One of the most celebrated driver's cars ever made, featuring the legendary Mezger engine that does not suffer from the bore scoring issues affecting standard 997 Carreras. The 997.2 GT3 RS is remarkably reliable for a high-performance track car, but requires attention to coolant pipe security (can detach at high heat cycles), centerlock wheel hub maintenance, and the known pressure plate strap failure on aggressive downshifts. The 3.8L riveted pressure plate was superseded by the bolted 4.0 RS part. Front axle lift system (if equipped) has high failure rates. No IMS bearing concerns - the Mezger uses oil-fed plain bearings.
Epoxy-bonded coolant pipes can separate under repeated heat cycles · more· less
All Mezger-engine cars (996/997 GT3, GT2, Turbo) have coolant pipes connected with adhesive that can fail after many heat cycles. When the pipe separates, coolant dumps rapidly - potentially onto rear tires at track speeds. The fix involves pinning, welding, or replacing with aftermarket stainless steel pipes. Engine removal is required for a proper fix, adding significant labor cost. Manthey Racing pins the pipes on their Cup cars. Proactive repair recommended if tracking the car; street-driven cars can wait until next major service when engine is dropped.
Riveted straps on 3.8L pressure plate can break during aggressive downshifts · more· less
The 997.2 GT3 RS 3.8L came with a riveted pressure plate that is a known failure point. The straps holding it together can break during aggressive downshifting in track conditions. If lucky, it simply fails; if unlucky, it goes out of balance first and damages the crankshaft before you realize. Porsche superseded the part - the GT3 RS 4.0 pressure plate uses bolts instead of rivets. When replacing, insist on the 4.0 part (approximately €1,000+ for the pressure plate alone). This issue is not covered under warranty.
Centerlock wheel hub wear€1,500 - €3,000
Hubs require replacement after approximately 6,000 km of track use · more· less
The 997.2 introduced centerlock wheels to the GT3 RS. While they look great, they require careful maintenance. Hubs need to be inspected, greased, and torqued using a specific procedure (ask your dealer for the TSB). After approximately 6,000 km of track driving, hubs should be replaced. One owner experienced complete hub failure at a track event with no warning. There was a recall in 2010-2011 for centerlock wheel hubs. Verify service history includes hub maintenance if the car has track history.
Front axle lift system failure (if equipped)€3,000 - €18,000
The optional front lift has a high failure rate and expensive repairs · more· less
The front axle lift system (option code I474) was introduced on the 997.2 GT3. It has an unusually high failure rate, particularly on the 4.0 RS. Common symptoms: goes up but won't come down, or intermittent operation. Usually caused by a faulty position sensor (relatively cheap) or pressure switch. However, dealers often quote full pump replacement at €8,000+. Complete system replacement can reach €18,000. Many specialists suggest cars without this option are preferable, as failure outside warranty is extremely expensive.
PASM damper replacement€4,000 - €8,000
Electronic dampers wear out and are expensive to replace · more· less
The GT3 RS uses PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) electronic dampers based on Bilstein DampTronic technology. These are wear items that typically need replacement around 50,000-80,000 km, sooner with track use. OEM PASM dampers are expensive (€1,500-2,000+ per corner). Alternatives include Bilstein DampTronic replacements or converting to high-quality passive coilovers (KW, Ohlins) for €3,000-7,000.
Rear main seal oil leak€1,000 - €1,500
RMS leaks are common, especially on cars that sit for extended periods · more· less
The GT3 RS rear main seal will leak oil, especially after the car sits for several days or longer. Porsche considers a few drops per day normal. The repair requires dropping the engine/gearbox and separating them. If it's a minor weep, many specialists recommend waiting until clutch replacement is needed (transmission already comes out). Some owners install the turbo-style RMS which has a spring holding the seal against the crank for better sealing.
LED tail light moisture/failure (997.2)€600 - €1,500
Sealed LED units develop moisture intrusion and cannot be serviced · more· less
The 997.2 LED tail lights have faulty seals that allow moisture intrusion, causing foggy lenses and LED failures. Unlike incandescent lights, LEDs don't generate enough heat to keep moisture out. The tail light unit is completely sealed and not serviceable - replacement is the official solution at €600-700 per side. DIY options include drilling vent holes, baking, and resealing, but this is a design flaw that Porsche corrected in the 991.
Water pump/thermostat failure€1,500 - €2,500
Typically fails between 60,000-100,000 km with rapid progression · more· less
Water pump replacement is recommended every 60,000 km as preventive maintenance, even if showing no symptoms. Failure progression is typically very fast - from minor to major with little warning. Signs include coolant leaks, squeaking noises, and overheating. If the pump fails completely, it can damage the accessory drive belt and cause severe engine damage from overheating. Replace thermostat at the same time. Budget approximately 6 hours labor.
Remarkably reliable for a track-focused supercar
The Mezger engine is legendary for its durability - no bore scoring, no IMS bearing issues, and many examples exceed 150,000 km without major powertrain work. However, these are high-performance machines designed for track use, so consumables (tires, brakes, clutch) and suspension components wear faster than on a standard 911. The key concerns are the coolant pipes, pressure plate straps, and front axle lift system - all addressable with proper inspection and proactive maintenance.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history Complete Porsche dealer or authorized specialist records essential. Track day cars need more frequent oil changes.
Tires Check tread depth and date codes. Rear tires wear faster. Budget €1,200-2,500 per set depending on compound.
Cold start Start engine completely cold. Listen for any unusual sounds - the Mezger should be smooth and quiet at startup.
Test drive Minimum 30 minutes including varied speeds. Get engine and transmission fully up to temperature.
Body condition Check for track damage, curb rash on wheels, and front lip spoiler condition (a consumable item).
Specific for this vehicle
Verify coolant pipe status Ask if pipes have been pinned/welded. If not, budget for this work especially if you plan to track the car.
Request DME over-rev report The dealer can pull data showing any over-rev events. This indicates how hard the car has been driven.
Check centerlock hub service history Hubs need regular inspection, greasing, and torquing. Replacement at 6,000 km track miles. Verify recall completed.
Inspect for clutch slip or judder Feel for smooth engagement. Ask about pressure plate - has it been upgraded to the 4.0 bolted version?
Test front axle lift (if equipped) Cycle the system multiple times. Should raise and lower smoothly. Intermittent operation indicates impending failure.
Check tail lights for moisture Look for fogging or condensation inside the LED units. This is a common 997.2 issue.
Inspect suspension dampers Push down on each corner - car should return smoothly with minimal oscillation. Check for oil leaks on damper bodies.
Check for rear main seal weeping Minor oil residue around the bell housing area is common. Severe leaking needs attention.
Verify all recalls completed Centerlock hubs (2010-2011), DME control unit (2010-2012), crankcase plug (2009-2013).
Rear wheel hub maintenance TSB (2013)Check service records
Enter your VIN at recall.porsche.com to verify all recalls have been completed. The centerlock hub recall is particularly important for safety.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on all 997.2 GT3 RS
Porsche Approved warrantyMay be available via dealer
All 997.2 GT3 RS models are now outside their original factory warranty. Porsche Approved extended warranties may be available through dealers for qualifying vehicles. Note that pressure plate failures and front axle lift issues have historically not been covered under warranty.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.