Porsche 991 911

Porsche 991 911

2012–2019

Big, fast, and sophisticated, with no IMS bearing to worry about.

  • 3.4L Flat-6 MA1 (991.1)
  • 3.8L Flat-6 MA1 (991.1 S)
  • 3.0L Twin-Turbo Flat-6 (991.2)
  • 4.0L Flat-6 MA1 (GT3)

Common Issues

What goes wrong on the 991, how to spot it, and what it costs to fix.

Cooling System Leaks (Housings, Seals, and Radiators)

Advanced

Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating warning, coolant puddles, sweet smell, temperature fluctuation

The 991's cooling system is a long circuit from the radiators in the nose to the engine at the back, with a lot of plastic housings, O-rings, and hose joints along the way. As it ages, the usual trouble is a seeping housing or joint, a tired expansion tank cap, or a leaking radiator rather than a dramatic pipe failure. Watch the coolant level and investigate any sweet smell or damp spots early.

Estimated Repair Costs

DIY $200–400
Shop $500–1,000

Usually a housing, seal, or radiator. Find it early.

Common Fixes

  • Replace plastic coolant pipes with aluminum upgrade
  • Coolant transfer pipe replacement (common failure)
  • Replace expansion tank if showing age
  • Water pump replacement as preventive maintenance
  • Flush and refill with proper coolant mix

Common Parts

Part Part Number Typical price
Coolant Transfer Pipe 991.106.637.01 $100–200
Coolant Pipe Kit (Aluminum) Varies $200–400

Sources: FCP Euro, Rennlist

Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (DFI Engines)

Moderate

Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, reduced power, poor fuel economy, hesitation under load

Every 991 engine is direct-injected, so fuel doesn't wash the backs of the intake valves and some carbon builds up over time. Porsche's engines seem less prone to it than many direct-injected designs, and plenty of cars never need attention. If a high-mileage car idles roughly or feels down on power, walnut blasting cleans the valves.

Estimated Repair Costs

DIY $200–400
Shop $500–1,000

Mild on these engines. Walnut blasting if it's needed.

Common Fixes

  • Walnut shell blasting (standard solution)
  • Chemical treatments (less invasive but less effective)
  • Catch can installation to reduce oil vapor deposits
  • Use Top Tier fuel with good detergent packages
  • Spirited driving helps but doesn't eliminate buildup

Common Parts

Part Part Number Typical price
Walnut Media Varies $30–50
Intake Gaskets 9A111024900 $25–50

Sources: Rennlist, Planet-9

PDK Transmission Issues

Advanced

Symptoms: Harsh shifts, jerky low-speed operation, shuddering, warning lights, delayed engagement

The PDK is generally reliable. Some low-speed jerkiness, especially cold, is normal behavior. The real problems are clutch wear, mechatronic unit failures, and software faults. Porsche's schedule calls for the PDK clutch fluid every 60,000 miles and the transmission fluid every 120,000 miles or 12 years. Many specialists change the transmission fluid at 60,000 too, and I'd follow them. Ask for proof on any car you're buying.

Estimated Repair Costs

DIY $150–250
Shop $400–2,000+

Clutch fluid at 60,000 miles; transmission fluid at 120,000 (many specialists say 60,000).

Common Fixes

  • PDK fluid change (recommended every 50,000-60,000 miles)
  • Software updates to address shift quality
  • Clutch adaptation reset via PIWIS diagnostic
  • Clutch pack replacement if severely worn
  • Mechatronic unit repair for electronic issues

Common Parts

Part Part Number Typical price
PDK Fluid (7L) Pentosin FFL-2 $150–200
PDK Filter 9G132153300 $40–80

Sources: Rennlist, Planet-9

PASM Suspension Damper Failures

Moderate

Symptoms: PASM warning light, harsh ride, damper leaking, clunking noises, uneven handling

PASM dampers adjust their stiffness electronically. They fail by leaking or with electrical faults, which brings up a warning and can leave the system stuck in one setting. They cost a lot more than conventional shocks, though remanufactured units help.

Estimated Repair Costs

DIY $400–800
Shop $800–1,500

Remanufactured dampers are available.

Common Fixes

  • Diagnose with Porsche diagnostic tool (PIWIS)
  • Replace failed PASM damper (oem or remanufactured)
  • Some owners convert to quality coilovers when multiple fail
  • Check wiring and connectors before replacing damper
  • Remanufactured dampers available at reduced cost

Common Parts

Part Part Number Typical price
PASM Damper (Front) 991.343.053.15 $600–1,000
PASM Damper (Rear) 991.333.053.16 $600–1,000
PASM (Remanufactured) Varies $350–550

Oil Consumption Concerns

Moderate

Symptoms: Low oil warnings, need to add oil between changes, blue smoke on startup, oil smell

Some 991.1 engines use more oil than owners expect, and Porsche's published allowance is generous. It's usually not a sign of a failing engine, but it means you need to check the level regularly and never let it run low. A sudden increase is worth investigating.

Estimated Repair Costs

DIY $50–100
Shop $100–500

Monitor and top up. A sudden change needs diagnosis.

Common Fixes

  • Monitor oil level regularly using on-board system
  • Keep oil level in proper range (not overfilled)
  • Some owners report improvement with different oil brands
  • Severe consumption may indicate piston ring issues
  • Compression and leak-down test for diagnosis

Common Parts

Part Part Number Typical price
Engine Oil (10L) Mobil 1 0W-40 $80–120
Oil Filter 991.107.225.53 $20–40

Turbo-Specific Issues (991.2 Carrera)

Advanced

Symptoms: Boost inconsistency, wastegate rattle, turbo whine, check engine light, reduced power

The 991.2 Carreras moved to a twin-turbo 3.0L. The turbos are generally dependable, but wastegate rattle, actuator faults, and seal leaks do show up, and the feed and drain lines deserve a look at service time. It's a more complex engine than the naturally aspirated 991.1.

Estimated Repair Costs

DIY $100–300
Shop $500–2,000+

Wastegate rattle and boost faults are the common ones.

Common Fixes

  • Wastegate actuator adjustment or replacement
  • Turbo oil line inspection and replacement
  • Intercooler inspection for leaks
  • Boost leak testing if low power complaints
  • Proper warm-up and cool-down for turbo longevity

Common Parts

Part Part Number Typical price
Wastegate Actuator 9A112180101 $300–500
Turbo Oil Line Kit Varies $100–200

Convertible Top Issues (Cabriolet)

Moderate

Symptoms: Slow operation, error messages, hydraulic leaks, top doesn't complete cycle, fabric wear

The Cabriolet's top is hydraulic and complex. Pumps wear, microswitches fail, and ram seals leak, and the fabric wears at its stress points. Cycling it regularly and keeping the drains clear helps it last.

Estimated Repair Costs

DIY $100–400
Shop $500–1,500

Cabriolet only.

Common Fixes

  • Hydraulic system inspection and fluid top-off
  • Hydraulic pump replacement if failing
  • Microswitch adjustment or replacement
  • Top fabric replacement for worn or damaged tops
  • System reset procedure after battery work

Common Parts

Part Part Number Typical price
Hydraulic Pump 991.561.609.01 $500–800
Microswitch Kit Varies $50–100

Electric Steering Column Issues

Moderate

Symptoms: Creaking noise, steering feel inconsistency, steering wheel off-center, warning lights

The 991 uses electric power steering. Some owners report creaks from the column at low speed, usually cured with lubrication, and occasional software-related warnings that a dealer update can fix.

Estimated Repair Costs

DIY $50–150
Shop $200–500

Lubrication usually cures the creak.

Common Fixes

  • Steering column lubrication for creaking
  • Software update for steering feel issues
  • Steering rack inspection if play detected
  • Steering angle sensor recalibration
  • Full diagnosis with Porsche diagnostic tool

Common Parts

Part Part Number Typical price
Steering Column Lube Varies $15–30
Steering Angle Sensor 991.361.155.00 $200–350

Sources: Rennlist, Planet-9

Restoration Guides

The bigger jobs: step-by-step, with parts lists, tools, and the mistakes to avoid.

DIY Maintenance

The routine work you can do on a Saturday with hand tools and jack stands.

Torque Specs

Values for common service jobs. Check the source listed for each table, and your own manual, before you torque anything critical.

Engine

Component Torque Spec Notes
Spark Plugs 22 ft-lbs (30 Nm) -
Ignition Coil Bolts 7 ft-lbs (10 Nm) -
Oil Drain Plug 37 ft-lbs (50 Nm) Replace crush washer
Oil Filter Housing Cap 19 ft-lbs (26 Nm) -
Intake Manifold 7 ft-lbs (10 Nm) -
Engine Mount Bolts (Top) 23 ft-lbs (31 Nm) -
Engine Mount Thru-Bolt 63 ft-lbs (85 Nm) -
Coolant Pipe Fittings 15 ft-lbs (20 Nm) New o-rings
Turbo Oil Lines (991.2) 15 ft-lbs (20 Nm) Turbo models

Suspension

Component Torque Spec Notes
Wheel Lug Bolts 118 ft-lbs (160 Nm) Center-lock different (443 ft-lbs)
Front Strut Pinch Bolt 65 ft-lbs (85 Nm) -
Front Control Arm to Frame 89 ft-lbs (120 Nm) -
Front Control Arm Ball Joint 56 ft-lbs (76 Nm) -
Front Thrust Arm to Frame 118 ft-lbs (160 Nm) -
PASM Damper Top Nut 23 ft-lbs (31 Nm) -
Tie Rod End Nut 48 ft-lbs (65 Nm) -
Sway Bar End Links 48 ft-lbs (65 Nm) -
Rear Control Arm Eccentric 74 ft-lbs (100 Nm) -
Rear Upper Control Arm 81 ft-lbs (110 Nm) -

Brakes

Component Torque Spec Notes
Front Caliper Bolts 63 ft-lbs (85 Nm) Use new bolts
Rear Caliper Bolts 63 ft-lbs (85 Nm) Use new bolts
PCCB Caliper Bolts 74 ft-lbs (100 Nm) Ceramic brake cars
Brake Rotor Screws 7 ft-lbs (10 Nm) -
Brake Line Fittings 13 ft-lbs (18 Nm) -
Wheel Speed Sensor 7 ft-lbs (10 Nm) -

Parts & Suppliers

Where I'd shop for 991 parts: genuine, performance, used, and the specialists.

OEM Featured

FCP Euro

Lifetime replacement guarantee—growing 991 coverage as parts become available

Lifetime Warranty OE Quality
Free over $49 Lifetime
OEM Featured

Pelican Parts

Deep 991 parts catalog with emerging DIY tech articles

OEM Parts Tech Articles
Free over $99
OEM

Porsche Parts

Factory genuine Porsche parts—often the best source for 991-specific items

Factory Original Genuine Porsche
Genuine OEM
OEM

Sunset Porsche Parts

Porsche dealer parts department with competitive OEM pricing

OEM Dealer New Genuine Parts
Fast shipping
Performance Featured

Fabspeed

Premium exhaust systems that transform the 991's character without drone

Exhaust Systems Performance Parts
Performance Featured

Dundon Motorsports

Race-inspired exhaust systems—especially popular for GT3 and GT3 RS

Exhaust GT Parts Race Quality
Performance

Softronic

ECU tuning to extract more power from the 991's engine

ECU Tuning Performance Software
Performance

JRZ Suspension

Professional-grade coilovers for track use—popular with HPDE enthusiasts

Coilovers Race Suspension
Performance

KW Suspensions

Premium coilover systems for street and track 991s

Coilovers Street/Track
Performance

AWE Tuning

Performance exhaust systems and intake upgrades

Exhaust Intakes
General

AutohausAZ

Growing selection of 991 replacement parts at competitive prices

Replacement Parts Maintenance Items
Free over $99
General

ECS Tuning

Wide selection of OEM and aftermarket parts with detailed fitment

OEM Parts Aftermarket Options
Free over $99
General

PartsGeek

Budget-friendly replacement parts for common maintenance

Budget Parts Fast Shipping
Specialist Featured

GMG Racing

Track-focused upgrades and complete race preparation—extensive 991 GT3 experience

Track Parts Race Prep GT Builds
Specialist Featured

SharkWerks

Performance shop with deep 991 expertise—known for GT car work

GT Models Engine Work Full Builds
Specialist

BBI Autosport

Custom builds and track preparation for 991 GT cars

Custom Builds Turbo Conversions
Specialist

Champion Motorsport

Premium wheels and performance parts for the 991 platform

Wheels Performance Parts
Used/NOS Featured

Rennlist 991 Classifieds

Active 991 community marketplace—good selection of used OEM and aftermarket

991 Community Vetted Sellers
Used/NOS

6SpeedOnline Classifieds

Large enthusiast community with active 991 parts section

Forum Marketplace Enthusiast Parts
Used/NOS

eBay Motors

Global marketplace for used and NOS 991 parts

Used Parts NOS Global Sellers
Used/NOS

Car-Part.com

Search nationwide salvage yard inventory—good for body panels

Salvage Parts Body Panels

Community Resources

Where 991 owners hang out: forums, YouTube channels, and clubs worth your time.

Own a 991?

Track it in My Garage

Add your car and you get a 991 service schedule with intervals already filled in, a restoration tracker organized by system, and a log of every job and what it cost. It's free, and it's the same on your phone and your laptop.