Porsche 944 problems
The Porsche 944 is a sports car manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Porsche from 1982 until 1991. A front-engine, rear-wheel drive mid-level model based on the 924 platform, the 944 was available in coupé or cabriolet body styles, with either naturally aspirated or turbocharged engines. With over 163,000 cars produced, the 944 was the most successful sports car in Porsche's history until the introductions of the Boxster and 997 Carrera.
Extensive design revisions for the 1992 model year prompted Porsche to drop the 944 nameplate and rebrand the vehicle as the 968.
History
The 924 had originally been a project of VW-Porsche, a joint Porsche/Volkswagen company incorporated to develop and produce the 914 which was sold in Europe badged as both a Porsche and a Volkswagen. In 1972, a replacement for the Volkswagen version of the 914, code named EA-425 began development. The model was to be sold as an Audi as part of the VW-Audi-Porsche marketing arrangement. Porsche was to manufacture its own version of the car. At one point, Volkswagen head Rudolf Leidig declared the EX-425 was going to be a Volkswagen exclusively, thus denying Porsche's version of the 914's replacement. Although testing had begun in the Spring of 1974, Volkswagen cancelled the EX-425 program, the reason being significant financial losses due to declining sales and rising development costs for new vehicles as well as the departure of Leidig. The recently introduced Volkswagen Scirocco was expected to fill the sports coupé market segment and the unfinished project was handed over to Audi to serve as the replacement for the Audi 100.
The cancellation of the EX-425 program led Porsche to market an entry level car to replace the 912E, which was a US-only stop-gap model for 1976, and their version of the 914, which was discontinued in 1975. Porsche purchased the design and the finished development mule with a Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection system from Volkswagen. The vehicle, dubbed the 924, received positive reviews, but was criticised by Porsche enthusiasts for its Audi-sourced 2.0 L engine. In 1979, Porsche introduced a Turbocharged version of the 924 to increase performance, but this model carried a high price. Rather than scrapping the model from its line-up, Porsche decided to develop the 944, as they had done with generations of the 911; although model numbers would change, the 924 would provide the basis for this new mid level model.
The prototype of this mid level model debuted at LeMans in 1981, an unusual strategy implemented by Porsche at the time. Called the 924 GTP LeMans, the car was based on the 924 Carrera GT LeMans that competed in the event prior to the GTP's introduction. The most noticeable change in the new race car was the departure from the Audi sourced 2.0 L inline-4 engine in favour of the 2.5 L engine developed by Porsche. The new engine was mounted at an angle of 45 degree to the right and utilised a dual overhead camshaft along with counter rotating balance shafts, an unusual feature for its time that provided better weight distribution and ensured smooth power delivery by eliminating inherent vibrations resulting in the engine lasting longer. A single KKK turbocharger producing 15.5 psi (1.1 bar) enabled the engine to generate a maximum power output of 420 PS (309 kW; 414 hp) at 6,800 rpm. The engine also utilised Bosch's prototype Motronic engine management system to control ignition timing, fuel injection and boost pressure. The new race car proved to be much more fuel efficient than its predecessor, stopping only 21 times in 24 hours for fuel. The 924 GTP managed seventh position overall behind the race winning 936 and a class win at the GTP+ 3.0 category in 1981 before being retired and stored in the Porsche museum. In 1982, Porsche debuted the production road legal version of the race car, called the 944. The car utilised many technologies its race bred sibling had used, including the balance shafts and the engine management system, but power was toned down for safety purposes.
The new all-alloy 2,479 cc (2.5 L; 151.3 cu in) inline-four engine, with a bore of 100 mm (3.94 in) and stroke of 78.9 mm (3.11 in), was in essence, half of the later 928's 5.0 L V8 engine, although very few parts were actually interchangeable. Not typical in luxury sports cars, the four-cylinder engine was chosen for fuel efficiency and size, because it had to be fitted from below on the Neckarsulm production line. To overcome roughness caused by the unbalanced secondary forces that are typical of inline four-cylinder engines, Porsche included two counter-rotating balance shafts running at twice the engine speed. Invented in 1904 by British engineer Frederick Lanchester, and further developed and patented in 1975 by Mitsubishi Motors, balance shafts carry eccentric weights which produce inertial forces that balance out the unbalanced secondary forces, making a four-cylinder engine feel as smooth as a six-cylinder engine. Porsche spent some time trying to develop their own system, but when they realised that they could not improve on the system developed by Mitsubishi, they chose to pay the licensing fees rather than come up with a variation just different enough to circumvent the patent. The licensing fees were about US$7–8 per car, which translated to about US$100 (equivalent to $316 in 2023) for the consumer to pay. The engine was factory-rated at 150 hp (112 kW; 152 PS) in its U.S. configuration. Revised bodywork with wider wheel arches, similar to that of the 924 Carrera GT, a fresh interior and upgrades to the braking and suspension systems rounded out the major changes.
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Porsche 944 model years
Common Porsche 944 problems
The Porsche 944 is a classic car that has been praised for its reliability and economy, thanks to its 4-cylinder engine. However, like any car, the 944 has its common problems that owners should be aware of.
One of the most common problems with the 944 is the timing belt failure. The 944 engine is an interference engine, which means that if the timing belt breaks, the valves and pistons will collide, causing damage to both components.
Another common problem with the 944 is the water pump failure. The water pump circulates coolant through the engine, and if it fails, the engine can overheat, causing damage to the engine.
The DME (Digital Motor Electronics) relay is another weak point in the 944's electrical system. The DME relay is responsible for controlling the fuel injection and ignition systems, and if it fails, the car may not start or run properly.
The fuel lines in the 944 are another area of concern. The fuel lines run over the exhaust, which can cause them to deteriorate and leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
The rear hatch window can also become separated from the frame when new trunk struts are installed. This is due to the pressure exerted by the new struts, causing the separation to occur.
The odometer in the 944 is also known to fail easily, and most are already broken.
In terms of maintenance, it is recommended to replace the timing belt immediately after purchase and the cam tensioner if the car is an S or S2 model.
In conclusion, while the Porsche 944 is a reliable and economical car, it has its common problems that owners should be aware of. Regular maintenance and inspection of the timing belt, water pump, DME relay, fuel lines, and rear hatch window can help prevent costly repairs and ensure the car's longevity.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Porsche 944 years
We have researched Porsche problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Porsche 944 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Porsche 944 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Porsche 944 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Porsche 944 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Porsche 944 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Porsche 944 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Porsche 944 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by 944 model years
There were a total of 6 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 19 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Porsche 944 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Porsche 944 vehicles.
List of Porsche 944 complaints
Porsche 944 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-19
- Date Complaint: 2020-09-22
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WP0AB0940JN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 88 PORSCHE 944 NA, ENGINE FIRE WITH OUT WARNING HAD CALL FIRE DEPT, WAS IN MOTION DOING ABOUT 45 MPH SAW SMOKE MADE TO GAS STATION ENGINE FIRE UNDER HOOD
Porsche 944 1985
- Date Of Incident: 2015-08-15
- Date Complaint: 2015-12-03
- VIN: WP0AA0944FN
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: DURING TURNING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE STEERING WILL SOMETIMES "LOCK" OR "JAM". IT HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS A FAILED STEERING COUPLER, MANUFACTURER'S PART NUMBER 944 347 027 01 - DRIVE SHAFT. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO BRUTE FORCE THE STEERING. A WOMAN WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO CORRECT THE SITUATION, I MY HUMBLE OPINION. NO ACCIDENT HAS RESULTED. I HAVE STOPPED DRIVING THE VEHICLE UNTIL THIS IS RESOLVED.
Porsche 944 1983
- Date Of Incident: 2015-12-03
- Date Complaint: 2015-12-03
- VIN: WP0AA0940DN
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE STEERING COUPLER, MANUFACTURER'S PART NUMBER 944 347 027 01 - DRIVE SHAFT, HAS FAILED. DURING A VEHICLE INSPECTION IT WAS NOTED THAT THE CARDAN JOINT IS LOOSE AND COULD CAUSE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AS IT HAS ON MY OTHER 944. NO ACCIDENT HAS RESULTED. I HAVE STOPPED DRIVING THE VEHICLE UNTIL THIS IS RESOLVED.
Porsche 944 1986
- Date Of Incident: 2014-12-03
- Date Complaint: 2014-12-03
- VIN: WP0AA0949GN
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE CAME IN FOR SMOG TEST AND FOUND FUEL LINE DRIPPING FUEL AT FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR SIDE OF LINE. CHECKED FOR RECALLS AND FOUND THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL LINE FOR THE EXACT ISSUE THAT WE ARE HAVING. INSPECTED FUEL LINE AND FOUND THAT THERE IS A KINK AT THE END OF THE LINE AS STATED AS THE DEFECT IN THE RECALL. CALLED THE PORSCHE DEALER LOCALLY AND THEY STATED THE RECALL HAS BEEN PERFORMED, AND THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRING VEHICLE. I FEEL THAT THE DEFECT IS DANGEROUS AND COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE AND LOSS OF LIFE. EITHER THE REPLACED LINE HAS THE SAME DEFECT AS THE PRE RECALL LINE OR THE RECALL HAS NOT BEEN PERFORMED AS STATED BY THE DEALER(ESPECIALLY SINCE THE LINE IS CURRENTLY KINKED AND THE RECALL WAS SUPPOSED TO FIX THE KINKING FUEL LINE). *JS
Porsche 944 1986
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-08
- Date Complaint: 2014-11-22
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WP0AA0944GN
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: RUBBER FUEL HOSE FROM WHEEL WELL ROUTED OVER EXHAUST HEADER TO FUEL RAIL ATTACHED TO CAM TOWER STARTED TO LEAK ON ENGINE AND FIRE STARTED. I WAS RIGHT THERE AND CAUGHT IT BEFORE THE FIRE GOT TOO BIG. *TR
Porsche 944 1985
- Date Of Incident: 2013-02-26
- Date Complaint: 2013-02-26
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WP0AA0949FN
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ALONG IN MY RECENTLY PURCHASED PORSCHE 944, AND SUDDENLY THE CAR LOST ALL POWER AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BURST INTO FLAMES WITHOUT ANY WARNING. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THE ENTIRE UNDERHOOD AREA IS A COMPLETE LOSS. THERE WERE NO LEAKS, AND THE WIRING DID NOT HAVE ANY VISIBLE PROBLEMS. UNTIL YOU EXPERIENCE SOMETHING LIKE THIS, YOU DO NOT REALIZE JUST HOW TERRIFYING IT IS. *TR
Porsche 944 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-16
- Date Complaint: 2002-09-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: UNDER HOOD FIRE OCCURED FROM FUEL LINE SEPERATION WHILE BEING DRIVEN AND APPROACHING A STOP SIGN. NLM
Porsche 944 1983
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2001-04-11
- VIN: WP0AA0942DN
- Components: SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
- Summary: I RAN MY AUTOMOBILE THROUGH YOR RECALL SYSTEM AND IT CAME UP THAT I HAD 2 RECALLS ONE THE REAR SUSPENSION OR FRAME ON DRIVER SIDE REAR & 2 THE REAR SAFTEY BELTS PLEASE NOTIFY ME THAT THE RECALLS WERE TAKEN CARE OFF. *AK
Porsche 944 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2000-02-27
- Date Complaint: 2000-02-29
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALER AS WELL AS PORSCHE(ATLANTA OFFICE). ALMOST EVERYONE WITH A 944S OR 1989-91 944S2 HAS REPORTED THIS FAILURE OR DEFECT. THE CAM CHAIN TENSIONER HAS A PLASTIC RAMP WHICH CRACKS AND FAILS CAUSING CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. PLEASE LOOK ON WWW.RENNLIST.COM UNDER 944 SITE. DO A SEARCH ON CAM TENSIONER AND YOU WILL SEE HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. PORSCHE SAYS THERE IS NO PROBLEM AND WILL NOT ISSUE A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR AN INSPECTION INTERVAL. THE PLASTIC RUNNER BEGINS TO CRACK AND THEN FAILS CAUSING THE CHAIN TO CATCH AND COME APART. VALVES/PISTONS COLLIDE CAUSING CATASTOPHIC FAILURE. PART REPLACEMENT COST $300. PLASTIC GUIDE IS NOT AVAILABLE SEPARATELY SO YOU MUST BUY THE ENTIRE HYDROLIC TENSIONER. ANOTHER MODEL, PORSCHE 928S AND 928 S4 USE THE SAME TENSIONER SO THEY ARE AFFECTED AS WELL. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE ARISING AT ABOUT 60-100,000 MILES. THIS MAKES MOST OF THE CARS ABOUT 8-11 YRS OLD SO THE PROBLEM IS BASED ON TIME/USE ISSUE. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY PORSCHE WILL NOT ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. I HAVE THE TENSIONER AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW AND CAN PROBABLY GET MORE FROM OTHER OWNERS AS WE ALL COMMUNICATE REGULARLY ON WWW.RENNLIST.COM. *AK
Porsche 944 1983
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1999-08-10
- VIN: WP0AA-946DN
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL TANK LEAKS AT THE CREASE AT THE TOP OF THE TANK. NLM
Porsche 944 1986
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1999-04-16
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WP0AA0956GN
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
Porsche 944 1988
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-03
- Date Complaint: 1999-04-13
- VIN: WP0AA2951JN
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE BALL JOINT BROKE ALLOWING THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO JUMP UP INTO THE WHEEL WELL.THE PORSCHE FACTORY TOLD ME TO HAVE A LOCAL DEALER INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO ANSWER MY QUESTION ABOUT THE CONDITION OF THE LEFT SIDE. THE BALL JOINT IS NOT REMOVABLE FROM THE CONTROL ARM AND THE DEALER CANNOT INSPECT IT FOR CRACKING. BREAKAGE OF THIS COMPONENT IS LIFE THREATENING AND VERY DANGEROUS. TO REPAIR, AN OWNER MUST BUY A NEW CONTROL ARM WITH THE FACTORY INSTALLED BALL JOINT: THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT THIS FAILURE WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. *MJS
Porsche 944 1986
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1999-03-13
- VIN: WP0AA0948GN
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE SPEED CONTROL UNIT WILL RANDOMLY PICK NEW SPEEDS AT IRREGULAR INTERVALS. IN SOME CASES IT WILL RETURN TO THE ORIGINAL SPEED AFTER SOME TIME, IN SOME CASES IT WILL CONTINUE AT WHATEVER SPEED IT WANTS. ONCE SHORTLY AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR IT STARTED ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. I WAS ON A LONELY PIECE OF HIGHWAY 395 SO I LET IT CONTINUE UNTIL THE CAR REACHED A SPEED OF MORE THAN 125MPH. BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE SPEED CONTROL UNIT OFF.
Porsche 944 1988
- Date Of Incident: 1998-02-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-02-27
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WPOAA2946JN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE OWNER WILL NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER. *AK
Porsche 944 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1997-02-12
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FADED, INCREASING THE OVERALL STOPPING DISTANCE/CAUSED ACCIDENT.
Latest 5 recalls Porsche 944
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 10 recalls for different components of the Porsche 944.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Porsche 944 1986
- 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 944 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.
- Model: Porsche 944 1985
- 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 944 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 944 1988
- Report Received Date: 1989-08-10
- Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS N.A. INC.
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
- Summary: THE ALLOY A-ARMS MAY HAVE A MANUFACTURING CASTING DEFECT AND COULD CRACK AND BREAK AFTER MILEAGE ACCUMULATION.
- Consequence: A-ARM BREAKAGE COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL WHICH COULDRESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE SUSPECT A-ARMS.
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