Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1979 Porsche 911 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE BRIDGE IN THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE LOCKING MECHANISM OF THE FRONT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY BENT. THE BUCKLE MAY NOT HOLD PROPERLY AND WILL RELEASE, IF EXTREME FORCES ARE APPLIED.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE SEAT BELTS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Defect
THE SURFACE OF THE MOUNTING BOLTS CONNECTING THE OUTER CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT AXLE SHAFTS ON THE REAR OF THE CAR MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY TREATED. AS A RESULT, THE HEAD OF THE BOLT MAY HAVE BEEN SCUFFED DURING INSTALLATION AND MAY NOT HAVE THE PROPER TORQUE. BOLTS MAY BECOME LOOSE AND AXLE SHAFT SEPARATION COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSTALL AND PROPERLY TIGHTEN NEW AXLE MOUNTING BOLTS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1979 Porsche 911. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 911 years to avoid are 2017, 2016, 2018. The cleanest record among 911 years belongs to 2025.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.