8 Most Porsche Common Problems Explained
If you’re a Porsche owner, then you know that there’s nothing quite like the thrill of driving one. However, with great power comes great responsibility – and even the best models can have Porsche common problems from time to time.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the most Porsche common problems and how to fix them. So read on and learn everything you need to know about keeping your Porsche running in top condition.
Is Porsche a Reliable Brand?
Porsche cars are some of the most popular sports cars on the market. They are famous for their stunning design, powerful engines, and high-end features. And on top of that, Porsche vehicles are reliable and built with quality in mind.
The cars undergo rigorous testing to ensure that they meet the company’s high standards. In addition, Porsche offers a comprehensive warranty that covers repairs that may be needed for 4 years or 50,000 miles. As a result, as an owner, you can rest assured that your car will be reliable for years to come.
Porsches are very reliable and do not break down easily – provided you adhere to regular maintenance and servicing, you will not spend much on repairs. Porsches use only premium parts, and for this reason, problems don’t happen often.
That being said, no car is perfect, and Porsches are no exception. Like any car, Porsches will eventually need repairs. However, with proper care, you can minimize the frequency and cost of these repairs and Porsche common problems.
Porsche Common Problems
A Porsche is a great car to own, but like any other vehicle, it can have its problems. So if you’re thinking about buying a Porsche or you already own one and encounter any issues, be sure to read on for helpful information.
1. Check Engine Light (CEL)
A Check Engine Light (CEL) is a common warning on any car, no matter the brand. The CEL comes on the instrument cluster if the system discovers a fault while the engine is running.
The faults your Porsche may experience can be small, like a vacuum leak, a coolant leak, or much worse – like the car telling you that all the oil is now on the freeway because of a pothole you hit.
Also, worn ignition coils and spark plug tube seals have to be maintained or replaced frequently to avoid misfires. In that case, when a misfire happens, the CEL light will be displayed on the dashboard.
If you’re considering fixing the problem yourself, we recommend taking a step back and consulting a repair shop, as there may be different reasons for this common problem.
2. Oil Leaks
As many drivers know, oil leaks can be a serious problem. If left untreated, they can cause extensive damage to your car, even on modern vehicles. Thankfully, repairs are generally straightforward.
One of the most common sources of oil leaks is the rear main seal. The rear main seal is located between the engine and the transmission, and it helps to keep oil from leaking out of the engine. Over time, the seal can become worn or damaged, causing oil to leak out.
To fix a rear main seal leak, you will need to replace the seal. This can be a difficult and time-consuming task, so it’s best to leave it to a professional mechanic.
Another common source of oil leaks is the valve cover. The valve cover is located on top of the engine, and it helps to keep oil from leaking out of the valves. Over time, the gasket that seals the valve cover can become worn or damaged, causing oil to leak out.
To fix a valve cover leak, you will need to replace the gasket. This is a relatively simple task that can be easily completed by a qualified mechanic.
If you notice any oil leaks on your vehicle, it’s important to have them repaired as soon as possible. Oil leaks can cause extensive damage to your vehicle, so it’s best to take care of them before they become a big problem. At Poudre Sports Car, we are able to quickly diagnose any problem and perform repairs that last.
3. Air Oil Separator (AOS)
The air oil separator, or AOS, is a critical component of the emissions system in Porsche engines. Designed to extract oil from gases in the crankcase, the AOS ensures that oil is recycled back to the sump and that gas is sent through the combustion path to be burnt and cleaned by catalytic converters.
However, the air oil separator issues may be causing numerous issues in Porsche cars, resulting in check engine lights for fuel adaptations, emission faults, lots of white smoke, and other issues.
As a result, it is important for Porsche owners to be aware of the potential problems that can be caused by the AOS and to have the system checked regularly by a qualified mechanic.
A failing air oil separator (AOS) can also be the cause of oil leaks and rear main seal failure. This, in turn, causes too much oil to pass into the intake and forces the engine to consume fuel mixtures.
For drivers hitting the track often or driving many miles each week at high speed, we recommend opting for a Porsche Motorsport AOS, which allows you to extend the system’s lifetime.
4. Low or Flat Battery Power
Many people think of Porsche models as high-performance sports cars that are meant to be driven hard and fast. However, the reality is that many Porsche 911 spend more time sitting in storage than they do out on the open road.
Eventually, it’s not uncommon for Porsche owners to find themselves dealing with a flat battery.
The problem is that even when a 911 is parked and not being driven, it still uses battery power to run important systems like the emissions control system and the electronic stability control. This can quickly lead to a situation where the battery power is completely drained, potentially causing all sorts of problems.
We suggest you purchase and use a battery maintainer when you store or do not use the car for a couple of weeks or more.
5. Coolant Leaks
Porsche cars are pretty reliable for their cooling system, but there are several weaker areas that can sometimes cause issues, especially on the Porsche 911 and Porsche Cayenne.
First, one of the most frustrating leaks is a small crack in the plastic coolant pipes and reservoir, which happens on different Porsche models and present itself with a coolant smell and some small leak may happen after a while. Replacing the reservoir is possible but it can be complicated, hence visiting a repair shop is your safest bet.
Then, radiators, mostly on the 911, are pretty low and, therefore, exposed to road debris. Small holes in the radiator can be difficult to see without removing the front bumper and searching for the telltale white coolant stain. The best way to prevent a radiator leak is to clean it regularly.
Lastly, the bearing water pumps failing are often the reason of the leak. Checking your water pumps regularly and replacing them every 4 years or so is a good way to keep your Porsche car away from leaks.
6. 2nd Gear Moving to Neutral
This is another common Porsche problem, but it only affects manual transmission this time. Several models experience an issue with the second gear, placing it on neutral by itself, which is annoying and dangerous.
The problem is caused by damage to the dog ring or op-sleeve, which occurs when one or both parts are worn down. Apart from that, this issue is mainly seen with drivers shifting gears quickly and abruptly.
Replacing the op-sleeve is necessary in most cases, but in extreme instances, replacing both the dog ring and op-sleeve is required.
Luckily, this issue does not exist on Porsche automatic transmissions.
Our team of experts at Poudre Sports Car specializes in Porsche common problems, including gear shifting issues, and we always provide detailed quotes.
7. Smoke on Startup – Cold Engine
A quick puff of smoke at startup is common with Porsche cars and is a typical sign of wear and tear and worsens with the mileage. Porsche cars that have been stored for a while without starting are more prone to this problem, so starting the engine every so often is an excellent idea to prevent it.
Of course, opening the engine compartment is a good idea to check it out if you know where to put your hands.
While a quick smoke on startup is not a big deal, experiencing it for an extended period is. The worst part of this common issue is that there’s no straightforward fix; one method could work for some situations but could be helpless in other cars.
More often than not, replacing the fuel injectors can be the solution, but if the car has been stored in the garage for a few weeks or months. If that’s the case, the fuel was sitting in the intake path, causing the startup smoke.
Other than that, the smoke can be caused by an air oil separator (AOS) that is degrading.
8. Heavy Clutch Pedal
If you have a manual early model 911 Turbo and your clutch pedals feel very heavy before starting the engine, the pressure accumulator is most likely the problem. This device is designed to hold the hydraulic pressure needed to operate the clutch once the engine has been stopped.
In many cases, though, it begins leaking pressure back into the system instead of functioning when pre-startup is required.
Wear and tear on the clutch slave cylinder is common after the pressure accumulator has failed, so it’s recommended that you replace them at the same time.
Pros and Cons of Porsche Cars
Owning a Porsche is a dream for many people. The car is synonymous with luxury, speed, and status. But are Porsches really worth the price tag? Here are the pros and cons of owning one.
Pros
- High safety standards
- Premium and stunning design
- Porsche are very comfortable cars
- High durability and performance
- Great resale prices for Porsche sold
Cons
- High buying price
- Air oil separator problems
- Repair costs can be costly
- Battery power is low on certain models
Conclusion
Although Porsches are built to be high-performance machines, they can still encounter the same issues as any other car on the road. By familiarizing yourself with these 8 most common Porsche problems, you can avoid being caught off guard and keep your vehicle in top condition for years to come.
From Porsche Cayenne to Porsche 911, these were issues that could happen with all models.
Do you have any experience with these or other Porsche mechanical problems? Let us know; we will be able to help if you come over for a visit at Poudre Sports Car.
We service all Porsche models in Denver and Fort Collins