1988 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 1988 Porsche 944 problems
The Porsche 944, produced from 1982 to 1991, is a front-engine coupe with a reputation for reliability when properly maintained. However, as these cars age, several common problems arise. This article will discuss five of the most common issues based on owner complaints and search results.
- Timing Belt Failure: The Porsche 944 uses an interference engine, meaning that if the timing belt fails, the valves and pistons collide, causing bent valves and potentially damaged pistons.
- Cam Chain Tensioner Failure: The 944S and S2 models are prone to cam chain tensioner failure, which can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- DME Relay Failure: The Porsche 944's DME (Digital Motor Electronics) relay can fail, causing issues with the fuel injection system and engine performance.
- Water Pump Issues: The 944's water pump is known to fail, causing overheating and potential engine damage.
- Cruise Control Wiring Failure: The 944's cruise control system can fail due to wiring issues, requiring the replacement of the computer and servo, which can be expensive.
In addition to these common problems, the 944 also has issues with the odometer, dashboard cracking, rear hatch window separation, and various maintenance items that become more expensive as the car ages.
1988 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:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Suspension problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Porsche 944 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Porsche 944 complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Porsche 944.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-19
- 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
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-03
- 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-02-24
- 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
1988 Porsche 944 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1988 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.
- 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.
Other years of Porsche 944
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