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The Porsche 992 is the 8th generation of the 911 Carrera, released in 2019 and still in production today. The 992 is the successor to the 991 which was produced from 2011 through 2019. In addition to various transmission and engines changes, the 992 Turbo and Turbo S models received a new 3.7L twin-turbo flat-six.

Porsche consolidated the number of engine options for the 992 911’s sticking with three engines:

• 3.0L twin-turbo flat-six
  • Base, 4, 4S, and GTS models
  • 380-473hp and 332-420lb-ft. of torque
• 3.7L twin-turbo flat-six
  • Turbo and Turbo S models
  • 542-641hp and 443-590lb-ft. of torque
• 4.0L naturally aspirated flat-six
  • GT3 models only
  • 503hp and 347lb-ft. of torque

Despite the Porsche 992 being relatively new, there are a number of common problems that have already emerged. Fortunately, the majority of these issues so far are minor. This article is going to discuss common problems and reliability of the 2019+ Porsche 992 Carrera 911 models.

Common Porsche 992 Engine Problems

1. Ignition coil failure
2. Engine mount failure
3. PDK transmission leaks
4. Loose front axle drive shafts

1. Porsche 992 Ignition Coil Failure

911’s have a history of burning through coil packs more quickly than other vehicles. Ignition coils send electricity to the spark plugs, allowing the cylinder to fire and create combustion. When an ignition coil goes bad it affects the spark plugs ability to create the spark necessary for combustion. This can lead to numerous performance issues and things like misfires and pre-detonation.

Similar to issues with the 991, the 992 ignition coils are prone to corroding and failing. The retaining bolts also corrode frequently which can cause issues with getting the ignition coils out. These issues seem to be more so caused by age rather than mileage. However, it is possible to see coil packs start to fail around the 20,000 mile mark. Fortunately, they tend to fail one at a time.

Beru is the OEM ignition coil manufacturer for the Porsche 992. A set of new coils only costs a few hundred bucks, so we generally recommend replacing them every other time you replace your spark plugs. Replacing them every 50,000-60,000 miles and using bolt grease should help prevent any issues with corroded bolts. While no problem is a good problem, failing coil packs is pretty harmless and easy to fix.

Symptoms of Bad Porsche Ignition Coils

• Cylinder misfires
• Hesitation upon acceleration
• Rough idling
• Hard starts

2. 911 Carrera 992 Engine Mount Failure

Engine mounts are not only responsible for keeping the engine attached to the frame, but also for controlling the softness or stiffness of the ride. Engine mounts reduce engine vibrations and have an impact on handling and cornering. Of course, simply polyurethane engine mounts are too basic for Porsche. Porsche uses a system called Porsche Active Drivetrain Mounts. These are electronic engine mounts that stiffen at high RPMs for more performance and cornering, and soften at low RPMs for more comfort.

Porsche had a manufacturing issue with 2019 and 2020 model year 992’s. Porsche did not properly seal the engine mounts when they were installed, allowing water to get into the mounts. When this happens the mounts lose their ability to dynamically adjust stiffness, functioning more like a traditional engine mount. The water trips the electrical connection and then will throw a warning message for the PADM system.

Engine Mount Failure Symptoms

• Decreased handling
• Softer cornering
• More engine vibration at high RPMs
• PADM warning message on the dash

Unless you frequently put your 911 to the test in the corners, you probably won’t notice a huge decrease in handling or driving comfort. The most telltale symptom is the warning message that will appear when water causes an electrical fault with the engine mounts.

While there is a technical service bulletin and recall for this issue, fixing the issue is no simple task. Replacing the engine mounts requires the engine being pulled. Despite getting it fixed for free, it isn’t always very comforting to have your engine pulled on a new Porsche.

3. 992 Carrera PDK Transmission Leaks

Porsche’s PDK transmission has received a lot of praise as one of the fastest dual clutch transmissions on the market. However, it hasn’t come without it’s share of issues here and there. One of the biggest issues with the PDK is that it isn’t very serviceable. Therefore, a lot of PDK issues result in needing to replace the whole transmission. Fortunately, all 992’s will still have warranty to cover the bill here, but this isn’t quite the case on some older models with the PDK.

So far, we have seen the PDK leak from a few different places. There have been multiple accounts of a failed oil pan gasket causing leaks from the oil pan. Additionally, the transmissions oil cooler relief valve has failed a few times resulting in leaks. It appears a cause of the issue with the relief valve is the oil spec, which hasn’t been specified by Porsche. A new relief valve and some FS 75W-90 appear to have fixed the issue.

The PDK transmission is actually very reliable. The majority of the issues that have arisen so far seem to be small quality control issues. Once fixed there shouldn’t be any concerns over issues or reliability with the transmission. Fortunately, Porsche’s approach a lot of time is to just replace the whole transmission under warranty if any issues arise as they claim it isn’t serviceable.

4. Porsche 992 Drive Shaft Issues

An unfortunate common theme with early model 992’s is manufacturing defects. Another such case of this is with the font axle drive shafts. The drive shafts are prone to becoming loose at the joint due to installation errors. The drive shaft is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels.

The loose drive shaft issues can cause the front wheels to not receive full power, affecting performance and acceleration. This issue has so far been exclusive to C4 models. The loose drive shaft will also cause noises and squeaking sounds while driving.

Fortunately, this is addressed by Porsche with a service bulletin and is being replaced under warranty. Replacement procedure involves replacing both drive shafts.

Other Porsche 992 Issues

As discussed above, the 992 had a number of quality control issues that plagued early model years. Fortunately, the number of actual engine problems is relatively limited for now. However, it is also very early to tell if there are any truly “common” problems with these engines. So far most issues have been addressed and replaced via warranty.

Outside of the engine, there have been a lot of smaller issues with build quality, PCM, electronics, and so on. Here is a list of other problems encountered:

• Adaptive cruise control issues
• Oil leaks (oil pan gasket, etc.)
• Squeaky doors
• Other random rattles and squeaks
• Panel gaps
• Random clicking noises
• Drivetrain lash issues
• PCM/electronic issues with the head unit and various other electronics

One of the more well documented issues is problems with the adaptive cruise control. This was an option on the 911 that helps control cruise control speed by slowing down when you’re approaching a car ahead too quickly with cruise control enabled. Issues with the system make the car try to stop really quickly while driving with cruise control on. The sensors seem to think that there is something too close in front of the car, causing need for it to brake very quickly.

Oil leaks and PDK transmission leaks haven’t been extremely common. PDK leaks have been more frequent than engine oil leaks.

The most frustrating thing for new 992 owners seems to be the service delays. Parts are taking months to arrive from overseas and dealerships are short-staffed in their service departments. This is causing a lot of 992’s to sit at the dealer for a few weeks while these small issues are being fixed.

Porsche 992 Reliability

So, is the Porsche 992 reliable? We don’t have any concerns or doubts over the long-term reliability of the 992 911’s. There have been a number of manufacturing issues and small defects, however, this is pretty normal with early model years. Additionally, there has been a lot going on with labor shortages, parts shortages, and so on which clearly has had an impact on quality.

With that being said, the majority of the problems that have arisen so far seem to be from manufacturing issues instead of faulty components or systems. The engines have had very few actual issues, with most issues being electrical or having to do with ancillary engine components.

The one caveat is that the 992 hasn’t been out for very long. And, Porsche’s don’t tend to be heavily driven cars. Therefore, it is a bit more difficult to tell whether there are actually any engine problems with these cars or not. We haven’t seen any major catastrophic failures yet which is a good sign. But it will take a couple more years to really determine whether there are any long-term concerns with these engines.

It’s also worth noting that there are plenty of problem free Porsche 992’s out there as well. Keep in mind the people with problems tend to have bigger voices and be more outspoken than those with no issues. So I do believe a lot of the issues mentioned here are probably slightly blown out of proportion. And to be fair, people tend to nitpick problems a little more closely when you’re talking about $125k+ cars.

How has your experience been with the 992?

Depending on which Porsche you are looking at there are a few different transmission options. There are 3 primary transmission options: manual, PDK, and Tiptronic S. Each of these transmissions is configured in a few different ways ranging from 6-speed, to 7 and 8-speed configurations.

Porsche’s PDK transmission is an upgrade option for the 911 Carrera, and 718 Cayman and Boxster models. It comes standard on the new Macan and Panamera models, whereas the Cayenne receives the Tiptronic S transmission.

On the 911 & 718 Porsche models, upgrading to the PDK transmission replaces either a 6-speed or 7-speed manual transmission with a 7-speed or 8-speed PDK. This guide is going to cover the differences between Porsche’s PDK vs manual transmission, the pros and cons of each, and give our opinion on which transmission is better.

What is Porsche PDK Transmission?

PDK stands for Porsche Doppelkupplung, which is essentially a fancy way of saying dual-clutch. PDK is an automatic dual-clutch (DTC) transmission. It functions pretty similarly to all of the other DCT, or dual clutch transmissions, that you’ll find on the market today.

As the name suggests, dual clutch transmissions use two clutches instead of the single clutch you will find in traditional automatic or manual transmissions. One clutch covers all of the odd gears and reverse, while the second clutch covers all of the even gears. Because there are two clutches alternating gears, PDK transmissions can shift almost instantaneously without the loss of momentum like you get in automatic or manual transmissions.

PDK transmissions actually operate more similarly to a manual transmission than they do an automatic. They also offer paddle shifters for manual gear control and have some cool technology like rev matching which allows you to shift with very little loss of power or momentum.

Porsche PDK vs Manual Transmission

The obvious difference between PDK and a manual transmission is that PDK is still an automatic transmission. You don’t have a clutch pedal and as much control over the gears as you do with a manual. While PDK does allow you to control gears via paddle shifters, the transmission will still shift for you when you hit the redline, put your foot on the floor, or are decelerating quickly.

Outside of being in control of the transmission, the biggest difference is shift speed. Manuals used to be the transmission of choice for performance back in the day. This was because automatic transmissions were so slow at shifting that you could manually shift faster than them. And they offered more control for racing and track applications.

Nowadays, PDK and dual clutch transmissions are significantly faster than manual transmissions. Even normal automatics with one clutch are faster today. However, the simultaneous shifting you get with a PDK transmission leads to quicker acceleration and faster 0-60 times. Additionally, the technology of transmissions today allows you to control the PDK transmission almost as if it were a manual, without having to deal with the clutch pedal or sluggish shifts and power loss during shifts.

PDK Transmission Pro’s

• Quicker shifts than both manual and single-clutch automatic transmissions
• Faster acceleration and 0-60 times
• Less weight
• Launch control
• Rev matching
• Ability to control it similar to a manual with paddle shifters

The biggest benefit to the PDK transmission compared to the manual is shift speed and acceleration. On a 911 Carrera S, Porsche claims a 4.0s 0-60mph time for a manual transmission with the sport chrono package. The PDK transmission with the same sport chrono package logs a 3.3s 0-60. On the Cayman S models the difference is a bit less at 0.2 seconds, but this is still a huge difference in acceleration.

The reason the PDK is so much is faster is because of the dual clutch configuration, rev matching, and launch control. Some Porsche dealers and sites claim that the PDK gives you better fuel consumption. However, Porsche specs show that manual transmissions actually get about 1mpg better than the PDK. Albeit, the difference isn’t really a reason to choose one over the other.

PDK Transmission Con’s

• PDK transmissions have been problematic in the past
• You don’t have as much control as a manual
• You lose some of the Porsche driving experience (in my opinion)
• It’s not as strong as the manual transmission

The PDK transmission is so refined and smooth that you do lose a bit of what I consider the Porsche driving experience. It is faster and more practical for the majority of buyers, but there is just something about a manual transmission in a Porsche despite them being slower.

One downside worth noting is that PDK transmissions are more problematic than manuals. 992 Carrera’s suffer from frequent PDK fluid leaks, and there have been a number of other PDK related issues over the years. These are sophisticated transmissions and therefore it’s understandable they tend to be more problematic. This isn’t a reason to not get a PDK, just keep in mind these things are expensive to repair and replace.

Porsche Manual Transmission Pro’s and Con’s

The pro’s and con’s of the manual transmission are about the opposites of the PDK transmission.

• Transmission is more reliable and can handle more power
• Gives you a more traditional driving experience
• More control over the gears
• Significantly slower than the PDK transmission

Manual transmissions can hold more power than PDK transmissions. This isn’t really a big deal unless you are modding your Porsche. PDK transmissions will wear and tear more quickly when modded compared to the manuals.

Yes, the manual transmission is slower. And the 0.7 second difference in 0-60mph on the Carrera S is the difference with a professional driver. You and me probably shift a manual slower than a professional driver, so the difference can possibly be even more than that, unfortunately.

At the sacrifice of acceleration is control. Manual transmissions give you more control. Yes, the PDK has paddle shifters. But the transmission still shifts for you when it needs to.

Porsche PDK vs Manual: Which is Better?

Better is a subjective term. When it comes to acceleration and performance, the PDK transmission is the clear winner. While manuals were the traditional way to go for racing and tracking, there is a reason the GT4 RS only comes with the PDK and also why the PDK is the standard option for the GT3.

But whether you should get the PDK over the manual depends on your preferences. If you purely care about speed and acceleration, get the PDK. If you prefer a more raw driving experience where you have complete control over the car, then manual is the way to go. Another consideration is the cost. On some Porsche’s the PDK is standard, and on some it can be upgraded for free. However, on Cayman and Boxster options as an example, the PDK is a $3,200 upgrade.

Additionally, on the Carrera S, the PDK is a free upgrade, however, it does not come with the Sport Chrono package. The 7-speed manual does come with Sport Chrono which saves you $2,800 in additional upgrades.

Overall, the PDK is better for performance and tends to be a more desirable option for owners. Manual Porsche’s are still a great choice for the classic enthusiast who wants the engaging Porsche driving experience.

PDK vs Manual Summary

Porsche’s Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission is an automatic, dual clutch transmission. PDK comes standard on Panamera and Macan vehicles and is offered either as standard or an upgrade on various 911 Carrera and 718 Cayman/Boxster models. There are two different transmissions: a 7-speed PDK and an 8-speed PDK. On Porsche’s where the PDK is an upgrade, it is offered instead of a 6-speed or 7-speed manual transmission.

The dual clutch, automatic nature of the PDK make it significantly quicker than the manual transmission option. 0-60 times are anywhere from 0.2 seconds to 0.7 seconds faster with the PDK compared to a manual Porsche. It also offers rev matching and launch control which help improve its acceleration. It also has paddle shifters to provide additional control over the car.

What you do lose with the PDK though is the more traditional and engaging Porsche driving experience. The PDK transmission is so smooth and refined that it is almost too practical and takes away from what I consider the roots of what a Porsche is. However, PDK is overwhelmingly more popular than their manual counterparts as consumers prefer the more practical nature and improved acceleration and performance.

Growing up driving a manual, I’m not sure I could ever get an automatic Porsche, but the PDK sure is impressive. The only sort-of downside is that the PDK transmission has had issues in the past and automatic transmissions generally wear down a lot more quickly than manuals (that are driven properly).

The Boxster 981 and 718 are both great Porsche models, but which one is the better choice? A quick comparison of the Boxster 981 vs 718 reveals that the 981 has a more powerful engine and offers a bit more luxury than the 718, while the 718 is more affordable and fuel-efficient. Ultimately, the Boxster 981 vs 718 battle comes down to what your priorities are — if power and comfort are important then go with the Boxster 981 but if fuel efficiency is key, choose the 718.

Porsche Boxster 981 vs 718: Which is Better?

The Porsche Boxster is a car that has consistently impressed drivers with its performance and longevity. The Porsche 981 is the third generation of the Boxster and was first introduced in 2012 and was produced through 2016. In 2016, the Porsche Boxster was renamed the Porsche 718 Boxster, which is an homage to Porchse’s racing history. The Boxster is a truly impressive car that continues to perform at a high-level year after year.

The Boxster is still one of the most desirable sports cars on the market, six years after its initial release. However, there is a caveat that can affect the lower half of the range depending on your priorities: the flat-four engine of the Porsche has been criticized by some. Porsche attempted to address this issue in 2019 by replacing the flat-four engine in the GTS with a slightly more powerful version of the 4-liter flat-six from the Boxster Spyder. However, this change has made it much more expensive to own one of these vehicles.

The Boxster is an excellent car with many keystone attributes that will remain attractive to Porsche buyers and its rivals. However, there are some kinks that should be considered before making a purchase. Choose wisely and the Boxster will provide years of enjoyment.

Porsche Boxster 981 vs 718 Size

As expected, there isn’t much of a difference between the 3rd generation 981 Boxster and the 4th generation 718 Boxster when it comes to size. The Boxster 981 has 5.3ft³ cargo space in the front and 4.6ft³ in the rear. The Boxster 718 has 5.2ft³ cargo space in the front and 4.4ft³ in the rear. The only other thing that is different is curb weight and this has to do with different transmissions and engines. We’ll go into the different engines featured in both models.

Engines, Drivetrain, & Fuel Economy

When it comes to engine performance, we will be using the present Porsche 718 Boxster and the 2012-2016 Porsche Boxster 981. We’ll be touching on power numbers, 0-60 times, quarter-mile times, and top speed because we know these are the most important numbers when it comes to owning or wanting a Porsche.

Porsche 718 Boxster Performance

The 718 Boxster features a 2.0L turbocharged boxer 4 that puts down 300hp and 280lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with RWD, with the option of a 6-speed manual transmission or PDK automatic transmission. With a top track speed of 170mph, the Porsche 718 Boxster boasts an impressive 4.9 second 0-60 time. The 718 Boxster runs a 14.1-second quarter-mile @ 113mph.

Porsche 981 Boxster Performance

The 981 Boxster featured a 2.7L flat 6 naturally aspirated engine that puts down 260hp and 201lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with RWD and a 6-speed manual transmission or optional 7-speed PDK automatic transmission. With a top track speed of 164mph, the Porsche 981 Boxster boasts an impressive 5.6 second 0-60 time. The 981 Boxster runs a 14-second quarter-mile @ 103.1 mph.

Porsche Boxster 981 vs 718 Price

Boxster 981 Price

A base Boxster 981 was introduced in 2012 and went for $50,000. 981 base Boxsters have surprisingly held their value relatively well. If you are looking to get into a used 981, prices range from $29,900 – $68,000, depending on year and mileage. If you’re looking to get more out of a Boxster 981, there are other trims Porsche offers: Black Edition, S, GTS, and Spyder.

The Black Edition started at $59,100, the S started at $63,900, the GTS started at $74,600, and the Spyder started at $82,100. However, a used Black Editions 981 Boxster ranges from $56,990 – $59,821. A used 981 Boxster S ranges from $34,484 – $71,228. A used 981 Boxster GTS ranges from $59,950 – $78,997. And lastly, the 981 Boxster Spyder ranges from $74,950 – $119,959.

Boxster 718 Price

The 718 Boxster offers excellent value for money, with a base price of just $62,600. Like the 981 Boxster, the 718 Boxtsers also have held their value very well, if not have gained value over MSRP. The prices range from $43,991 – $97,159. It’s well-built and comparable in quality to an Audi TT, making it the best choice in its class. The Boxster’s bottom range is quite desolate. its halogen headlights and plastic dashboard make it feel like a base model. If you’re looking to get more out of a Boxster 718, there are other trims Porsche offers: T, S, GTS 4.0.

The 718 Boxster T starts at $71,100, the S starts at $74,600, and the GTS 4.0 starts at $89,500. However, a used 718 Boxster T ranges from $78,991 – $94,850. A used 718 Boxster S ranges from $54,691 – $128,000. And lastly, the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 ranges from $116,900 – $151,900.

Porsche Boxster 981 vs 718: How do they compare to their rivals?

The Boxster is the fastest engine in the world. It offers a more refined and nuanced experience than the Alpine A110, but it does have some limitations in daily useability. It isn’t as powerful as the six-cylinder 718 models. The input states that newer versions of something are more powerful and have better performance. The upcoming Lotus Emira will be a direct competitor to the top-end six-cylinder Boxster models. However, we’ll have to wait until late 2022 before we can finally get our hands on one. The Volkswagen Group offers an open-top experience without the dynamic superiority complex. The Audi TTS is less expensive than the basic Boxster and has more grunt as well as standard equipment. Although The BMW Z4 is an open-top option, it is not as easy to drive. It’s also strange-looking.

Porsche 981 vs 718 Conclusion

In conclusion, both models have an attractive aesthetic. The 718 Boxster, since it came out after the 981, is more modern, yet more expensive since it is newer. The 981 Boxster is cheaper, but because they are going on a decade since they were first produced. If you have had any first-hand experience with either model, let us know in the comments. This will not only assist us with our research but also future readers on which model they should choose.