1999 Porsche 911 Problems & Reliability

If you’re a car enthusiast or just someone who appreciates the finer things in life, the Porsche 911 likely holds a special place in your heart. Known for its iconic design and exhilarating performance, the 911 has been a dream car for many since its inception. However, like any vehicle, it’s not without its quirks and challenges. Today, we’re diving into the 1999 Porsche 911, a model that marked the beginning of the 996 generation. While it brought some exciting changes to the table, it also came with its fair share of issues that potential buyers and current owners should be aware of. In this post, we’ll explore some of the common problems that have been reported with the 1999 Porsche 911, from the infamous IMS bearing failure to electrical gremlins that can leave you scratching your head. But it’s not all doom and gloom—despite these issues, the 1999 911 still holds a reputation for being a reliable sports car when properly maintained. We’ll also touch on the overall reliability of this model and what you can do to keep it running smoothly. So, whether you’re considering buying one or just curious about this classic ride, stick around as we take a closer look at the 1999 Porsche 911.
Body Components

Parts Assessed:

Windows, power locks, manual locks, doors, trunk, tailgate, mirrors, power and manual seat controls, seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defects.

Reported Problems:

  • Internal Leak at Oil Seperator Can Cause Fuel Trim and Oxygen Sensor Limit Faults

Analysis:

The 1999 Porsche 911 is known for its performance, but it does have some reliability issues, like the internal leak at the oil separator. This problem can lead to fuel trim and oxygen sensor limit faults, which might affect the car’s efficiency and emissions. While it’s a classic ride, keeping an eye on these issues is key to maintaining its legendary status on the road.

Parts Assessed

Brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake lines, brake master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake, brake sensors, regenerative braking system (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Various Faults Due to Intenal Leak at the Oil Seperator

Analysis:

The 1999 Porsche 911 has been known to experience various faults due to an internal leak at the oil separator, which can lead to engine performance issues and potential damage if not addressed promptly. While this problem is a notable concern, regular maintenance and timely repairs can help mitigate its impact on the car’s overall reliability. It’s important for owners to keep an eye out for symptoms and address them quickly to maintain the vehicle’s performance.

Parts Assessed

Air conditioning compressor, AC condenser, AC evaporator, heater core, blower motor, automatic climate control system, refrigerant leaks, HVAC electrical components, temperature sensors, ventilation system.

Reported Problems:

  • Persistent Coolant Loss Due to Small Leak at Coolant Reservoir

Analysis:

The 1999 Porsche 911 is a classic ride, but it does have its quirks, like the persistent coolant loss due to a small leak at the coolant reservoir. This issue can be a bit of a headache, as it requires regular monitoring and maintenance to prevent overheating. While its not a deal-breaker for many enthusiasts, its something to keep in mind if youre considering this model.

Parts Assessed

CV joints, driveshaft, axles, differential, limited-slip differential (if applicable), traction control system, electronic stability control (ESC), four-wheel-drive (4WD) components, all-wheel-drive (AWD) components, transfer case, driveline vibration.

Reported Problems:

  • Rear Main Seal/Intermediate Support Cover O-ring may Leak Oil

Analysis:

The 1999 Porsche 911 is known for its performance, but one common issue is the potential for the rear main seal and intermediate support cover O-ring to leak oil. This problem can lead to oil drips and, if not addressed, might cause more significant engine issues over time. While it’s a concern for owners, regular maintenance and timely repairs can help maintain the car’s overall reliability.

Parts Assessed

Infotainment system, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen display, phone pairing, backup camera, rear entertainment system, head-up display, instrument cluster, digital gauges.

Reported Problems:

  • Valve cover leaks are common

Analysis:

The 1999 Porsche 911 is a classic ride, but it’s not without its quirks. One of the more common issues owners face is valve cover leaks, which can be a bit of a hassle to deal with. Despite this, many enthusiasts still find the overall reliability of the car to be solid, especially if it’s well-maintained.

Parts Assessed

Radiator, radiator hoses, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, engine coolant reservoir, overheating prevention system, intercooler (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Check engine light due to various leaks

Analysis:

The 1999 Porsche 911 is known for its performance, but one common issue that pops up is the check engine light due to various leaks. These leaks can stem from things like the oil separator or vacuum lines, which can be a bit of a hassle to diagnose and fix. While it’s a bit of a nuisance, staying on top of maintenance can help keep your 911 running smoothly.

Parts Assessed

Alternator, battery, ignition switch, ignition coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, engine control module (ECM), electronic ignition system, auto stop/start function, battery cables, engine wiring harness, fuse box, relays, starter motor.

Reported Problems:

  • Check Engine Light due to cam tensioner/timing issues

Analysis:

The 1999 Porsche 911 is known to have some issues with the check engine light coming on due to cam tensioner and timing problems. These issues can be a bit of a headache, as they might lead to more significant engine troubles if not addressed promptly. While the car is a classic and offers a thrilling driving experience, potential buyers should be aware of these reliability concerns and consider regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly.

Parts Assessed

Engine rebuilds, cylinder head, head gasket, timing chain, timing belt, camshaft, crankshaft, connecting rods, turbocharger or supercharger (if applicable), valve train, piston rings, oil control system, engine knocking, engine misfires.

Reported Problems:

  • Engine noise from intermediate shaft area

Analysis:

The 1999 Porsche 911 is known for its thrilling performance, but one common issue that pops up is engine noise from the intermediate shaft area. This problem can be a bit concerning as it might indicate potential wear or failure of the intermediate shaft bearing, which is crucial for engine reliability. While not every 911 from this year will experience this issue, it’s something to keep an eye on if you’re considering buying or currently own one.

Parts Assessed

Muffler, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, exhaust pipes, oxygen (O₂) sensors, resonator, exhaust leaks, emissions control system.

Reported Problems:

  • Difficulty downshifting from second gear due to internal transmission problem

Analysis:

The 1999 Porsche 911 is a classic ride, but it’s not without its quirks. One common issue is the difficulty downshifting from second gear, which is often due to an internal transmission problem. While this can be a bit of a headache, many owners find that with regular maintenance, the car remains a reliable and thrilling drive.

Parts Assessed

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel rail, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, fuel gauge sensor, evaporative emissions system, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve, charcoal canister, fuel filter, fuel tank, vapor leaks.

Reported Problems:

  • Monitor warning lights and inspect brakes

Analysis:

The 1999 Porsche 911 is known for its thrilling performance, but like any older sports car, it has its quirks. One common issue is the monitor warning lights, which can sometimes be overly sensitive, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on them and address any alerts promptly. Additionally, regular brake inspections are crucial, as the braking system can experience wear and tear over time, impacting overall reliability if not maintained properly.

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Onboard Electronics

Parts Assessed

Cruise control, keyless entry system, push-button start, wiper motor, warning lights, power mirrors, interior lighting, exterior lighting, dashboard indicators, electronic parking brake, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), alarm and security system, remote engine start, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad.

Reported Problems:

  • Misfire due to failed mass air flow sensor or failed purge valve

Analysis:

The 1999 Porsche 911 is known for its thrilling performance, but it does have some reliability issues, particularly with misfires caused by a failed mass air flow sensor or a failed purge valve. These problems can lead to engine performance issues and may require timely repairs to maintain the car’s overall reliability. While these issues are not uncommon for a vehicle of its age, regular maintenance can help keep the 911 running smoothly.

Parts Assessed

Dashboard rattles, squeaks, wind noise, door seals, weather stripping, water leaks, air leaks, excessive road noise, suspension noise, drivetrain noise, exhaust rattles, engine bay noises.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Paint durability, clear coat protection, rust prevention, corrosion resistance, body panel alignment, door seals, window trim, plastic trim, metal finishes, fading, cracking, peeling.

Reported Problems:

  • Ring/pinion failure may occur on 4WD models

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Struts, shocks, control arms, sway bars, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, power steering pump, power steering fluid leaks, electronic power steering (EPS), steering rack and pinion, steering linkage, alignment issues, torsion bars, springs, air suspension (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Transmission rebuild, transmission replacement, torque converter, transmission solenoids, gear selector, gear shifting, transmission control module (TCM), transmission fluid leaks, clutch (manual transmission), automatic transmission valve body, CVT (continuously variable transmission) components, dual-clutch transmission (DCT) components.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Conclusion

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