1987 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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Common 1987 Porsche 944 problems
The Porsche 944, produced from 1982 to 1991, is a beloved classic car known for its blend of classic Porsche DNA and modern design. However, as a vintage vehicle, it is not without its common issues. Here are some of the most frequently reported problems with the Porsche 944, based on complaints from owners:
- Engine Concerns: Oil and coolant leaks are common in the Porsche 944, particularly from the oil pan gasket, front and rear crank seals, head cover gasket, coolant hoses, and water pump. Regular checks for puddles or drips under the vehicle are essential.
- Timing Belt Failure: The timing belt in the Porsche 944 is a critical maintenance item that needs to be replaced every 3-4 years. Failure to do so can result in engine damage due to the collision of valves and pistons in the interference engine.
- Cam Chain Tensioner Failure: The cam chain tensioner in the Porsche 944S (single S) can fail, potentially destroying the engine. This issue may have been addressed in the S2, but it's essential to check if you own a single S model.
- DME Relay Failure: The DME relay, responsible for managing the engine's fuel injection and ignition systems, can fail in the Porsche 944. This failure can lead to various engine performance issues and should be addressed promptly.
- Bad Water Pump: The water pump in the Porsche 944 can fail, leading to overheating and potential engine damage. Regular inspections and timely replacement are crucial to maintaining the vehicle's reliability.
- Cruise Control Wiring Failure: The cruise control wiring in the Porsche 944 can fail, requiring the replacement of both the computer and servo, which are expensive components.
- Odometer Failure: The odometer in the Porsche 944 is known to fail easily, with most already broken in many cars.
- Dashboard Cracks: The dashboard in the Porsche 944 can crack easily, particularly in older models.
- Rear Hatch Window Separation: The rear hatch window can become separated from the frame when new trunk struts are installed in the Porsche 944.
- Fuel Line Concerns: The fuel lines in the Porsche 944 run over the exhaust, posing a potential fire hazard. Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to prevent engine fires.
These common issues in the Porsche 944 highlight the importance of regular maintenance and inspections to ensure the vehicle's longevity and reliability. While owning a classic Porsche is a dream for many enthusiasts, it's essential to be aware of these potential problems and address them promptly to keep the car in peak condition.
1987 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:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Porsche 944 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1987 Porsche 944 complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Porsche 944.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-16
- Fire: 1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: UNDER HOOD FIRE OCCURED FROM FUEL LINE SEPERATION WHILE BEING DRIVEN AND APPROACHING A STOP SIGN. NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FADED, INCREASING THE OVERALL STOPPING DISTANCE/CAUSED ACCIDENT.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-13
- VIN: WP0AA2950HN
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AND WENT UP IN FLAMES DUE TO THE FUEL LINES. THIS COMPONENT IS UNDER RECALL AND WAS ALLEGEDLY REPAIRED IN 1991. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-12
- VIN: WP0AA2952HN
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS WHEN BRAKING. "DUP: SEE 956540". *AK
1987 Porsche 944 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1987 Porsche 944.
- 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.
Other years of Porsche 944
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