Generations
924 — 924
1976–1988
2.0L Audi inline-four, 2.5L inline-four (924S)
Top issues to watch for
The most serious Porsche 924 problems ranked by severity. We track 5 known issues — here are the ones you need to know about first.
Dangerous
Wheel bearing premature failure
MOT data shows 924 variants fail wheel bearing tests at 662.0 times the national average, with failures occurring across all mileage bands from 20k miles upward. The combination of the car's age, original sealed bearing design, and the stress from wide tyres on later examples accelerates bearing wear. Front bearings typically fail first due to steering loads and the rear-weight bias of the transaxle layout.
What happens if ignoredWorn wheel bearings can collapse without warning, causing immediate loss of steering control and wheel detachment. The car should not be driven if bearing play is detected during hand checking. Replacement of a single bearing typically costs £200-£400 but multiple bearings commonly need attention on cars of this age.
Independent garage
£150–£250
Specialist
£200–£350
Main dealer
£300–£450
Parts only
£80–£150
Dangerous
Structural corrosion around suspension mounting points (924S)
MOT data shows 924S variants fail structural integrity tests at 1652.1 times the national average between 40-80k miles for corrosion within prescribed areas around suspension mounting points. The rear-heavy weight distribution and transaxle layout places high stresses on the rear suspension mounting points, while the front MacPherson strut towers are vulnerable to corrosion from road salt. This is a critical safety defect that can cause catastrophic suspension failure.
What happens if ignoredStructural corrosion around suspension mounting points can lead to sudden suspension collapse, loss of vehicle control, and serious accident risk. Cars with significant structural corrosion may be beyond economical repair and should not be driven. Professional structural assessment is essential if any corrosion is suspected in these areas.
Independent garage
£1,000–£3,000
Specialist
£1,500–£4,000
Parts only
£300–£1,000
Major
Emissions system failure causing MOT failure
The 924's emission control system includes a complex arrangement of vacuum-operated components, thermal reactors, and catalytic converters that degrade with age. The Audi-derived engine's emission controls were designed for much shorter service lives than the cars now experience. Lambda sensors, vacuum hoses, and thermal reactor components commonly fail together.
What happens if ignoredFailed emissions components will cause immediate MOT failure and potentially damage the catalytic converter. Repair typically requires replacement of multiple vacuum components, sensors, and possibly the thermal reactor assembly. Total repair costs can exceed £1,500 for comprehensive emission system restoration.
Independent garage
£400–£800
Specialist
£600–£1,200
Main dealer
£800–£1,500
Parts only
£200–£600
Major
CV joint wear and transaxle universal joint failure (924S)
The 924S uses a rear-mounted transaxle connected to the front engine by a long torque tube containing universal joints. MOT data shows 2.5L variants fail at 888.0 times the national average for universal joint wear between 60-80k miles. The driveshaft system experiences high loads and the universal joints within the torque tube are not easily serviceable. Failure progresses from vibration to complete loss of drive without warning.
What happens if ignoredUniversal joint failure results in immediate loss of drive and potential damage to the torque tube assembly. The car cannot be driven and recovery is required. Repair requires removal of the entire torque tube assembly and typically costs £2,000-£4,000 including labour due to the complexity of the rear transaxle layout.
Independent garage
£1,500–£2,500
Specialist
£2,000–£3,500
Main dealer
£2,500–£4,000
Parts only
£800–£1,500
1 more known issues tracked
Including wear items, electrical niggles, and generation-specific problems. Check a specific car to see which issues apply to its age and mileage.
Check a specific car →MOT failure hotspots
Based on DVSA MOT test data. These are the items where the Porsche 924 fails at a significantly higher rate than the average car.
Emissions failure
Exhaust & Emissions · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 756x the fleet average
Sample: 168 tests
Excessive wear or play in a universal joint or ...
Steering · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 597x the fleet average
Sample: 190 tests
Electrical wiring fault
Lights & Electrics · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 104x the fleet average
Sample: 372 tests
Brake hoses perished or damaged
Brakes · 0-20k miles
MOT failure rate: 86x the fleet average
Sample: 162 tests
Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that t...
Bodywork · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 80x the fleet average
Sample: 177 tests
Wheel bearings worn
Suspension · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 75x the fleet average
Sample: 704 tests
Buying a Porsche 924?
Check a specific car's service history to see if it's been looked after — franchised dealer records with dates, mileage, and work done.
Check service history£6.99 · Full refund if no records found
Related
Porsche 924 reliability FAQs
What are the most common problems with the Porsche 924?
The Porsche 924 has 5 known issues across 2 severity levels. The most serious are: Wheel bearing premature failure, Structural corrosion around suspension mounting points (924S).
Is the Porsche 924 reliable?
The Porsche 924 has 2 dangerous and 3 major known issues. Most can be avoided with a thorough pre-purchase check and full service history.
How much does it cost to fix Porsche 924 problems?
Repair costs range widely. The most significant issue (Wheel bearing premature failure) costs £150–£250 at an independent garage. Minor issues can be under £200. Always get a full inspection before buying.