RoadVitals

2013 Porsche Boxster

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
10
Latest Nov 3, 2022
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Sep 1, 2021
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
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.
1

Overview

Our database contains 10 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2013 Porsche Boxster, most frequently naming the engine, body & structure and powertrain (other) categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 434 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine327.3%
  • Body & structure218.2%
  • Powertrain (other)218.2%
  • Suspension218.2%
  • Brakes19.1%
  • Other / unspecified19.1%

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

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
21V679000

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

Sep 1, 2021
4,934 units potentially affected
The defect: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Boxster, 2013-2014 Boxster S, 2014-2015 Cayman, Cayman S, 2015 Boxster GTS, and Cayman GTS vehicles. The rear-axle carrier side sections may fracture.
The risk: A carrier fracture may cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the rear-axle carrier side sections, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 6, 2022. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMB7.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc.Manufacturer number AMB7View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 10
Filed Nov 3, 2022

There is an open recall on my Porsche boxster, the Porsche recall number for this is AMC0. The recall involves reprogramming the car to reduce emissions in sport+ mode. My car has an aftermarket tune on the ECU, and the porsche dealership has told me that the recall is not possible due to this modification. If I want to get the recall done, they want me to pay to replace the ECU/DME. I also consented to and was charged for labor hours for the dealership to research any way to not replace the ecu and do this recall, but they found no method to do so. Are they legally allowed to refuse a recall due to modifications to the car? Should the cost to replace the ECU be covered under the recall? I can't seem to find any information about this online, so thanks for any information regarding this

NHTSA ID
11492177
Incident
Nov 3, 2022
Suspension
Filed Jun 8, 2022

2013 PORSCHE BOXTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 21V-679. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER STATING THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE, BUT THE DEALER DENIED HAVING THE PARTS.

NHTSA ID
11468315
Incident
Jun 8, 2022
Suspension
Filed Mar 10, 2022

2013 PORSCHE BOXTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUE WITH CONTROL ARM MOUNTS ON REAR SUSPENSION. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL 21V-679. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PARTS NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE RECALL REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11455964
Incident
Mar 10, 2022
Powertrain (other)
Filed Nov 22, 2019

2013 PORSCHE BOXSTER. CAR ROLLS WHEN STOPPED WITH TRANSMISSION IN 'PARK.' SIMILAR TO RECALLS OF PORSCHE CAYENNES AND PANAMERAS. MAY BE SIMILAR TO THE TRANSMISSION CONNECTION BUSHING PROBLEM THAT CAME LOOSE IN OTHER MODELS.

NHTSA ID
11281902
Incident
Nov 22, 2019
Mileage
22,230 mi
Filed Dec 13, 2017

HORN STICKS LOUD AND REMAINS ON FOR ABOUT ONE MINUTE. SUSPECT BRACKET HOLDING AIRBAG NEEDS NEW ISOLATION "O" RINGS WHICH, OVER TIME, ALLOW HORN TO TOUCH BRACKET COMPLETING HORN RELAY CIRCUIT. COULD CAUSE OTHER CARS TO SWERVE INTO TRAFFIC. SPECIFICALLY, I WAS STOPPED FOR A 4 WAY STOP SIGN, ANOTHER CAR APPROACHED AT SUCH A SPEED THAT I SAW SHE WAS GOING TO STOP AND SHE DIDN'T. I WATCHED HER BLOW BY AND GOT BEHIND HER AND BLEW THE HORN BUT THE HORN STAYED ON. THE LADY STOPPED AND I TOLD HER (SHE WAS A REALTOR GOING TO A SHOWING) SHE MISSED THE STOP. AS I WENT ON MY WAY THE HORN QUIT. TOTAL TIME 30-45 SECONDS. CONTACTING DEALER FOR REPAIR ESTIMATE.

NHTSA ID
11054496
Incident
Dec 12, 2017
Mileage
5,769 mi
Engine
Filed Feb 23, 2017

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 ID
10956470
Incident
Jun 25, 2015
Mileage
8,600 mi
BrakesPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 29, 2016

IT LOST POWER BRAKES DURING MY DRIVING AT 45 MILES/HOUR. THE VEHICLE COULDN'T STOP MORE THAN 200 YARD BEFORE A TRAFFIC LIGHT. I ALMOST HIT INTO TRAFFIC WHICH RUNS AT 55 MILES PER HOUR. THE CAR DROVE ABOUT 25000 MILES WHEN POWER BRAKES FAILED. PORSCHE SAID VEHICLE'S VACUUM PUMP BROKEN. THEY FIXED. I ASKED THEM WHAT IS LIFE FOR A VACUUM PUMP, THEY REJECTED TO ANSWER. I ASKED THEM WHY THE VACUUM PUMP FAILED, THEY SAID IT WAS SCRAPPED, THEY DON'T KNOW. I ASKED THEM HOW THEY ARE SURE THE NEW ONE WOULD BE GOOD. THEY TOLD ME THAT IS WHY THEY PROVIDED 4 YEARS WARRANTY/50000 MILES WARRANTY. I TOLD THEM IT IS SAFETY PARTS, IF THEY CAN'T TELL ME WHAT'S WRONG, I DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE TO DRIVE. IT IS HORRIFIC EXPERIENCE WHEN POWER BRAKE LOST, THE CAR OUT OF CONTROL, COULDN'T STOP. I AM LUCKY I DIDN'T HIT ANYONE BECAUSE NO ONE IN FRONT OF AND LUCKILY AGAIN THE CAR STOPPED ABOUT 20 YARDS BEFORE TRAFFIC LANE ON ROUTE 55 IN IL.

NHTSA ID
10899246
Incident
Aug 10, 2016
Mileage
25,000 mi
Engine
Filed Oct 19, 2013

MY DASHBOARD READS FAULT OF THE ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM AND A YELLOW ENGINE APPEARS I CALLED PORSCHE OF RAMSEY NJ AS I HAVE NOT HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR THREE MONTHS YET AND WAS TOLD NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE THEY HAD BUCKWILD TOWING TOW MY VEHICLE TO THEIR LOCATION I AM EXTREMELY UPSET AND WANT RESTITUTION FROM THIS COMPANY I DON'T HAVE THE MILEAGE BUT I THINK ITS 5373 THE CAR WAS PARKED AT THE TIME I TRIED TO START IT AND THIS IS WHAT APPEARED ON THE DASH BOARD. *TR

NHTSA ID
10548514
Incident
Oct 17, 2013
Mileage
5,373 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TSTR 2642

Porsche Tester Software Update Information Software Version: 44.300.000

SPTL 2607a

VAS 621001A Matrix Headlamp Aimer – Automatic Shipment / Maha Installation

101/25

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PCCM+ 9x1.I

SPTL 2607

VAS 621001A Matrix Headlamp Aimer – Automatic Shipment / Maha Installation

18/26

POWER TRAIN

Warranty Information: Warranty Extension for Transmission Electronics Control Unit (18/26)

13/26

ENGINE

Allocation of Approved Engine Oils MY 2027 (13/26)

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Porsche Boxster by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2015320—
2014230—
2013Viewing101038.3
2012110—
2006500—
2005160028.8
2004330—
2003124065.4
2002104055.7
2001134051.1
2000530—
1999283044.8
1998324146.8
1997226049.4
1996000—
1989100—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.