- The problem
- A part of the steering column upper universal joint cracked during the manufacturing process.
- The risk
- This condition could result in noise and free play in the steering system and if left uncorrected, will result in loss of steering control.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the universal joint for cracks and will replace cracked joints with new parts.
Vehicle safety record
1990 Porsche 911 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1990 Porsche 911 with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (1). It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in August 1996 for the steering wheel / handle bar. For comparison, the 1989 has 0 and the 1991 has 1.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical 911 year, for its age
#220 most complained-about 1990 vehicle
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1990 Porsche 911 problems
Share of all 1 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1990 Porsche 911 recalls 4
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- After the engine has been turned off, the rear heater will automatically operate in order to dissipate heat in the engine heating system. During this operation, the resistor for the rear heater blower can become overloaded due to a binding or seized rear heater blower.
- The risk
- The overloaded resistor can create heat sufficient toignite the plastic air pipe to which it is connected, resulting in an enginecompartment fire.
- The fix
- Porsche dealers will install a new resistor containing a circuit breaker.
- The problem
- The ball sockets on the cruise control linkage can break, allowing the cruise control linkage to become detached on one end and jam on nearby components, which could impair throttle plate operation.
- The risk
- Impaired throttle plate operation could prevent theengine from returning to idle, resulting in unwanted engine speed and possiblevehicle accident.
- The fix
- Replace the current plastic ball sockets with a new linkage using steel ball sockets, and lubricate the cruise control relay lever. Owners are advised not to use the cruise control until the modification is installed.
- The problem
- Luggage in the luggage compartment and or plastic trim surrounding the safety latch may prevent the latch on the front hood from properly locking.
- The risk
- Latch failure could cause hood to open and obstruct thedriver's front view which could result in an accident.
- The fix
- Replace plastic trim piece and install a bracket behind the safety latch to prevent interference.
What owners say
Be the first 911 owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
1 complaints about the 1990 Porsche 911
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
HOOD CYLINDER FAILED 2 TIMES, ONCE CAUSING INJURY.
Porsche 911: every year compared
All 911 years1990 Porsche 911 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 Porsche 911 | 1 | 4 | C | |
| 1990 Chevrolet Corvette | 0 | 4 | D | Compare |
| 1990 Porsche Carrera | 3 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1990 Porsche Porsche | 1 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 1990 Porsche Carrera 4 | 1 | 1 | - | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1990 Porsche 911
Does the 1990 Porsche 911 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 1990 Porsche 911: steering wheel / handle bar (August 1996); fuses and circuit breakers (December 1993); vehicle speed control (October 1992); latch (January 1991). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Porsche 911?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (1).
How many complaints has the 1990 Porsche 911 had?
1 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 26, 1997 and the latest on February 26, 1997. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1990 Porsche 911 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 40 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Porsche 911 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Porsche 911 years have the most complaints?
2007 (50), 1995 (12), 1999 (8). See every Porsche 911 year compared.
What should I do if my 1990 Porsche 911 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data