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Porsche 911 997 (2005-2011) reliability

At a glance

Porsche 911 997 built around 2011: fails its MOT less often than average

Porsche 911 997 models built around 2011 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Porsche 911 997?

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

Key figure

8% of MOT tests on Porsche 911 997 models built around 2011 ended in a fail (retests included), against 24% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Porsche 911 997 models built around 2011 involves the tyres.

Porsche 911 997
excellent reliability2005-2011CoupePETROL

Based on 15,644 tests of 911 models registered 2005-2011.

About 1 in 25 911 997 MOTs (4.1%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2011 (14 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,595 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.

About 1 in 50 911 997 MOTs (1.9%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2011 (14 years old).

Based on 1,595 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

997 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
6489.1%
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
1,75411.9%

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 19 years old.

How the 911 997 compares

At each age below, see how the 911 997 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 4,472 tests across 5 Porsche models, built around 2011 (14 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail ratePorsche average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
6489.1%
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
1,75411.9%

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 pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

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.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

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.

Other coupes to compare

Other coupes, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 911 997.

  1. 1

    Mercedes-Benz CLC

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    31.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    10.3%
    Dangerous
    9%

    No clear edge over the Porsche 911 997 on these figures.

    2,245 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  2. 2

    Honda CR-Z

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    7.2%
    Dangerous
    5.6%

    No clear edge over the Porsche 911 997 on these figures.

    1,875 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  3. 3

    Volkswagen Scirocco

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.6%
    Dangerous
    8.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    No clear edge over the Porsche 911 997 on these figures.

    8,101 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  4. 4

    Audi TT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.7%
    Dangerous
    5.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.5%

    No clear edge over the Porsche 911 997 on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    8,210 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

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

1 of the 58 911 997 recalls covers cars built in these years.

  • 1 recall

Top concerns

  • Parking brake may fail

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

How 911 997 cars have aged

How 911 997 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%10%101214161820Age at MOTBuilt around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 7.6% (828 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 7.3% (791 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 5.8% (740 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 6.1% (727 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 7.4% (754 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 7.8% (1,112 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 7.1% (1,082 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 8.0% (1,067 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 10.5% (1,078 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 8.4% (1,025 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 12.5% (915 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 9.5% (872 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 9.1% (857 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 9.5% (843 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 9.5% (833 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 10.8% (1,272 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 10.5% (1,217 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 11.3% (1,201 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 11.4% (1,175 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 9.7% (1,131 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 10.8% (1,689 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 11.5% (1,622 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 12.2% (1,588 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 13.2% (1,589 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 12.0% (1,587 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 13.3% (1,983 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 13.5% (1,915 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 13.4% (1,859 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 14.1% (1,811 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 11.7% (1,677 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 13.0% (1,992 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 12.9% (1,908 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 13.3% (1,893 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 14.0% (1,822 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 11.9% (1,754 tests, 2025 data)2005
First registered around 2011First registered around 2010First registered around 2009First registered around 2008
997 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 2011, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the 997 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

    7.7%
    Advisory: 188Fail: 14 (7% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    5.6%
    Advisory: 125Fail: 12 (9% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    4.8%
    Advisory: 100Fail: 19 (16% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    4.4%
    Advisory: 117Fail: 1 (1% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    4.1%
    Advisory: 95Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,595 tests

Looking at a Porsche 911 997?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2011 (14 years old), the Porsche 911 997 (2005-2011) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,595 14-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 15,644 MOT tests on Porsche 911 models first registered between 2005-2011. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.