Research · Minicompact Cars
2016 Porsche 911 Targa 4SRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 2 owner complaints for the 2016 Porsche 911 Targa 4S. Most complaints involve visibility/wiper (1) and exterior lighting (1). The EPA rates it 21 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
21mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
2
Top: visibility/wiper
Fuel cost / yr
$3,700est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2016 Porsche 911 Targa 4S as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
2 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2020 – Dec 2021
- Visibility/wiper1
- Exterior lighting1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Visibility/wiper
1 report
“The front windshield and rear window glass seals have failed. Black tar like material flows and spears the windows. Especially bad when driving during summer months. Vehicle only has 6200 miles. Is out of warrenty. Dealer says repair costs at my expense. Contacted Porsche North America Customer Assistance. They also said they would not stand behind known defect. Many defects reported and corrected by Porsche when under warrenty.”
Exterior lighting
1 report
“WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AFTER HEAVY BRAKING, THE PASSENGER HEADLIGHT DISLODGED FROM THE CAR, DANGLED FOR A SECOND ON THE HOOD FROM THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS, THEN FLEW OFF THE CAR COMPLETELY”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Minicompact Cars
- Engines
- 3.8L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AM-S7) · Manual 7-spd
- Drive
- 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 911 Targa 4S Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.8 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,700 | 419 |
| 911 Targa 4S Man 7-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,700 | 431 |
- 21mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Porsche 911 Targa 4S as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 10832
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2016 911 Targa 4S questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Porsche 911 Targa 4S have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.
What are the most common 2016 Porsche 911 Targa 4S problems?
Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are visibility/wiper (1), exterior lighting (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2016 Porsche 911 Targa 4S get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Porsche 911 Targa 4S at 21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026