2002 Porsche 911 Carrera: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 4 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 porsche 911 carrera. The contact stated while driving at 25 mph, there was a loud, abnormal bang. The contact exited the vehicle and found a large oil spill from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The engine and transmission were taken apart to locate the failure. The dealer advised the intermediate main shaft (imf) had collapsed and exploded, killing the engine. The engine would need to be replaced at the contact's expense. The manufacturer would not provide any assistance. The failure and current mileages were 41,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2010
“Put the key in the ignition, turned it to start the vehicle, and the battery completely exploded. Acid vapors filled the garage and burned eyes and caused coughing and burning throat sensation. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2007
“2002 porsche 996 with power steering valve failure. Consumer states that the power steering reservoir valve made a high pitched noise. He stated that this failure could cause a fire since the valve is located right over the exhaust and or the turbo. *kb”Owner report · Steering · Jan 1901
Recalls - 3 campaigns
US Specs is recalling one 2002 Porsche Carrera, one 1997 BMW 750IL, and two 1986 BMW 635 CSI vehicles for failing to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111, "Rearview Mirrors." While performing conformity-related modifications for the US market, labels with an incorrect size font were applied to the passenger side mirror.
Remedy: US Specs will notify owners and correct the statement on the passenger mirror of the affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact US Specs at 1-443-502-2331.
US Specs is recalling one 2002 Porsche Carrera 911. This vehicle fails to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." After performing conformity-related modifications for the US market, this vehicle was released with passenger seatbelts that lack the required Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) function.
Remedy: US Specs will notify the owner and replace all of the passenger seat belts, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact US Specs at 1-443-502-2331.
Ohlins USA, Inc (Ohlins) is recalling certain Front Struts, part number POS 5N20. These struts were sold as part of Ohlins strut kits part number POZ MN02, intended for installation on 1999-2005 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 4S (generation 996), and 2001-2006 Porsche 911 Turbo / Turbo S (generation 996) and kit part number POZ MN05, intended for installation on 2005-2012 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 4S (generation 997), and 2006-2013 Porsche 911 Turbo / Turbo S (generation 997). The pin of the strut may experience excessive stress during maximum steering, possibly resulting breakage of the pin.
Remedy: Ohlins will notify owners, and dealers will request the return of all unsold kits containing the subject part from dealer/distributor inventory for a full refund. All owners who purchased one of the kits (POZ MN02 or POZ MN05) will receive replacement front struts (POS 5N20 or POS 5N21 - These parts are interchangeable), along with new top mount interface solutions, free of charge. The recall began December 22, 2020. Owners may contact Ohlins customer service at 1-800-336-9029.
Check your exact 911 Carrera by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera reliable?
NHTSA has 4 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning equipment:other:labels. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.