2011 Porsche Boxster (987) problems

Common 2011 Porsche Boxster (987) problems

The Porsche Boxster (987) from 2011 is known for several common problems that owners have reported. These issues range from mechanical faults to electrical concerns and can impact the overall performance and reliability of the vehicle.

• Rear Main Seal Oil Leak: Another common problem with the Boxster 987 is an oil leak from the rear main seal. This issue can lead to the destruction of the clutch in manual cars if not addressed promptly. The leak appears between the engine and transmission joint, and vehicles that are stored often display a weep/leak from the seal during storage or at the initial startup.

• Check Engine Light - Engine Runs Well: The Check Engine Light (CEL) can be triggered by various issues, but if the engine runs well and there is no loss of power, the problem is likely related to emissions control. One common cause is a failure in the O2 sensor and mass airflow (MAF) on the older M96 engine in the Boxster. The MAF begins to fail and delivers inaccurate information to the engine management, causing adjustments to fuel mixtures that can lead to faulty O2 sensors. Replacing both the MAF and front O2 sensors simultaneously is recommended.

• Check Engine Light & Misfires - Engine Runs Rough: Misfires can occur at any time on the Boxster engine and require diagnosis to identify which cylinders are misfiring and why. Common causes include worn spark plugs, cracks in ignition coils, and oil leaking past the spark plug tube seals. The ignition coils on the M96 and M97 Boxster engines have been updated by Porsche multiple times. Low mileage older cars will commonly still have the older style coils, and it's best practice to replace them all to the newer version even if only a single coil has failed.

• Suspension Problems: Suspension issues are the second most common reason for a Boxster 987 to fail its MOT, with broken coil springs being the most prevalent problem. These issues can impact the car's handling and ride quality, making it essential to address them promptly.

• Transmission Issues: The tiptronic and PDK transmissions for the Boxster 987 are generally reliable, but problems can go unnoticed until they require extensive work due to the long service intervals recommended by Porsche. During a test drive, look out for clicking sounds and humming from the rear of the car, stiff gear changes, a heavy clutch pedal, and a clunking sound when switching off the engine.

• Bodywork and Paint Imperfections: The build quality and paint on the Boxster are excellent, so any imperfection should be regarded as a warning sign. These issues can indicate a lack of care or maintenance, which may be indicative of other problems with the vehicle.

• Electrical Problems: A small number of owners of 2010-2011 Boxsters have reported electrical problems, but the specific nature and causes of these issues are not well documented.

In summary, the Porsche Boxster (987) from 2011 has several common problems that owners should be aware of, including IMS bearing failure, rear main seal oil leaks, check engine light issues, suspension problems, transmission concerns, bodywork and paint imperfections, and electrical problems. Regular maintenance, inspections, and prompt repairs can help mitigate these issues and ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.

Is the 2011 Porsche Boxster a good car?

Edmunds says. The 2011 Porsche Boxster is one of the most desirable roadsters on the market. It's wise to be conservative with the options list, though, or you may find yourself missing an arm or a leg.

What is the biggest problem with Porsche Boxster?

The most common problems with Porsche Boxsters first and second generations are:

• Engine Block Porosity.
• Cylinder Head Cracks.
• Cylinder Lining Cracks.
• Rod Bolt Failure.
• IMS Bearing Failures.
• Chain Tensioner Failure.
• Variocam Solenoids Failure.
• Leaks in the Rear Main Seal.

Is a Porsche Boxster 987 a good investment?

The 2nd gen Porsche Boxster (987) has quietly become a real investment. The days when you could buy an early 987 Boxster for 20,000 Euros are over. Not to mention the 987.2. In the shadow of the 911, it has also increased in value by a few percent.

Which Boxster year is best?

If you're wanting the best of the best, most people recommend the 2012 Porsche Boxster as the #1 pick. You can likely choose any of the 987 model, which ranged from the 2005-2012 time range, with 2009-2012 being the best. This second-generation model really brought the vehicle into the spotlight.