2001 Porsche 911 Turbo: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 22 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine.
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 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Coolant pipe experienced catastrophic failure while on a public roadway. Was traveling on straight, smooth road about 55-60mph when coolant warning light came on and engine temperature rose without warning. I had no where to pull over on the two-lane road, so was forced to stop car in lane, putting myself and family at risk of being hit by traffic while we waited 4 hours for a tow.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2017
“Coolant pipes come apart while driving and there was rapid loss of engine coolant. The problem exists on the gt1 motor because there are a couple coolant pipes in these motors that are not a single cast piece: the larger cast pieces have extruded inlet/outlet tubes that are connected using an adhesive. There is no metal-to-metal friction or press-fit to keep these tubes in place, so after enough heat cycles the adhesive will soften/loosen up and the tube will come out of the cast block (with the hose still attached), resulting in a rapid loss of engine coolant. ....updated 04/25/16 *bf”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2015
“While driving on the highway a catastrophic failure occurred in the coolant system. One of the aluminum hose fittings that is epoxied into the aluminum housing broke free causing engine coolant to empty out of the engine onto the highway in a matter of seconds. The rubber hose did not fail and it was still connected to aluminum hose fitting that broke away from the housing. I pulled the car off the freeway immediately to prevent further damage to the car. Further inspection at the dealer service center showed there was very little to no coolant left in the entire system. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2013
Show 7 more owner reports
“I was driving along the highway at 65mph and I noticed that the temperature gauge started increasing and that there was steam bellowing out of the engine. Pulled off highway and car was pouring out coolant from the engine compartment - had car towed to dealer to inspect. Car was diagnosed with epoxy coolant pipe failure where the epoxy had failed to keep coolant pipe in place. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2013
“I was on my way home from virginia to texas when I experienced catastrophic failure of the oem adhesive on the coolant line fittings in my 911 turbo. I was traveling at approximately 70 mph westbound on i10. It cost me $3700 to have the car towed and have all of the fittings tig welded in place to ensure this never occurs again. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2013
“Engine coolant pipes that are epoxied in by the manufacture work themselves loose over time and cause a catastrophic coolant loss that sprays coolant all over the rear tires causing a very dangerous situation. I had to have the engine pulled and the coolant pipes replaced and wielded in. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2013
“Problem similar to case pe13009 incidents of sudden coolant loss which occurred while driving on public roadways well under highway speed limit (less than 60mph). The problem occur sudden with no way to avoid and check prior incident happen. This could cause huge issue to other motorway drivers and I hope porsche usa can be responsible for this. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2012
“I was accelerating up to highway speeds (65 mph) on a on ramp when I heard a pop under the car. I felt the car shake and decided to pull over. I discovered coolant leaking from under the car and the shake was caused by my rear tires slipping and traction control compensating for acceleration under slippery conditions. Luckily I didn't loose control and crash into another person that may have caused injury or death to them or myself. The coolant piping is a well known problem with this year model car, it is only secured by a glue like substance not clamped, it seem the glue let go and caused a pressure release in my coolant system. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2012
“First I noticed a burst of white smoke coming out of the rear, and after that, engine temperature start to go up. Since I have very close to home, I just cruise back. *tr after inspection at mechanic, coolant hose has fly off itself and causing all the engine coolant lost. Repairing it costs me 5000+ as it requires dropping the engine, many hours of labor and 2 weeks without the car.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2012
“Factory porsche coolant fittings failed and released from engine block. Dumped coolant over rear tires. Oem coolant fittings are glued into the block and fatigue over time. They should be welded or threaded into block to prevent safety issues. Car would have lost total control if traveling at highways speeds. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2011
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE CLUTCH PRESSURE LINE COULD LEAK IN THE AREA OF ITS CONNECTION WITH THE CLUTCH CYLINDER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLUTCH PRESSURE LINE AND AN ADDITIONAL SUPPORTING BRACKET WILL BE INSTALLED ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BEFORE OCTOBER 13, 2000. VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER OCTOBER 13, 2000 HAS A NEW TYPE OF CLUTCH PRESSURE LINE. ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BETWEEN OCTOBER 13 AND NOVEMBER 28, 2000, AN ADDITIONAL SUPPORTING BRACKET WILL BE INSTALLED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 1, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-545-8039.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE COULD LEAK DUE TO CHAFFING WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND/OR THE FUEL RETURN LINE COULD LEAK DUE TO CHAFFING WITH A SPRING BAND CLAMP USED TO SECURE A COOLANT LINE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE SHEATH ON THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE. IN ADDITION, FOR VEHICLES PRODUCED BETWEEN APRIL 7 AND MAY 22, 2000, THE SPRING BAND CLAMP WILL BE REPLACED WITH A SCREW TYPE HOSE CLAMP AND INSTALLED IN SUCH A WAY THAT IT CANNOT COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE FUEL RETURN LINE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 1, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-545-8039.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact 911 Turbo 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 2001 Porsche 911 Turbo reliable?
NHTSA has 22 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2001 Porsche 911 Turbo. The most complained-about area is engine.
Does the 2001 Porsche 911 Turbo have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning power train:clutch assembly:pedal/hand lever(motorcycle). 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.