Porsche 911 997
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
530–620 PS
3.6L Turbo Benzin
390 kW, no all-wheel drive — hands on the wheel
Legendary!400 PS
3.8L Benzin
5 weaknesses
Good Choice381 PS
3.6L Benzin
9 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The Porsche 911 997 is available as Coupé and Cabrio — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Porsche 911 997 is available with 12 engine variants — from 320 to 620 hp. 6 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Porsche Carrera (Benziner, 320–345 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M96.05 (2004–2008, Be Careful) und MA1.02 (2008–2012, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the Carrera!
The Porsche Carrera 4 (Benziner, 320–345 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M96.05 (2005–2008, Be Careful) und MA1.02 (2008–2012, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the Carrera 4!
The Porsche Carrera 4 GTS (Benziner, 408 PS) has the MA1.01 (3.8L) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Porsche Carrera 4S (Benziner, 355–385 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M97.01 (2005–2008, Be Careful) und MA1.01 (2008–2012, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the Carrera 4S!
The Porsche Carrera GTS (Benziner, 408 PS) has the MA1.01 (3.8L) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Porsche Carrera S (Benziner, 355–385 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M97.01 (2004–2008, Be Careful) und MA1.01 (2008–2012, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the Carrera S!
The Porsche GT2 (Benziner, 530 PS) has the M97.70S (3.6L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Porsche GT2 RS (Benziner, 620 PS) has the M97.70S (3.6L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Porsche GT3 (Benziner, 415–435 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M97.76 (2006–2009, Be Careful) und M97.77 (2009–2012, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the GT3!
The Porsche GT3 RS (Benziner, 450 PS) has the M97.77 (3.8L) — rated: "Be Careful", 11 known weaknesses.
The Porsche Turbo (Benziner, 480–500 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M97.70 (2006–2009, Be Careful) und MA1.70 (2009–2012, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the Turbo!
The Porsche Turbo S (Benziner, 530 PS) has the MA1.70 (3.8L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Damper Piston Rod Corrosion Damper piston rods corrode due to stone damage and moisture. Relevant for roadworthiness testing, as damper function is compromised. Symptoms: Oil weeping from dampers, knocking noises, failed roadworthiness inspection, deteriorated handling from 80,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 107 weaknesses have been documented for the Porsche 911 997 (2004–2012) — 96 engine-related and 11 vehicle-related. One problem engine: M96.79 (3.6L). Typical issues affect Suspension, Body, Other, Rust. Considered reliable: MA1.04 (3.4L), MA1.03 (3.8L).
911 (M96.70, 2000–2005) — Be Careful: Coolant Pipes Become Brittle and Crack, Plastic Water Pump Impeller Fails, Wastegate Actuator Fails with Age. Power: 420 PS.
911 (M96.05, 2001–2005) — Be Careful: IMS bearing dual-row: bearing failure possible, Bore scoring: cylinder bore wear, Rear main seal leaking. Power: 320–325 PS.
911 (M96.70, 2001–2005) — Be Careful: Coolant Pipes Become Brittle and Crack, Plastic Water Pump Impeller Fails, Wastegate Actuator Fails with Age. Power: 483 PS.
911 (M96.79, 2003–2005) — Stay Away!: Coolant Pipes Detach (GT1 Block), Fuel Pump Hose Disintegrates Internally, Timing Chain Guides Wear. Power: 381 PS.
911 (M97.01, 2004–2008) — Be Careful: Bore Scoring: Cylinder Wall Wear 3.8L, IMS Dual-Row Bearing: At-Risk 997.1 Model, Air-Oil Separator (AOS) Blocked. Power: 355 PS.
911 (M97.76, 2006–2009) — Be Careful: Coolant pipes detach (GT1 block), Timing chain guide rails worn, Air-oil separator (AOS) wears out. Power: 415 PS.
911 (M97.70, 2006–2009) — Be Careful: Coolant Pipes Become Brittle with Age, Plastic Water Pump Impeller Fails, Wastegate Actuator Fatigues. Power: 480 PS.
911 (M97.70S, 2007–2009) — Be Careful: Plastic coolant pipes at oil cooler fracture, VTG linkage seized, Hydraulic engine mount leaking or collapsed. Power: 530 PS.
911 (MA1.02, 2008–2012) — Be Careful: Bore scoring on Alusil cylinders, Elevated oil consumption from DFI piston rings, High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure. Power: 345 PS.
911 (MA1.01, 2008–2012) — Be Careful: Bore scoring on Alusil cylinders, Elevated oil consumption from DFI piston rings, High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure. Power: 381–385 PS.
911 (M97.77, 2009–2012) — Be Careful: Coolant pipes detach (GT1 block), Timing chain guide rails worn, Variocam actuator bolts loosen (MY2010/2011). Power: 430–435 PS.
911 (M97.77, 2009–2012) — Be Careful: Coolant pipes detach (GT1 block), Timing chain guide rails worn, Variocam actuator bolts loosen (MY2010/2011). Power: 450 PS.
911 (MA1.70, 2009–2012) — Be Careful: Coolant pipes detach from GT1 block, VTG housing corrosion, High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure. Power: 500 PS.
911 (M97.70S, 2010–2012) — Be Careful: Plastic coolant pipes at oil cooler fracture, VTG linkage seized, Hydraulic engine mount leaking or collapsed. Power: 620 PS.
911 (MA1.01, 2010–2012) — Be Careful: Bore scoring on Alusil cylinders, Elevated oil consumption from DFI piston rings, High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure. Power: 408 PS.
911 (MA1.70, 2010–2012) — Be Careful: Coolant pipes detach from GT1 block, VTG housing corrosion, High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure. Power: 530 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
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee