Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1981 Porsche 928 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
1
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 1 | 100% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
FRONT SHOCK ABSORBERS ON SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE IMPROPERLY WELDED MOUNTING EYES. THE SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNTING COULD SEPARATE AND CAUSE THE SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE IF VEHICLE IS DRIVEN ON ROUGH ROADS FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME.
Remedy
THE FRONT SHOCK ABSORBERS ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL BE CHECKED AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER PURCHASED POWER FORCE BATTERY MAY 2000, IN JUNE THE BATTERY EXPLODED CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FOR DAMAGES BUT WAS DENIED. NLM”
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1981 Porsche 928. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.