Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1991 Porsche Carrera — 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.
1
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 1 | 100% | — flat |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
A PART OF THE STEERING COLUMN UPPER UNIVERSAL JOINT CRACKED DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN NOISE AND FREE PLAY IN THE STEERING SYSTEM AND IF LEFT UNCORRECTED, WILL RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE UNIVERSAL JOINT FOR CRACKS AND WILL REPLACE CRACKED JOINTS WITH NEW PARTS.
Defect
AFTER THE ENGINE HAS BEEN TURNED OFF, THE REAR HEATER WILL AUTOMATICALLY OPERATE IN ORDER TO DISSIPATE HEAT IN THE ENGINE HEATING SYSTEM. DURING THIS OPERATION, THE RESISTOR FOR THE REAR HEATER BLOWER CAN BECOME OVERLOADED DUE TO A BINDING OR SEIZED REAR HEATER BLOWER.
Consequence
THE OVERLOADED RESISTOR CAN CREATE HEAT SUFFICIENT TOIGNITE THE PLASTIC AIR PIPE TO WHICH IT IS CONNECTED, RESULTING IN AN ENGINECOMPARTMENT FIRE.
Remedy
PORSCHE DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW RESISTOR CONTAINING A CIRCUIT BREAKER.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET IN MY 1991 PORSCHE CARRERA 2 AT APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MPH WHEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED, SEVERELY BRUISING MY CHEST, HURTING MY NECK, AND BURNING MY LEGS WITH SOME SORT OF A BURNING CHEMICAL. I REPORTED IT TO PORSCHE WHO EVENTUALLY CAME AND GOT THE…”
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — 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 1991 Porsche 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.