1998 Porsche Boxster Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 22%of 32 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,940miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 Porsche Boxster, 22% of the 32 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,940 miles.
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.
“We bought a 1998 Porsche Boxster in aug 2009. Serviced as required. On 9/7/10 out driving, stopped at a stop sign as we proceeded through the stop sign the engine died, white smoke came pouring out the back. Had it towed to mechanic and was informed that then motor had seized due to the ims (intermediate shaft). Car had approx 34k for mileage. Contacted Porsche america and was basically told there was nothing they could do. After researching on the web, this appears to be a pretty common problem with the 97-99 boxsters. …”
NHTSA complaint #10354966, filed 2010-09, 34,000 miles“Engine coolant tank cracked for Porsche Boxster (1998). The temperature monitor flashes indicating overheating engine and may cause engine to seize while driving. Contacted dealer who indicated its a common safety problem. Contacted Porsche cars north america, who did not offer any repair assistance.”
NHTSA complaint #10047056, filed 2003-11, 27,879 miles“Coolant liquid started to pour out of vehicle ,vehicle was in service three times.cannot determine defect. *aktailpipe cover came off, convertable top motors out of adjustment causing noise on the right side,ecu had to be recoded to accept key head, left headlight lense reflector replaced, the air bag light illuminated the dealer replaced r/f seatbelt lock was inoperative. Sb”
NHTSA complaint #831849, filed 1998-12Related service bulletins
- 10243588Sep 5, 2023Manufacturers certificate for an overview of approved Porsche A40 engine oils.
- 10243587Sep 5, 2023Manufacturers certificate for an overview of approved Porsche C40 engine oils.
- 10243586Sep 5, 2023Manufacturers certificate for an overview of approved Porsche C30 engine oils.
- 10243585Sep 5, 2023Manufacturers certificate for an overview of approved Porsche C20 engine oils.
- 10240439Jul 31, 2023Manufacturers certificate for allocation of approved engine oils
- 10233941Mar 24, 2023Manufacturers certificate for approved engine C20 engine oils.
- 10232393Feb 13, 2023Overview of approved engine A40 oils for all Porsche models that use A40 oil.
- 10232392Feb 13, 2023Overview of approved engine C40 oils for all Porsche models that use C40 oil.
- 10232391Feb 13, 2023Overview of approved engine C30 oils for all Porsche models that use C30 oil.
- 10217276Jul 30, 2022Overview of approved engine C20 engine oils for all Porsche models using this oil.
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 Porsche Boxster
11 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Porsche Boxster
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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