Model year guide

1987 Porsche 944

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1987 Porsche 944 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1987 Porsche 944 — representative photo
Representative photo

1987 Porsche 944 at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints4
Combined19–21 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1987 Porsche 944 recalls 1

Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail NHTSA Campaign #90V061000 · 02/04/1990

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.

Fix: REPLACE FUEL LINE HOSE WITH HOSES MADE OF IMPROVED MATERIAL.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1987 Porsche 944 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

1987 Porsche 944 MPG & running costs

Combined19–21 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway23 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,750
EPA size classMinicompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 3-spd or Manual 5-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume63 cu ft
Cargo volume12 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$6,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 5 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1987 Porsche 944 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,750
Fuel only$18,750
Per mile$0.25

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
165.4–170.1 in
Width
68.5 in
Height
50.4 in
Wheelbase
94.5 in
Curb weight
2,734–2,976 lb

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1987 Porsche 944 — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

UNDER DASH FIRES Closed

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NHTSA #PE89152 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Aug 1989 · closed Dec 1989

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 79

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 79.

Information for PIWIS tester update 42.300.050 & .052

Bulletin PIWIS2302s · Equipment · Nov 2023

Instructions on manufactures certificate for approved Porsche C30 engine oils

Bulletin No. 33-23 · Equipment · Nov 2023

Instructions on manufactures certificate for approved Porsche A40 engine oils

Bulletin No. 35-23 · Equipment · Nov 2023

Instructions on manufacturers certificate for approved C20 engine oils

Bulletin No. 32-23 · Equipment · Nov 2023

Information for PIWIS tester update 42.300.040 & .041

Bulletin PIWIS2302r · Equipment · Nov 2023

Information for PIWIS tester update 42.300.035

Bulletin PIWIS2302q · Equipment · Nov 2023

Information for PIWIS tester update 42.300.030 - .032

Bulletin PIWIS2302p · Equipment · Nov 2023

Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the glass roof - 9J0877069EY and 9J0877069DY

Bulletin No. D654 · Equipment · Nov 2023

Special tools and equipment information on PIWIS tester update 42.250.050

Bulletin PIWIS2302h · Equipment · Oct 2023

Information on PIWIS tester update 42.250.045

Bulletin PIWIS2302g · Equipment · Sep 2023

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 944. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 1

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1987 Porsche 944. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Fuel System

THE SHORT SECTION OF HIGH PRESSURE FUEL HOSE BETWEEN THE FUEL RAIL AND THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR, WHICH RUNS ALONGSIDE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, MAY BE SUBJECT TO HARDENING. IN THE EVENT THAT THIS LINE DOES HARDEN, FUEL LEAKS COULD DEVELOP BETWEEN THE HOSE AND METAL PIPE FITTINGS. LEAKING FUEL COULD IGNITE ON THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM AND LEAD TO AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. CORRECTIO…

Transport Canada #1990051 · Apr 1990

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Porsche 944

The Porsche 944 is a two-door sports car that was manufactured and marketed by Porsche from 1982 until 1991. A front-engine, rear-wheel drive model based on the platform of the 924, 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.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1987 Porsche 944 vehicles on record

Other Porsche 944 model years

1987 Porsche 944 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1987 Porsche 944 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1987 Porsche 944. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1987 Porsche 944?

Across all 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are fuel system, gasoline, service brakes.

What gas mileage does the 1987 Porsche 944 get?

The 1987 Porsche 944 has U.S. EPA estimates of 19–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (5 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.