- The problem
- 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).
- The risk
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
1997 Porsche 911 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 1997 Porsche 911 with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (1) and the acceleration & cruise control (1). It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in February 1998 for the on-off switch assembly. For comparison, the 1996 has 6 and the 1998 has 2.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical 911 year, for its age
#234 most complained-about 1997 vehicle
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1997 Porsche 911 problems
Share of all 3 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1997 Porsche 911 recalls 1
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
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
3 complaints about the 1997 Porsche 911
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
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 to mention how it has forever created a fear in me, of having this happen again. I could have been severely injured if I was not such a good driver. I believe it...
Read the full complaint
is tire failure as the tire ripped from itself. There is still tire left on the edge of the rim. AAA saw the damage when they came to put on the spare. I will show it to my tire store this week as it happened on a weekend and they were closed. I will also have my car inspected for damage this week. I did take photos both times. Since this is the second time this has happened with the same type of tire, I believe it to be the tire being faulty and is a high risk for severe injury.
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.
Airbag warning light came on and remained on, dealer replaced airbag unit, still comes on while driving. *Ak
Porsche 911: every year compared
All 911 years1997 Porsche 911 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Porsche 911 | 3 | 1 | B | |
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 0 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Aston Martin Vantage | 0 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Porsche Boxster | 22 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Porsche Porsche | 3 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 1997 Porsche Carrera | 2 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Porsche 968 | 1 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 1997 Porsche 911 Carrera | 1 | 0 | A | 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 1997 Porsche 911
Does the 1997 Porsche 911 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1997 Porsche 911: on-off switch assembly (February 1998). 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 1997 Porsche 911?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (1), acceleration & cruise control (1), wheels & tires (1).
How many complaints has the 1997 Porsche 911 had?
3 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 9, 1997 and the latest on August 7, 2022. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1997 Porsche 911 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 68 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than 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 1997 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