1990 Porsche Carrera 4 problems

Common 1990 Porsche Carrera 4 problems

The Porsche 964, produced between 1989 and 1994, is a highly sought-after model of the Porsche 911 sports car. While it represents a significant advancement in Porsche history, there are common problems that potential buyers should be aware of.

• Dual Mass Flywheel (DMF) Failure: This is perhaps the most notorious issue to have affected the Porsche 964. The dual mass flywheel, which was added in 1990, is prone to failure. This can lead to a loss of drive, juddering, and noise, particularly under heavy load or when the engine is cold.

• Rust: As with any car of this age, rust can be a concern. The Porsche 964 is particularly susceptible to rust in the front wings, sills, and around the fuel filler cap. Regular inspections and maintenance can help to prevent or mitigate this issue.

• Engine and Transmission Issues: The engine and transmission in the Porsche 964 can also present problems. The engine may suffer from issues such as cylinder head gasket failure, particularly in the early models. The transmission can also cause problems, with issues such as synchromesh wear and failure. Regular servicing and maintenance can help to prevent these issues, but they can still occur, particularly in high-mileage cars.

• Electrical Issues: Electrical issues are not uncommon in the Porsche 964. These can range from minor issues such as blown fuses to more serious problems such as failing sensors or wiring. Regular inspections and maintenance can help to prevent these issues, but they can still occur, particularly in high-mileage cars.

When buying a Porsche 964, it is important to thoroughly inspect the car for these common problems. A full service history, particularly one that demonstrates that the car has been serviced and repaired exclusively by Porsche specialists, is particularly important. An independent Porsche specialist should also undertake a full Pre Purchase Inspection and prepare a condition report. This can help to identify any potential issues and provide reassurance about the car's history and condition.

Are 90s Porsche reliable?

A 1990 car is almost 30 years old now. If you are used to modern japanese cars' reliability a 30 year old Porsche will disappoint you. If you are coming from a vintage sports car point of view, then yes, it'll be quite reliable.

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 Porsche Carrera reliable?

Porsches are very reliable and do not break down easily – provided you adhere to regular maintenance and servicing, you will not spend much on repairs. Porsches use only premium parts, and for this reason, problems don't happen often. That being said, no car is perfect, and Porsches are no exception.

What is difference between Carrera and Carrera 4?

Put a 4 on the name after Carrera and you get four-wheel drive. Currently, it's also available on S models as the Carrera 4S. Turbo models are also four-wheel drive but don't get a '4' in the name.

1990 Porsche Carrera 4 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Porsche Carrera 4 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

• Air bags problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Porsche Carrera 4 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.