1996 Porsche Carrera 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. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSSENGER VEHICLES. INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG CAN OCCUR.
What could happen: DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG WITHOUT WARNING COULD CAUSE A DRIVER TO LOSE VEHICLE CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH AND PERSONAL INJURY.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM AND A SPECIAL FILTER HORN RELAY WILL BE INSTALLED THAT PROTECTS THE AIR BAG UNIT FROM VOLTAGE PEAKS.
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 1996 CARRERA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Porsche dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 98V089001.
- 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:FRONTAL
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSSENGER VEHICLES. INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG CAN OCCUR.
Consequence: DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG WITHOUT WARNING COULD CAUSE A DRIVER TO LOSE VEHICLE CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH AND PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM AND A SPECIAL FILTER HORN RELAY WILL BE INSTALLED THAT PROTECTS THE AIR BAG UNIT FROM VOLTAGE PEAKS.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 11, 1999. 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: Visibility (wipers / glass) (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
04/28/1997 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
REAR WINDOW WIPER ARM FAILED.