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Porsche · Sports Car · 2019–2024 Custom Search

Porsche 911 992

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

4.3 / 5.0 · Based on 6 engine variants · How we rate
Most Fun Engine

525 PS

GT3 RS · Benzin

GT3 RS — no manual, no problem

Legendary!
Most Reliable Engine

480 PS

3.0L Turbo Benzin

6 weaknesses

Good Choice

Body Variants

The Porsche 911 992 is available as Coupé and Convertible — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Generations


Engine Overview

The Porsche 911 992 is available with 11 engine variants — from 385 to 650 hp.

Carrera · Petrol· 385 PS
2019 2024

The DKCA is the consistent evolution of the MA2 — same 3.0-litre biturbo architecture, but with GPF particulate filter and slightly revised boost control. Early vehicles from the first production year 2019 had structural manufacturing issues: the active engine mounts (PADM) were insufficiently sealed — water ingress destroys the sensor. Porsche provided revised mounts, but replacement requires engine removal. Second known weakness of early batches: water pump failure at very low mileages. From model year 2021 both problems are largely eliminated. The ignition coil issue is cross-generational — heat stress from the rear-mounted position; replacing all six coils at once is recommended. Mechanically solid otherwise, provided the service history is complete.

  • !! Water pump manufacturing defect — early failure from 5,000 km

    Early 992 production batches (late 2019, early 2020) had faulty water pumps. Porsche supplied revised pumps as warranty replacements.

    Symptoms: Coolant temperature rise, coolant warning light, coolant loss without external leakage on very early vehicles
    0–2,000 $
  • !! PADM engine mount water ingress from 15,000 km

    On early 992 models (2019–2020) the active powertrain damper mounts (PADM) were not sufficiently sealed at the factory. Water enters the mount internals and destroys the sensor.

    Symptoms: PADM fault warning on the dashboard, increased vibration in the cabin, system disables dynamic mount control
    1,400–3,500 $
  • !! Ignition coil failure under heat load from 60,000 km

    9A2 engine ignition coils fail from long-term heat exposure — particularly cylinders 1 and 4 due to their proximity to the exhaust. Replace all six coils together.

    Symptoms: Engine stumble, start-stop deactivated, engine control fault, misfire (OBD: P0301–P0306)
    300–800 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Carrera 4 · Petrol· 385 PS
2019 2024

The DKCA is the consistent evolution of the MA2 — same 3.0-litre biturbo architecture, but with GPF particulate filter and slightly revised boost control. Early vehicles from the first production year 2019 had structural manufacturing issues: the active engine mounts (PADM) were insufficiently sealed — water ingress destroys the sensor. Porsche provided revised mounts, but replacement requires engine removal. Second known weakness of early batches: water pump failure at very low mileages. From model year 2021 both problems are largely eliminated. The ignition coil issue is cross-generational — heat stress from the rear-mounted position; replacing all six coils at once is recommended. Mechanically solid otherwise, provided the service history is complete.

  • !! Water pump manufacturing defect — early failure from 5,000 km

    Early 992 production batches (late 2019, early 2020) had faulty water pumps. Porsche supplied revised pumps as warranty replacements.

    Symptoms: Coolant temperature rise, coolant warning light, coolant loss without external leakage on very early vehicles
    0–2,000 $
  • !! PADM engine mount water ingress from 15,000 km

    On early 992 models (2019–2020) the active powertrain damper mounts (PADM) were not sufficiently sealed at the factory. Water enters the mount internals and destroys the sensor.

    Symptoms: PADM fault warning on the dashboard, increased vibration in the cabin, system disables dynamic mount control
    1,400–3,500 $
  • !! Ignition coil failure under heat load from 60,000 km

    9A2 engine ignition coils fail from long-term heat exposure — particularly cylinders 1 and 4 due to their proximity to the exhaust. Replace all six coils together.

    Symptoms: Engine stumble, start-stop deactivated, engine control fault, misfire (OBD: P0301–P0306)
    300–800 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Carrera 4 GTS · Petrol· 480 PS
2021 2024

Larger turbochargers, more boost pressure, 331 kW in the S and up to 353 kW in the GTS — the DKKA is the workhorse biturbo of the 992 generation with genuine sports car relevance. The character compared to the base DKCA is noticeably sharper: the torque plateau starts earlier, the power build-up is more uncompromising. In the GTS with manual gearbox — available for the first time in the 992 generation in a turbocharged non-GT model — the result is an interesting combination: turbo thrust meets manual engagement. It's no MDG.GA, but it's fun. Mechanically proven, optimised based on 991.2 experience. In the Cabrio with the roof down and sport exhaust, the DKKA sounds distinctly livelier than the specs suggest.

  • !! PADM engine mount water ingress from 15,000 km

    Identical PADM issue from early 992 batches. Higher engine power places greater stress on active mounts. Revised mounts available, engine removal required.

    Symptoms: PADM fault warning, increased vibrations, dynamic mount control deactivation
    1,400–3,500 $
  • !! Injector failure — misfires under load from 20,000 km

    TSB-documented injector issue. On the DKKA, more frequently reproducible under full load conditions with Sport Boost or Launch Control.

    Symptoms: Engine stumble under full load, power reduction message, fault codes P0201–P0206, jerk during gear changes
    500–2,000 $
  • !! Ignition coil failure from 55,000 km

    Same ignition coil heat issue as the DKCA. Accelerated wear with spirited driving. Complete set replacement recommended.

    Symptoms: Engine stumble, misfire warning, P0301–P0306 OBD codes, power loss
    300–800 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Carrera 4S · Petrol· 450 PS
2019 2024

Larger turbochargers, more boost pressure, 331 kW in the S and up to 353 kW in the GTS — the DKKA is the workhorse biturbo of the 992 generation with genuine sports car relevance. The character compared to the base DKCA is noticeably sharper: the torque plateau starts earlier, the power build-up is more uncompromising. In the GTS with manual gearbox — available for the first time in the 992 generation in a turbocharged non-GT model — the result is an interesting combination: turbo thrust meets manual engagement. It's no MDG.GA, but it's fun. Mechanically proven, optimised based on 991.2 experience. In the Cabrio with the roof down and sport exhaust, the DKKA sounds distinctly livelier than the specs suggest.

  • !! PADM engine mount water ingress from 15,000 km

    Identical PADM issue from early 992 batches. Higher engine power places greater stress on active mounts. Revised mounts available, engine removal required.

    Symptoms: PADM fault warning, increased vibrations, dynamic mount control deactivation
    1,400–3,500 $
  • !! Injector failure — misfires under load from 20,000 km

    TSB-documented injector issue. On the DKKA, more frequently reproducible under full load conditions with Sport Boost or Launch Control.

    Symptoms: Engine stumble under full load, power reduction message, fault codes P0201–P0206, jerk during gear changes
    500–2,000 $
  • !! Ignition coil failure from 55,000 km

    Same ignition coil heat issue as the DKCA. Accelerated wear with spirited driving. Complete set replacement recommended.

    Symptoms: Engine stumble, misfire warning, P0301–P0306 OBD codes, power loss
    300–800 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Carrera GTS · Petrol· 480 PS
2021 2024

Larger turbochargers, more boost pressure, 331 kW in the S and up to 353 kW in the GTS — the DKKA is the workhorse biturbo of the 992 generation with genuine sports car relevance. The character compared to the base DKCA is noticeably sharper: the torque plateau starts earlier, the power build-up is more uncompromising. In the GTS with manual gearbox — available for the first time in the 992 generation in a turbocharged non-GT model — the result is an interesting combination: turbo thrust meets manual engagement. It's no MDG.GA, but it's fun. Mechanically proven, optimised based on 991.2 experience. In the Cabrio with the roof down and sport exhaust, the DKKA sounds distinctly livelier than the specs suggest.

  • !! PADM engine mount water ingress from 15,000 km

    Identical PADM issue from early 992 batches. Higher engine power places greater stress on active mounts. Revised mounts available, engine removal required.

    Symptoms: PADM fault warning, increased vibrations, dynamic mount control deactivation
    1,400–3,500 $
  • !! Injector failure — misfires under load from 20,000 km

    TSB-documented injector issue. On the DKKA, more frequently reproducible under full load conditions with Sport Boost or Launch Control.

    Symptoms: Engine stumble under full load, power reduction message, fault codes P0201–P0206, jerk during gear changes
    500–2,000 $
  • !! Ignition coil failure from 55,000 km

    Same ignition coil heat issue as the DKCA. Accelerated wear with spirited driving. Complete set replacement recommended.

    Symptoms: Engine stumble, misfire warning, P0301–P0306 OBD codes, power loss
    300–800 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Carrera S · Petrol· 450 PS
2019 2024

Larger turbochargers, more boost pressure, 331 kW in the S and up to 353 kW in the GTS — the DKKA is the workhorse biturbo of the 992 generation with genuine sports car relevance. The character compared to the base DKCA is noticeably sharper: the torque plateau starts earlier, the power build-up is more uncompromising. In the GTS with manual gearbox — available for the first time in the 992 generation in a turbocharged non-GT model — the result is an interesting combination: turbo thrust meets manual engagement. It's no MDG.GA, but it's fun. Mechanically proven, optimised based on 991.2 experience. In the Cabrio with the roof down and sport exhaust, the DKKA sounds distinctly livelier than the specs suggest.

  • !! PADM engine mount water ingress from 15,000 km

    Identical PADM issue from early 992 batches. Higher engine power places greater stress on active mounts. Revised mounts available, engine removal required.

    Symptoms: PADM fault warning, increased vibrations, dynamic mount control deactivation
    1,400–3,500 $
  • !! Injector failure — misfires under load from 20,000 km

    TSB-documented injector issue. On the DKKA, more frequently reproducible under full load conditions with Sport Boost or Launch Control.

    Symptoms: Engine stumble under full load, power reduction message, fault codes P0201–P0206, jerk during gear changes
    500–2,000 $
  • !! Ignition coil failure from 55,000 km

    Same ignition coil heat issue as the DKCA. Accelerated wear with spirited driving. Complete set replacement recommended.

    Symptoms: Engine stumble, misfire warning, P0301–P0306 OBD codes, power loss
    300–800 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

GT3 · Petrol· 510 PS
2021 2024

The DRM is the evolution of the MDG.GA and simultaneously a generational leap in naturally aspirated boxer engineering: same 4.0-litre architecture with individual throttle bodies and dry sump, but with further refined flow channels, revised valve timing and optimised thermodynamics. The result revs to 9,000 rpm at 375 kW and sounds — especially in the GT3 RS with active exhaust and open diffusor — simply otherworldly. The 992 GT3 debate over manual vs. PDK was one of the most heated in recent years: the return of the gear lever in the GT3 (after the PDK-only phase of the 991.1) was celebrated like a liberation. With the manual the DRM is the analogue counter-programme to everything else in the 992 generation that's electrified and automated. In the S/T with manual gearbox and Speedster influences, Porsche proved this engine's story is far from over. Oil level note: measurement tolerance is extremely tight — even 200-300 ml over max triggers the overfill warning. Short trips, parking on a slope, or a workshop overfill of 0.3 l is enough. Top up only in 20 ml increments (Rennlist consensus).

  • !! Sumabore coating defect — early production from 5,000 km

    Defect in the plasma spray process of the Sumabore cylinder coating on early 2021 builds. Coating develops porosity, oil passes the piston rings. Porsche replaces affected engines.

    Symptoms: Severely increased oil consumption (1 litre / 1,800 km), bluish smoke from one or both exhaust pipes
    0–0 $
  • !! Lash cap detaches — oil pump blocked from 20,000 km

    Valve lash caps can detach due to valvetrain oscillations, drop into the oil pan and immediately block the unprotected oil pump. Damage documented from as early as 3,750 km.

    Symptoms: Sudden oil pressure drop, oil pressure warning light, engine shutdown at high RPM
    50,000–80,000 $
  • !! Oil drain insert pulls out of CFRP tank

    On early DRM engines (before engine no. DRM 004177), the threaded insert of the oil drain plug can be pulled out of the CFRP oil tank during oil changes. Engine removal required.

    Symptoms: Drain plug cannot be securely torqued, oil loss after oil change, loose threaded insert
    1,500–6,000 $

+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

GT3 RS · Petrol· 525 PS
2022 2024

The DRM is the evolution of the MDG.GA and simultaneously a generational leap in naturally aspirated boxer engineering: same 4.0-litre architecture with individual throttle bodies and dry sump, but with further refined flow channels, revised valve timing and optimised thermodynamics. The result revs to 9,000 rpm at 375 kW and sounds — especially in the GT3 RS with active exhaust and open diffusor — simply otherworldly. The 992 GT3 debate over manual vs. PDK was one of the most heated in recent years: the return of the gear lever in the GT3 (after the PDK-only phase of the 991.1) was celebrated like a liberation. With the manual the DRM is the analogue counter-programme to everything else in the 992 generation that's electrified and automated. In the S/T with manual gearbox and Speedster influences, Porsche proved this engine's story is far from over. Oil level note: measurement tolerance is extremely tight — even 200-300 ml over max triggers the overfill warning. Short trips, parking on a slope, or a workshop overfill of 0.3 l is enough. Top up only in 20 ml increments (Rennlist consensus).

  • !! Sumabore coating defect — early production from 5,000 km

    Defect in the plasma spray process of the Sumabore cylinder coating on early 2021 builds. Coating develops porosity, oil passes the piston rings. Porsche replaces affected engines.

    Symptoms: Severely increased oil consumption (1 litre / 1,800 km), bluish smoke from one or both exhaust pipes
    0–0 $
  • !! Lash cap detaches — oil pump blocked from 20,000 km

    Valve lash caps can detach due to valvetrain oscillations, drop into the oil pan and immediately block the unprotected oil pump. Damage documented from as early as 3,750 km.

    Symptoms: Sudden oil pressure drop, oil pressure warning light, engine shutdown at high RPM
    50,000–80,000 $
  • !! Oil drain insert pulls out of CFRP tank

    On early DRM engines (before engine no. DRM 004177), the threaded insert of the oil drain plug can be pulled out of the CFRP oil tank during oil changes. Engine removal required.

    Symptoms: Drain plug cannot be securely torqued, oil loss after oil change, loose threaded insert
    1,500–6,000 $

+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

S/T · Petrol· 525 PS
2023 2024

The DRM is the evolution of the MDG.GA and simultaneously a generational leap in naturally aspirated boxer engineering: same 4.0-litre architecture with individual throttle bodies and dry sump, but with further refined flow channels, revised valve timing and optimised thermodynamics. The result revs to 9,000 rpm at 375 kW and sounds — especially in the GT3 RS with active exhaust and open diffusor — simply otherworldly. The 992 GT3 debate over manual vs. PDK was one of the most heated in recent years: the return of the gear lever in the GT3 (after the PDK-only phase of the 991.1) was celebrated like a liberation. With the manual the DRM is the analogue counter-programme to everything else in the 992 generation that's electrified and automated. In the S/T with manual gearbox and Speedster influences, Porsche proved this engine's story is far from over. Oil level note: measurement tolerance is extremely tight — even 200-300 ml over max triggers the overfill warning. Short trips, parking on a slope, or a workshop overfill of 0.3 l is enough. Top up only in 20 ml increments (Rennlist consensus).

  • !! Sumabore coating defect — early production from 5,000 km

    Defect in the plasma spray process of the Sumabore cylinder coating on early 2021 builds. Coating develops porosity, oil passes the piston rings. Porsche replaces affected engines.

    Symptoms: Severely increased oil consumption (1 litre / 1,800 km), bluish smoke from one or both exhaust pipes
    0–0 $
  • !! Lash cap detaches — oil pump blocked from 20,000 km

    Valve lash caps can detach due to valvetrain oscillations, drop into the oil pan and immediately block the unprotected oil pump. Damage documented from as early as 3,750 km.

    Symptoms: Sudden oil pressure drop, oil pressure warning light, engine shutdown at high RPM
    50,000–80,000 $
  • !! Oil drain insert pulls out of CFRP tank

    On early DRM engines (before engine no. DRM 004177), the threaded insert of the oil drain plug can be pulled out of the CFRP oil tank during oil changes. Engine removal required.

    Symptoms: Drain plug cannot be securely torqued, oil loss after oil change, loose threaded insert
    1,500–6,000 $

+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Turbo · Petrol· 581 PS
2020 2024

3.8 litres, two turbochargers, 580 hp — and the engine communicates exactly that. The DKEA sits lower in the rev range than a naturally aspirated engine, but the power delivery is broad and consistent. Technically closely related to the DKCA/DKKA, but with larger displacement and higher-spec turbochargers. The typical 992 platform issues of the early production years (PADM engine mounts, water pump) affect the Turbo too. Special attention goes to the fuel injectors: documented per TSB MC-10249857-0001 — under overboost or launch control, defective injectors can trigger limp mode. Ignition coil failure is a cross-generational topic; for track use, preventive coil replacement is recommended. Monitor the rear crankshaft seal under the high torque loads long-term.

  • !! Water pump early failure in early production batches from 5,000 km

    Early 992 Turbo vehicles (production year 2020) had the same water pump manufacturing weakness as the Carrera range. Revised pumps provided as warranty replacements.

    Symptoms: Coolant temperature warning, coolant loss without visible external leakage
    0–2,500 $
  • !! PADM engine mount water ingress from 15,000 km

    The DKEA is also affected by the PADM sealing issue from early 992 production. Revised mounts available, replacement requires engine removal.

    Symptoms: PADM fault message on dashboard, noticeable vibration increase, adaptive engine mount deactivation
    1,400–3,500 $
  • !! Ignition coil failure — increased risk during track use from 50,000 km

    Ignition coil failure due to thermal stress occurs earlier on the DKEA due to higher power demands. Particularly during track use and Sport Boost operation.

    Symptoms: Misfires at high RPM, engine power reduction warning under full load, P0301–P0306
    400–1,000 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Turbo S · Petrol· 650 PS
2020 2024

The DKH is the maximum evolution of the 9A2 case — 3.8 litres, two turbochargers, 650 hp, 800+ Nm. Technically near-identical to the DKEA, but with larger compressor wheels and higher-rated boost control. The early 992 platform issues (PADM engine mounts, fuel injectors per TSB MC-10249857-0001) affect the Turbo S just as they do the Carrera — with the difference that a failure at 650 hp is more dramatic. Track use is common with the Turbo S, and here the cooling system shows limits: oil and coolant temperatures approach the system limit under sustained high load. Preventive ignition coil replacement at 50,000 km is routinely done by experienced Turbo S owners. Monitor the rear crankshaft seal under the extreme torque loads long-term.

  • !! Injector failure — misfires under full load from 20,000 km

    Documented per TSB MC-10249857-0001 — reproducible earlier due to maximum boost pressures and Sport Boost mode. Limp mode under overboost is a known pattern.

    Symptoms: Reduced engine power under full load, limp mode after Launch Control, fault codes P020100/P020400
    800–3,000 $
  • !! PADM engine mount water ingress from 15,000 km

    Identical PADM issue from early 992 batches also affects the Turbo S. Highest engine power places greater stress on active mounts. Revised mounts available.

    Symptoms: PADM fault message, increased vibration, adaptive engine mount deactivation
    1,400–3,500 $
  • !! Ignition coil failure — track use risk from 50,000 km

    On the 650 HP Turbo S, ignition coils are subjected to the highest operating temperatures in the 992 range. Preventive replacement at 50,000 km recommended.

    Symptoms: Misfires under high load, P0301–P0306 OBD codes, power loss on track
    400–1,200 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Recall — Hazard Light Software

Software fault on 8,666 vehicles: the hazard lights do not activate reliably during emergency braking. Free software update at the dealer.

Symptoms: No visible symptoms — hazard lights do not respond correctly during emergency braking
Low

Test Reports

tuev

TÜV Report 2025

Above average

The 992 dominates the TÜV Report with minimal defect rates. Inspectors find virtually nothing to fault on suspension, brakes and lighting.

2024-11

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 49 weaknesses have been documented for the Porsche 911 992 (2019–2024) — 39 engine-related and 10 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Body, Electronics, Suspension. Considered reliable: DKCA (3.0L Turbo), DKKA (3.0L Turbo), DKEA (3.8L Turbo).

911 (MDG.GA, 2019–2020) — Be Careful: Recall: defective connecting rods (718, 2021 batch), Lash cap detaches — oil pump blocks, Elevated oil consumption during track use. Power: 510 PS.

911 (DRM, 2021–2024) — Be Careful: Sumabore coating defect — early production, Lash cap detaches — oil pump blocked, Oil drain insert pulls out of CFRP tank. Power: 510 PS.

911 (DRM, 2022–2024) — Be Careful: Sumabore coating defect — early production, Lash cap detaches — oil pump blocked, Oil drain insert pulls out of CFRP tank. Power: 525 PS.

What to watch out for with the Porsche 911? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Porsche 911 992 have? +
The Porsche 911 992 has 39 known engine weaknesses and 10 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Porsche 911 992? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: DKCA (3.0L Turbo), DKKA (3.0L Turbo), DKEA (3.8L Turbo), DKH (3.8L Turbo). The most reliable engine is the DKKA (3.0L Turbo) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the DRM (4.0L).
Which Porsche 911 992 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Porsche 911 992. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 6 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Porsche 911 992 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Porsche 911 992 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} The 992 GT3 RS has never needed a manual. 386 kW, active aerodynamics with DRS, PDK with near-zero reaction time — this is a race car with number plates. On the Nürburgring it was the quickest road car of its class. PDK is not a compromise, it's the right gearbox for this car. The 4.0-litre naturally aspirated engine screams here too at 9,000 rpm — louder than the GT3 thanks to active sport exhaust.
Is the Porsche 911 992 worth buying used? +
The Porsche 911 992 is a good choice as a used car — 4 of 6 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Porsche 911 992? +
The Porsche 911 992 is available with engine variants from 385 to 650 hp. Petrol: MDG.GA (4.0L), DKCA (3.0L Turbo), DKKA (3.0L Turbo), DKEA (3.8L Turbo), DKH (3.8L Turbo), DRM (4.0L).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee