914

1969-1976 / Targa / Germany

All 914 problems All workshop issues

Common Transmission

Synchromesh Wear

Symptoms

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

Cause

The brass synchro rings wear against the steel gear cones over time. Heavy-handed shifting and old gearbox oil accelerate the wear.

Fix

Gearbox rebuild with new synchro rings. Cost: $1,500-$3,000 for the VW-based gearbox, $3,000-$6,000 for the 914/6's Porsche gearbox.

Cost mentioned in fix

Cost: $1,500-$3,000 for the VW$3,000-$6,000 for the 914

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// More 914 problems

Other known issues

Common Transmission

Shift Linkage Wear

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

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