DecodedCars2012 Porsche 911
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Minicompact Cars
- Body styles
- Carrera 4 Gts 2dr Coupe AWD, Carrera 4/4s 2dr Coupe AWD, Carrera Base/S 2dr Coup RWD, Carrera Cabriolet 4 Gts 2dr Convertible A
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl, 3.8L 6-cyl, 3.8L 6-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 345–385 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 174.8–176.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,042–3,448 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 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.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 7 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Porsche 911 is a minicompact car offered with 3 engines (3.6L 6-cyl, 3.8L 6-cyl and 3.8L 6-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 175 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 93-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,263 lb (Carrera 4/4s 2dr Coupe AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 27 highway), 1% worse than the 2012 minicompact car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2012
- Engines dropped: 3.6L 6-cyl turbo and 4.0L 6-cyl
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 911 →
Trims, performance & features
Engine385 hp3.8L 6-cyl
Engine345 hp3.6L 6-cyl
Trims
S Cabriolet (2WD), 4S Cabriolet (4WD)S (2WD), 4S (4WD)Carrera (2WD), Carrera 4 (4WD)
Built in: Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2012 911 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrera 4 Gts 2dr Coupe AWD | 174.8 in | 72.8 in | 51.6 in | 92.5 in | 58.3 / 59.1 in | – | 38/62 |
| Carrera 4/4s 2dr Coupe AWD | 174.8 in | 72.8 in | 51.6 in | 92.5 in | 58.3 / 59.1 in | 3,263 lb | 38/62 |
| Carrera Base/S 2dr Coup RWD | 176.8 in | 71.3 in | 51.2 in | 96.5 in | 60.6 / 63 in | 3,042 lb | 38/62 |
| Carrera Cabriolet 4 Gts 2dr Convertible A | 174.8 in | 72.8 in | 51.6 in | 92.5 in | 57.9 / 59.8 in | – | 38/62 |
| Carrera Cabriolet 4/4s 2dr Convertible Aw | 174.8 in | 72.8 in | 51.6 in | 92.5 in | 57.9 / 59.8 in | 3,448 lb | 38/62 |
| Carrera Cabriolet Base/S 2dr Convertible | 176.8 in | 71.3 in | 51.2 in | 96.5 in | 60.6 / 63 in | 3,197 lb | 38/62 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 911 Carrera | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -1% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 911 Speedster | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | +1% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 911 Carrera | 3.6L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 911 Carrera 4 | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 911 Carrera 4 | 3.6L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet | 3.6L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 911 Carrera 4 Targa | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 911 Carrera 4 Targa | 3.6L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 911 Carrera 4S | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 911 Carrera 4S | 3.8L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 911 Carrera 4S Targa | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 911 Carrera Cabriolet | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 911 Carrera Cabriolet | 3.6L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 911 Carrera S | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 911 Carrera S Cabriolet | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 911 Carrera S Cabriolet | 3.8L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 911 GTS | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 911 GTS Cabriolet | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 911 GTS Cabriolet | 3.8L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 911 C4 GTS | 3.8L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 911 C4 GTS | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 911 C4 GTS Cabriolet | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet | 3.8L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -10% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 911 Carrera 4S Targa | 3.8L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -10% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 911 Carrera S | 3.8L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -10% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 911 GTS | 3.8L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -10% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 911 C4 GTS Cabriolet | 3.8L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -10% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 911 Turbo Cabriolet | 3.8L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -14% | $4,350 | 468 |
| 911 Turbo Cabriolet | 3.8L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -14% | $4,350 | 468 |
| 911 Turbo Coupe | 3.8L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 19 | -14% | $4,350 | 468 |
| 911 Turbo Coupe | 3.8L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -14% | $4,350 | 468 |
| 911 Turbo S Cabriolet | 3.8L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -14% | $4,350 | 468 |
| 911 Turbo S Coupe | 3.8L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 19 | -14% | $4,350 | 468 |
Spend $6,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
22.2 MPG2012 Minicompact Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Porsche 911.
Similar 2012 minicompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Porsche 911 (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Porsche Cayman | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Porsche Boxster | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG | 16 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 BMW Z4 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Audi TT Roadster | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (3)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe · Feb 22, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V058000 · 2,263 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 911 Carrera and Carrera 4 vehicles manufactured from March 7, 2012, through November 12, 2012, and equipped with a standard (not sport) exhaust system. The exhaust tail pipe may fracture and separate from the rear muffler.
- Risk
- If the exhaust tail pipe separates from the muffler it may become a hazard for other vehicles on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear mufflers free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners on May 9, 2013. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Porsche at 1-800-767-7243.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Mar 21, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V107000 · 1,232 vehicles
- Problem
- PORSCHE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 911 CARRERA S VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 26, 2011, THROUGH JANUARY 24, 2012. INTERFERENCE BETWEEN A COOLANT LINE AND A FUEL LINE MAY CAUSE THE FUEL LINE TO BECOME DISCONNECTED AT THE QUICK CONNECTOR.
- Risk
- IF THE FUEL LINE BECOMES DISCONNECTED, A FUEL LEAK MAY OCCUR. A FUEL LEAK COULD LEAD TO THE ENGINE MISFIRING OR STALLING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A FIRE.
- Fix
- PORSCHE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LINE WITH A NEW FUEL LINE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 26, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-767-7243.
Seat Belts · Aug 5, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V409000 · 235 vehicles
- Problem
- PORSCHE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 911 SPEEDSTER AND 911 GTS RS 4.0; AND MODEL YEAR 2012 BOXSTER (INCLUDING S AND SPYDER); CAYMAN (INCLUDING S AND R); 911 CARRERA (INCLUDING S, GTS, 4, 4S, AND 4 GTS); 911 TARGA 4 AND TARGA 4S; AND 911 TURBO AND TURBO S MODELS MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 31, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 10, 2011. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE MOUNTING HOLES IN THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR PLATES FITTED TO THE VEHICLE ARE TOO SMALL. IF THE HOLE DIAMETER IS TOO SMALL, THE ANCHOR PLATE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ROTATE ABOUT THE FASTENING BOLT AS DESIGNED.
- Risk
- SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE SEAT BELT MAY NOT BE ROUTED OPTIMALLY AROUND THE OCCUPANT, OR MAY POTENTIALLY LOOSEN AT SOME POINT IN THE FUTURE INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY DURING A CRASH.
- Fix
- PORSCHE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT BELT ANCHORS AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE SEAT BELT. THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-767-7243.
Not every 2012 Porsche 911 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
5Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
26,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Porsche 911 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 1 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.
- Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 26,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Porsche 911. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 911 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 911 | 21 | 178 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 911 | 21 | 178 in | Not rated | 2 | 2 |
| 2024 911 | 21 | 178 in | Not rated | 5 | 7 |
| 2023 911 | 21 | 178 in | Not rated | 8 | 3 |
| 2022 911 | 21 | 178 in | Not rated | 8 | 10 |
| 2021 911 | 21 | 178 in | Not rated | 8 | 6 |
| 2020 911 | 20 | 178 in | Not rated | 8 | 7 |
| 2019 911 | 25 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 2 |
| 2018 911 | 25 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 2 |
| 2017 911 | 25 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 5 | 6 |
| 2016 911 | 23 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 2 |
| 2015 911 | 23 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 8 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Porsche. How we calculate this →