highway. I have no doubt that you'll keep this car for a long time, despite what your wife may think. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2012 Porsche 911 problems:

991 common problems and failures. Reference guide. - Page 2 ...
991 common problems and failures. Reference guide. - Page 2 ...
https://rennlist.com/forums/991/1186641-991-common-problems-and-failures-reference-guide-2.html

Mar 21, 2020 ... 2017 (.2) Carrera Base - Engine Lid Struts ... hey ,guy I have a 2017 Porsche 991.2 Carrera ... Mar 2012. Location. Cleveland, OH. Posts: 177. Likes ...

Buying a used 2012 911s… : r/Porsche
Buying a used 2012 911s… : r/Porsche
https://www.reddit.com/r/Porsche/comments/vsoqd5/buying_a_used_2012_911s/

Jul 6, 2022 ... Now none of that excludes the possibility that the 911 you drove has a problem - bad alignment, a bent rim, poor quality or condition tires, a ...

2013 911 Carrera S - any known issues? - Rennlist - Porsche ...
2013 911 Carrera S - any known issues? - Rennlist - Porsche ...
https://rennlist.com/forums/991/1185913-2013-911-carrera-s-any-known-issues.html

Mar 16, 2020 ... I bought a 2012 991.1 PDK Carrera S back in January, with 50,000 miles on it. So far it has been absolutely rock solid and an absolute joy to ...

911 sc targa problems - Pelican Parts Forums
911 sc targa problems - Pelican Parts Forums
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/720063-911-sc-targa-problems.html

Nov 28, 2012 ... i have recerntly bought my first 911sc 1979 porsche and have few problems. ... has anyone got any ideas on how to fix??? thanks neil. 11-28-2012 ...

Used Porsche 911 - 2012-2019 Reliability & Common Problems ...
Used Porsche 911 - 2012-2019 Reliability & Common Problems ...
https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/911/coupe/used-review/n18062/reliability

Sep 23, 2021 ... The 911 didn't feature in our latest Reliability Survey, though in a previous one it finished three places from the bottom of the coupés, ...

Other years of Porsche 911

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911 2013
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2012 Porsche 911 photo