1997 Porsche Boxster Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 32%of 22 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,100miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Porsche Boxster, 32% of the 22 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,100 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Electrical system: ignition switch failure. The same failure as recall #w03 in 1998. Dealer replaced switch in 1999, ignition switch cracked and failed again 2005. I am told by Porsche my vehicel is not covered under the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10116467, filed 2005-04, 74,200 miles“Dt: recall 98v113000. Was issued concerning ignition switch failure. Caller said her car had same failure as mentioned in recall. Dealer said this car was not included in recall. Manufacturer said this car was not under warranty , and not in the recall, and will offer no help. Also, another recall 98e005000. Concerning air bags was mentioned. Caller said they will not help her with this recall either. Caller has paid for problems that should be under these recalls.”
NHTSA complaint #10126011, filed 2005-06, 10,000 miles“Purchased a 1997 Porsche Boxster approx 1 month ago. Went to start the vehicle and the battery was dead. Charged up the batter and noticed that when the vehicle is turned on there was no air conditioning, windshield wipers didn't work. When the vehicle is turned off, the dash lights remained on along with the radio therefore causing the batter to die. Check on your website for any recalls for this defect. Noticed that there was a recall for this #98v-113 dtd 22 may 1998 for this exact problem I'm having. …”
NHTSA complaint #10162093, filed 2006-07, 70,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Porsche Boxster. The contact stated the ignition switch was cracked and causing electrical failures to the air conditioner, wipers and head lights. The contact notices a recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 98v113000 (electrical system:ignition:switch) but was advised that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer should extend the recall since the failure was a known safety defect. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 103,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10368666, filed 2010-12, 103,000 miles“Consumer had vehicle serviced because of white smoke from tailpipe. Dealer could not find anything wrong. Consumer drove vehicle home from dealer. After about 35 minutes, he was stopped by guard of his community, who saw fire coming from rear of vehicle. Fire department put out fire, vehicle was totalled. Cause of fire unknown at this time. Consumer not injured.”
NHTSA complaint #890548, filed 2001-06Related recalls
- 98V113000May 22, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The ignition switch can crack and cause electrical failures.Covers: Porsche Boxster 1997
Related service bulletins
- 10251154Feb 9, 2024Information for PIWIS tester update 42.500.020
- 10243597Sep 6, 2023Special tools and equipment information for all Porsche models. Diagnostic equipment standards.
- 10243573Sep 1, 2023Special tools and equipment information for the Pico Oscilloscope Extended Functionality
- 10229617Dec 8, 2022Instructions on advanced technical information for improper odometer and speedometer function
- 10202984Oct 11, 2021Instructions on the Porsche Classic Communication Management Plus - PCCM Plus
- 10194761May 10, 2021Information on Porsche PIWIS Tester III Online Update 40.200.000, .010, .015 & .016.
- 10191742Apr 19, 2021Information on how to deal with a potential cyber security breach.
- 10180508Sep 14, 2020Information on PIWIS Tester III Online Update 39.700.030
- 10180495Sep 8, 2020Information on PIWIS Tester III Online Update 39.700.020
- 10180482Sep 1, 2020Information on PIWIS Tester III Online Update 39.700.000, .010 & .012
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Porsche Boxster
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Porsche Boxster
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology