2012 Porsche 911: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Porsche 911 first registered in 2012: we looked at the 4,587 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2012 Porsche 911 MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2012 Porsche 911 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres15% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes8% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Suspension6% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics3% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors3% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Oil and fluid leaks1% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
Known faults on the 2012 Porsche 911
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- All engines
Seven recalls
Recalls covered a bonnet catch that could let the bonnet open while driving, brake servo pipes, fuel pipes that could work loose and leak, side and passenger airbag detonators, and windscreens on Targa and Cabriolet models that could work loose.
At the viewing: Ask a Porsche centre to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
Source: Auto Express: used Porsche 911 (991, 2011-2019) review
- Pre-facelift cars
Coolant in the footwell (pre-facelift)
Air con drain pipes can come off and let coolant into the footwell, where it can reach the electronics.
At the viewing: Feel the footwell carpets for damp.
Source: Auto Express: used Porsche 911 (991, 2011-2019) review
- All engines
Misfires
A failed coil pack or crank sensor causes misfires.
At the viewing: Listen for an uneven idle and check for warning lights.
Source: Auto Express: used Porsche 911 (991, 2011-2019) review
- PDK automatic
PDK less reliable than the manual
The PDK twin-clutch gearbox tends to be less reliable than the manual.
At the viewing: Check the changes are smooth and there are no warnings.
Source: Auto Express: used Porsche 911 (991, 2011-2019) review
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Porsche 911
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Have all the recalls been done? Can a Porsche centre confirm from the VIN?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Porsche 911?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Porsche 911 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 2,632 | Tyres 11% |
| 2021 | 3,295 | Tyres 12% |
| 2020 | 4,568 | Tyres 14% |
| 2019 | 6,900 | Tyres 16% |
| 2018 | 6,387 | Tyres 14% |
| 2017 | 5,621 | Tyres 15% |
| 2016 | 5,065 | Tyres 15% |
| 2015 | 5,104 | Tyres 14% |
| 2014 | 4,622 | Tyres 14% |
| 2013 | 3,806 | Tyres 15% |
| 2011 | 3,805 | Tyres 13% |
| 2010 | 5,111 | Tyres 15% |
| 2009 | 4,336 | Tyres 15% |
| 2008 | 5,492 | Tyres 16% |
| 2007 | 7,246 | Tyres 16% |
| 2006 | 8,246 | Brakes 19% |
| 2005 | 8,289 | Brakes 21% |
| 2004 | 7,193 | Brakes 20% |
| 2003 | 7,717 | Brakes 22% |
| 2002 | 7,069 | Brakes 22% |
| 2001 | 4,416 | Brakes 24% |
| 2000 | 2,714 | Brakes 26% |
| 1999 | 3,564 | Brakes 23% |
| 1998 | 3,013 | Brakes 23% |
| 1997 | 2,134 | Oil and fluid leaks 11% |
| 1996 | 2,794 | Oil and fluid leaks 11% |
| 1995 | 1,911 | Oil and fluid leaks 14% |
| 1994 | 1,538 | Oil and fluid leaks 13% |
| 1993 | 769 | Oil and fluid leaks 12% |
| 1992 | 609 | Oil and fluid leaks 11% |
| 1991 | 873 | Oil and fluid leaks 12% |
| 1990 | 2,014 | Oil and fluid leaks 15% |
| 1989 | – | Too few tests |
| 1988 | – | Too few tests |
| 1987 | – | Too few tests |
| 1986 | – | Too few tests |
| 1985 | – | Too few tests |
| 1984 | – | Too few tests |
| 1983 | – | Too few tests |
| 1982 | – | Too few tests |
| 1981 | – | Too few tests |
| 1980 | – | Too few tests |
| 1979 | – | Too few tests |
| 1978 | – | Too few tests |
| 1977 | – | Too few tests |
| 1976 | – | Too few tests |
| 1975 | – | Too few tests |
| 1974 | – | Too few tests |
| 1973 | – | Too few tests |
| 1972 | – | Too few tests |
| 1971 | – | Too few tests |
| 1970 | – | Too few tests |
| 1969 | – | Too few tests |
| 1968 | – | Too few tests |
| 1967 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Porsche 911 cars first registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score