1997 Porsche 911 carrera
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Porsche 911 carrera is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 3 on record.
1997 Porsche 911 carrera at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1997 Porsche 911 carrera recalls 1
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SOFTTOP STRUCTURE CATCH LEVER TENSION CAN EASE RESULTING IN A CRACK.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ROOF ALIGNMENT AND ROOF LOCKING PINS. IN ADDITION, THE TWO ROOF LOCKING MOTORS WILL BE REPLACED. ALSO A NEW SENSOR SYSTEM WITHIN THE MOTOR ASSEMBLY WILL PROVIDE AN IMPROVED CONTROL SIGNAL TO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IF THE ROOF IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED WHEN THE DRIVER DRIVES OF…
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
1997 Porsche 911 carrera common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1997 Porsche 911 carrera MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1997 Porsche 911 carrera costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 120
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 120.
Special tools and equipment information for brake caliper pins for the 911, Boxster, and Cayman
Bulletin No. 2403 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2024Product knowledge for the chassis and VIN numbering systems
Bulletin No. D8 · Feb 2024Information for PIWIS tester update 42.500.008
Bulletin PIWIS2401f · Feb 2024Information for PIWIS tester update 42.300.050 & .052
Bulletin PIWIS2302s · Equipment · Nov 2023Instructions on manufactures certificate for approved Porsche C30 engine oils
Bulletin No. 33-23 · Equipment · Nov 2023Instructions on manufactures certificate for approved Porsche A40 engine oils
Bulletin No. 35-23 · Equipment · Nov 2023Instructions on manufacturers certificate for approved C20 engine oils
Bulletin No. 32-23 · Equipment · Nov 2023Information for PIWIS tester update 42.300.040 & .041
Bulletin PIWIS2302r · Equipment · Nov 2023Information for PIWIS tester update 42.300.035
Bulletin PIWIS2302q · Equipment · Nov 2023Information for PIWIS tester update 42.300.030 - .032
Bulletin PIWIS2302p · Equipment · Nov 2023Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 911 CARRERA. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 1
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1997 Porsche 911 carrera. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Other
On certain vehicles, a crack in the electric roof locking motor's helical gear can result in the catch lever no longer holding the roof firmly to the windscreen frame. If both roof locking motors fail, the softtop could open while the car is in motion. Correction: Dealers will replace both roof locking motors. The new electric motors have a stronger gear mechanism, which locks…
Transport Canada #2004449 · Dec 2004Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
