1997 Porsche Carrera problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1997 Porsche 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 1997 compare to other Carrera years?

Carrera NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Carrera years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Porsche Carrera problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Body & Structure	2	67%	▲ up
Brakes	1	33%	new

Does the 1997 Porsche Carrera have recalls?

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

98E005000AirbagsFebruary 24, 1998 · 32 units

Defect

EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: CHILD SEATING SYSTEM AIR BAG DEACTIVATION KIT FOR USE ON 1997-1998 911 CARRERA S, CARRERA 4, CARRERA 4S, AND TURBO (1997 MODEL ONLY), PART NO. 993 803 283 00, AND 1997-1998 BOXSTER MODEL VEHICLES, PART NOS. 996 803 283 00 AND 996 803 083 00. DUE TO A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM, THE CONTACT BUCKLE (WHICH IS PART OF THE KIT) DOES NOT DEACTIVATE THE AIR BAG(S).

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THIS RESULTS IN THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG(S) WHICH COULD RESULT IN SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD SEAT OCCUPANT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A MODIFIED AIR BAG DEACTIVATION KIT.

1997 Porsche Carrera — common questions

Is the 1997 Porsche Carrera reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Porsche Carrera have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 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.

How does 1997 compare to other Carrera years?

What are the most common 1997 Porsche Carrera problems?

Does the 1997 Porsche Carrera have recalls?

1997 Porsche Carrera — common questions

Is the 1997 Porsche Carrera reliable?

Does the 1997 Porsche Carrera have recalls?

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