Porsche Boxster s problems
The Porsche Boxster and Cayman are mid-engine two-seater sports cars manufactured and marketed by German automobile manufacturer Porsche across four generations—as a two-door, two-seater roadster (Boxster) and a three-door, two-seater fastback coupé (Cayman).
The first generation Boxster was introduced in 1996; the second generation Boxster and the Cayman arrived in late 2005; and the third generation launched in 2012. Since the introduction of the fourth generation in 2016, the two models have been marketed as the Porsche 718 Boxster and Porsche 718 Cayman.
The nameplate Boxster is a portmanteau of boxer, a reference to its flat or boxer engine, and roadster, a reference to the body style. The nameplate Cayman is an alternative spelling of caiman, a member of the alligator family.
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Porsche Boxster s model years
Common Porsche Boxster s problems
The Porsche Boxster, a high-performing sports car, is known for its exceptional performance and lifespan as a vehicle. However, it has received a reliability rating of only 2.5 out of 5 from RepairPal, indicating that it tends to break down frequently and requires frequent maintenance and repairs.
One of the most notable problems with the Porsche Boxster is its faulty suspension, which may suddenly fail. This issue has been reported in the 2000 model, where the front of the car may suddenly drop, causing accidents and even fatalities.
Another significant problem with the Porsche Boxster is its engine problems, which can become severe and lead to total engine failure. This issue has been reported in the 1999 model, where the engine may suddenly not start at all, causing harm or even death. Owners have reported taking their Boxsters to their dealerships, but mechanics were not able to exactly determine the cause due to the severity of engine damage. However, some owners have shared that engine-related repairs were covered by their warranties.
The 2003 model of the Porsche Boxster also has engine problems, which can be linked to bad components, such as a failing intermediate shaft bearing. This issue can cause excessive hesitation, stalling, and idling, and may lead to complete engine failure. Despite this, engine-related repairs were covered by warranties for some owners.
The Porsche Boxster's ignition switch can also malfunction or fail, causing the car to not start or have electrical issues. This issue has been reported in the 1997-2010 models, and can be a significant problem if not addressed promptly.
The Boxster's rear main seal can also leak oil, causing damage to the clutch in manual cars and other issues. This issue has been reported in the 986, 987, 981, and 718 models, and can be a significant problem if not addressed promptly.
The timing chain on the Boxster can also stretch and fail, causing engine rattles and power loss. This issue has been reported in the older Boxster engines, and can be an expensive job to fix, requiring engine removal and the right timing tools.
The Boxster's battery can also lose power, causing issues with starting the car and other systems. This issue has been reported in the Boxster, and can be a significant problem if not addressed promptly.
The Boxster's wheel alignment can also cause rapid and uneven tyre wear, which can be a significant problem if not addressed promptly. This issue has been reported in the Boxster 987, and can be an expensive job to fix, requiring wheel alignment and other repairs.
In summary, the Porsche Boxster is a high-performing sports car with a range of common problems, including faulty suspension, engine problems, ignition switch issues, rear main seal leaks, timing chain stretches, battery power loss, and wheel alignment issues. These problems can be significant and require prompt attention, and may be covered by warranties for some owners. It is essential to research the model year and common problems before purchasing a Boxster to ensure that potential issues are identified and addressed promptly.
What goes wrong on Porsche Boxster S?
Porsche Boxsters have a number of common sources for leaking oil. Some of the most common include rear main seal (see below), valve covers, spark plug seals and oil cooler seals. Less common are leaks from the cam seals and scavenger oil pump seal.
How reliable is a Porsche Boxster S?
Despite its excellent performance and lifespan as a vehicle, the Porsche Boxster has only received a reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5 from RepairPal. Reports indicate that the Porsche Boxster tends to break down frequently and requires frequent maintenance and repairs.
What is the main problem with the Porsche Boxster?
The two main issues the Boxster and 996 faced at the start of the 2000s were IMS (intermediate shaft) bearing failures and RMS (rear main seal) issues. Contrary to popular belief, both of these issues, although certainly prelevant in both models, were not a guaranteed issue in models of this era.
How many miles do Porsche Boxster S last?
around 150,000 to 200,000
Porsche Boxster and Cayman models have similar mileage of around 150,000 to 200,000. This translates into 11 to 15 years with average use. However, it's not uncommon for these two models to surpass the estimated lifespan.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Porsche Boxster s years
We have researched Porsche problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Porsche Boxster s cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Porsche Boxster s model years:
- Porsche Boxster s 2002
- Porsche Boxster s 2003
- Porsche Boxster s 2000
- Porsche Boxster s 2001
- Porsche Boxster s 2011
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Porsche Boxster s model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Porsche Boxster s years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Porsche Boxster s car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Porsche Boxster s , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Structure problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Porsche Boxster s vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Boxster s model years
A total of 5 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Boxster s model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Boxster s model years
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 26 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Porsche Boxster s . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Porsche Boxster s vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Porsche Boxster s 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2018-01-31
- Date Complaint: 2019-03-14
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WP0CB29823U
- Components: STRUCTURE,TIRES
- Summary: MARCH 5, 2019. [XXX]. [XXX] 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER 3.2 ENGINE WITH BRAND NEW MICHELIN ULTRA-HIGH-PERFORMANCE TIRES. ON DECEMBER 31, 2018 ABOUT 10:30 AM, I WAS DRIVING THE CAR GOING EAST, ABOUT 80 TO 100 MILES PER HOUR IN THE MIDDLE OF THREE LANES.WHEN I REACHED THE TOP OF THE HILL, THE FRONT END OF THE CAR WOBBLE IN THE AIR, ONE SIDE WENT UP AND THEN IT CAME DOWN: AND THEN THE OTHER SIDE WENT UP AND CAME DOWN ALTERNATING FOR FEW SECONDS; AND THEN THE WHOLE FRONT END STARTED TO GO UP LIKE IT OR TAKING OFF AS AN AIRPLANE. I APPLIED THE BRAKES LIGHTLY AND IT CAME DOWN ON THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE, THEN STARTED TO PULLING ME TO THE RIGHT IMMEDIATELY. I TURNED LEFT TO CORRECT AND THE FRONT TIRES LOST TRACTION AND SO THE REAR TIRES LOST TRACTION IMMEDIATELY. THE CAR SPUN AROUND TWICE AND SIDESWIPED AGAINST THE CURB ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE FRONT ENDED UP FACING EASTWARDLY, JUST THE SAME WAY AS I WAS HEADING. I WAS THE ONLY ONE IN THE CAR. THE LEFT SIDE DOOR AIRBAG OPENED UP. MY LEFT ARM AND SIDE OF MY BODY GOT ALL BRUISED UP AND SORE FOR SEVERAL WEEKS, BECAUSE OF THE CAR AND AIRBAG IMPACT. THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE WENT OVER THE CURB AND DID NOT HAVE ANY DAMAGE. THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WENT BARELY OVER THE CURB AND THE LOWER ARM BROKE. THE DRIVER FRONT WHEEL DID NOT GO OVER THE CURB AND UPON THE IMPACT BROKE MY STEERING ARM AND THE RIM OUTER SIDE ON AROUND THE RIM BROKE AT DIFFERENT PLACES. THE DRIVER REAR TIRE NEVER MADE IT OVER THE CURB. IT IMPACTED THE CURB SO HARD THE WHOLE WHEEL CAME OFF AND LAID ON THE GROUND FACING DOWN; THE RIM WAS BADLY BENT AND ONE SPOKE BROKEN. THE HALF SHAFT CAME COMPLETELY OUT AND WAS LAYING DOWN ON THE GROUND AND ALL THE OTHER MECHANICAL COMPONENTS WERE BROKEN AND ALL THE OIL LEAKED OUT. THIS IS A MIDSECTION REAR WHEEL CAR. IT MEANS THAT MOST OF THE WEIGHT IS IN THE REAR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR
Porsche Boxster s 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-18
- Date Complaint: 2019-03-06
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WP0CB29823U
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER S. WHILE DRIVING UPHILL AT 100 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED VIOLENTLY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. ALSO, THE STEERING PULLED TO THE RIGHT AND THE STEERING WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE STRUCK A CURB AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE CONTACT SUFFERED BRUISES TO THE LEFT ARM, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Porsche Boxster s 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2018-11-04
- Date Complaint: 2018-11-19
- VIN: WP0CB2A8XBS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CAR HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR, THE SHIFTER SUDDENLY WENT COMPLETELY LOOSE, LEAVING THE CAR STUCK IN 1ST GEAR. AFTER SUBSEQUENT ANALYSIS, THE ROOT CAUSE WAS DETERMINED TO BE A SNAPPED SHIFT CABLE BETWEEN THE SHIFTER "STICK" AND THE TRANSMISSION. FURTHER RESEARCH REVEALS THIS IS A VERY WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITHIN THE PORSCHE COMMUNITY, CAUSED BY A BAD ENGINEERING DESIGN WHERE THE SHIFT CABLE IS MADE TO TAKE A SHARP BEND IN IT'S PATH TO THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSING THE SHIFT CABLE METAL TO FATIGUE THROUGH THE BEND AND EVENTUALLY SHEAR/SNAP WITHOUT WARNING. SIMPLY GOOGLE "PORSCHE SHIFT CABLE BREAK" FOR EXAMPLE TO FIND THE MANY MANY FOLKS SUFFERING THIS ISSUE. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IF IT HAPPENS AT AN IN-OPPORTUNE TIME LIKE ON THE HIGHWAY OR IN TRAFFIC! I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT I WAS TRAVELING AT LOW SPEED IN AN AREA WHERE I COULD SAFELY PULL OVER. IMAGINE IF I WAS CRUISING ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEED AND THEN DOWNSHIFTING FOR SAY AN EXIT, SUDDENLY FINDING THE SHIFTER GO COMPLETELY LOOSE, CAUSING ME TO BE STUCK IN SAY 6TH GEAR. THE INITIAL SHOCK AND NOT HAVING TIME TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS GOING ON COULD HAVE CAUSED ME TO GET REAR ENDED AT SPEED. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL PORSCHE DEALER TO SEE IF ANY RECALLS OR NOTICES WERE OUT FOR THIS ISSUE AND THEY CONFIRMED NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE BY PORSCHE. ATTACHED ARE PICTURES OF THE TWO CABLES REMOVED FROM MY CAR. ONE IS STILL IN TACT WHILE THE OTHER BROKEN ONE CLEARLY SHOWS THE BROKEN/SHEARED OFF CABLE END THAT ATTACHES TO THE TRANSMISSION.
Porsche Boxster s 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2013-07-11
- Date Complaint: 2014-02-24
- VIN: WP0CB2A82DS
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: THE SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT IS THAT THE ELECTRONIC HAND BRAKE SYSTEM UNEXPECTEDLY ACTIVATES FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHEN THE CAR LOCKS DOWN ON THE ROAD AT AN INTERSECTION. IN 6 MONTHS THE CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIR FOR 37 DAYS IN 2 DIFFERENT PORSCHE DEALERSHIPS. THE HAVE WORKED ON IT, BUT CAN FIND NO SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. DUE TO THIS SAFETY ISSUE, I HAVE DISCONTINUED DRIVING THE CAR. I AM ENTERING ARBITRATION WITH PORSCHE IN MARCH, 2014. *TR
Porsche Boxster s 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2011-11-10
- Date Complaint: 2012-09-13
- VIN: WP0CA29842U
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 2002 PORCHE BOXSTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO COMPLAINT CONCERNING VEHICLE PARTS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE CABLES FROM THE SHIFTER TO THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC.
Porsche Boxster s 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2010-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2012-04-08
- VIN: WP0CB29892U
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE SEAT BELT ON MY VEHICLE, WHEN BUCKLED, HAS A TENDENCY TO NOT LATCH COMPLETELY AND ALLOWS FOR THE RELEASE WITHOUT PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. ALSO WHEN IT IS LATCHED, THERE IS A TENDENCY FOR IT TO GET CAUGHT AND NOT RELEASE WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT PULLING FORCE ON THE BUCKLE. *TR
Porsche Boxster s 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2011-03-09
- Date Complaint: 2011-06-06
- VIN: WP0CB2989YU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I WAS INTERESTED IN PURCHASING A 2000 PORSCHE BOXSTER S. I TOOK THE CAR TO A PORSCHE DEALER TO HAVE A PRE PURCHASE INSPECTION PERFORMED AND WAS NOTIFIED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE 53,000 MILE CAR ACTUALLY HAD A FACTORY REPLACEMENT ENGINE INSTALLED FOR UNKNOWN REASON. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP THAT ACTUALLY INSTALLED THE FACTORY REPLACEMENT ENGINE AND I WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED AT 35,000 MILES FOR AN OIL LEAK. THE DEALERSHIP THAT PERFORMED THE INSPECTION REPORTED THAT A FEW MINOR ISSUES NEEDED TO BE ADDRESSED BUT OVERALL THAT THE CAR WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. I TOOK OWNERSHIP OF THE CAR AND WITHIN 2,000 MILES OF MY OWNERSHIP, THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BEARING BOLT FAILED DESTROYING THE ENGINE. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH OTHER PORSCHE BOXSTER OWNERS AND THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON, EVEN ON ENGINES WITH 20,000 MILES ON THEM. AT THE MOMENT, THE ONLY FIX FOR THIS ISSUE IS AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT FROM THE DEALERSHIP AT A COST OF $8,000-$13,000. *TR
Porsche Boxster s 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2011-04-05
- Date Complaint: 2011-04-07
- VIN: WP0CA29842U
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: IMS ENGINE FAILURE. KNOWN ISSUES WITH PORSCHE. PORSCHE BOXSTER 49,500 MILES. PLACE CAR IN REVERES, ENGINE SEIZED. REPLACEMENT OF ENGINE NECESSARY. $8000- $15,000. *TR
Porsche Boxster s 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2010-10-13
- Date Complaint: 2010-10-13
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MY 2011 PORSCHE CAYENNE HAS AN "AUTO STOP" FEATURE THAT KILLS THE ENGINE WHENEVER THE CAR IS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. WHEN THE DRIVER'S FOOT IS REMOVED FROM THE BRAKE, THE CAR ENGINE RESTARTS. THE STOP-START DELAY IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED BY A CAR THAT WAS BEHIND ME BECAUSE THE DRIVER WAS ANXIOUS TO "MOVE" AND MY CAYENNE'S ENGINE HAD TO RESTART BEFORE IT WOULD MOVE FROM THE STOP LIGHT. THIS SPECIAL FEATURE CAN BE TURNED OFF, BUT YOU MUST TURN IT OFF EVERY TIME YOU START THE CAR. OTHERWISE, THE AUTO STOP FEATURE WILL CONTINUE TO OPERATE. I CONSIDER THE AUTO STOP FEATURE TO BE PROBLEMATIC. *TR
Porsche Boxster s 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2010-06-19
- Date Complaint: 2010-07-23
- VIN: WP0CB29803U
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MY ENGINE FAILED DUE TO A PART CALLED THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. THE CAR IS A 2003 PORSCHE, BOXSTER S WITH 47,000. THIS PROBLEM IS WELL DOCUMENTED ON LINE AND APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP I WENT TO, KNEW RIGHT AWAY ABOUT THE FAILURE AS THEY SEE AT LEAST 1 PER MONTH. WHEN THIS PART FAILS, THE REMEDY IS A NEW (OR USED ENGINE). THERE IS NO WAY TO KNOW OF THIS FAILURE UNTIL IT HAPPENS. I REPLACED MY ENGINE AND IT COST $12,000. THIS WEBSITE PROVIDES A LOT OF INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PORSCHE PROBLEM AND IT SHOWS SOME OF THE RESEARCH CONDUCTED BY THEIR ENGINEER, HTTP://WWW.LNENGINEERING.COM/IMS.HTML. THEIR RESEARCH INDICATES THAT PORSCHE KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM AND THINKS IT HAS TO DO WITH PARTICULAR VIN NUMBER CARS (ONE OF WHICH IS MINE) AND FIXES IT WHEN IT HAPPENS DURING WARRANTY. I ASKED THEM TO HELP COVER THE COST AND THEY SAID NO, AS MY CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. IT IS MY OPINION THAT A CAR (PORSCHE OR NOT) SHOULD NOT FAIL LIKE THIS ESPECIALLY WITH NO WARNING. AS AN FYI, IT APPEARS PORSCHE FINALLY REDESIGNED THIS PART IN 2006. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME CAPTURE SOME OF MY OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE AS WELL AS MAKE OTHER USERS AWARE WITH A POSSIBLE RECALL. *TR
Porsche Boxster s 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2008-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2010-03-16
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
- Summary: SEE ODI CASE NUMBER: 10318487, COMPUTER FAILURE DUE TO WATER LEAKAGE INTO CAB. THIS HAPPENED TO ME TWICE IN FALL, 2008. THE FIRST TIME, THE DEALER REPLACED THE COMPUTER (AT MY COST) AND ONE MONTH LATER, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. AGAIN, THE COMPUTER WAS REPLACED AND THE CARPETS NEEDED REMOVAL AND CLEANING DUE TO FUNGUS, ALL AT MY COST. *TR
Porsche Boxster s 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2010-03-08
- Date Complaint: 2010-03-12
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I HAVE A 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER S WITH 32,000MI ON IT. ON THE 8TH OF MARCH, THE ENGINE FAILED WITH AN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BEARING FAILURE REQUIRING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENGINE. PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA ARE NOT HELPFUL. SUCH A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE ENGINE IN MY OPINION IS DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE TAKEN MORE SERIOUSLY BY PCNA CONSIDERING THE NUMBER OF CASES THAT ARE OUT THERE. *TR
Porsche Boxster s 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2010-02-18
- Date Complaint: 2010-03-10
- VIN: WP0CA29802U
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: WE OWN A 2002 PORSCHE BOXSTER WITH APPROXIMATELY 66,000 MILES. WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, USED, IN LATE 2003. ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS WE HAVE EXPERIENCED TOTAL LOSS OF USE OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO WATER LEAKING INTO THE INTERIOR COMPARTMENT AND FLOODING THE CONTROL UNIT, RENDERING THE CAR TOTALLY INOPERABLE. THE INCIDENTS HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN OCTOBER, 2004 AT 33,000 MILES, APRIL, 2008 AT 61,000 MILES, AND CURRENTLY IN FEBRUARY, 2010. THE REPAIR HAS INITIALED REPLACING THE CONTROL UNIT AND HAVING TO PULL OUT THE CARPET SO AS TO INHIBIT MOLD GROWTH. THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE VEHICLE'S WARRANTY, THE SECOND TIME WAS REPAIRED AT OUR EXPENSE OF APPROX. $1,600. THE ESTIMATE FOR THIS CURRENT REPAIR IS $1,500. WE BELIEVE THIS POSES A SEVERE SAFETY RISK BECAUSE THE FIRST INCIDENT TOOK PLACE WHILE THE CAR WAS IN USE. WE WERE DRIVING UP A HILL. SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE BECAME INOPERABLE AND WE HAD TO MANEUVER THE CAR USING THE HANDBRAKE, TO REVERSE DOWN THE HILL. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. WE HAVE INVESTIGATED THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH CERTAIN PORSCHE'S VEHICLES. THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE AND/OR THE RESTRICTIVE FILTERS THAT CAUSE THEM TO BECOME CLOGGED WITH DEBRIS AND CAUSE THE WATER LEAKAGE. IN ADDITION TO THIS PROBLEM RECURRING DOMESTICALLY, WE NOTE THAT THE NHTSA, WAS INFORMED VIA FRCL-09F028-2453 DATED APRIL 5, 2009 OF A SIMILAR PROBLEM IN NON-U.S. MARKETS. WE WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR INVESTIGATING THIS DEFECT. *TR
Porsche Boxster s 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2009-05-16
- Date Complaint: 2009-06-13
- VIN: WP0CB29853U
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ON SATURDAY, MAY 16TH THIS BOXSTER SUFFERED ENGINE FAILURE WHILE TRAVELING AT ~ 30 MPH. THE ENGINE FAILED WITH NO PRIOR WARNING. THE INITIAL INDICATION WAS A LOUD AND DISTRACTING FLAPPING NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING HAD BEEN PICKED UP ON THE CAR'S UNDERCARRIAGE. THIS WAS FOLLOWED WITHIN A MOMENT BY SHUTDOWN OF THE ENGINE AND LOSS OF POWER STEERING. WE FEEL FORTUNATE THAT THIS ENGINE FAILED AT RELATIVELY LOW SPEED IN LIGHT TRAFFIC, SO THAT NO ACCIDENT OR INJURIES OCCURRED. HAD THE FAILURE OCCURRED EARLIER IN THE DAY WHILE WE WERE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON CURVING ROADS, WE BELIEVE WE WOULD HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. PROPERTY DAMAGE WAS LIMITED TO LOSS OF THE ENGINE ITSELF - INSTALLATION OF A REMANUFACTURED ENGINE IS ESTIMATED AT $14,000 TO $15,000. WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE THIS PAST JANUARY FOR $20,000 SO THAT THIS ENGINE FAILURE REPRESENTS A NEAR TOTAL, UNINSURED LOSS. THE ENGINE FAILURE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS AN INTERMEDIATE ENGINE SHAFT (IMS) FAILURE BY A LOCAL MECHANIC SPECIALIZING IN PORSCHE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR (THE CLOSEST PORSCHE DEALERSHIP IS OVER 100 MILES AWAY). OUR SUBSEQUENT INTERNET RESEARCH INDICATES THAT IMS FAILURE IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR PORSCHE AUTOMOBILES WITH THE M96 ENGINE, WITH SOME ESTIMATES THAT GREATER THAN 25% OF THESE VEHICLES WILL SUFFER ENGINE FAILURE PRIOR TO REACHING 100,000 MILES. UNFORTUNATELY, THE TRUE STATISTICS ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO CONSUMERS. PORSCHE HAS NOT ADMITTED THAT THIS FAILURE MODE RESULTS FROM A BEARING DESIGN FLAW, HOWEVER THAT IS THE GENERALLY ACCEPTED ROOT CAUSE. PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA DECLINES TO ASSIST WITH REPAIR. WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU OPEN AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE FAILURE RATE AND SAFETY ASPECTS OF THE PORSCHE M96 ENGINE. WE FURTHER SUGGEST THAT IT IS LIKELY THAT FATAL ACCIDENTS INVOLVING PORSCHES WITH THESE ENGINES HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ASSIGNED TO DRIVER ERROR. WE BELIEVE THAT PORSCHE SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR IMS FAILURES OF M96 ENGINES THROUGH A SAFETY RECALL. *TR
Porsche Boxster s 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-14
- Date Complaint: 2008-08-18
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PORSCHE BOXSTER S. WHEN THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE IGNITION MODULE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 47,000.
Latest 5 recalls Porsche Boxster s
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 9 recalls for different components of the Porsche Boxster s.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Porsche Boxster s 2001
- Report Received Date: 2022-08-30
- Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2020 Porsche Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Cayman S, 2001-2004 Boxster, Boxster S, 2004 Boxster 50 JAHRE SPYDER 550 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all affected models and model years. The caps that cover the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws are missing, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence: Improperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the headlights for sealing caps and install missing caps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ANB4.
- Model: Porsche Boxster s 2002
- Report Received Date: 2022-08-30
- Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2020 Porsche Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Cayman S, 2001-2004 Boxster, Boxster S, 2004 Boxster 50 JAHRE SPYDER 550 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all affected models and model years. The caps that cover the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws are missing, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence: Improperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the headlights for sealing caps and install missing caps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ANB4.
- Model: Porsche Boxster s 2003
- Report Received Date: 2022-08-30
- Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2020 Porsche Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Cayman S, 2001-2004 Boxster, Boxster S, 2004 Boxster 50 JAHRE SPYDER 550 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all affected models and model years. The caps that cover the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws are missing, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence: Improperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the headlights for sealing caps and install missing caps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ANB4.
- Model: Porsche Boxster s 2013
- Report Received Date: 2021-09-01
- Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A carrier fracture may cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
- Model: Porsche Boxster s 2011
- Report Received Date: 2010-03-30
- Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
- Summary: PORSCHE HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 BOXSTER SPYDER 2 DOOR CONVERTIBLE PASSENGER VEHICLES. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE LOCKING HOOK ON THE SUN SHIELD (TEMPORARY SOFT TOP) MAY NOT ENGAGE CORRECTLY INTO THE LOCK CATCH WHICH IS POSITIONED ON THE WINDSCREEN FRAME OF THE VEHICLE.
- Consequence: IF THE SUN SHIELD IS NOT FULLY LOCKED, THE SUN SHIELD CAN OPEN WHEN TRAVELLING AT HIGHER SPEEDS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL HAVE BOTH THE LOCKING HOOK AND LOCK CATCH REPLACED WITH REDESIGNED COMPONENTS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-545-8039.
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