Powertrain and engine issues are the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
The Porsche 911 epitomizes German auto-engineering excellence. It’s been around the block many times since its launch more than half a century ago. The 2019 model that Porsche heralds as “a design icon”, is an eighth-generation sports car that boasts a myriad of stand-out features. But for owners who are experiencing powertrain and engine problems, the glitter and glamor is fading fast.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2020 2021
The Porsche 911, launched in Europe in 1964, has been marketed in the U.S. since 1965. It has been listed on the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) website since 1969, the year it was re-engineered to meet increased emission control regulations in the U.S. In that year there were no consumer complaints, but there were 3 recalls. These related to the fuel pump, steering, and seat belt buckles that didn’t function properly.
While there were recalls in most years, the first complaint to the NHTSA was registered in 2001, about the 1983 model. There is no indication of why it took so long for the owner to lodge the complaint, which reported an injury. The cause was a faulty clutch pedal.
For most successive years, there have been minimal complaints, sometimes none at all. In other years there have been dozens of complaints. The 2007 Porsche 911 represents the model year with the most complaints. There were a total of 50, 41 of which were related to engine problems. But these were registered over a 12-year period, from April 6, 2008, to April 13, 2020.
There have been no more than 2 complaints a year since 2016. This also applies to the 2019 model year, although who knows how many complaints will be listed by 2031?
The 2 current complaints were both listed in February 2021. One relates to the powertrain and the other to the engine. Additionally, there is a recall dated March 24 that states the upper control arm rear axle screw isn’t properly tightened in 7 Porsche 2019 and 2020 cars. If the connection fails, it’s going to cause driving instability and increase the risk of a crash.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | |
| Power Train |
The first complaint issued on February 11, 2021, goes back to issues an owner in California had in late 2020. “The car’s auto idle-off function that saves fuel by turning the engine off at stop signs and lights is inoperative. I have had it into multiple dealers 4 times since 12/2020 with the complaint. In my opinion there is a temperature sensor that is malfunctioning and not allowing the car to go into the fuel-saving mode.”
But it appears there is no possible resolution. “I am told that they are not able to make this function work properly. Wasn’t the car certified for emissions and fuel economy with this function in place?”
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In January 2021, the Florida owner of a 2019 Porsche 911 GT3RS with less than 6,000 miles on the clock experienced complete engine failure. “While driving on a hill and accelerating,” the driver “received (a) low engine pressure warning and (the) engine lost power.”
In this instance, the problem was resolved because Porsche Cars North America replaced the entire motor.
When recurring problems affect the value or use of your car, there’s a chance that you might have bought a lemon. If you think that your 2019 Porsche 911 might be lemon, it’s a good idea to get professional opinion. You can talk to people who understand sports cars, and get Porsche mechanics to check it out. But if that doesn’t resolve your problems, rather make contact with a lemon law firm like Lemberg Law. We will assess your problem free of charge.
Over the years, we have helped many vehicle owners settle cases against manufacturers who commonly agree to trade vehicles in, buy them back, or make a cash settlement. We don’t charge because the law says Porsche must pay legal fees for lemon law cases.
All you need to do is call the Lemberg Law Helpline or fill out a contact form. It’s not going to cost you anything because the law says Porsche must pay the legal bills for lemon law cases. Call our Helpline now or fill out a contact form if you’d like us to assist.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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