REDLINE ALLEYPorsche 911 991 Carrera buying guide
2011 to 2019. A 991 Carrera suits a buyer who wants a modern, usable 911 and will confirm the recalls and PDK history.
Big jobs
- PDK faults. PDK actuator control units can fail, a Transm. Fault message can appear, and an emergency run warning may mean a new gearbox. The cooler flange can also leak.
Workshop jobs
- Coil packs and crank sensor (991.1). Coil packs cause misfires, and a crank sensor fault gives low rev cut outs that are worse when hot.
- Air conditioning drain and wet carpets (991.1). On early cars the air conditioning drain pipe can come off, sometimes because a circlip was missing, letting water into the front footwells.
- Front suspension noise. Front suspension noise is often the top strut mounts but can be a leaking damper. A knock on full lock at low speed is normal.
- Cracking steel brake discs. Steel discs can crack between the drilled holes and squeal. Carbon ceramics do not suffer this.
- Water pumps and expansion tank (991.2). Some water pumps were replaced early for leaks, mainly on cars built late 2017 to early 2018. An expansion tank recall covers false coolant warnings.
- Plastic sump (991.2). Owners reported sump threads failing, and the plastic drain plug torque was questioned.
Small jobs
- Rear tyre wear and alignment. Uneven rear tyre wear needs investigating, and some cars left the factory outside alignment tolerances.
Questions for the seller
- Is it a 991.1 or 991.2, and PDK or manual?
- Has the PDK shown any faults or had any work?
- Have all recalls been completed?
- Have the front carpets ever been wet?
- Are the tyres N rated, and how old are they?
Sources
Researched 2026-11-03. General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection.