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MOTRS

914

1969-1976 / Targa / Germany

All 914 problems All workshop issues
Common Transmission

Shift Linkage Wear

Symptoms

Vague, imprecise gear selection. Difficulty finding specific gears, particularly third and fourth. Excessive play in the shift lever.

Cause

The 914's gear shift uses cables that run from the centre console to the mid-mounted gearbox. The cables, bushings, and ball joints wear with age, introducing play into the system. The cable adjustment also drifts over time.

Fix

Replace worn shift cables, bushings, and ball joints.

Adjust the linkage to factory specification.

Complete shift linkage rebuild kits are available.

Cost: $200-$500 for parts.

Cost mentioned in fix
Cost: $200-$500 for parts

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// More 914 problems

Other known issues

Common Transmission

Synchromesh Wear

Grinding or crunching when engaging gears, particularly second gear on downshifts.
Minor Rust

Battery Box and Front Boot Corrosion

The front boot floor, particularly the battery box area on the passenger side, develops severe corrosion. The metal becomes soft, perforated, and eventually structurally unsound.
Minor Rust

Rocker Panel (Sill) Corrosion

The sills that run beneath the doors become perforated from the inside out. By the time external rust is visible, the inner structure is often severely compromised.
Minor Rust

Longitudinal (Chassis Rail) Corrosion

The longitudinal chassis rails that run under the floor develop rust, perforation, and eventual structural failure.
Common Rust

Rear Boot Floor Corrosion

The rear boot (behind the engine bay) floor rusts through from standing water.
Common Engine (VW Type 4 Flat-Four)

D-Jetronic Fuel Injection Issues (1970-1973)

Rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, hard cold starting, surging at steady throttle, and inconsistent fuel mixture.
View all 14 914 problems