Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2021 Porsche 911
The 2021 Porsche 911 is a sports that earns a Carivo score of 8.2/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 9.7/10, while Value at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 8.1/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 8.0/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Few rivals match it for performance: 9.7/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining sportss to actually drive. On technology it rates 9.0/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $105,833–$125,922, 17 MPG, seating 4, the Porsche 911 sits in the luxury tier of the sports market. The value score of 6.5/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2021 Porsche 911 will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on value if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good sports should — quietly and competently.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sportss
The 2021 Porsche 911 ranks #20 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 94% of the segment. Its 8.2/10 overall score is 0.5 points above the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $105,833 starting price is about 130% above the segment's median of $46,090.
$0 — 6 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which 911 Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Porsche 911 scores 8.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 8.2 — and starts roughly $10,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Engaging driving dynamics with class-leading power and handling
Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features
✗ Where it falls short
Fuel economy at 17 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
Premium price bracket — make sure the score justifies the outlay vs. segment alternatives
NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Porsche 911 (6 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Suspension 10/03/2021 · 21V157000
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…
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…
Seats 23/06/2021 · 21V467000
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…
Visibility / Windshield 28/02/2024 · 24V155000
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.
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.
Showing 5 of 6 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Own a 2021 Porsche 911 that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2021 Porsche 911
Is the 2021 Porsche 911 reliable?
We rate the 2021 Porsche 911's reliability 8.1/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2021 Porsche 911 have?
6 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2021 Porsche 911 worth buying?
It scores 8.2/10 overall, ranking #20 of 316 sportss in our database (better than 94% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2021 Porsche 911 cost?
The 2021 Porsche 911 starts at $105,833 and ranges up to $125,922 across trims (MSRP when new). At 17 MPG, expect roughly $3,088/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which 911 years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest 911 years we've rated are 2017 (7.8/10), 2016 (7.8/10), 2015 (7.8/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.3/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2021 Porsche 911 have?
The documented issues for the 2021 Porsche 911 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Suspension, Seat belts, Seats, Visibility (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Porsche 911
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More Porsche Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Porsche models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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