Own a Porsche 911 Targa 4S in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Porsche 911 Targa 4S for model years 2011 to 2012, 2015 to 2024. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help 911 Targa 4S owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 47 owner complaints on file for the 911 Targa 4S and 2 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are fuel/propulsion system (13), electrical system (12), engine (12).
Most-Reported Porsche 911 Targa 4S Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the 911 Targa 4S (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 13 | 27% | |
| Electrical System | 12 | 25% | |
| Engine | 12 | 25% | |
| Power Train | 8 | 17% | |
| Exterior Lighting | 4 | 8% | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | 6% | |
| Structure | 2 | 4% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 4% |
Fuel/Propulsion System
13 of the 47 complaints (27%) mention the fuel system. Fuel system problems can cause stalling, hard starts and poor mileage. We test fuel delivery and related sensors to find the real cause. See our no-start diagnostics and check engine light diagnostics pages.
Electrical System
12 of the 47 complaints (25%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Engine
12 of the 47 complaints (25%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Porsche 911 Targa 4S Complaints by Model Year
The 911 Targa 4S model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2022, 2015, 2012. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 5 | |
| 2015 | 8 | |
| 2016 | 2 | |
| 2017 | 4 | |
| 2018 | 1 | |
| 2019 | 2 | |
| 2020 | 5 | |
| 2021 | 5 | |
| 2022 | 10 | |
| 2023 | 3 | |
| 2024 | 2 |
Porsche 911 Targa 4S Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the 911 Targa 4S, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Porsche.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your 911 Targa 4S? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Porsche 911 Targa 4S Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 911 Targa 4S in these model years, most often involving seat belts. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2024 recall, Seat Belts (campaign 24V123000): Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2023 911 Carrera T, 911 Carrera 4 GTS, 911 Carrera GTS, 911 Turbo S, 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet, 911 Carrera S, 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4,...
- 2011 recall, Seat Belts (campaign 11V409000): 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;
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the 911 Targa 4S, 3 involved a fire. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Porsche 911 Targa 4S Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Porsche will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a 911 Targa 4S that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for 911 Targa 4S owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Porsche 911 Targa 4S, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Porsche 911 Targa 4S Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Porsche 911 Targa 4S repair service, or choose a service below.
No-Start Diagnostics
Find out why it will not start.
Details →Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Porsche 911 Targa 4S FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Porsche 911 Targa 4S?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Porsche 911 Targa 4S are fuel/propulsion system (13), electrical system (12), engine (12). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which 911 Targa 4S model years have the most complaints?
The 911 Targa 4S model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2022, 2015, 2012. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Porsche 911 Targa 4S?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Porsche 911 Targa 4S. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Porsche 911 Targa 4S have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the Porsche 911 Targa 4S across model years 2011 to 2012, 2015 to 2024. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Porsche 911 Targa 4S in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Porsche vehicles including the 911 Targa 4S, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Porsche 911 Targa 4S?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Porsche 911 Targa 4S in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Porsche Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.