The Porsche 944 spans 1981–1991 with 14 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1986, 1987, 1988 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1981, 1982, 1984. It delivers up to 21 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Porsche 944 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 1991 across multiple generations.
How to read a Porsche 944 VIN — every digit explained
Every Porsche 944 carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Porsche and the country it was built in (real Porsche codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this 944.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- GermanyWP0 · WP1
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your 944, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Porsche 944 have?
The Porsche 944 has 14 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1991. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1991 Porsche 944 recalls 1
Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
What's wrong. THE PLASTIC COWL COVER WAS NOT SEALED TO THE BODY AT THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD. WATER CAN LEAK AND REACH THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR, CAUSING INTERNAL CORROSION AND FAILURE OF THE WIPER MOTOR.
Risk. FAILURE OF THE WIPER MOTOR RESULTS IN REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER AND COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIPER MOTOR COVER.
1988 Porsche 944 recalls 2
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm
What's wrong. THE ALLOY A-ARMS MAY HAVE A MANUFACTURING CASTING DEFECT AND COULD CRACK AND BREAK AFTER MILEAGE ACCUMULATION.
Risk. A-ARM BREAKAGE COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL WHICH COULDRESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Fix. REPLACE SUSPECT A-ARMS.
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. FUEL LEAKS COULD IGNITE ON THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM, OR ANY OTHER SOURCE OF IGNITION, RESULTING IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Fix. REPLACE FUEL LINE HOSE WITH HOSES MADE OF IMPROVED MATERIAL.
1987 Porsche 944 recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. FUEL LEAKS COULD IGNITE ON THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM, OR ANY OTHER SOURCE OF IGNITION, RESULTING IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Fix. REPLACE FUEL LINE HOSE WITH HOSES MADE OF IMPROVED MATERIAL.
1986 Porsche 944 recalls 2
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. THE PROTECTIVE SLEEVE COVERING OF THE RETURN FUEL HOSE BETWEEN THE PRESSURE REGULATOR AND FUEL RETURN PIPE WAS SHORTENED LEAVING PART OF THE HOSE EXPOSED. IN SOME INSTANCES THIS PART OF THE HOSE BECOMES KINKED DUE TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HEAT AND/OR THE ROUTING OF THE HOSE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THIS OCCURS IT COULD RESTRICT AND DAMAGE THE RETURN FUEL HOSE WHICH COULD LEAD TO FUEL LEAKAGE AND CAUSE AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Fix. NEW HOSE WILL BE INSTALLED WITH A LONGER PREFORMED SLEEVE DESIGNED TO PREVENT KINKING. THE REPLACEMENT HOSE WILL BE SECURED WITH SCREW TIGHTENED CLAMPS ON EACH END.
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. FUEL LEAKS COULD IGNITE ON THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM, OR ANY OTHER SOURCE OF IGNITION, RESULTING IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Fix. REPLACE FUEL LINE HOSE WITH HOSES MADE OF IMPROVED MATERIAL.
1985 Porsche 944 recalls 3
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. HOSES WILL BE MODIFIED BY CUTTING OFF THE CRIMPED END FITTING AND REPLACING IT WITH A NIPPLE FITTING SECURED WITH A SCREW TIGHTENED CLAMP.
Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. REPLACE THE METAL BUSHINGS WITH THE PLASTIC VERSION.
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. FUEL LEAKS COULD IGNITE ON THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM, OR ANY OTHER SOURCE OF IGNITION, RESULTING IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Fix. REPLACE FUEL LINE HOSE WITH HOSES MADE OF IMPROVED MATERIAL.
1984 Porsche 944 recalls 2
Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. REPLACE THE METAL BUSHINGS WITH THE PLASTIC VERSION.
Seat Belts:front:retractor
What's wrong. THE REAR SEAT BELTS DO NOT INCLUDE EMERGENCY-LOCKING OR AUTOMATIC-LOCKING RETRACTORS. THE BELTS DO NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION".
Fix. RECALLED VEHICLES WILL HAVE THE RIGHT REAR SEAT BELT AND A PORTION TO THE LEFT BELT REPLACED WITH RETRACTABLE BELTS.
1983 Porsche 944 recalls 2
Suspension:rear:springs:leaf Spring Assembly
What's wrong. REAR SPRING PLATES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TEMPERED AND ARE NOT OF THE PROPER HARDNESS VALUE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE PLATES COULD CRACK AND/OR BREAK, AFFECT LATERAL GUIDANCE OF THE REAR WHEEL, AND RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Fix. TEST TO IDENTIFY SPRING PLATES WHICH ARE IMPROPERLY HARDENED AND REPLACE AS NECESSARY.
Seat Belts:front:retractor
What's wrong. THE REAR SEAT BELTS DO NOT INCLUDE EMERGENCY-LOCKING OR AUTOMATIC-LOCKING RETRACTORS. THE BELTS DO NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION".
Fix. RECALLED VEHICLES WILL HAVE THE RIGHT REAR SEAT BELT AND A PORTION TO THE LEFT BELT REPLACED WITH RETRACTABLE BELTS.
Best and worst years for the Porsche 944
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 11 tracked years, the worst years are 1986, 1987, 1988 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1981, 1982, 1984.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 944 | — | Best | |
| 1982 944 | — | Best | |
| 1983 944 | Steering | Average | |
| 1984 944 | — | Best | |
| 1985 944 | Steering | Average | |
| 1986 944 | Fuel/propulsion System | Avoid | |
| 1987 944 | Fuel System | Avoid | |
| 1988 944 | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 1989 944 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Average | |
| 1990 944 | — | Average | |
| 1991 944 | — | Average |
What are the most common Porsche 944 problems?
The most-reported Porsche 944 problems are Engine (2 reports), Air Bags (1 reports) and Gasoline (4 reports) — out of 19 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Porsche 944 specifications & dimensions
The 1991 Porsche 944 measures 169″ long on a 94″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 2,998 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Porsche 944 window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 169″ | 69″ | 50″ | 94″ | 2,998 lb |
| 1988 | 170″ | 69″ | 50″ | 94″ | 2,866 lb |
| 1982–1985 | 169″ | 69″ | 50″ | 94″ | 2,831 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Porsche 944 cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the 944 holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 63 cu ft of passenger volume and 12 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Porsche 944 tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Porsche 944 get?
The Porsche 944 returns up to 21 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,950/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1991 Porsche 944 (3L 4-cyl) gets 18 mpg combined and costs about $4,300/yr to fuel, emitting 494 g/mi CO₂ — about $10,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 944 | 15 | 24 | $4,300 | 494 | — | 3L 4-cyl | |
| 1990 944 | 15 | 24 | $4,300 | 494 | — | 3L 4-cyl | |
| 1989 944 | 17 | 24 | $3,850 | 444 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1988 944 | 18 | 26 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1987 944 | 18 | 25 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1986 944 | 18 | 25 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1985 944 | 18 | 25 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1984 944 | 18 | 25 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the 944 stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this 944's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Porsche 944 have? Power & range
The Porsche 944 is offered with 1 powertrain — 3L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 3.0L · 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | RWD | Premium |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Porsche 944 cost to own?
A Porsche 944 holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Check what a used 944 is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this 944 loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $14,750 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the 944 ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Porsche 944 safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the 944 yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Porsche 944 last?
A well-maintained Porsche 944 typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Porsche 944’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this 944’s VIN free →All Porsche 944 model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Porsche 944 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 944 | 1 recall | — | |
| 1990 944 | 0 | — | |
| 1989 944 | 1 recall | — | |
| 1988 944 | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1987 944 | 1 recall | — | |
| 1986 944 | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1985 944 | 3 recalls | — | |
| 1984 944 | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1983 944 | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1982 944 | 0 | — | |
| 1981 944 | 0 | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the 944?
By owner-complaint volume, 1986, 1987, 1988 drew the most reports. 1981, 1982, 1984 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the 944 have?
14 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1991. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Porsche recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the 944 get?
Up to 21 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a 944 last?
A well-maintained 944 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the 944 reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the 944 is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Porsche 944 warranty?
New Porsche models carry a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 4 years / 50,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Porsche dealer.
Where is the Porsche 944 made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your 944's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Porsche may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a 944 weigh?
The 944's curb weight is around 2,998 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the 944 have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.