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Porsche 911 reliability by build year

Coverage 2005-present5 named generationssports carCoupePETROL
At a glance

Porsche 911 built around 2018: fails its MOT less often than average

Porsche 911 models built around 2018 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age.

Check a Porsche 911 by number plate

Key figure

5% of MOT tests on Porsche 911 models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 13% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Porsche 911 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Porsche 911's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Windscreen

If you have time

Inspect for chips and cracks in the wiper sweep area (Zone A) — these will fail an MOT.

By build year

How build years differ

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your 911's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

911 992

992 (2019-present)

Excellent
PETROL

5.0% fail rate, built around 2020 (5 years old)

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 8 MOTs, 12.8%)

From 1,941 MOT tests at this ageView details →
911 991

991 (2012-2018)

Excellent
PETROL

6.7% fail rate, built around 2017 (8 years old)

Likely between 5.1% and 8.7%

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 5 MOTs, 18.7%)

From 764 MOT tests at this ageView details →
911 997

997 (2005-2011)

Excellent
PETROL

8.5% fail rate, built around 2011 (14 years old)

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 29%)

From 1,595 MOT tests at this ageView details →
Pre

Older models (before 2005)

PETROLUNKNOWN

13.1% fail rate, built before 2000 (over 25 years old)

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 4 MOTs, 25.2%)

From 10,428 MOT tests at this ageNo separate page

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Porsche 911.

See every build year for the Porsche 911

Side-by-side

Porsche 911 generations compared

Each generation is shown at 7 years old if it has at least 100 MOT tests at that age. If not, or if its cars are too new to be 7, it's shown at another age. We try ages close to 7 first. Newer generations have fewer years of data.

GenerationRatingFail rate
992 (2019-present)
Excellent
Excellent5.0%built around 2020 (5 years old)from 1,941 MOT tests at this age
991 (2012-2018)
Excellent
Excellent6.7%likely between 5.1% and 8.7%built around 2017 (8 years old)from 764 MOT tests at this age
997 (2005-2011)
Excellent
Excellent8.5%built around 2011 (14 years old)from 1,595 MOT tests at this age
Older models (before 2005)
No rating
No rating13.1%built before 2000 (over 25 years old)from 10,428 MOT tests at this age

Each row is one generation of the 911, shown at the age printed under its fail rate. So rows can be different ages. Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail, retests included. A rating is given only when there are enough tests to place the fail rate in one rating band with 95% confidence.

By age

Porsche 911 fail rate by age

This chart combines every Porsche 911 ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
2,5684.2%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
1,7663.2%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
1,9415.0%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
2,0145.5%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
2,5475.3%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
1,8066.6%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
1,8295.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1,8206.2%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
1,4995.3%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
1,4435.3%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
1,5417.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
1,5958.5%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
1,7908.8%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,6969.8%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
2,23810.2%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
2,92112.3%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
3,00212.5%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
3,06312.6%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
2,69815.2%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
2,94117.0%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
2,24416.4%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
1,33515.4%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
10,35713.1%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 22 years old.

Where it ranks

Where the Porsche 911 stacks up

Three ways to compare the same cars, built around 2018 (7 years old). The fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests, and 1st has the lowest fail rate. Only models with at least 500 MOT tests at this age are ranked. How we count fail rates

Against other Porsche models

1st of 6

Among the lowest fail rates of the 6 Porsche models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age.

Close to the middle third

Against other coupes

2nd of 13

2nd lowest fail rate of 13 coupes with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age.

In the lowest third

Against the UK average

5.3%

The share of this model's MOT tests at this age that ended in a fail.

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 6 MOTs, 16.6%)

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 7-year-old Porsche 911 models

These issues come from 7-year-old Porsche 911 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    8.1%
    Advisory: 353Fail: 21 (6% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    5.3%
    Advisory: 190Fail: 40 (17% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    1.7%
    Advisory: 66Fail: 1 (1% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords

    1.4%
    Advisory: 25Fail: 19 (43% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Minor

    Windscreen damaged, but the driver can still see clearly

    1.1%
    Advisory: 0Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 2,547 MOT tests on 7-year-old Porsche 911 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 7-year-old Porsche 911 models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelNot much data
  1. Brakes + Tyres22%
  2. Other + Tyres19%
  3. Tyres + Windscreen & wipers14%
  4. Registration plates + Tyres10%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 121 MOT tests on Porsche 911 cars built around 2018 (7 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

94%of this model's cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

58 recalls in all

26 of the 58 Porsche 911 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 24 more

Top concerns

  • Incorrect detonators fitted to front passenger airbags
  • ATA1 - wheel mounting with central wheel lock
  • ASA0 - check rear seat belt buckles and rework if necessary

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Like-for-like

Other coupes to compare

Other coupes to compare

  1. 1

    Ford Mustang

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.9%
    Dangerous
    5.3%

    No clear edge over the Porsche 911 on these figures.

    2,337 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Audi TT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.8%
    Dangerous
    4.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.5%

    No clear edge over the Porsche 911 on these figures.

    6,783 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Volkswagen Scirocco

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.6%
    Dangerous
    6.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    No clear edge over the Porsche 911 on these figures.

    3,040 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Audi A5

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.6%
    Dangerous
    5.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    87.6%

    No clear edge over the Porsche 911 on these figures.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    15,811 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Porsche 911 across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. It has among the lowest fail rates of the 6 Porsche models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age. This is based on 2,547 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Porsche 911 ever sold: 56,725 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2018 (7 years old): 2,547 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.