1997 Porsche 911 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Airbags
What's wrong, in plain English: The airbag system — the part that is supposed to protect you in a crash. 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).
What could happen: 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.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A MODIFIED AIR BAG DEACTIVATION KIT.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1997 911.
- Book a repair at any authorized Porsche dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 98E005000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: AIR BAGS:ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY
Summary: 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.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN MARCH 2, 1998. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-545-8039. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (1), Vehicle Speed Control (1), Airbags (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (3)
08/07/2022 · Wheels / tires
This is the second time this brand of tire has slipped off the wheel while on the Highway at 55 miles an hour or better. It put me as the driver at severe risk and the car has been damaged twice now. The tire size is Continentals Sport Plus 265/35 ZR 18. They were like new with little mileage. This is a collector item car and cost to repair is great, not t…
08/11/1998 · Vehicle Speed Control
ENGINE RACED TO 4500RPMS FROM 1000 RPMS AND DID NOT IDLE AFTER PULLING OFF THE ROAD. DRIVER TURNED THE IGNITION OFF, RESTARTED AND THE ENGINE RACED TO 4500RPMS. DRIVER INSPECTED THROTTLE AND IT DID NOT APPEAR STUCK. HE BELIEVES IT MAYBE A COMPUTER GLITCH.
01/09/1997 · Airbags
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND REMAINED ON, DEALER REPLACED AIRBAG UNIT, STILL COMES ON WHILE DRIVING. *AK