991.2 water pump failure rates
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Joined: Jul 2019
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AutoX
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 11
Likes: 7
TI is the Technical Information Bulletin 1950 relating to replacement of the pump and valve block. There is no extended warranty for these components in GB. Mine was replaced under warranty because I bought the car as a Porsche Approved Used Vehicle with a 2 year warranty. The fault didn't show on the PPI, the 111 point inspection or test drives during the 4 months the car was at the dealership. On the day I bought the car I got the engine over temperature warning 100 miles from the dealership, about half way home, a few minutes after stopping for fuel. After the car had cooled down, the fault cleared and I completed my journey. The OPC collected the car, loaned me a GTS and did the repair under warranty. Interestingly they asked me for a copy of TI 1950 and said the fault was exactly as described.
A few months later, at a race meeting, I spoke to a few technicians from the OPC (they were part of a Boxster Cup team). They asked me how my car was performing. I told them about the pump issue and they said they'd done a few of those repairs.
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Joined: Jul 2019
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Porsche GB advised the "The TI is followed when the symptoms are presented"
TI is the Technical Information Bulletin 1950 relating to replacement of the pump and valve block. There is no extended warranty for these components in GB. Mine was replaced under warranty because I bought the car as a Porsche Approved Used Vehicle with a 2 year warranty. The fault didn't show on the PPI, the 111 point inspection or test drives during the 4 months the car was at the dealership. On the day I bought the car I got the engine over temperature warning 100 miles from the dealership, about half way home, a few minutes after stopping for fuel. After the car had cooled down, the fault cleared and I completed my journey. The OPC collected the car, loaned me a GTS and did the repair under warranty. Interestingly they asked me for a copy of TI 1950 and said the fault was exactly as described.
A few months later, at a race meeting, I spoke to a few technicians from the OPC (they were part of a Boxster Cup team). They asked me how my car was performing. I told them about the pump issue and they said they'd done a few of those repairs.
TI is the Technical Information Bulletin 1950 relating to replacement of the pump and valve block. There is no extended warranty for these components in GB. Mine was replaced under warranty because I bought the car as a Porsche Approved Used Vehicle with a 2 year warranty. The fault didn't show on the PPI, the 111 point inspection or test drives during the 4 months the car was at the dealership. On the day I bought the car I got the engine over temperature warning 100 miles from the dealership, about half way home, a few minutes after stopping for fuel. After the car had cooled down, the fault cleared and I completed my journey. The OPC collected the car, loaned me a GTS and did the repair under warranty. Interestingly they asked me for a copy of TI 1950 and said the fault was exactly as described.
A few months later, at a race meeting, I spoke to a few technicians from the OPC (they were part of a Boxster Cup team). They asked me how my car was performing. I told them about the pump issue and they said they'd done a few of those repairs.
AutoX
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 11
Likes: 7
They said the level change was likely to be entrapped air in the system that had worked it's way out causing the level to fall. The dried drips were not unusual after working on the pump. Also advised checking the level when coolant was warm. I checked but it was still on minimum so bought a litre of coolant and added 500mls and the indicator moved midway. Its still on minimum when cold but I don't stress about checking it frequently now. It's been 8 months since I did a top up, mostly summer driving.
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Joined: Jul 2019
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Agree, I checked the coolant level after the pump replacement. It was on minimum and I saw the odd dried drip of coolant on the pipework at the rear of the car. I contacted the dealership, showed them photos and said I might have a leak.
They said the level change was likely to be entrapped air in the system that had worked it's way out causing the level to fall. The dried drips were not unusual after working on the pump. Also advised checking the level when coolant was warm. I checked but it was still on minimum so bought a litre of coolant and added 500mls and the indicator moved midway. Its still on minimum when cold but I don't stress about checking it frequently now. It's been 8 months since I did a top up, mostly summer driving.
They said the level change was likely to be entrapped air in the system that had worked it's way out causing the level to fall. The dried drips were not unusual after working on the pump. Also advised checking the level when coolant was warm. I checked but it was still on minimum so bought a litre of coolant and added 500mls and the indicator moved midway. Its still on minimum when cold but I don't stress about checking it frequently now. It's been 8 months since I did a top up, mostly summer driving.
I would not check coolant levels warm. Due to the large amount of coolant in the 911, the levels measured at that overflow tank will vary way too much. Plus if the coolant is too warm you risk overflow out the fill port and really messing up your level readings (not to mention scalding dangers).
Rennlist Member
Joined: Feb 2024
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It’s a water pump, some people really be acting it’s a big deal, like it requires an engine out or something. In the grand scheme of engine “problems” it’s a fairly mild one with easy enough access for replacement. Not to mention, Porsche gives it a 10 year warranty on the factory part. If it happens it happens and you deal with it, if not, just drive the car. Either way, it’s a great car.
germany and water pumps! Iconic duo.
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Drifting
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 739
The BMW 335 from around the 2008 era were notorious for water pump failures. Really, water pump replacement became a normal service replacement every 40k miles as preventative maintenance, no joke. The initial warranty was for 50k miles and they often failed at 60k. Now that is some German engineering.... Later, there was a class action lawsuit.
I've never had a water pump issue on my Nissan, Honda, Lexus, or Mazda. Mileage between 90k-160k.
I've never had a water pump issue on my Nissan, Honda, Lexus, or Mazda. Mileage between 90k-160k.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 581
Likes: 388
From: Chicago Burbs
Had a .1 c2s with minimal problems. Still expect the same from my .2 c2s (pump already replaced at 4k miles). This water pump "issue" was not a huge deal for me but did appreciate knowing and understanding it before buying. Porsche stepped up and took it on the chin with the 10 year coverage (unlike many Mfg's who wait until the lawyers tell them settle/fess up). Do see how some might feel differently. Imperfect world=imperfect cars....no way around that
Last edited by Levy; Dec 31, 2025 at 07:27 PM.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 160
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From: San Diego, CA
So far..
My 2018 911T has the OG water pump @ 38K Miles, so far so good.
Maybe I should have it replaced at its 2026 annual service where Im already having the drive belt replaced, thoughts?
Maybe I should have it replaced at its 2026 annual service where Im already having the drive belt replaced, thoughts?
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From: Netherlands
Just replace it for the latest version ( i believe v5). They are not so expensive and its a simple job to do and you will drive without the fear off breakdown. Also consider the expansion tank replacement . They wil will crack eventually.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 121
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From: Arizona
