Porsche 924 problems

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The Porsche 924 is a sports car produced by Porsche in Neckarsulm, Germany, from 1976 until 1988. A two-door, 2+2 coupé, the 924 replaced the 912E and 914 as the company's entry-level model.

Although the 928 was designed first, the 924 was the first production road-going Porsche to use water cooling and a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. It was also the first Porsche to be offered with a conventional fully automatic transmission.

The 924 made its public debut in November 1975 and a turbocharged version was introduced in 1978. In response to increasing competition, Porsche introduced an upgraded and re-engined version as the 944, which replaced the 924 in the U.S. in 1983. In 1985, Audi discontinued the engine used in the 924, prompting Porsche to use a slightly detuned 944 engine in the 924, rename the vehicle as the 924S, and reintroduce it in the U.S. The 924 was a sales success, with just over 150,000 produced.

photo of Porsche 924 car production

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Porsche 924 model years

porsche 924 1988 photo
924 1988
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porsche 924 1987 photo
924 1987
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porsche 924 1979 photo
924 1979
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Common Porsche 924 problems

The Porsche 924 is a popular sports car that has been on the market since 1976. However, like any other car, the 924 has its fair share of common problems that owners often report.

One of the most common issues with the Porsche 924 is electrical problems. The car's electrical system can be prone to failure, particularly in earlier models produced between 1976 and 1985. The alternator is a common culprit, and if it fails, the battery can become dead, leaving the car unable to start. Additionally, issues with the battery cables or connections can cause electrical problems, such as the headlights flickering or dimming. The car's sensors, such as the coolant temperature sensor or the oxygen sensor, can also malfunction, causing the engine to run poorly. The fuse box and wiring harness are also known to be problematic, with the plastic housing of the fuse box becoming brittle and cracking over time, and the wiring harness becoming brittle and deteriorating, causing shorts or open circuits in the wiring.

Another common issue with the Porsche 924 is engine problems. The car's engine can experience oil leaks, which can be caused by worn-out gaskets. Overheating is also a common problem, which can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a faulty thermostat or a clogged radiator. The timing belt can also fail, which can cause significant engine damage. Ignition system problems are also common, such as faulty spark plugs or ignition coils.

Transmission problems are another issue that Porsche 924 owners often report. Gear grinding and difficulty shifting gears are common complaints, which can be caused by worn-out synchronizers or a faulty clutch.

Suspension and steering problems are also common in the Porsche 924. Worn ball joints can cause a shaky or unstable ride, while steering wheel vibration can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a misaligned front end or worn-out steering components. Strut mount failure is also a common problem, which can cause a rough ride and reduced handling performance.

Model-specific issues with the Porsche 924 include fuel system problems in the 1976-1985 models, which can be caused by the buildup of rust and debris in the fuel tank. Electrical problems are also common in these models, particularly issues with the car's sensors. Rust issues are also a concern, particularly in the car's bodyshell.

The Porsche 924S, produced between 1986 and 1988, has its own set of common problems. Engine misfires and fuel injector problems are common, as well as oil pressure issues.

The Porsche 924 Turbo, produced between 1979 and 1982, has its own unique set of problems. Turbocharger failure is a common issue, which can be caused by a lack of turbo cooling after shutdown. Cooling system issues are also a concern, particularly in the car's intercooler.

Engine-specific issues with the Porsche 924 include oil leaks in the M31 engine, which is a 2.0-liter inline-four engine. Timing belt failure is also a common problem, as well as carburetor problems. The M44 engine, which is a 2.5-liter inline-four engine, is prone to overheating and oil pressure issues, as well as valve stem seal failure.

In summary, the Porsche 924 is a popular sports car that has been on the market for over 40 years. However, like any other car, it has its fair share of common problems that owners often report. These include electrical problems, engine problems, transmission problems, suspension and steering problems, and model-specific issues. By being aware of these common problems, Porsche 924 owners can take steps to prevent them and keep their cars running smoothly.

Porsche 924

What are common issues with Porsche 924?

The Porsche 924 commonly experiences interior problems such as cracked or worn seats, and dashboard cracks due to age and sun exposure. Additionally, trim issues can arise with loose or damaged switches and knobs.

How reliable is the Porsche 924?

Apparently the Porsche 924 as a whole was reliable. The '79 appears to be one of the earlier models, which means it has more VW (Audi) parts than the later early '80s turbocharged models. The one drawback of the early 924 (non-turbo) seems to be it lacked speed.

Why is the Porsche 924 so cheap?

Uninitiated people still thought the 924 S was the Porsche with the Audi engine. Incidentally, the engine in the regular 924 is a genuine VW engine, whose development even goes back to Daimler-Benz! Demand was correspondingly low. So it is not surprising that the used prices fell into the bottomless pit.

Does the Porsche 924 have a VW engine?

The turbocharged VW EA831 engine allowed the 924 Turbo to accelerate to 60 mph in a similar time to the early iterations of the bigger, more powerful Porsche 928, and 911 SC (180 bhp (134 kW)), thanks in part to a lighter curb weight, but it also brought reliability problems as was often seen in other turbocharged cars ...

Percentage distribution of complaints by Porsche 924 years

We have researched Porsche problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Porsche 924 cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Porsche 924 model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Porsche 924 model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Porsche 924 years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Porsche 924 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Porsche 924 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems
  • Power train problems
  • Visibility problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Porsche 924 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Porsche 924 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Porsche 924 vehicles.

List of Porsche 924 complaints

Porsche 924 1987
  • Date Of Incident: 2001-05-24
  • Date Complaint: 2001-06-19
  • VIN: WP0AA0922HN
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: PRESSURIZED FUEL LINE LEADING TO FUEL RAIL ON TOP OF ENGINE DEVELOPED A LEAK AT THE CRIMPED UNION BETWEEN THE HARD LINE AND THE FLEXIBLE LINE. CONSTANT LEAK WITH ENGINE RUNNING SPILLED GASOLINE ON TO CAM TOWER, CYLINDER HEAD, SPARK PLUG CONNECTOR AND DOWN INTAKE SIDE OF ENGINE. PHOTOS TAKEN BEFORE REPAIR HAVE BEEN PROVIDED TO PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA. DEFECTIVE PART ALSO PROVIDED TO PCNA.*AK
Porsche 924 1988
  • Date Of Incident: 1999-08-01
  • Date Complaint: 2000-04-07
  • VIN: WP0AA0923JN
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: THE HOSE MATERIAL USED IN BOTH THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE HOSE, AND THE HIGH PRESSURE RETURN FUEL LINE HOSE, LOCATED ABOVE THE ENGINE AND ATTACHED TO THE METAL FUEL LINES, ARE SUBJECT TO HARDENING, AND HAS CAUSED FUEL TO LEAK AND SPRAY AT HIGH PRESSURE OVER THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT INCLUDING THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM AND IGNITION COMPONENTS, THAT COULD HAVE IGNITED AND RESULTED IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. THESE TWO FUEL LINE HOSES ARE POSITIONED NEXT TO, AND ARE OF THE SAME HOSE MATERIAL, AND ARE OF THE SAME DANGEROUS PROPENSITY AS NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 90V061000 (THE SHORT SECTION OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE HOSE BETWEEN THE FUEL RAIL AND FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR). THESE FUEL LINE HOSES ARE DEFECTIVE FROM THE FACTORY AND MUST BE RECALLED AND REPLACED BY THE FACTORY WITH HOSES MADE OF IMPROVED MATERIAL AS WAS DONE IN CAMPAIGN 90V061000. IT IS VERY FORTUNATE THAT I WAS ABLE TO SMELL THE FUEL IN TIME WHILE DRIVING THROUGH THE CITY BEFORE THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE. THESE TWO ORIGINAL HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE HOSES HAD HARDENED, CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK AND SPRAY OVER THE ENGINE. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE FUEL PRESSURE IS TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY OR PULL THE APPROPRIATE FUSE. PLEASE CONTACT ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE CONCERNING THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM. - THANK YOU. *AK
Porsche 924 1979
  • Date Of Incident: 1999-05-07
  • Date Complaint: 1999-07-06
  • VIN: 29249201853
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: WHENEVER CLUTCH IS RELEASED, IT WOULD CAUSE VEHICLE TO JERK FORWARD. THIS HAPPENS WHEN FOOT IS ON BRAKE & THE CLUTCH PEDAL. *AK
Porsche 924 1987
  • Date Of Incident: 1996-07-01
  • Date Complaint: 1998-03-03
  • VIN: WP0AA0922HN
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: FUEL PUMP LEAK PRESENTS A STRONG FUEL SMELL.
Porsche 924 1988
  • Date Of Incident: 1996-12-23
  • Date Complaint: 1997-01-02
  • VIN: WP0AA0928JN
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: THE RUBBER FUEL LINE HAS NUMEROUS HOLES AND IS ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK, COULD CAUSE A FIRE HAZARD. *AK
Porsche 924 1979
  • Date Of Incident: 1980-01-01
  • Date Complaint: 1996-09-24
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPER GROUND SCREW LOOSENS UP, CAUSING WIPERS TO COME ON WITHOUT WARNING.

Recalls Porsche 924

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the Porsche 924.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Porsche 924 1987
  • Report Received Date: 1990-04-02
  • Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS N.A. INC.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
  • Summary: THE HOSE MATERIAL USED IN THE SHORT SECTION OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE HOSE, BETWEEN THE FUEL RAIL AND FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR, IS SUBJECT TO HARDENING, AND COULD CAUSE FUEL LEAKS BETWEEN THE HOSE AND THE METAL PIPE FITTINGS.
  • Consequence: FUEL LEAKS COULD IGNITE ON THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM, OR ANY OTHER SOURCE OF IGNITION, RESULTING IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
  • Remedy: REPLACE FUEL LINE HOSE WITH HOSES MADE OF IMPROVED MATERIAL.
  • Model: Porsche 924 1988
  • Report Received Date: 1990-04-02
  • Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS N.A. INC.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
  • Summary: THE HOSE MATERIAL USED IN THE SHORT SECTION OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE HOSE, BETWEEN THE FUEL RAIL AND FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR, IS SUBJECT TO HARDENING, AND COULD CAUSE FUEL LEAKS BETWEEN THE HOSE AND THE METAL PIPE FITTINGS.
  • Consequence: FUEL LEAKS COULD IGNITE ON THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM, OR ANY OTHER SOURCE OF IGNITION, RESULTING IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
  • Remedy: REPLACE FUEL LINE HOSE WITH HOSES MADE OF IMPROVED MATERIAL.

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