Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 1983 Porsche 944 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
4
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 1 | 25% | new |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 25% | new |
| Steering | 1 | 25% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 25% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
REAR SPRING PLATES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TEMPERED AND ARE NOT OF THE PROPER HARDNESS VALUE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE PLATES COULD CRACK AND/OR BREAK, AFFECT LATERAL GUIDANCE OF THE REAR WHEEL, AND RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
TEST TO IDENTIFY SPRING PLATES WHICH ARE IMPROPERLY HARDENED AND REPLACE AS NECESSARY.
Defect
THE REAR SEAT BELTS DO NOT INCLUDE EMERGENCY-LOCKING OR AUTOMATIC-LOCKING RETRACTORS. THE BELTS DO NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION".
Remedy
RECALLED VEHICLES WILL HAVE THE RIGHT REAR SEAT BELT AND A PORTION TO THE LEFT BELT REPLACED WITH RETRACTABLE BELTS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I RAN MY AUTOMOBILE THROUGH YOR RECALL SYSTEM AND IT CAME UP THAT I HAD 2 RECALLS ONE THE REAR SUSPENSION OR FRAME ON DRIVER SIDE REAR & 2 THE REAR SAFTEY BELTS PLEASE NOTIFY ME THAT THE RECALLS WERE TAKEN CARE OFF. *AK”
“THE STEERING COUPLER, MANUFACTURER'S PART NUMBER 944 347 027 01 - DRIVE SHAFT, HAS FAILED. DURING A VEHICLE INSPECTION IT WAS NOTED THAT THE CARDAN JOINT IS LOOSE AND COULD CAUSE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AS IT HAS ON MY OTHER 944. NO ACCIDENT HAS RESULTED. I HAVE STOPPED DRIVING THE VEHICLE UNTIL…”
“I RAN MY AUTOMOBILE THROUGH YOR RECALL SYSTEM AND IT CAME UP THAT I HAD 2 RECALLS ONE THE REAR SUSPENSION OR FRAME ON DRIVER SIDE REAR & 2 THE REAR SAFTEY BELTS PLEASE NOTIFY ME THAT THE RECALLS WERE TAKEN CARE OFF. *AK”
The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1983 Porsche 944. 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.