The classic lines of the Porsche 911 remain largely unchanged after 56 years in production. Also unchanged is the legendary 911 reliability. In fact, Porsche 911s are considered one of the most reliable cars ever made, and Consumer Reports has just reported Porsche the best brand of 2020. Even so, there are some annoying problems that 911 owners complain about. 

Problems with the Porsche 911

According to RepairPal.com, the top complaint owners had about their Porsche 911s was an oil leak at the oil separator. The problem spanned quite a long time, being reported in 12 straight years — 1999 through 2010.

Owners reported inconsistent throttle response, coolant loss, and blue smoke coming out of the exhaust. Occasionally, the engine light came on with corresponding codes for the fuel running lean or for multiple misfires. Excessive oil consumption was also reported.

Another problem owners reported was a small leak in the coolant reservoir. This issue causes persistent coolant loss. The issue affected many model years of the 911 — 1999 through 2010, and 2014. The leak appeared in 3.4 liter, 6-cylinder Porsche engines, and occurred at an average of 74, 600 miles.

Other owners experienced engine oil leaks at the rear main seal, or at the support cover for the o-ring. That issue affected a lot of years as well, from 1999 through 2010.  

Owners were frustrated because the problems occurred in 911s that had never been raced, had been kept in climate-controlled garages, and that had low mileage. The average mileage the problem happened was between 20,600 and 24, 300 miles. 

Porsche repairs can be expensive

Along with the Porsche 911 price tag comes the cost of repairs. RepairPal reports the average cost to repair a Porsche is $1,192 per year. The high price is mainly due to parts, which have to be shipped from the Porsche Logistics Center in Sachsenheim, Germany, the central depot for Porsche parts. 

The number one reported problem with the 911, the leak at the oil separator, cost owners an average of $88 to $111, although one owner complained his repair cost over $2,000. 

Top traits of the Porsche 911

2020 offers new versions of the Porsche 911 Carrera, 911 Turbo, 911 Targa 4, 911 GTS, and 911 Turbo S. A closer look at the 2020 Porsche 911 Turbo reveals 540 horsepower that rockets the 911 from 0 to 60 in just 2.9 seconds, when properly equipped. 

The 2020 Porsche 911 has a unique fuel-saving feature — a coasting function opens the clutches and temporarily detaches the engine from the transmission. Using the vehicle’s momentum like this translates into less fuel consumption. Other efficient features include auto start/stop. The famous Porsche PDK transmission has 7 gears, achieving top speed in sixth gear.

The Porsche 911 continues to have unrivaled looks with classic design features combined with new Porsche innovations. The 2020 911 Porsche Turbo boasts a new front end and new headlights, along with striking black airblades.

In the rear, the 911 Turbo has a rear grille with vertical slats, and exceptional three-dimensional taillights. The Cabriolet version sports a steel fabric hood with magnesium supports that slips soundlessly into the rear boot when you’re ready to enjoy some open-air driving. 

The Porsche 911 remains one of the most recognizable silhouettes on the road. There is no question that, despite a few complaints mainly about coolant or oil leaks, the Porsche 911 remains a magnificent vehicle. Even if owners have to endure a few small problems, the 911 has been a marvel of automotive engineering since 1964.