Porsche 944s 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 944s model years
Common Porsche 944s problems
The Porsche 944 is a classic car that has been around for over 40 years, and like any other car of its age, it has some common problems that owners often encounter. Here are some of the most common problems with the Porsche 944, based on complaints from owners of this car:
- Cam Chain Tensioner Failure: The 944S models have a cam chain tensioner that can fail, causing the engine to lose power or even fail completely. This problem is particularly common in the 944S models, and it's essential to replace the tensioner if you own one of these cars.
- DME Relay Failure: The DME (Digital Motor Electronics) relays on the 944 are notoriously unreliable and can cause problems with the car's electrical system. This issue can lead to a variety of problems, including erratic interior temperatures and other electrical issues.
- Water Pump Failure: The water pump in the 944 is responsible for circulating coolant through the engine. If the water pump fails, it can cause the engine to overheat, leading to significant damage. It's essential to replace the water pump regularly to avoid this problem.
- Cruise Control Wiring Failure: The cruise control system in the 944 can fail due to wiring issues. This problem can be expensive to fix, as it requires replacing both the computer and the servo.
- Odometer Failure: The odometer in the 944 is prone to failure, and most are already broken. This issue can make it challenging to determine the car's true mileage, which can be a problem when buying or selling a 944.
- Dashboard Cracks: The dashboard in the 944 is prone to cracking, especially in hot climates. This issue can be unsightly and can lead to further damage to the dashboard if not addressed.
- Rear Hatch Window Separation: The rear hatch window in the 944 can become separated from the frame when new trunk struts are installed. This issue can be caused by the pressure exerted by the new struts and can be challenging to fix.
In summary, the Porsche 944 is a classic car that has some common problems that owners should be aware of. These problems include timing belt failure, cam chain tensioner failure, DME relay failure, water pump failure, cruise control wiring failure, odometer failure, dashboard cracks, and rear hatch window separation. Regular maintenance and replacement of these components can help prevent these problems and ensure the longevity of the car.
Are Porsche 944's reliable?
These cars can and will be very reliable as long as you carry out regular maintenance and don't cut corners. With the 944 also gaining value incredibly quickly in recent years, there's been no better time to buy and enjoy yourself an affordable way into classic Porsche ownership.
How many miles do Porsche 944s last?
I think a well maintained 944 can go into the 300,000 mile range. my first 944 had 265,000 when i bought it.
What is the best year for 944 Porsche?
Keep in mind that the latest model year you can afford, with a good service history and condition, is the best option. The mid-1985 "oval" dash upgrade and the 1989 engine increase to 2.7 liters, for example, greatly improved the car's interior and performance.
Are Porsche 944s fast?
The 944 Turbo S saw engine power upgraded to 250PS, shaving another 0.4 seconds off of the 0-100km/h time to 5.9 seconds. The official top speed was 261km/h, making the Porsche 944 Turbo S the world's fastest four-cylinder production car at that time.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Porsche 944s years
We have researched Porsche problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Porsche 944s cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Porsche 944s model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Porsche 944s model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Porsche 944s years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Porsche 944s car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Porsche 944s , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Porsche 944s vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Porsche 944s . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Porsche 944s vehicles.
List of Porsche 944s complaints
Porsche 944s 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2000-05-04
- VIN: WPOAA0947HN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CAM BELT IN MOTOR FAILED. NLM
Porsche 944s 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2000-05-04
- VIN: WPOAA0947HN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CAM BELT IN MOTOR FAILED. NLM
Porsche 944s 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-27
- Date Complaint: 2000-04-26
- VIN: WP0AA0947HN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: NO POWER ON HIGHWAY; THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY MATTER. PLEASE REVIEW NUMBER OF ENGINE FAILURES IN THIS MODEL. ANY FATALITIES AS A RESULT OF THIS PROBLEM? MANUFACTURER RECALL ON THE FAILED PART--OBVIOUSLY AN INEFFECTUAL REPAIR OF THE PROBLEM. *AK
Recalls Porsche 944s
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the Porsche 944s.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Porsche 944s 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.
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