2004 Porsche 911 Carrera problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other 911 Carrera years?

911 Carrera NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 911 Carrera years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Engine	4	44%	▲ up
Airbags	2	22%	▲ up
Speed Control	1	11%	new
Steering	1	11%	— flat
Suspension	1	11%	— flat

Does the 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20E091000SuspensionDecember 11, 2020 · 584 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the pin fails, it will cause separation of the strut from the vehicle, affecting vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE OF 2004 PORSCHE 911 4S W/O WARNING. WELL DOCUMENTED EARLY VERSION OF MODEL 996 INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FAILURE REQUIRING COMPLETE ENGINE REPLACEMENT. KNOWN PRODUCT DEFECT SUBSEQUENTLY CORRECTED IN LATER VERSIONS. NO NOTIFICATION BY MANUFACTURER OR DISTRIBUTOR TO CONSUMERS.…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 2, 2010

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 4S. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH AND TAPPED THE BRAKES TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL BUT INSTEAD OF THE VEHICLE DECELERATING, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIRBAG ALSO FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 11, 2012 · crash

“The contact owns a 2004 Porsche 911. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH he heard a loud creaking sound coming from the front-end. The contact stated that he was entering the highway and the sound became louder while speeding to merge. The contact stated that after driving over…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · January 25, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 4S. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH AND TAPPED THE BRAKES TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL BUT INSTEAD OF THE VEHICLE DECELERATING, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIRBAG ALSO FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · June 11, 2012 · crash

“The contact owns a 2004 Porsche 911. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH he heard a loud creaking sound coming from the front-end. The contact stated that he was entering the highway and the sound became louder while speeding to merge. The contact stated that after driving over…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 25, 2023

2004 Porsche 911 Carrera — common questions

Is the 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera reliable?

The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2004 compare to other 911 Carrera years?

What are the most common 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera problems?

Does the 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2004 Porsche 911 Carrera — common questions

Is the 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera reliable?

Does the 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera have recalls?

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