RoadVitals

1997 Porsche Boxster Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
22
Latest Feb 26, 2018
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
9
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1997 Porsche Boxster, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Electrical724.1%
  • Airbags724.1%
  • Seat belts413.8%
  • Transmission310.3%
  • Engine310.3%
  • Powertrain (other)26.9%
  • Exterior lighting13.4%
  • Driver assistance13.4%
  • Heating & air conditioning13.4%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* 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 ID 10368666 · filed Dec 2, 2010

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. THERE WERE 3,217 VEHICLES DISTRIBUTED IN THE US AND 234 IN CANADA WITH THE VIN # OF [XXX] TO [XXX] MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 10, 1996 TO MAY 5, 1997. THE VIN ON MY VEHICLE IS APPROX 100 NUMBERS FROM THE ABOVE LISTED NUMBERS. [XXX]. I BELIEVE THAT PORSCHE SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING EITHER THE COMPLETE STEERING LOCK WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH OR REPLACING THE IGNITION SWITCH ON WITH THE NEW DESIGN WHICHEVER IS DEEMED APPROPRIATE. NOW PORCHSE WANTS $430 TO REPAIR THIS. MY VIN IS EXTREMELY CLOSE TO THE ONES WHICH FALL UNDER THIS RECALL NOTICE. JUST WONDERING HOW IT IS THAT YOU DETERMINE WHICH VIN ARE AFFECTED BY THIS DEFECT AND WHICH ONES ARE NOT. PLEASE RESPOND AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. [XXX]. *NM UPDATED 07/12/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 10162093 · filed Jul 11, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT SPORADICALLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLES, HARNESS AND CONTROL UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000. UPDATED 5/13/14*CN *TR

NHTSA ID 10574871 · filed Mar 26, 2014

I TOOK MY 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER TO MY PORSCHE SERVICE DEALER IN CINCINNATI, OHIO WITH A SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT ON. A DIAGNOSIS WAS DONE AND CODE RECEIVED, TO THE EFFECT THAT MY SEAT BELTS NEEDED REPLACING, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER, DUE TO A ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE SEAT BELT WARNING/AIR BAG SYSTEM. THE TOTAL REPAIR RANGES @ $1100, $500 PARTS + $600 LABOR. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM WITH PORSCHE BOXSTERS GOING BACK TO THE LATE NINETIES UP TO TODAY. PORSCHE NORTH AMERICA HAS DONE SOME REMEDIAL WORK THROUGH DEALERS ON THIS PROBLEM, BUT HAS NOT FULLY OWNED THE POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE WITH THESE ELECTRICAL MODULES SHORTING OUT LEAVING DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS UNPROTECTED. THEIR ARROGANCE IN THIS MATTER IS OVER THE TOP FOR A SUPPOSEDLY "HIGH END" LINE OF VEHICLES. I HAVE TRIED TO WORK WITH THEM, VOLUNTEERING TO PAY PART OF THE EXPENSE. AT THIS POINT, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOME FOLLOW UP ON THEIR "TOKEN" OWNERSHIP OF WHAT COULD BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE FOR THOUSANDS OF OWNERS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10567961 · filed Mar 8, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT SPORADICALLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLES, HARNESS AND CONTROL UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000. UPDATED 5/13/14*CN *TR

NHTSA ID 10574871 · filed Mar 26, 2014

I TOOK MY 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER TO MY PORSCHE SERVICE DEALER IN CINCINNATI, OHIO WITH A SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT ON. A DIAGNOSIS WAS DONE AND CODE RECEIVED, TO THE EFFECT THAT MY SEAT BELTS NEEDED REPLACING, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER, DUE TO A ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE SEAT BELT WARNING/AIR BAG SYSTEM. THE TOTAL REPAIR RANGES @ $1100, $500 PARTS + $600 LABOR. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM WITH PORSCHE BOXSTERS GOING BACK TO THE LATE NINETIES UP TO TODAY. PORSCHE NORTH AMERICA HAS DONE SOME REMEDIAL WORK THROUGH DEALERS ON THIS PROBLEM, BUT HAS NOT FULLY OWNED THE POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE WITH THESE ELECTRICAL MODULES SHORTING OUT LEAVING DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS UNPROTECTED. THEIR ARROGANCE IN THIS MATTER IS OVER THE TOP FOR A SUPPOSEDLY "HIGH END" LINE OF VEHICLES. I HAVE TRIED TO WORK WITH THEM, VOLUNTEERING TO PAY PART OF THE EXPENSE. AT THIS POINT, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOME FOLLOW UP ON THEIR "TOKEN" OWNERSHIP OF WHAT COULD BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE FOR THOUSANDS OF OWNERS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10567961 · filed Mar 8, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

1997 PORSCHE BOXTER TIPTRONIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTER SELECTOR INCREASINGLY BECAME DIFFICULT TO MOVE AND EVENTUALLY UNABLE TO PUT IN PARK AND OR DRIVE. *AK

NHTSA ID 10100921 · filed Dec 2, 2004

INTERMITTENTLY IN NEUTRAL VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT AND DIE. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE, AND COULD NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ID 893719 · filed Aug 7, 2001

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DT: THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND WHEN SHE ARRIVED HOME SHE ALERTED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A MILKY SUBSTANCE IN THE OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN AGAIN. IT WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY WANTED $14,000 TO FIX IT, BUT DID NOT TELL HER WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. SHE THEN TOOK IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC, FOR A SECOND OPINION. THE MECHANIC, DETERMINED THERE WAS A CASTING FLAW WHICH CAUSED THE RADIATOR FLUID TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE . THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. *AK

NHTSA ID 10140450 · filed Oct 21, 2005

UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE CONSUMER NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS OCCURRED AFTER THE CONSUMER INSTALLED A NEW BATTERY, AND DROVE FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES. THEN CONSUMER TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. *AK

NHTSA ID 10071521 · filed Apr 26, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE IN PARK GEAR, THE SHIFTER BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO MOVE OUT OF THE DRIVE POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR SEIZED AND THE SELECTOR LEVELER HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER, PORSCHE OF WESTWOOD IN WESTWOOD, MASSACHUSETTS WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 98V112000 (POWER TRAIN) SEVERAL YEARS AGO. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.

NHTSA ID 11074960 · filed Feb 26, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT FAILED TO SHIFT INTO THE PARK POSITION. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE GEAR INDICATOR DISPLAYED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE WHILE IT WAS IN PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 98V112000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.

NHTSA ID 10836988 · filed Feb 18, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER STATES THE ELECTRICAL IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AS A RESULT CONSUMER HAS NO WIPERS/ HEADLIGHTS/AIR CONDITIONER. *AK

NHTSA ID 10026513 · filed Jul 2, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, THEN RESTART THE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ID 10057153 · filed Jan 30, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER STATES THE ELECTRICAL IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AS A RESULT CONSUMER HAS NO WIPERS/ HEADLIGHTS/AIR CONDITIONER. *AK

NHTSA ID 10026513 · filed Jul 2, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .