1988 Porsche 924 problems

Common 1988 Porsche 924 problems

The Porsche 924, produced between 1976 and 1988, is known for several common issues that can affect its performance and reliability. Here are some of the most common problems with the Porsche 924, based on complaints from owners:

Engine Problems

1. Oil Leaks: The Porsche 924 is known to have some common engine problems, including oil leaks. These leaks can occur in various parts of the engine, such as the oil filter housing, the oil cooler lines, or the oil pan. Oil leaks can cause a mess in the engine compartment, but more importantly, they can lead to low oil pressure, which can damage the engine.
2. Overheating: Overheating is another common problem with the Porsche 924 engine. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a faulty thermostat, a clogged radiator, or a failed water pump. Overheating can lead to engine damage, such as a blown head gasket or a warped cylinder head.
3. Timing Belt Failure: The timing belt in the Porsche 924 engine is known to fail prematurely, which can cause significant damage to the engine. The timing belt drives the camshafts and the valves, and if it fails, the valves can collide with the pistons, causing expensive repairs.
4. Ignition System Problems: The ignition system in the Porsche 924 can also cause problems. For example, the ignition coil can fail, causing a misfire or a no-start condition. The spark plugs can also wear out and need to be replaced.

Transmission Problems

1. Gear Grinding: The Porsche 924 transmission is known to have problems with gear grinding, especially when shifting from first to second gear. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, such as worn synchronizers, low transmission fluid, or a faulty clutch.
2. Difficulty Shifting Gears: Another common problem with the Porsche 924 transmission is difficulty shifting gears. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a worn clutch, a damaged synchronizer, or a dirty or low transmission fluid.
3. Clutch Problems: The clutch in the Porsche 924 can also cause problems. For example, the clutch can wear out prematurely, especially if the car is driven aggressively or if the driver is not used to manual transmissions. The clutch can also slip, causing a loss of power and a decrease in fuel efficiency.

Suspension and Steering Problems

1. Worn Ball Joints: The Porsche 924 suspension is known to have problems with worn ball joints. These joints can wear out over time, causing a variety of problems, such as a clunking noise when going over bumps, a wandering steering wheel, or uneven tire wear.
2. Steering Wheel Vibration: The Porsche 924 steering can also cause problems. For example, the steering wheel can vibrate at high speeds, which can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a misaligned front end, a damaged tire, or a worn steering component.
3. Strut Mount Failure: The Porsche 924 suspension is also known to have problems with strut mount failure. The strut mounts are responsible for connecting the strut to the car, and if they fail, the strut can come loose, causing a variety of problems, such as a clunking noise when going over bumps, a bouncy ride, or uneven tire wear.

Model-Specific Issues

1. Porsche 924 (1976-1985): The earlier models of the Porsche 924 are known to have problems with fuel system issues, electrical problems, and rust issues.
2. Porsche 924S (1986-1988): The Porsche 924S models are known to have problems with engine misfires, fuel injector problems, and oil pressure issues.
3. Porsche 924 Turbo (1979-1982): The Porsche 924 Turbo models are known to have problems with turbocharger failure, fuel system problems, and cooling system issues.

Engine-Specific Issues

1. M31 engine (2.0-liter inline-four): The M31 engine in the Porsche 924 is known to have problems with oil leaks, timing belt failure, and carburetor problems.
2. M44 engine (2.5-liter inline-four): The M44 engine in the Porsche 924 is known to have problems with overheating, oil pressure issues, and valve stem seal failure.

In summary, the Porsche 924 is known to have several common problems that can affect its performance and reliability. These issues can range from engine problems, such as oil leaks and overheating, to transmission problems, such as gear grinding and difficulty shifting gears, to suspension and steering problems, such as worn ball joints and steering wheel vibration. Model-specific issues, such as fuel system problems and electrical problems, can also affect the Porsche 924, depending on the model year and engine type. It is important to have a knowledgeable mechanic or technician with experience working on these cars to properly diagnose and address any issues that may arise.

Is the Porsche 924 engine reliable?

The 2-litre engine has a good reputation for reliability, but age and poor maintenance will take its toll. The original service interval for the 924 was 6K miles or annually. Modern quality oils have improved the engine protection, but all cars should still have an annual oil change, costing perhaps £120 (inc VAT).

Why are Porsche 924s 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.

Are Porsche 924 collectable?

Today, the 924 and 924 Turbo are sought after by collectors for their unique place in Porsche's history as well as their driving dynamics and potential for appreciation. The 924 Turbo, in particular, is highly coveted for its rarity and performance capabilities (as only about 12,000 were built).

Did the Porsche 924 have an Audi engine?

Porsche broke new ground when it came to powering the 924: For the first time, a water-cooled front-mounted engine with in-line cylinders was used. The 125-PS engine was taken from the Audi 100 and modified accordingly by Porsche. The drive was transmitted via a transaxle construction.

1988 Porsche 924 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Porsche 924 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

• Fuel system problems
• Gasoline problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Porsche 924 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.