1990 Porsche 911: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 1 owner complaint on record; most reports concern structure.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 1996
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 1 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
THE BALL SOCKETS ON THE CRUISE CONTROL LINKAGE CAN BREAK, ALLOWING THE CRUISE CONTROL LINKAGE TO BECOME DETACHED ON ONE END AND JAM ON NEARBY COMPONENTS, WHICH COULD IMPAIR THROTTLE PLATE OPERATION.
Remedy: REPLACE THE CURRENT PLASTIC BALL SOCKETS WITH A NEW LINKAGE USING STEEL BALL SOCKETS, AND LUBRICATE THE CRUISE CONTROL RELAY LEVER. OWNERS ARE ADVISED NOT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL UNTIL THE MODIFICATION IS INSTALLED.
LUGGAGE IN THE LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT AND OR PLASTIC TRIM SURROUNDING THE SAFETY LATCH MAY PREVENT THE LATCH ON THE FRONT HOOD FROM PROPERLY LOCKING.
Remedy: REPLACE PLASTIC TRIM PIECE AND INSTALL A BRACKET BEHIND THE SAFETY LATCH TO PREVENT INTERFERENCE.
AFTER THE ENGINE HAS BEEN TURNED OFF, THE REAR HEATER WILL AUTOMATICALLY OPERATE IN ORDER TO DISSIPATE HEAT IN THE ENGINE HEATING SYSTEM. DURING THIS OPERATION, THE RESISTOR FOR THE REAR HEATER BLOWER CAN BECOME OVERLOADED DUE TO A BINDING OR SEIZED REAR HEATER BLOWER.
Remedy: PORSCHE DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW RESISTOR CONTAINING A CIRCUIT BREAKER.
A PART OF THE STEERING COLUMN UPPER UNIVERSAL JOINT CRACKED DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE UNIVERSAL JOINT FOR CRACKS AND WILL REPLACE CRACKED JOINTS WITH NEW PARTS.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1990 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact 911 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 1990 Porsche 911 reliable?
NHTSA has 1 owner complaint and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Porsche 911. The most complained-about area is structure.
Does the 1990 Porsche 911 have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning vehicle speed control. 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.