1988 Porsche 944
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1988 Porsche 944 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.
1988 Porsche 944 at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1988 Porsche 944 recalls 2
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.
THE ALLOY A-ARMS MAY HAVE A MANUFACTURING CASTING DEFECT AND COULD CRACK AND BREAK AFTER MILEAGE ACCUMULATION.
Fix: REPLACE SUSPECT A-ARMS.
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.
1988 Porsche 944 common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1988 Porsche 944 MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 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 1988 Porsche 944 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
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
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1988 Porsche 944. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
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 2023Instructions on manufactures certificate for approved Porsche C30 engine oils
Bulletin No. 33-23 · Equipment · Nov 2023Instructions on manufactures certificate for approved Porsche A40 engine oils
Bulletin No. 35-23 · Equipment · Nov 2023Instructions on manufacturers certificate for approved C20 engine oils
Bulletin No. 32-23 · Equipment · Nov 2023Information for PIWIS tester update 42.300.040 & .041
Bulletin PIWIS2302r · Equipment · Nov 2023Information for PIWIS tester update 42.300.035
Bulletin PIWIS2302q · Equipment · Nov 2023Information for PIWIS tester update 42.300.030 - .032
Bulletin PIWIS2302p · Equipment · Nov 2023Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the glass roof - 9J0877069EY and 9J0877069DY
Bulletin No. D654 · Equipment · Nov 2023Special tools and equipment information on PIWIS tester update 42.250.050
Bulletin PIWIS2302h · Equipment · Oct 2023Information on PIWIS tester update 42.250.045
Bulletin PIWIS2302g · Equipment · Sep 2023Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 944. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 2
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1988 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 1990Suspension
FRONT TRACKING CONTROL ARMS ON THESE VEHICLES BEARING THE IDENTIFICATION CODE "SM" COULD CRACK AND EVENTUALLY BREAK. THE BREAKAGE OF THE FRONT TRACKING CONTROL ARM WHILE DRIVING MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND FRONT TRACKING CONTROL ARMS WITH THE "SM" IDENTIFICATION CODE WILL BE REPLACED.
Transport Canada #1989113 · Aug 1989Source: 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.