Powertrain and various structural issues are among the complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
There are few sports cars as recognizable as the 2020 Porsche 911. The automaker knows this model provides a “timeless design,” but how does the 911 stand up in terms of durability and reliability? Nobody can dispute that this is a top-dollar premium sports car that people are prepared to pay for. But people do complain about issues they don’t like, including problems that relate to the powertrain, engine, and electrical system. There are also a bunch of recalls that warn about problems that can increase the risk of a crash or fire.
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The most common problems with the 2020 Porsche 911 are reflected in 5 recalls issued by Porsche for this model year. These affect the powertrain, exterior lighting, suspension, and both service and hydraulic brakes. They primarily affect components and therefore the structure of the car.
Complaints to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) are limited to one that relates to the powertrain, the engine, and the car’s electrical system. But there are also some harsh complaints on Edmunds that criticize the structure of the 2020 911.
There are additional problems that owners have shared with J.D. Power, the marketing research firm that analyzes consumer data for various industries, including cars and trucks. They base their quality ratings on owner response and feedback on new purchases. Their dependability scores are based on longer-term ownership.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | |
| Engine | |
| Power Train |
The powertrain is responsible for converting energy from the engine to the wheels. In a sports car, such as the Porsche, this action should appear seamless.
Submitted in February 2020, the only NHTSA complaint, from an owner in California, is entered as a powertrain, electrical system, and engine problem. It states, “My 2020 Porsche 911 was two days old when I got an ‘Ignition local error-service required.’ The next day the tachometer stopped working. After the dealer fixed the problem, I drove home and parked the car for two days. The next day the car would not start. I was told by the dealer this car has many problems with its computer which makes the car unsafe because lots of its functions are computer controlled. I also just received a recall No .19V-878.”
It turns out that Porsche had to issue two recalls for defects with the powertrain. One, NHTSA Campaign Number 20V381000, states that the front axle differential bracket might not have been properly tightened. If this comes loose, the drive shafts and fuel tank could become damaged. This defect could also cause a fuel leak, which puts owners at risk of a car fire if an ignition source is present.
The other powertrain-related recall, NHTSA Campaign Number 19V445000, states that the bolts connecting the driveshaft to the wheel hub might have been improperly tightened. If this disconnects, the chance of an accident increases.
As mentioned above, the other recalls are listed under exterior lighting, brakes, and suspension. They’ve all got to do with the way the car is made, and therefore relate to its structure.
The problem with exterior lighting, highlighted in NHTSA Campaign Number 19V878000, states that the hazard warning lights, in as many as 1,928 911s, may not activate. This is because of a software error, and it means that the affected cars aren’t complying with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”
The service brakes, hydraulic issue doesn’t affect many 911s – they estimate only 11. It is the same issue Porsche has identified with a few Porsche Taycans. The pressure input rod on the brake booster may be loose. If it is loose, it will cause the brake pedal to fail and, inevitably, increase the risk of a crash.
The suspension issue also relates to the way the 911 is made. The upper control arm rear axle screw may not have been properly tightened. If this is the case, the loose connection might fail and cause driving instability. This will also increase the risk of the car crashing.
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Two complaints left on Edmunds slate the quality of the 2020 911. Both give this premier model sports car only 1 out of 5 stars.
Hunk of Junk, complains that with less than 4k miles on the clock, “the thing is falling apart. Constant problems. Worse yet, Porsche has basically said – It’s your problem but you for letting us know our car is junk.”
The other says that after 5 years and 40,000 miles, “the door inside panels need to be replaced because of the heat in Minami. This car has always been parked in the shade. Cost $5,200! Bad quality.” The complaint continues to say that there is a similar issue with the soft top that carries a price tag of $8,200.
Another Edmunds review says, “I cannot get the Homelink to open the gate to my community and was told to take it to my local Porsche dealership for help, and the MMI system could be much more user friendly.”
Feedback from owners on the J.D. Power website is that they don’t like the fact that the vehicle cabin isn’t as well-insulated from outside noises as it could be. They don’t enjoy the experience of using voice assistance, which they say is “lower than average”. And they rate the economy/range lower than average for this segment of the market, which we all know is regarded as top of the range.
If you think your 2020 Porsche 911 is a lemon, you don’t have to live with it. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners.
So, if you do believe your 911 is a lemon, why not contact Lemberg Law? We will assess your case free of charge and advise you. At the end of the day, the law makes Porsche pay the legal fees. Call our Helpline today and we’ll see how we can help you.
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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