Porsche 944 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
17 owner complaints analyzed
8 distinct recall campaigns
120,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1983 to 1991 model years. Data updated: . 5 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.
Most common problems
Fuel/Propulsion System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 17 complaints (17.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 2 | 11.8% |
| Steering behavior | 2 | 11.8% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 5.9% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 5.9% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 |
| Engine | 2 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery | 2 |
| Steering | 2 |
| Air Bags | 1 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 1 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | 1 |
Fuel/Propulsion System: 3; Engine: 2; Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery: 2; Steering: 2; Air Bags: 1; Electrical System: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 3 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 1
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 12 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 4 |
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2020 | 1 |
1995: 1; 1997: 2; 1998: 1; 1999: 4; 2000: 1; 2001: 1; 2002: 1; 2013: 1; 2014: 2; 2015: 2; 2020: 1
Pattern summary
Fuel/Propulsion System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 480945 · 1995-01-11 (January 11, 1995)
FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS WHEN BRAKING. "DUP: SEE 956540". *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 480945 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 514780 · 1997-02-12 (February 12, 1997)
BRAKES FADED, INCREASING THE OVERALL STOPPING DISTANCE/CAUSED ACCIDENT.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 514780 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10808141 · 2015-12-03 (December 3, 2015)
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.
Owner-reported narrative. 112,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10808141 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10808134 · 2015-12-03 (December 3, 2015)
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.
Owner-reported narrative. 95,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10808134 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10500184 · 2013-02-26 (February 26, 2013)
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
Owner-reported narrative. 144,443 miles reported. Look up ODI 10500184 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 782823 · 1999-08-10 (August 10, 1999)
FUEL TANK LEAKS AT THE CREASE AT THE TOP OF THE TANK. NLM
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 782823 at NHTSA ↗
Recalls by model year
All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.
Recall campaigns
Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 2 |
| 1985 | 3 |
| 1986 | 2 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 2 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1991 | 1 |
1983: 2; 1984: 2; 1985: 3; 1986: 2; 1987: 1; 1988: 2; 1989: 0; 1991: 1
Year-by-year records
Vehicle analysis explorer
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
17 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Problems by model year
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 1983 | 1984 | 1985 | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1991 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 250.0%ODI 10660187 · 120,000 miRUBBER 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 | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 11360474 · 190,000 mi88 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 | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Engine | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 10500184 · 144,443 miI 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 | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 11360474 · 190,000 mi88 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 | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 125.0% | 125.0%ODI 8019315UNDER HOOD FIRE OCCURED FROM FUEL LINE SEPERATION WHILE BEING DRIVEN AND APPROACHING A STOP SIGN. NLM | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Steering | 133.3%ODI 10808141 · 112,000 miTHE 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. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 10808134 · 95,000 miDURING 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Air Bags | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 125.0%ODI 480945FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS WHEN BRAKING. "DUP: SEE 956540". *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Electrical System | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 11360474 · 190,000 mi88 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 | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 1100.0%ODI 719463I 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 … | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 821721WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE OWNER WILL NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Failure mileage by component
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/Propulsion System | Too few reports for a range | 155,000 mi | 2 (sparse) | ODI 10660187 · 120,000 miRUBBER 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 ODI 11360474 · 190,000 mi88 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 |
| Engine | Too few reports for a range | 167,222 mi | 2 (sparse) | ODI 10500184 · 144,443 miI 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 ODI 11360474 · 190,000 mi88 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 |
| Steering | Too few reports for a range | 103,500 mi | 2 (sparse) | ODI 10808141 · 112,000 miTHE 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. ODI 10808134 · 95,000 miDURING 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. |
| Electrical System | Too few reports for a range | 190,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 11360474 · 190,000 mi88 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 |
Complaint and recall timeline
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Emerging complaint spikes
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Equal-age model-year comparison
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
1989: 0 complaints · 1991: 0 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Date coverage across each selected cohort
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Components reported together
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component | Fuel/Propulsion System | Engine | Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery | Steering | Air Bags | Electrical System | Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/Propulsion System | — | 1ODI 11360474 · 190,000 mi88 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 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 11360474 · 190,000 mi88 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 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1ODI 11360474 · 190,000 mi88 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 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 11360474 · 190,000 mi88 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 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 1ODI 11360474 · 190,000 mi88 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 | 1ODI 11360474 · 190,000 mi88 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 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Recurring narrative patterns
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
0 patterns with matching reports.
No narratives match the published patterns.