At a Glance
The Porsche 944 has 36 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the 944 (1982-1991) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 77K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Porsche 944 common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Porsche 944 generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Porsche 944 owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Porsche 944 owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Looking for a garage to repair your Porsche 944?
Search our directory of 12,000+ UK garages by service and postcode — every garage has verified Google reviews.
Browse Porsche 944 Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Porsche 944 MOT Failures
Every reason Porsche 944 vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 7.83% |
| 2 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 7.11% |
| 3 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 6.81% |
| 4 | Number plate lamp not working | 6.61% |
| 5 | Brake performance below minimum | 6.55% |
| 6 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 5.31% |
| 7 | Tyre condition | 3.82% |
| 8 | Stop lamp not working | 3.71% |
| 9 | Front lamp not working | 3.44% |
| 10 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.38% |
| 11 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.60% |
| 12 | Exhaust system fault | 2.60% |
| 13 | Suspension mounting corroded | 2.33% |
| 14 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.25% |
| 15 | Body corrosion or damage | 2.19% |
| 16 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.66% |
| 17 | Chassis condition | 1.65% |
| 18 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.46% |
| 19 | Position lamp not working | 1.46% |
| 20 | Brake pads or linings worn | 1.28% |
| 21 | Fog lamp not working | 1.16% |
| 22 | Indicator fault | 1.12% |
| 23 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.11% |
| 24 | Headlamp fault | 1.06% |
| 25 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.95% |
| 26 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.94% |
| 27 | Rear lamp not working | 0.90% |
| 28 | Rear suspension fault | 0.85% |
| 29 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.79% |
| 30 | ABS fault | 0.79% |
| 31 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.78% |
| 32 | Horn not working | 0.74% |
| 33 | Front suspension fault | 0.73% |
| 34 | Track rod end worn | 0.73% |
| 35 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.68% |
| 36 | Driveshaft fault | 0.64% |
| 37 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.52% |
| 38 | Steering rack fault | 0.50% |
| 39 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.50% |
| 40 | Seat belt condition | 0.49% |
| 41 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.47% |
| 42 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.42% |
| 43 | Parking brake condition | 0.39% |
| 44 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.38% |
| 45 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.38% |
| 46 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.36% |
| 47 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.34% |
| 48 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.33% |
| 49 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.33% |
| 50 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.28% |
| 51 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.26% |
| 52 | Steering free play excessive | 0.24% |
| 53 | Electrical switch fault | 0.22% |
| 54 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.20% |
| 55 | Brake caliper fault | 0.20% |
| 56 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.18% |
| 57 | Power steering pump fault | 0.18% |
| 58 | Steering arm worn | 0.18% |
| 59 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.18% |
| 60 | Steering coupling worn | 0.18% |
| 61 | Universal joint worn | 0.17% |
| 62 | Steering lock fault | 0.16% |
| 63 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.16% |
| 64 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.15% |
| 65 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.15% |
| 66 | Steering column fault | 0.15% |
| 67 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.14% |
| 68 | Engine oil leak | 0.14% |
| 69 | Speedometer fault | 0.13% |
| 70 | Brake lever fault | 0.13% |
| 71 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.12% |
| 72 | Brake fluid leak | 0.12% |
| 73 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.11% |
| 74 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.10% |
| 75 | Brake pedal fault | 0.10% |
| 76 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.09% |
| 77 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.09% |
| 78 | Drag link end worn | 0.09% |
| 79 | Front passenger door fault | 0.09% |
| 80 | Steering shaft fault | 0.09% |
| 81 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.09% |
| 82 | Steering operation fault | 0.08% |
| 83 | Power steering ram fault | 0.08% |
| 84 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.08% |
| 85 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.08% |
| 86 | Steering drive system fault | 0.08% |
| 87 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.07% |
| 88 | Driver door fault | 0.06% |
| 89 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.06% |
| 90 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.06% |
| 91 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.06% |
| 92 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.06% |
| 93 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.06% |
| 94 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.05% |
| 95 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.05% |
| 96 | Exhaust leak | 0.05% |
| 97 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.05% |
| 98 | Passenger seat fault | 0.05% |
| 99 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.05% |
| 100 | Driver seat fault | 0.04% |
| 101 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | 0.04% |
| 102 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.03% |
| 103 | Body security fault | 0.03% |
| 104 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.03% |
| 105 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.02% |
| 106 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.02% |
| 107 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 108 | Transmission oil leak | 0.02% |
| 109 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 110 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.02% |
| 111 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 112 | Additional braking device fault | 0.01% |
| 113 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.01% |
| 114 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.01% |
| 115 | Dip switch fault | 0.01% |
| 116 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 117 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.01% |
| 118 | Seat belt anchorage fault | 0.01% |
| 119 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 120 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.01% |
| 121 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.01% |
| 122 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 126 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 129 | Subframe corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 130 | Airbag warning light on | <0.01% |
| 131 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 132 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 133 | Electronic stability control fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 135 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 136 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 139 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 140 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Bumper damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 142 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 143 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 146 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 147 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 149 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 151 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 153 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 154 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 155 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
Showing all 155 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Porsche 944 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Porsche 944, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
Join as a car owner — free
Get MOT reminders, a pre-MOT checklist, and tools to compare garages near you.
MOT Reminders
Free email alerts 28 and 7 days before your MOT expires.
44-Point MOT Checklist
Printable checklist to inspect your car before the test.
Save Favourite Garages
Save garages you trust and compare their ratings side by side.
Already a member? Sign in
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Porsche 944 problems?
Based on analysis of 77K Porsche 944 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 36 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake hydraulic component worn". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Porsche 944 generation has the most problems?
The Porsche 944 944 (1982-1991) (1982–1991) has the highest number of identified common problems (48). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Porsche 944?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Porsche 944 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
Search Vehicles With Common Problems
Find common car problems, MOT failures, and advisories for any make and model
