Used car guide

1990 Porsche 928: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Porsche 928 first registered in 1990: we looked at the 137 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 137 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

137MOTs of 1990 cars, done in 2023–2025
79%pass first time (all 1990 cars: 72%)
3,600typical miles a year
21%had lights and electrics flagged

Common 1990 Porsche 928 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1990 Porsche 928 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Lights and electrics
    21% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    19% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Tyres
    18% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Brakes
    15% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Suspension
    13% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Steering
    9% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1990 Porsche 928

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Porsche 928?

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Other years

Every year of the Porsche 928 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
1995–Too few tests
1994–Too few tests
1993–Too few tests
1992–Too few tests
1991155Lights and electrics 25%
1989–Too few tests
1988–Too few tests
1987–Too few tests
1986–Too few tests
1985–Too few tests
1984–Too few tests
1983–Too few tests
1982–Too few tests
1981–Too few tests
1980–Too few tests
1979–Too few tests
1978–Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Porsche 928 cars first registered in 1990. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score