Selling an old or non-running Porsche 944

A 944 that no longer runs can go as one piece. We buy whole non-running and junk cars and sell the whole car as it sits, with free pickup anywhere in the US.

Problems by model year group

Wikipedia lists four engines for the 944, all inline fours: a 2.5-liter, a 2.5-liter turbo, a 2.7-liter and a 3.0-liter. EPA data names the 944, 944 S, 944 S2 and 944 Turbo. The groups below follow the recall dates.

1984-1985: belts, cruise control and the first fuel hose

The 1984 has no complaints on file and two recalls. Campaign 83V111 replaced rear seat belts that lacked locking retractors (26,300 vehicles in the campaign). Campaign 85V023 swapped corroding metal cruise control bushings for plastic ones on 1984-1985 cars (5,916).

The 1985 has 2 complaints, one reporting a fire, and three recalls. Campaign 85V039 covered fuel hoses damaged by too much crimping pressure; NHTSA's notice says a leak could stall the engine (1,530 vehicles).

1986-1988: where most complaints sit

These three years hold 13 of the 16 complaints and 5 of the 6 fire reports. The 1987 has the most, 6, with the engine cooling and the gasoline fuel system named twice each.

Two fuel recalls land here. Campaign 86V077 fitted a longer sleeve on a 1986 return fuel hose that could kink (17,717). Campaign 90V061 replaced the short high-pressure hose between the fuel rail and pressure regulator on 1985-1988 cars, because the material could harden and leak at the fittings (53,427 across the entire campaign, other models possibly among them). The 1988 also has 89V133: alloy front A-arms that could crack and break (1,936).

1989-1991: the 3.0-liter cars

Wikipedia says the S2's 3.0-liter M44/41 was the largest production four-cylinder engine of its time, and that only 2,402 944 S2 Cabriolets came to the US between 1989 and 1991. The 1989 has one complaint, and the 1990 and 1991 have none. Campaign 94V088 put a new wiper motor cover on the 1991 after water leaked past the cowl (1,178).

944 complaints and recalls by model year

Our tally of NHTSA's 944 complaints as of October 10, 2026. Campaign 90V061 sits on four model years at once, so the recall column adds up to 11 even though there are 7 campaigns.

Restore it or let it go?

Enter the 944's VIN in NHTSA's recall search to see which campaigns show as done. On a 1985-1988 car, ask about the fuel hose campaigns before anyone tries to start it, and don't start it if you smell fuel. Then be honest about the project: if the parts list keeps growing, our old project car guide covers when to stop.

Selling your 944 whole

1. Say which 944 it is: base, S, S2 or Turbo, coupe or Cabriolet, and the VIN.
2. Describe its state: when it last ran, whether it turns over, and whether the tires hold air.
3. Tell us where it's parked. A car in a back garage is fine; say how the truck gets to it.
4. Keep it complete. Mention any parts already sold off.
5. Call (877) 421-6008 or start online. At the curb, the driver checks your ID and takes the signed 944 title. No title? See selling with no title.

Comparing front-engine Porsches? See the 924, 968 and 928.