Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1983 Porsche 911 — 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.
2
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Control | 1 | 50% | new |
| Transmission | 1 | 50% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE REAR SEAT BELTS DO NOT INCLUDE EMERGENCY-LOCKING OR AUTOMATIC-LOCKING RETRACTORS. THE BELTS DO NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION".
Remedy
RECALLED VEHICLES WILL HAVE THE RIGHT REAR SEAT BELT AND A PORTION TO THE LEFT BELT REPLACED WITH RETRACTABLE BELTS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER PRESSED THE CLUTCH PEDAL TO CHANGE GEARS, HOWEVER PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR AND IT HAD TO BE DRIVEN IN ONLY 1 GEAR, VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER AND FIXED, HOWEVER IT FAILED AGAIN, THIS TIME WHILE IN FIRST GEAR, VEHICLE LURCHED BACKWARDS CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AND CONSUMER TO BE INJURED, CONSUMER IS…”
“CONSUMER PRESSED THE CLUTCH PEDAL TO CHANGE GEARS, HOWEVER PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR AND IT HAD TO BE DRIVEN IN ONLY 1 GEAR, VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER AND FIXED, HOWEVER IT FAILED AGAIN, THIS TIME WHILE IN FIRST GEAR, VEHICLE LURCHED BACKWARDS CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AND CONSUMER TO BE INJURED, CONSUMER IS…”
The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1983 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.