Last updated: 2026-10-10
2018 Porsche 911 Reliability Report
The 2018 Porsche 911 has good reliability and a very thin complaint record, but its yearly repair costs run well above the class average.
Recalls
1
Complaints
1
Complaint Rate
1per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$1072
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,750–$4,300
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Among the stronger of the seven scored years, with a single owner complaint about back over prevention and one recall touching air bags and child seat equipment.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
Should You Buy the 2018 Porsche 911?
Good is the verdict on reliability, with a cost caveat. Within the 911's scored model years, this one is among the stronger of seven. Against other 2018 sedans it rates below average, and independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs at $1072 against $739 for its class. The 2019 model rates about the same.
Owner complaints are very thin. The single filing describes a back over prevention failure that began between 25,000 and 30,000 miles. The data says nothing more about the cause. Federal recall records list one recall, and its areas are air bags and child seat equipment.
Ask the seller for proof that the recall work was done. If the car is past 25,000 miles, ask whether the back over prevention system has ever been checked or repaired. The 2019 model is a fair alternative, though it has 2 complaints and 1 recall. Plan for repair bills above the class norm.
Compared to the 2019 Porsche 911, which scored the same.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Low recall count
- +Below-average complaint rate for Sedan
Cons
- −Above-average repair costs for its class
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)
- −BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
Compare 2018 Porsche 911 With
2018 Chevrolet Corvette
Reliability: 70/100
2018 BMW 4 Series
Reliability: 54/100
2018 Chevrolet Camaro
Reliability: 71/100
2018 Ford Mustang
Reliability: 65/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
MODERATE- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2018 Porsche 911 carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
1
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 25.7
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2018 Porsche 911 Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2018 Porsche 911. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
AIR BAGS
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2018 718 Boxster, Boxster S and Boxster GTS, 718 Cayman, Cayman S and Cayman GTS, 911 Carrera, Carrera T, Targa 4 GTS, Carrera 4, Carrera S, Carrera 4S, Carrera GTS, Carrera 4 GTS, Carrera Cabriolet, Carrera S Cabriolet, Carrera 4S Cabriolet, Carrera GTS Cabriolet, Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet, Targa 4, Targa 4S, Turbo, Turbo S, Turbo S Exclusive Series, Turbo Cabriolet, Turbo S Cabriolet and GT3 vehicles. The side air bag impact sensors may not have been properly tightened to the vehicle.
Consequence
In the event of a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the air bag sensors, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 17, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKA4.
EQUIPMENT, CHILD SEAT
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2014 Cayman and Cayman S, 2014-2016 911 GT3, 2016 911 GT3 RS and 911 R, 2018 911 GT3 and 911 GT2 RS and 2019 911 GT3 RS, 911 GT3, and 911 GT2 RS vehicles. The Child Restraint System (CRS) instructions within the Owner's Manual may not provide enough specificity for proper installation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Consequence
Improper CRS installation increases the risk of an injury to the occupant in the event of a crash.
Remedy
Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will provide a an Owner's Manual supplement with proper CRS installation instructions, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2020. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKC0.
Buying a used 2018 Porsche 911? Check its history first
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2018 Porsche 911, and 1 recall was issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2018 Porsche 911 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Porsche 911Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
2Maintenance rating: 2 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$1072
vs $739 avg for luxury midsize cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.5
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
22%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
16–25 MPG
Running cost: $3,800–$5,350/yr
Fuel + repair
13–22 city / 20–30 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 911 Carrera 3.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,750 |
| 911 Carrera 4 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,900 |
| 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,900 |
| 911 Carrera 4S 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,900 |
| 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,900 |
| 911 Carrera Cabriolet 3.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,900 |
| 911 Carrera S 3.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,900 |
| 911 Carrera S Cabriolet 3.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,900 |
| 911 Targa 4 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,900 |
| 911 Targa 4S 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 21 | 27 | 24 | $2,900 |
| 911 Carrera 3.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 7-spd | 20 | 29 | 23 | $3,000 |
| 911 Carrera 4 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Manual 7-spd | 20 | 28 | 23 | $3,000 |
| 911 Carrera 4S 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Manual 7-spd | 20 | 28 | 23 | $3,000 |
| 911 Carrera Cabriolet 3.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 7-spd | 20 | 29 | 23 | $3,000 |
| 911 Carrera GTS 3.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 20 | 26 | 23 | $3,000 |
| 911 Carrera S 3.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 7-spd | 20 | 29 | 23 | $3,000 |
| 911 Carrera S Cabriolet 3.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 7-spd | 20 | 28 | 23 | $3,000 |
| 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Manual 7-spd | 19 | 28 | 22 | $3,150 |
| 911 Carrera 4 GTS 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,150 |
| 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 20 | 25 | 22 | $3,150 |
| 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Manual 7-spd | 19 | 28 | 22 | $3,150 |
| 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet 3.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,150 |
| 911 Carrera T 3.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,150 |
| 911 Targa 4 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Manual 7-spd | 19 | 28 | 22 | $3,150 |
| 911 Targa 4 GTS 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,150 |
| 911 Targa 4S 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Manual 7-spd | 19 | 28 | 22 | $3,150 |
| 911 Carrera 4 GTS 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Manual 7-spd | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,300 |
| 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Manual 7-spd | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,300 |
| 911 Carrera GTS 3.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 7-spd | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,300 |
| 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet 3.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 7-spd | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,300 |
| 911 Targa 4 GTS 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Manual 7-spd | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,300 |
| 911 Turbo 3.8L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,300 |
| 911 Turbo Cabriolet 3.8L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,300 |
| 911 Turbo S 3.8L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,300 |
| 911 Turbo S Cabriolet 3.8L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,300 |
| 911 Carrera T 3.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 7-spd | 16 | 25 | 19 | $3,650 |
| 911 Turbo S Exclusive 3.8L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,650 |
| 911 GT2 RS 3.8L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 15 | 21 | 17 | $4,050 |
| 911 GT3 4.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 15 | 20 | 17 | $4,050 |
| 911 GT3 Touring 4.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 14 | 21 | 17 | $4,050 |
| 911 GT3 4.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 13 | 21 | 16 | $4,300 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Porsche 911.
Inspect headlight and ignition switch proximity for accidental activation
Verify back over prevention system displays rear-view image
Check that reverse lights illuminate when reversing
Test ignition switch for accidental engine shut-off
2018 Porsche 911 Common Problems by Component
1 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2018 Porsche Carrera. The contact stated while driving at 50MPH when the contact attempted to turn off their headlight switch on the vehicle but instead accidentally hit the ignition switch which caused the engine to shut off and the vehicle to coast on its own. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road and restart the vehicle and continue to drive to their residence. The contact concern was that headlight and ignition switch on the vehicle were so close together that its manufacturer design an error with the vehicle which could lead into an accident while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2018 Porsche 911 GT3. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention system failed to display a rear-view image. After a visual inspection of the rear of the vehicle, the contact became aware that the reverse lights also failed to illuminate. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission reverse switch. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,000.
When Do 2018 Porsche 911 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Porsche 911 Years
Best Porsche 911 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2019
2018
(Current Model)
2020
Porsche 911 Years to Avoid
No Porsche 911 years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 58 and 68 across 7 scored model years.
Porsche 911 Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 60/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2023 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2025 | 68/100 | Good |
Porsche 911 Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Porsche 911 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Porsche 911?
Does the 2018 Porsche 911 have back over prevention problems?
Does the 2018 Porsche 911 have any recalls?
How much does the 2018 Porsche 911 cost to repair?
Don’t buy a 2018 Porsche 911 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2018 Porsche 911
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2018 Porsche 911 does best on recall impact (80/100) and worst on repair costs (40/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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