1985 Porsche 944 problems

General information about Porsche-944
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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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Common 1985 Porsche 944 problems

The Porsche 944, produced from 1982 to 1991, is a front-engine coupe that has become a classic car with a dedicated following. However, like many vintage cars, the Porsche 944 is not without its common issues. Here are some of the most frequently reported problems with the Porsche 944:

Timing Belt Failure: The Porsche 944's engine is an interference engine, meaning that if the timing belt fails, the valves and pistons can collide, causing significant damage. Regular replacement of the timing belt is crucial to avoid this issue.
Cam Chain Tensioner Failure: The cam chain tensioner in the 944S and 944S2 models can fail, potentially causing catastrophic engine damage. This issue was reportedly addressed in the S2 model, but it's still a concern for earlier models.
DME Relay Failure: The DME (Digital Motor Electronics) relay, which controls the fuel injection system, can fail, leading to issues with starting the car or maintaining a stable idle.
Bad Water Pump: The water pump in the Porsche 944 is known to fail, which can lead to overheating and potential engine damage. Regular inspection and replacement of the water pump is recommended.
Cruise Control Wiring Failure: The cruise control wiring in the 944 can fail, requiring replacement of both the computer and the servo, which can be expensive.
Odometer Failure: The odometer in the 944 is prone to failure, with many already broken in older models.
Dashboard Cracks: The dashboard in the 944 can crack easily, particularly when exposed to heat.
Rear Hatch Window Separation: When new trunk struts are installed, the rear hatch window can become separated from the frame.

In addition to these specific issues, the Porsche 944, like many older cars, requires regular maintenance to ensure reliability. This can include replacing the timing belt and cam tensioners, inspecting and replacing the water pump, and addressing any other maintenance items as they arise. While the Porsche 944 can be an expensive car to own due to the cost of replacing these items, it is generally reliable when properly maintained.

1985 Porsche 944 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Porsche 944 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Steering problems
Engine problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Porsche 944 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1985 Porsche 944 complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Porsche 944.

2015-12-03

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2015-08-15
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.

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2013-02-26

ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 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

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1985 Porsche 944 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1985 Porsche 944.

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.

1985-04-09

Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS N.A. INC.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: FUEL HOSE MAY BE DAMAGED DUE TO TOO MUCH PRESSURE IN CRIMPING THE HOSE END FITTING. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A FUEL LEAK COULD DEVELOP WHICH COULD CAUSE A LOSS IN SYSTEM PRESSURE AND ENGINE STALLING. ALSO, FUEL VAPORS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD BE IGNITED BY A SPARK AND CAUSE A FIRE.
Remedy: HOSES WILL BE MODIFIED BY CUTTING OFF THE CRIMPED END FITTING AND REPLACING IT WITH A NIPPLE FITTING SECURED WITH A SCREW TIGHTENED CLAMP.

1985-03-01

Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS N.A. INC.
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
Summary: METAL BUSHINGS FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL LINKAGE ARE SUBJECT TO CORROSION DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS. ALSO, THERE IS NOT ENOUGH CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BUSHINGS AND THE SHAFT; AND THE LINKAGE POINTS WERE NOT LUBRICATED. THUS, CRUISE CONTROL LINKAGE CAN BIND, CAUSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO STICK IN A DEPRESSED POSITION. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE VEHICLE, WITHOUT WARNING, WOULD CONTINUE AT SET SPEED AND CAN'T BE REDUCED. THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPLACE THE METAL BUSHINGS WITH THE PLASTIC VERSION.