MODEL
Porsche 911 Targa 4s Safety
NHTSA safety across every Porsche 911 Targa 4s model year we cover.
Across the 6 model years of the Porsche 911 Targa 4s we cover (2019 to 2024), no year has an NHTSA crash-test score on record. 1 recall have been issued across those years.
The Porsche 911 Targa 4S is a high-performance sports car that splits the difference between the classic 911 Coupe and the open-air Cabriolet, using a signature retractable roof panel and fixed rear window. Aimed squarely at driving enthusiasts who want all-wheel-drive capability alongside iconic styling, it sits near the top of the 911 lineup and competes in the rarified air of the premium sports car segment.
The 2019-2024 Porsche 911 Targa 4S lacks federal crash-test ratings from NHTSA, leaving a significant gap in official safety data. This absence means consumers cannot rely on government-validated star ratings, which is a key consideration for any vehicle, regardless of its production volume. Despite the untested status, the Targa 4S exhibits a remarkably clean record in other safety metrics. Across six model years, only one recall is on file, indicating a high degree of manufacturing consistency concerning safety-related defects. Owner complaints are similarly low, with just 20 total filings for the entire period. While one complaint describes an alleged fire, a serious unverified claim, no crashes, injuries, or fatalities are reported in the dataset. The complaint volume relative to sales is low for a limited-production vehicle. Ultimately, the 911 Targa 4S does not offer the federal crash-test foundation typically sought by safety-conscious buyers. However, its recall and complaint history from 2019 to 2024 is among the most favorable within its category. The lack of federal crash-test data should prompt serious consideration from prospective owners.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the 911 Targa 4S as one of the most polished and rewarding sports cars available, praising its precise steering, composed ride quality, and exceptionally well-finished cabin materials. The Targa roof mechanism tends to draw admiration for its engineering elegance. Most reviewers consider it a strong value proposition within the premium sports car class given the breadth of capability it delivers.
- NHTSA has not crash-tested the 911 Targa 4S in any model year from 2019 through 2024, so there are no federal star ratings available to guide your safety evaluation. Independent testing from other sources should be consulted to fill that gap.
- Only one recall has been issued across the entire 2019-2024 production run, which is an unusually clean recall record for a six-year span and suggests Porsche has not faced widespread manufacturing or component defect issues requiring federal action.
- One of the 20 owner complaints on file with NHTSA involves an alleged fire. While this is an unverified allegation and the overall complaint volume is low, fire-related reports are always worth tracking. Check NHTSA's database for any updates or related investigations before purchasing.
- With only 20 total owner complaints logged across six model years and zero reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the complaint data, the 911 Targa 4S has a quiet real-world incident profile. However, low production volume naturally limits complaint volume, so this figure should be interpreted in that context rather than as a direct comparison to higher-volume vehicles.
Most-recalled year on record: 2023 Porsche 911 Targa 4s with 1 recalls.