Porsche Turbo S
Evolution of the 991 Turbo biturbo with higher boost and further optimised thermodynamics — Porsche did quiet but consistent work here. At 397 kW in the Turbo and 427 kW in the Turbo S of the 991.2 generation, it's among the most power-dense engines from Zuffenhausen. The character is similar to the MA1.71: powerful, controllable, sonically more restrained than stirred up. What distinguishes the MDA.BA from the predecessor is the even greater availability of torque — the turbos spool faster, the power build-up is more linear. As a pure powertrain this is one of the most competent turbo engines in the entire sports car segment. Reliability at the usual high Porsche level.
Turbo S Cabrio — Maximum Comfort
AWD, PDK, 427 kW, Cabrio — the most relaxed high-performance vehicle of its generation. Open-top and brutally fast is a rare combination. Unreservedly recommended for GT tours and Sunday outings at the highest level.
Engine Weaknesses 10
Same water pump issue as MA2.01/MA2.03. Porsche extended warranty to 10 years. Particularly model years 2016–2018.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating warning, leak at lower hoses
The oil return lines on the large turbos (67 mm compressor wheel) develop leaks at connection points due to pressure spikes. Oil loss can become dangerous during high-performance operation.
Symptoms: Blue smoke from engine bay, oil spots under the car, oil visible in charge air system
The GT2 RS bespoke pistons are built for maximum power. Insufficient cooling or incorrect oil temperature can cause piston seizure. Engine damage costs over €100,000.
Symptoms: Sudden power loss, metallic noises from engine, oil pressure drop, engine stuttering
The large turbos on the GT2 RS generate extreme exhaust temperatures. Immediately shutting the engine down without a cool-down phase causes oil to bake in the turbo bearings, significantly shortening bearing life.
Symptoms: Crackling or whistling noise from turbo, oil in charge air system, power loss
992 Turbo engines can lose oil at the turbo bearing seals under high thermal load. Particularly after long full-throttle runs without a cool-down phase.
Symptoms: Elevated oil consumption, blue smoke after prolonged full throttle
The factory water injection system for the intercoolers empties the reservoir after just a few track sessions. The ECU then reduces power to protect engine components.
Symptoms: Power drop after several track laps, thermal management warning, noticeably reduced boost pressure
The 991.2 platform uses electric coolant pumps whose bearings or plastic impellers fail. Multiple failures per vehicle lifetime documented.
Symptoms: Coolant temperature warning, uneven cooling, coolant loss without visible leak
The GT2 RS engine has a significantly larger oil volume (7.94 L) than other 911 engines and consumes considerable amounts on track. Track-specific oil changes every 3,000 km are mandatory.
Symptoms: Rapidly dropping oil level during track use, top-up required after every track day
The GT2 RS ECU can produce fault codes and derate engine power as a safety measure during long track sessions due to high ambient temperatures.
Symptoms: Warning lights without apparent defect, spontaneous power reduction on a hot engine, fault memory entries after a track day
After OTA or dealer software updates, ECU faults can occur. Boost control and PDK coordination are the systems most affected.
Symptoms: Check engine light, gearbox fault message, temporary power loss
Vehicle Weaknesses 11
HVAC blend door actuators fail and cause incorrect air temperatures. Recoding required after replacement.
The soft-top fabric shows pronounced chafe marks at the fold lines after 3–4 years. Porsche Germany classifies this as normal appearance. New roof approximately €4,100 plus €1,000 fitting.
The interior headliner of the cabriolet roof develops creases and partially detaches. A cosmetic issue with no functional impact.
Brake pads and brake discs wear significantly faster than expected under sporty use. PCCB ceramic brakes are less affected.
Door and window seals harden over time. Water enters the interior in heavy rain.
On cars driven in winter, exhaust nuts, bolts and underbody fasteners seize solid with road salt. Follow-on costs arise from snapped studs during the next service.
Door cards, rear parcel shelves and B-pillar trims creak and rattle over road imperfections. Cause: plastic clips and metal contact points without adequate damping.
Active engine mounts with Sport Chrono package lose their damping control due to internal sensor failure. Often just the sensor needs replacing, not the complete mount. Primarily affects 991.1 from around 30,000 km.
Both AC condensers sit exposed behind the front bumper and are frequently damaged by stone impacts. Refrigerant escapes slowly or suddenly. Replacing both condensers plus the dryer at the same time is recommended.
The front right seal detaches over approximately 20 cm. Re-gluing does not hold permanently. Repair requires a complete sliding roof replacement with repainting.
High-pressure car washes force water in at the A-pillar/roof joint. Sealed in normal driving and rain. Regular seal conditioning helps.