1996 Porsche Targa problems

Common 1996 Porsche Targa problems

The Porsche 911 Targa, introduced in 1966, was designed to satisfy both safety advocates and convertible enthusiasts by offering rollover protection and open-air driving. However, there are common problems associated with this generation of the Porsche 911 Targa, as reported by owners and enthusiasts.

One of the most common problems with the 1996 Porsche 911 Targa is excessive heat in the cabin. This issue is often attributed to the glass roof, which can trap heat and make the interior uncomfortable during hot weather. While this may not be a critical safety concern, it can significantly impact the driving experience, especially during long trips or in regions with high temperatures.

Another issue reported by owners is creaking noises on rough roads. This problem is often associated with the Targa's roof mechanism, which is known for being complicated and unreliable. The extra weight of the Targa roof, located at the top of the car, also raises the center of gravity and can negatively affect handling performance.

The Targa roof mechanism is a significant point of concern for many owners. Due to its complexity, it can be prone to failure and may require frequent maintenance or repairs. This can be a significant inconvenience for owners, as the Targa roof is a key feature of the car and plays a significant role in its overall appeal and functionality.

In addition to these issues, the 1996 Porsche 911 Targa also shares some common problems with other 911 models of the same generation. For example, some owners have reported issues with the car's electronic engine management system, which can cause problems with the engine's performance and fuel efficiency.

Despite these common problems, the 1996 Porsche 911 Targa remains a popular choice among enthusiasts and collectors. Its unique design and rarity make it a desirable car, and many owners are willing to overlook its flaws in favor of its distinctive style and driving experience. However, potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and consider the costs and challenges associated with owning and maintaining a 1996 Porsche 911 Targa before making a purchase.

Are Porsche Targa reliable?

Reliability and Safety

Despite the high-profile fire issues with the Porsche 911 GT3, Porsche generally has an excellent reputation for reliability. It helps that the Targa engines and chassis components are used elsewhere in the Porsche range, with very few issues reported.

What is so special about the Targa?

Just like its predecessor, the 911 Targa had an electrically operated glass roof, now with a surface area of more than 1.5 square metres. There had never before been that much glass surface area in a Porsche 911. The new Targa was also the first 911 to provide a rear window that could be folded up.

Is the 911 Targa noisy?

However, tire noise is largely dependent on the material underfoot, and on most types of highway, the Targa 4S is a quiet grand tourer. With the roof open, I'm not finding any speeds where buffeting becomes an issue. It's all very pleasant.

Do Porsche Targas hold value?

Targas are rare, desirable, and they are always worth money. Stop worrying and just do it. Vast majority of assets are dropping value including luxury goods such as cars. With rates going up, the Porsche market will continue to go downwards.

1996 Porsche Targa car problems categorized by type of issue

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

• Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Porsche Targa vehicle components and the number of complaints received.