2003 Porsche 911 Turbo
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Porsche › 911 Turbo › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Porsche 911 Turbo. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2003 Porsche 911 Turbo. Newest first.
Ohlins USA, Inc (Ohlins) is recalling certain Front Struts, part number POS 5N20. These struts were sold as part of Ohlins strut kits part number POZ MN02, intended for installation on 1999-2005 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 4S (generation 996), and 2001-2006 Porsche 911 Turbo / Turbo S (generation 996) and kit part number POZ MN05, intended for installation…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the pin fails, it will cause separation of the strut from the vehicle, affecting vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ohlins will notify owners, and dealers will request the return of all unsold kits containing the subject part from dealer/distributor inventory for a full refund. All owners who purchased one of the kits (POZ MN02 or POZ MN05) will receive replacement front struts (POS 5N20 or POS 5N21 - These parts are interchangeable), along with new top mount interface solutions, free of charge. The recall began December 22, 2020. Owners may contact Ohlins customer service at 1-800-336-9029.
Certain passenger vehicles fitted with front seat backs, which do not meet porsche's strength standards.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the seats could twist, tilting on one side to the rear, possibly resulting in personal injury to the vehicle occupant.
Remedy
Dealers will replace both the front seats. owner notification began on april 26, 2004. owners should contact porsche at 1-800-545-8039.
Certain passenger vehicles may have a loose fitting in the pressure line of the power steering assembly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the fitting IS loose, the hydraulic fluid could leak out, which could lead to loss of power steering assist and, for vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, loss of clutch assistance. if the leaking fluid comes into contact with hot exhaust components, it could ignite.
Remedy
Dealers will tighten the fitting to specifications. owner notification began on december 1, 2003. owners should contact porsche at 1-800-545-8039.
Owner complaints
13 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
While driving home from work in december 2015, on a local road near my home, the engine began emitting a large steam cloud behind the vehicle and the coolant level light appeared. I pulled over and there was a major coolant leak behind the car. I had the car taken to a shop, and they identified the…
While driving home from work in december 2015, on a local road near my home, the engine began emitting a large steam cloud behind the vehicle and the coolant level light appeared. I pulled over and there was a major coolant leak behind the car. I had the car taken to a shop, and they identified the issues as one of the coolant pipes had separated from the engine and dumped all of the coolant on the road. in the attached image you can see the separated coolant pipe from the engine towards the back of the picture. given the cost of repair, I had to wait until summer of 2016 to have the repair completed. *tr
- Engine
I was driving on the putnam park road course track on 9/12/15, and one of my coolant fittings broke loose from the defective porsche adhesive. it spewed coolant all over the track, creating a very dangerous situation causing other drivers to lose control. I had a porsche dealer remedy the situation by pinning the fittings and applying new adhesive.
- Engine · Vehicle speed control
I was driving my vehicle down the highway while accelerating when I felt the car squirm and noticed a large cloud of smoke billowing from the rear of the vehicle. I pulled over and identified the issue as a catastrophic coolant leak from the engine area (rear) of the vehicle. I had the vehicle…
I was driving my vehicle down the highway while accelerating when I felt the car squirm and noticed a large cloud of smoke billowing from the rear of the vehicle. I pulled over and identified the issue as a catastrophic coolant leak from the engine area (rear) of the vehicle. I had the vehicle transported home and then to a repair shop where they identified the problem as a coolant line that became separated from the engine block. It was explained to me that porsche, from the factory, used an adhesive like material to mate the connectors of the coolant lines and engine and after usage they will come apart causing coolant to be hemorrhaged onto the engine and potentially wheels/tires causing for very dangerous road conditions. During the incident I almost lost control of my vehicle due to the coolant contacting the tires which would not have otherwise happened had porsche not manufactured their vehicles in the aforementioned way. I as well as others on the road were put in a very dangerous situation because of this manufacturing issue. *tr
- Engine
I was driving on interstate 15 northbound when I felt the rear end of my car slip. I was traveling at approximately 70 mpg in 5TH gear on a 68 degree evening. I looked in my rear view mirror and saw smoke / steam coming out of the engine compartment. I pulled over as soon as I could, which was approximately 1 minute later. this IS exactly what happened in nhtsa action pe13009. *js
- Engine
Aluminum coolant pipe, that IS glued into water pump manifold, came loose causing massive loss of coolant all over the road causing slippery conditions for other drivers. *tr
- Engine
An epoxied coolant fitting for the engine cooling system failed while driving. this resulted in the sudden loss of most all the engines coolant on the roadway. Permanent fix was to have auto repair shop weld the fitting in place. *tr
- Engine
Coolant hose failure when the vehicle IS run medium/hard. I lost 1/2 liter the first couple times in total, and roughly 1 liter of coolant the last time, all over the exhaust and rear driver's side wheel tire. Lucky I did not spin out or have many cars behind me. I captured pictures of the last…
Coolant hose failure when the vehicle IS run medium/hard. I lost 1/2 liter the first couple times in total, and roughly 1 liter of coolant the last time, all over the exhaust and rear driver's side wheel tire. Lucky I did not spin out or have many cars behind me. I captured pictures of the last leak after returning to my garage on 05/03/2013. prior to the last leak, I had the front radiator replaced and the porsche mechanic pressure tested the coolant system to ensure there were no leaks, as I had mentioned it would leak from near the rear driver's side. He did not find any leaks while the car was off and pressure tested. *tr
- Engine
Driving on private road and a radiator hose (in front of car) came off causing immediate and rapid purging of coolant on to all 4 tires and me spinning off of the road. fortunately only into the grass on side of road. car was flat bedded to mechanic for repairs. spent several hundred dollars on…
Driving on private road and a radiator hose (in front of car) came off causing immediate and rapid purging of coolant on to all 4 tires and me spinning off of the road. fortunately only into the grass on side of road. car was flat bedded to mechanic for repairs. spent several hundred dollars on repairs. have since spent thousands on additional preventative measures due to mechanics alerting me that the hoses in the rear will let go and cause coolant loss. had to pay for engine removal and welding of lines for my safety. costs was well over $3000. *tr
- Engine
Repair to the engine coolant hard pipes was required to prophylactically prevent failure of the factory epoxy seal. welding the pipes was required while the engine was out of the vehicle. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Factory connection at coolant pipes had come apart due to poor manufacturing process, use of glue. weeping of coolant at connections. had shop weld coolant pipes to rectify the imminent issue. *tr
- Engine
I was cruising with the family at 65mph and heard my belts squeel and then stop after 2 or 3 seconds. About 20 seconds later a low coolant light came on and my temp light was blinking. Temp was only around 195 to 205, pretty far from the red. I immediatly pulled over and shut it down. There was a lot of coolant leaking, a large trail followed me off the interstate. *tr
- Engine
Coolant pipe failure at "coolant console" on top of the engine causing all coolant to immediately spill on top the engine, spraying the rear tires causing rear tires to lose traction. The coolant pipe IS press fit with what appears to be an adhesive which failed leaving the exit pipe made of steel…
Coolant pipe failure at "coolant console" on top of the engine causing all coolant to immediately spill on top the engine, spraying the rear tires causing rear tires to lose traction. The coolant pipe IS press fit with what appears to be an adhesive which failed leaving the exit pipe made of steel separated from an aluminum " console or block". The coolant loss was immediate causing total coolant loss. Very disconcerting at 70mph having coolant spray all over the rear tires (particularly the drivers side rear). Causing the rear of the car to slide sideways on a gentle right hand bend on an interstate. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
The coolant line connectors that come out of the engine / block are dislodging from the engine blocks and blowing out all of the coolant in a matter of seconds. Porsche used some sort of adhesive to hold the connectors in the block instead of welding them in; as the cars age and go through lots of…
The coolant line connectors that come out of the engine / block are dislodging from the engine blocks and blowing out all of the coolant in a matter of seconds. Porsche used some sort of adhesive to hold the connectors in the block instead of welding them in; as the cars age and go through lots of heat cycles, the adhesive IS wearing out and the connectors are blowing out of the engine block causing a massive coolant dump which can be dangerous if traveling at freeway speeds. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Rapid coolant loss
On April 26, 2013, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE13-009 to investigate 10 complaints alleging incidents of sudden coolant loss while traveling on public roadways in certain model year (MY) 2001 through 2007 Porsche 911 vehicles.The complaints alleged that pipe ends joined by epoxy to certain…
On April 26, 2013, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE13-009 to investigate 10 complaints alleging incidents of sudden coolant loss while traveling on public roadways in certain model year (MY) 2001 through 2007 Porsche 911 vehicles.The complaints alleged that pipe ends joined by epoxy to certain cooling system components may fail suddenly and separate, resulting in large volumes of coolant leakage.The investigation was opened to assess evidence of a design or manufacturing defect in the coolant pipe fittings and any related safety consequences. In response to ODI?s Information Request letter, Porsche identified a manufacturing quality issue with the supplier?s application of adhesive to coolant pipe fittings that resulted in elevated failure rates in approximately 6,800 early production 997 generation vehicles (MY 2007 and early MY 2008).ODI?s analysis of field data showed that the age-adjusted failure rate for these vehicles was approximately six times greater than MY 2001 through 2005 996 generation vehicles and MY 2008 through 2011 997 generation vehicles built after a process improvement for adhesive application was implemented by the supplier.Most of the leak complaints reviewed by ODI did not appear to involve complete separation of the fittings and many were detected when the vehicle was parked.There were no crashes or injuries reported to be related to the alleged defect in any of the subject vehicles.ODI identified two allegations that coolant leakage resulted in loss of control incidents, but neither involved vehicles affected by the assembly process quality issue.A third loss of control allegation involving a vehicle built during the period affected by the supplier process concern is not counted since ODI was unable to contact the owner to confirm the incident.See the full closing resume in the document file for PE13-009 for additional information about the subject cooling system and ODI?s analysis of field data related to the alleged defect. A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011666Parts information with parts withdrawal involving the hydro-mounting - 992199384F The affected vehicles are cars that use the part number mentioned.
- 11011572Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the oil separator. The affected vehicles are cars that use part number 0PC115099A
- 11011570Special tools and equipment information for the WiScope UV upgrade - affecting all Porsche models
- 11011563Information on PIWIS tester update 43.000.020 & .021. PIWIS tester updates applies to all Porsche models that have an OBD2 port.
- 11011561Information on PIWIS tester update 43.000.017. PIWIS tester updates applies to all Porsche models that have an OBD2 port.
- 11011552Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the camera and control unit with the camera - PAD980551 & PAD980568C. The affected vehicles are cars that use the part numbers mentioned.
- 11011200Information on PIWIS tester update 43.000.016. PIWIS tester updates applies to all Porsche models with an OBD2 port.
- 11011195Information on PIWIS tester update 43.000.010, .011 & .015. PIWIS tester updates applies to all Porsche models with an OBD2 port.
- 11011158Installation and conversion instructions on the manthey threaded suspension for the 911.
- 11009877Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.048
- 11009862Special tools and equipment information for the mobile data signal strength in the workshop
- 11008666Manufacturers certificate with an overview on approved Porsche A40 engine oils. See attached for list of affected vehicles.
- 11008658Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the windscreen. Vehicles affected are cars that use part numbers 992845011Q, 992845011AN, 992845011S, 992845011AM, 992845011BL, 992845011DB, 992845047DY, 992845047FY
- 11008657Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.040. PIWIS tester updates applies to all Porsche models that have an OBD2 port.
- 11008637Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.032. PIWIS tester updates applies to all Porsche models that have an OBD2 port.
- 11008636Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.030. PIWIS tester updates applies to all Porsche models that have an OBD2 port.
- 11008635Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the booster - 7PP035223M, 7PP035223AA, 99164548000. Vehicles affected are cars that use the part numbers listed.
- 11008624Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.025
- 11008603Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the windscreen. The cars involved are cars that use the part numbers 992845011Q, 992845011AN, 992845011S, 992845011AM, 992845011BL, 992845011DB, 992845047DY, 992845047FY
- 11008486Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.021
- 11008479Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the chain tensioner - 0PB109507D
- 11008476Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.020
- 11008473Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the seat frame - 992885456CY
- 11008470Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.015
- 11008454Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the booster - 7PP035223M, 7PP035223AA, and 99164548000
- 11008449Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.010 & .011
- 11008441Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the engine oil (00004321093)
- 11008440Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.000 & .001
- 11007107Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the wire set - 976971227 & 976971227A
- 11007096Information on PIWIS tester update 42.900.030
- 11007041Information on PIWIS tester update 42.900.020
- 11007037Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the ball screw - PAF004835
- 11007036Information on PIWIS tester update 42.900.010
- 11006874Parts information for parts withdrawal involving a number of parts for the flange, fuel pump, and fuel filter
- 11006858Product Knowledge on the chassis/VIN numbering systems
- 11006850Information on PIWIS tester update 42.900.000
- 11005806Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the charger for the high-voltage battery
- 11005805Information on PIWIS tester update 42.800.070 & .072
- 11005798Special tools and equipment information VAS6292 Hunter Aligner License Program Change
- 11005786Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the brake hose 9J1611707F and 9J1611708F
Every Porsche 911 Turbo model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.