Porsche Boxster Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 153 consumer complaints across the 10 model years of the Porsche Boxster (1997–2013) that have at least 5 complaints. 1998 has the most, with 32. Across all years, the part named most often is engine cooling (41 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Boxster model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 10 | 7,184 | 1 | 443 | — | Not enough data |
| 2006 | 5 | 22,000 | 0 | 372 | — | Not enough data |
| 2005 | 16 | 38,048 | 0 | 397 | — | Stable |
| 2003 | 12 | 19,000 | 2 | 375 | — | Not enough data |
| 2002 | 10 | 37,600 | 2 | 361 | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 13 | 53,208 | 2 | 267 | — | Not enough data |
| 2000 | 5 | 49,000 | 1 | 197 | — | Not enough data |
| 1999 | 28 | 50,000 | 1 | 131 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 32 | 49,100 | 1 | 126 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 22 | 56,000 | 3 | 130 | — | Stable |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Engine cooling41 25%
- Air bags27 17%
- Electrical system25 16%
- Transmission and drivetrain19 12%
- Body and structure18 11%
- Engine12 7.5%
- Seat belts11 6.8%
- Brakes8 5.0%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2006: “I purchased the 2006 Boxster in july 2010 from a private party, and soon afterward, started to experience intermittent ABS/psm system failure warning lights. The original Porsche warranty was due to expire in january, 2011. I took the car to flemington Porsche in flemington n.j. Three times in august, 2010, but they were unable to diagnose the source of the problem. The warning lights persisted. …”
NHTSA complaint #11353456, filed 2020-09, 27,000 miles2005: “While I was driving on a city street at about 30 MPH, my 2005 Boxster started making a rattling noise, then completely died in the middle of an intersection on a city street without any prior warning. At the same time, all of the warning lights came on. I was able to put the car in neutral and coast to the side of the road. Car was towed to my mechanic, who states it is an intermediate shaft bearing issue/failure. Had I been driving on the freeway at high speed, I most likely would have been killed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11307839, filed 2020-02, 128,000 miles2013: “My 2013 Boxster is currently at the dealer for repairs for the 7th time due to rodent damage to wiring. Porsche used a soy based compound on its wires which is extremely attractive to rodents. Porsche germany and Porsche north america deny the use of these products. An email yesterday stated we do not have any information that indicates we currently or previously used a soy based product in our wiring . The damage occurs in our garage which is not enclosed. This damage has been ongoing since 6/25/15.”
NHTSA complaint #10956470, filed 2017-02, 8,600 milesOther Porsche models
500 complaintsPorsche Taycan
274 complaintsPorsche Macan
241 complaintsPorsche 911
111 complaintsPorsche Panamera
100 complaintsPorsche Cayenne S
99 complaintsPorsche 911 Turbo
76 complaintsPorsche 911 GT3
51 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology