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Porsche 911 991 (2012-2018) reliability

At a glance

Porsche 911 991 built around 2018: fails its MOT less often than average

Porsche 911 991 models built around 2018 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Porsche 911 991?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

5% of MOT tests on Porsche 911 991 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 911 991 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Porsche 911 991
excellent reliability2012-2018CoupePETROL

Based on 12,516 tests of 911 models registered 2012-2018.

About 1 in 75 911 991 MOTs (1.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 2,547 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

1.6% of 911 991 MOTs found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 2,547 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

991 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
6795.6%
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
8936.6%

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 8 years old.

How the 911 991 compares

At each age below, see how the 911 991 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 13,024 tests across 6 Porsche models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail ratePorsche average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
6795.6%
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
8936.6%

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.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can 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.

Other coupes to compare

Other coupes, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 911 991.

  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 911 991 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 911 991 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 911 991 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 911 991 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.

How many are still registered

94%of all Porsche 911 cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

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

10 of the 58 911 991 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 9 more

Top concerns

  • Incorrect detonators fitted to front passenger airbags
  • The screw connection of the pressure input rod of the brake booster was not carried out according to regulations
  • Bonding on windscreen is insufficient

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

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2018 (7 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol 911 tests (not specific to 991).

2.0 to 3.0 litres5.9%1,698 tests3.0 litres or more4.0%848 tests
How 911 991 cars have aged

How 911 991 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%35791113Age at MOTBuilt around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 6.0% (1,879 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 5.5% (1,821 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 6.2% (1,723 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 5.6% (1,641 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 5.0% (1,581 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 4.8% (1,309 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 5.3% (1,197 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 5.4% (1,113 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 6.1% (1,058 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 6.6% (1,042 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 6.1% (1,188 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 5.1% (1,131 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 4.9% (1,086 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 5.0% (1,048 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 5.2% (1,039 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 5.2% (1,149 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 6.2% (1,106 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 5.0% (1,058 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 5.5% (1,026 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 5.8% (1,037 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 5.7% (973 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 4.5% (888 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 4.4% (859 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 6.6% (891 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 5.8% (856 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 5.9% (768 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 6.6% (752 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 7.1% (723 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 6.8% (734 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 4.6% (690 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 9.0% (999 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 7.1% (933 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 7.7% (948 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 7.5% (904 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 6.6% (893 tests, 2025 data)2012
First registered around 2018First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015
991 variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Porsche 911 models of this age

This list covers every Porsche 911 built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the 991 on its own.

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 tests

Looking at a Porsche 911 991?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Porsche 911 991 (2012-2018) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 2,547 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 12,516 MOT tests on Porsche 911 models first registered between 2012-2018. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.