2011 Porsche Boxster s problems

General information about Porsche-Boxster s
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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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Common 2011 Porsche Boxster s problems

Based on the information gathered from various sources regarding the Porsche Boxster S 2011, here is a list of common problems reported by owners:

Timing Chain Rattle and Check Engine Light:
- - Symptom: Rattle Under Acceleration, Power Loss, CEL.
  - Description: Older Boxster engines may experience a check engine light under acceleration, accompanied by engine rattle. This is often due to stretching of the timing chains and failure of the timing chain tensioner.
  - Solution: Replacement of the tensioner and timing chains, which is a costly job requiring engine removal and specialized tools. Porsche has updated the tensioners to address this issue.

Low or No Battery Power:
- - Symptoms: No Crank, Slow Crank, or No Power.
  - Description: The Porsche Boxster, often not driven daily, can experience battery drainage issues, leading to system resets and operational problems. Flat batteries can affect various systems, including comfort features like the cabrio roof and window synchronization.
  - Solution: Use a battery maintainer during extended periods of non-use to prevent battery drain. Accessing the battery or engine compartment with a flat battery can be challenging and may require specific procedures.

These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to issues in the Porsche Boxster S 2011 to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the vehicle.

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 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.

Is Porsche Boxster high maintenance?

The annual maintenance cost of a Porsche Boxster is $952. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.

What is the lifespan of Porsche Boxster?

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.

2011 Porsche Boxster s car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Porsche Boxster s problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Power train problems
Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems
Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2011 Porsche Boxster s vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2011 Porsche Boxster s complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2011 Porsche Boxster s.

2018-11-19

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2018-11-04
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.

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2010-10-13

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 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

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2011 Porsche Boxster s recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2011 Porsche Boxster s.

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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2011 Porsche Boxster s problems:

2011 Boxster reliability? Long term issues after 40k? New member ...

https://www.planet-9.com/threads/2011-boxster-reliability-long-term-issues-after-40k-new-member.102618/

Nov 14, 2014 ... If it's the original Porsche new car warranty then you're good to go. 5-speed MT, 19" Carrera S wheels, Bi-Xenon Headlamps, Self-Dim ...

2005 Porsche Boxster Purchase - Owner Issues? - 986 Forum - The ...

http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-general-discussions/29258-2005-porsche-boxster-purchase-owner-issues.html

... than average in the above mentioned categories. Does any have any experience or knowledge of poor reliability for the 2005 model? 06-11-2011 08:02 PM ...

Buying a Porsche Boxster 987? 15 Issues to Look Out For ...

https://www.revolution-porsche.co.uk/buyers-guides/buying-a-porsche-boxster-987

Tyre wear. Rapid and uneven tyre wear is a major problem on Boxsters where the wheel alignment is not right. It's awkward to check when the car is on the floor ...

Here Are The Porsche Boxster Years To Avoid - CoPilot

https://www.copilotsearch.com/posts/porsche-boxster-years-to-avoid/

Jun 12, 2023 ... Common Porsche Boxster Problems · Oil separator leaks: Owners of 2007-2010 Boxsters reported leakage at the oil separator, which occurs at around ...