1. 1The DFI 9A1 flat-six is the 997.2's headline reliability advance: a clean-sheet, direct-injection engine with no intermediate-shaft (IMS) bearing, so the IMS failure that haunts the 996 and 997.1 Carrera is designed out. Bore scoring is far rarer than on the old M96/M97, but a pre-purchase borescope is still the sensible check.
2. 2Coolant pipes in the engine V can seep at their crimped/glued joints with age — pinning or upgraded pipes is the known fix.
3. 3The DFI high-pressure fuel pump and injectors are DFI-specific wear items worth checking on higher-mileage cars.
4. 4Fuel-line disconnection recall (NHTSA 12V107000): certain late-build 2012 Carrera S cars had coolant/fuel-line interference that could work the fuel line loose at its quick connector, risking a fuel leak with misfire, stalling or fire; the fuel line was replaced — confirm it was done on a late-2012 Carrera S.
5. 5Exhaust tail-pipe recall (NHTSA 13V058000): on 2012–2013 base Carrera and Carrera 4 cars with the standard (non-sport) exhaust, the tail pipe could fracture and separate from the rear muffler; dealers replaced the rear muffler — confirm on a 2012 car.
6. 6Seat-belt anchor-plate recall (NHTSA 11V409000): a short 2011 build run (incl. the 2011 Speedster and GT3 RS, and 2012 Carrera/Targa/Turbo cars) had undersized anchor-plate mounting holes that could keep the plate from rotating correctly; belts were inspected/replaced as needed.

• 12V1070002012
  Coolant/fuel-line interference could work the fuel line loose at its quick connector, risking a fuel leak, misfire, stalling or fire.
• 13V0580002012-2013
  The standard (non-sport) exhaust tail pipe could fracture and separate from the rear muffler.
• 11V4090002011-2012
  Seat-belt anchor plates with undersized mounting holes could keep the plate from rotating correctly, so a belt might not restrain properly.

US NHTSA campaigns for this model. A listed campaign may not apply to a particular car, and may already have been remedied — check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.