2002 Porsche 911 Turbo: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 14 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 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“From a stop I accelerated in a straight line onto a freeway on-ramp. Approximately 10 seconds later I noticed a squealing sound from the engine belts. I looked in the rear view mirror and noticed a large volume of steam coming from the rear of the car. Having read about other peoples experiences with this issue I immediately exited the freeway as soon as I was able, stopped the car, and turned it off to prevent further damage as all coolant had exited the vehicle.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2015
“The car was being driven under normal circumstances. I had catastrophic coolant failure. A hose on my coolant system popped off while driving causing all of the coolant to gush out of the bottom of the car, the car did slip a bit I was able to regain control and pull to the side of the road. It sounds like this issue happens to 911 turbo's often due to the fact that 8 hoses were attached only with a glue that can give out at any time. My local porsche shop wants $3000 to drop the motor and repair/fix the 8 hoses. From my reading online this issue happens often to this motor in cars from 2001-2013. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2013
“Coolant line became separated and dumped coolant all over the highway causing very slick road conditions. This was on a long highway road trip with the engine very warmed up and working. Failing coolant lines that dump are very dangerous to those behind the vehicle, especially at highway speeds. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2013
Show 6 more owner reports
“Catastrophic loss of coolant due to coolant fittings popping out. Low speed, straight line driving at the time so there was no excursion, however rear tires were seriously wetted and if I had been in different circumstances it could have caused vehicle/property damage and/or personal injury. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2013
“After a routine drive after an oil change service a large amount of coolant spilled out from underneath the rear of the vehicle. Under closer examination of the vehicle found loose/broken coolant fittings from behind the alternator and somewhere in the back of the engine bay. Engine will have to be removed to pinpoint the source of additional leaks. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2013
“Glued in coolant hoses came out dumping all the coolant from the car in a very short period of time. Since this is a rear engined car, it sprayed the rear tires causing a dangerous situation as loss of traction could have caused a serious accident/fatality if going into a curve or other conditions. This is a known condition with porsche and they have refused to address this serious safety issue. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2012
“Power steering fluid valve makes a noise. Research on 6speedonline.com and rennlist.com note that this will fail, overfill the reservoir, and cause a major fire perhaps killing me. Porsche has upgraded the part knowing of this failure and has a public tsb to this effect. *jb”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2007
“The car, a 2002 porsche 911 turbo 6-speed, pops out of 2nd gear occasionally while driving. I know of at least 6 other owners with cars built between 2001-2003 with the same problem. *la”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2003
“The car stalls on slow left turns and at stops, the consumer was aware prior to purchase of the stalling issue that affected early 2002 models in warmer climates, the consumer was asured by the dealer that the issue had been taken care of, four hours after taking delivery of the vehicle it began to stall, the consumer is concerned as to why dealers continue to continue to sell vehicle with stalling defect. Nlm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2001
Recalls - 1 campaign
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 2002 Porsche 911 Turbo reliable?
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2002 Porsche 911 Turbo. The most complained-about area is engine.
Does the 2002 Porsche 911 Turbo have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning suspension:front:macpherson strut. 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.