Makes›Porsche›911›2021

2021 Porsche 911

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Porsche 911
Pictured: Porsche 911 No 1000000, 70 Years Porsche Sports Car, Berlin (1X7A3888). Photo: Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Minicompact Cars
Body styles
Carrera 2dr Cabriolet, Carrera 2dr Coupe, Carrera 4 2dr Cabriolet, Carrera 4 2dr Coupe
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.7L 6-cyl turbo
Horsepower
379–443 hp
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
4
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
21 combined · 18 city / 25 hwy
Length
178 in
Curb weight
3,318–3,640 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
8 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 6 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 Porsche 911 is a minicompact car offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 3.7L 6-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 178 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 97-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,472 lb (Carrera 2dr Cabriolet).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway), 1% better than the 2021 minicompact car average of 20.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.

What changed for 2021

  • Engine added: 3.7L 6-cyl turbo

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 911 →

Trims, performance & features

Engine379–443 hp3.0L 6-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating4 seats · 2 rows

Trims

Carrera S/4S/GTS/4 GTSCarrera Cabriolet / 4 CabrioletCarrera / Carrera 4Carrera Cabriolet S, 4S, GTS, 4 GTS

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringOptional
Lane departure warningOptional
Lane keeping assistOptional
Lane centeringOptional
Adaptive cruise controlOptional
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Stuttgart, Germany

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2021 911 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Carrera 2dr Cabriolet178 in72.8 in51.2 in96.5 in62.6 / 61.4 in3,472 lb39/61
Carrera 2dr Coupe178 in72.8 in51.2 in96.5 in62.6 / 61.4 in3,318 lb39/61
Carrera 4 2dr Cabriolet178 in72.8 in51.2 in96.5 in62.6 / 61.4 in3,583 lb39/61
Carrera 4 2dr Coupe178 in72.8 in51.2 in96.5 in62.6 / 61.4 in3,428 lb38/62
Carrera 4s 2dr Cabriolet178 in72.8 in51.2 in96.5 in62.6 / 61.4 in3,640 lb39/61
Carrera 4s 2dr Coupe178 in72.8 in51.2 in96.5 in62.6 / 61.4 in3,486 lb38/62

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
911 Carrera S3.0L 6-cyl turboManual 7-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21+1%$3,900425
911 Carrera3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)Rear-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20-3%$4,100443
911 Carrera Cabriolet3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)Rear-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20-3%$4,100443
911 Carrera S3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)Rear-Wheel Drive18 / 23 / 20-3%$4,100441
911 Carrera S Cabriolet3.0L 6-cyl turboManual 7-spdRear-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20-3%$4,100443
911 Carrera S Cabriolet3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)Rear-Wheel Drive18 / 23 / 20-3%$4,100439
911 Carrera 43.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20-3%$4,100442
911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20-3%$4,100443
911 Carrera 4S3.0L 6-cyl turboManual 7-spdAll-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20-3%$4,100442
911 Carrera 4S3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive18 / 23 / 20-3%$4,100443
911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet3.0L 6-cyl turboManual 7-spdAll-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20-3%$4,100452
911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive18 / 23 / 20-3%$4,100439
911 Targa 43.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20-3%$4,100442
911 Targa 4S3.0L 6-cyl turboManual 7-spdAll-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20-3%$4,100447
911 Targa 4S3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive18 / 23 / 20-3%$4,100442
911 Turbo3.7L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 17-18%$4,850516
911 Turbo Cabriolet3.7L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 17-18%$4,850521
911 Turbo S3.7L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 17-18%$4,850517
911 Turbo S Cabriolet3.7L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 17-18%$4,850529
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $7,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.7 MPG2021 Minicompact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Porsche 911.

Similar 2021 minicompact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Porsche 911 (this car)21 MPGNot rated8
2021 Acura NSX21 MPGNot rated0
2021 Jaguar F-Type26 MPGNot rated1
2021 Lexus LC29 MPGNot rated0
2021 BMW Z428 MPGNot rated5
2021 Polestar 126 MPGNot rated0
2021 Porsche 71824 MPGNot rated2

Recalls (8)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Dec 19, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V896000 · 172,107 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2019-2025 Cayenne, Cayenne E-Hybrid, 2020-2025 911, Taycan, 2024-2025 Panamera, and 2025 Panamera E-Hybrid vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the driver assistance software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2026. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ASB2. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 19, 2026.
Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs · Oct 28, 2024 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 24V809000 · 2,251 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2025 Panamera, 2024 718 Cayman GT4 RS, 718 Spyder RS, and 2021-2024 911 vehicles. The center lock wheel bolt may fracture and cause the wheel to detach.
Risk
Wheel detachment can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Owners should not drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. Dealers will check the center lock wheel fastening system and replace any incorrectly manufactured parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 24, 2024. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ARC4.
Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear · Feb 28, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V155000 · 8,101 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2020-2024 911 vehicles. The front windshield and rear window may not be properly secured and can detach.
Risk
During air bag deployment, an unsecured windshield may not support the front air bags as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield and rear window as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 30, 2024. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ARA3.
Air Bags · Oct 25, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V715000 · 2,923 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021-2023 911 Turbo S, 2022 911 Turbo, 2022-2023 911 GT3 Touring, 911 GT3, 911 Carrera 4 GTS, 2022-2024 911 Carrera GTS, 2023 911 GT3 RS, 911 Dakar, and 2024 911 Carrera T vehicles equipped with optional full bucket seats. The seat-mounted air bags may deploy unnecessarily during a crash.
Risk
Air bags that deploy unnecessarily can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will reprogram the air bag control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 11, 2023. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is APB3.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components · Sep 8, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V697000 · 11 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2020-2021 911 Carrera and Taycan vehicles. The pressure input rod connection on the brake booster may be loose and could detach.
Risk
A detached pressure input rod will cause the brake pedal to fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will repair or replace the brake booster as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMB9.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Retractor · Aug 4, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V608000 · 4,924 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 911 Carrera Coupe, 911 Carrera S Coupe, 911 Carrera 4 Coupe, 911 Carrera 4S Coupe, 911 Turbo Coupe, 911 Turbo S Coupe, Panamera, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, Panamera 4S, Panamera GTS, Panamera Turbo S, Taycan, Taycan 4S, Taycan Turbo, and Taycan Turbo S vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMB6.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Jun 23, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V467000 · 149 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 911 Turbo Coupe, 911 Turbo S Coupe, 911 Carrera 4S Targa, 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet, 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, and 911 Turbo Cabriolet vehicles. Incorrect passenger seat was installed and may cause a Occupant Classification System (OCS) malfunction.
Risk
An OCS malfunction may affect the front passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will install the correct seat, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMB3.
Suspension › Critical Fasteners · Mar 10, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V157000 · 396 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo, Taycan Turbo S, Taycan, Taycan 4S, 911 Turbo S Coupe, Cayman, Cayman T, Cayman S, Cayman GT4, 911 Carrera Coupe, 911 Carrera S Coupe, 911 Carrera 4S Coupe, 911 Carrera 4S Targa, 911 Carrera Cabriolet, 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4S Targa Heritage Design Edition, 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet, 911 Turbo Coupe, 911 Turbo Cabriolet, 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, 718 Spyder, and Boxster vehicles. Certain suspension components may not have been tightened correctly and can loosen.
Risk
Loose suspension components may detach, causing a sudden loss of vehicle stability and control, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the affected suspension nuts and bolts. Dealers will also inspect surrounding components for damage, and replace any damaged parts as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 7, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMA3.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Porsche 911 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

6Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
92,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Seats1
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility › Vehicle Controls › Steering1
Back Over Prevention1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/05: 121/06: 125/10: 226/03: 126/09: 121/0521/0625/1026/0326/09max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Porsche 911 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Fuel/Propulsion System — 3 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  4. Seats — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  5. Equipment Adaptive/Mobility › Vehicle Controls › Steering — 1 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 92,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Porsche 911. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other 911 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 91121178 inNot rated01
2025 91121178 inNot rated22
2024 91121178 inNot rated57
2023 91121178 inNot rated83
2022 91121178 inNot rated810
2020 91120178 inNot rated87
2019 91125176.8 inNot rated32
2018 91125176.8 inNot rated22
2017 91125176.8 inNot rated56
2016 91123176.8 inNot rated32
2015 91123176.8 inNot rated28
2014 91123176.8 inNot rated44

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Porsche. How we calculate this →