2006 Porsche Boxster 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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Common 2006 Porsche Boxster problems
The Porsche Boxster 2006 is known for several common problems that owners have reported. These issues can affect the car's performance, reliability, and overall cost of ownership. Here are some of the most frequently reported problems and their details:
- RMS (Rear Main Seal) Oil Leaks: The RMS is a seal located between the engine and the transmission. It can develop leaks, causing oil to leak out and potentially damaging the clutch in manual transmission cars. This issue is more prevalent in earlier models, but it can still occur in the 2006 Boxster. If left unaddressed, an RMS leak can lead to expensive repairs or even engine failure.
- Air/Oil Separator Failure: The air/oil separator is responsible for separating oil from the air that enters the engine. If it fails, oil can enter the intake manifold, causing reduced performance and potential engine damage. This issue can be identified by oil leaks, dark smoke from the exhaust, or the check-engine light coming on.
- Engine Block Porosity: This is a casting defect that can cause the engine to fail completely, leading to costly repairs or even replacement. The porous engine block can lead to coolant leakage, as well as oil and water intermixing. The most common signs of engine block porosity are engine overheating, excessive engine smoke, or low engine compression.
- Cylinder Head Cracks: Cracks in the cylinder head can lead to bigger problems, such as engine damage or even engine removal. Cracks can occur where exhaust valves are located or even around the spark plug hole, leading to dangerous issues if not taken care of in time.
- Cylinder Lining Cracks: This issue can cause oil to leak from the engine, leading to poor performance and other issues like engine damage or even engine removal. It can also lead to a decrease in fuel efficiency and an increase in emissions.
- Exhaust Manifold Cracks: Cracked exhaust manifolds can be caused by heat stress or corroded bolts/fasteners. Excessive engine noise, exhaust fumes escaping from around the manifold, and loss of performance are all possible signs of a crack, which can be difficult to spot by sight unless you have the facilities to inspect the underneath of the car.
- Wheel Corrosion: Corrosion is a common problem with the various wheels available with the Boxster. Once it has started, the condition will deteriorate. Check for signs of damage, such as curbing and early corrosion, as it will mean the wheels eventually need to be refurbished.
- Roof Mechanism Issues: Problems with broken push rods on the roof mechanism are common, but they are simple and relatively inexpensive to replace. The other thing to look for is evidence of leaks, particularly from the rear roof drains which can get blocked by dirt and leaves, forcing rainwater into the cabin close to an electronic control unit.
- Performance Upgrades: Remember to ask whether the Boxster 987 you want to buy has any non-standard equipment or has had performance upgrades. These modifications may affect the car's performance, insurance premium, and maintenance requirements.
When buying a used Porsche Boxster 2006, it is essential to be aware of these common problems and to thoroughly inspect the car before purchasing. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified Porsche technician can help identify any issues and provide an estimate of the repair costs. Regular maintenance and inspections can also help prevent these problems from occurring or worsening over time.
Are 2006 Porsche Boxsters reliable?
The good news is that as well as being a great drive, the Boxster 987 is highly reliable and has an MOT pass rate that ranges from 82.3% for 2005 models to 91% for 2010 cars. However, when mechanical problems do occur, they can be expensive to fix unless they are spotted early.
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.
Does 2006 Boxster have IMS issue?
Boxsters, Caymans and 911s from MY1997 to MY2008 are all at risk of IMS bearing failure, with the exception of Turbo, GT2 and GT3 models. However, the type of bearings used changed over the period and some were more prone to failure than others.
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.
2006 Porsche Boxster car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Porsche Boxster problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Service brakes problems
- Steering problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2006 Porsche Boxster vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2006 Porsche Boxster complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2006 Porsche Boxster.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-01
- VIN: WP0CA29816S
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Car has 65,000 miles when water-pump failed catastrophically (pump drive shaft sheared) while driving causing breakdown. Needed to be towed to repair facility. 1. Water Pump failed - shaft connecting pully system to impeller sheared in half. Part is available for inspection. 65,000 miles on the engine 2. Car stopped running due to overheating and loss of electrical power - I had to stop in the middle of a busy street and wait for a tow . 3. Car was repaired by dealership and I have the damaged part, service reports and invoice. 4. This occurred without warning - while driving at approx 55mph I heard a "bang" and the coolant and electrical lights lit up on my dashboard. Engine temperature rose rapidly and battery drained quickly. Images of water pump drive shaft show a manufacturing defect of the shaft having been partially compromised prior to the sharing (failure). Google searches show that issues with Porsche Boxter water pumps - including my year and model.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-07-15
- VIN: WP0CA29856U
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I PURCHASED THE 2006 BOXSTER IN JULY 2010 FROM A PRIVATE PARTY, AND SOON AFTERWARD, STARTED TO EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT ABS/PSM SYSTEM FAILURE WARNING LIGHTS. THE ORIGINAL PORSCHE WARRANTY WAS DUE TO EXPIRE IN JANUARY, 2011. I TOOK THE CAR TO FLEMINGTON PORSCHE IN FLEMINGTON N.J. THREE TIMES IN AUGUST, 2010, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. THE WARNING LIGHTS PERSISTED. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO KNOPF PORSCHE IN ALLENTOWN, PA IN 2012, AND THEY TOO, WERE UNABLE TO GIVE A DEFINITIVE DIAGNOSIS, BUT OPINED THAT THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE FALSE POSITIVES, AND THE SYSTEMS WERE FULLY FUNCTIONAL. LAST YEAR, I WAS FORCED TO MAKE A HARD STOP, ALL FOUR BRAKES LOCKED, THE CAR SKIDDED, AND THE BACK END OF THE CAR BEGAN TO 'FISHTAIL.' THE ABS/PSM SAFETY SYSTEMS ON THIS CAR ARE CLEARLY NOT RELIABLE. IT IS MY OPINION THAT PORSCHE HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO HELP FIX THIS ISSUE BECAUSE THE PROBLEM WAS IDENTIFIED WHILE THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, THE DEALERSHIPS DID NOT AGGRESSIVELY PURSUE A SOLUTION, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, THESE ARE SYSTEMS ESSENTIAL FOR THE SAFE OPERATION OF ANY CAR.
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-09-04
- VIN: WP0CA29846U
- Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT ABOUT 70 MPH AND INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FAILED. CREATED DANGEROUS SITUATION AS ENGINE STARTED BILLOWING SMOKE, OBSCURING TRAFFIC CAUSING MANY CARS TO SWERVE DANGEROUSLY AND HAD STOP ABRUPTLY. CAR TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP EMPIRE AUTOHAUS, INC. WHERE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED. OWNED CAR FOR THREE YEARS WITH ZERO PROBLEMS AND REGULAR SERVICE. LEARNED THAT MANY PORSCHE AUTOMOBILES WITH THE M96 ENGINE (UP TO 25%) WITH LESS THAN 90,000 MILES HAVE HAD SAME PROBLEM AND HAS YET TO BE ADDRESSED BY MANUFACTURER. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-10-20
- VIN: WP0CA298X6U
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I AWOKE ONE SATURDAY MORNING AFTER IT HAD BEEN RAINING ALL NIGHT TO FIND MY SPOILER UP (WHICH IS ONLY SUPPOSED TO GO UP AT 75 MPH), MY CAR WINDOWS DOWN AND MY REAR LIGHTS ON. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE AND SHUT THE WINDOWS, NOTHING WORKED. THE CAR RAN OKAY, AS FAR AS I COULD TELL, BUT THE ALARM STARTED TO GO OFF WHILE DRIVING AND I ENDED UP HAVING TO DISABLE THE BATTERY JUST TO STOP ALL OF THE MALFUNCTIONS THAT WERE HAPPENING. THERE WERE MULTIPLE FAULT CODES ON IN THE ON BOARD COMPUTER, THE CONVERTIBLE TOP WOULD NOT GO DOWN AND MANY OF THE INTERNAL BUTTONS/SWITCHES DID NOT WORK. AFTER THIS HAPPENED I ATTEMPTED TO DO SOME RESEARCH TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED TO CAUSE THIS. I WAS AMAZED AT HOW MANY CASES OF THIS EXACT SAME SITUATION THERE WERE FLOODING THE INTERNET. APPARENTLY THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED SO THAT IF CERTAIN DRAINS ARE CLOGGED, WATER LEAKS INTO THE CAR ONTO THE BACK CARPETS UNDER THE SEATS AND CONVENIENTLY UNDER THOSE CARPETS ARE THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/COMPUTERS. I HAD ONLY OWNED THE CAR FOR 6 MONTHS AT THE TIME AND I WAS TOLD THAT ALL REQUIRED SERVICE WAS COMPLETED PRIOR TO PURCHASING IT. THIS ENDED UP COSTING ALMOST $6,000.00 TO FIX. I UNDERSTAND THAT MOST PEOPLE WHO OWN THESE VEHICLES PRESUMABLY HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX THEM, BUT THIS IS CLEARLY A DESIGN FLAW AND A MONEY GRAB. AN UNSUSPECTING OWNER, WHO DOESN'T KNOW THAT THESE DRAINS NEED TO BE CLEANED OR EVEN EXIST FOR THAT MATTER, ENDS UP WITH A MASSIVE REPAIR BILL. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS AND THERE ARE HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS WORLDWIDE WHO HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE. IN FACT ALL OF THE PORSCHE PEOPLE I SPOKE WITH SAID THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO CLAIM UNDER MY INSURANCE, SO NOW I AM STUCK WITH A CAR THAT ISN'T WORTH AS MUCH BECAUSE OF THIS "LOSS" AND I HAVE NO RECOURSE AGAINST THE CARELESS MAKERS AND DESIGNERS OF THIS VEHICLE. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-10-03
- VIN: WP0CA29896U
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED EACH TIME THE ENGINE WAS STARTED OR WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED WHILE THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED, THE AIRBAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. ALSO, THE DEALER DETERMINED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT NEEDED TO BE ADJUSTED FORWARD SO THE AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. AFTER THE CONTACT ADJUSTED THE SEAT AS INSTRUCTED BY THE DEALER, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED. UPDATED 10/31/2006 - THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES FOR THE SAME FAILURE BUT PROBLEM STILL EXIST. *NM
Positive 2006 Porsche Boxster car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2006 Porsche Boxster problems:
2006 Boxster S issues? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche ...
Apr 5, 2017 ... The general consensus is that the 06+ IMS has a reduced failure rate is street usage, but it's actually higher with track usage. If I'm not ...
Buying a Porsche Boxster 987? 15 Issues to Look Out For ...
Both 986 and 987 Boxsters are vulnerable to rear main oil seal failure, which is expensive to repair as the gearbox needs to be removed in order to fit the ...
2006 - 2008 opinions please - 986 Forum - The Community for ...
Feb 1, 2017 ... Any issues (or known common problems)? I'm ... porsche-boxster-purchase-owner-issues-print.html. ... The 2006 though should be relatively free of ...
Boxster - 2006 Porsche Boxster 2.7 IMS | Planet-9 Porsche Forum
Jan 14, 2018 ... I assumed that the weren't any IMS issues with the Boxster 987 as it was using the M97 engine. However when I checked the registration card, it ...
Is the porsche boxster a good car under 8k or are they all hiding ...
May 28, 2020 ... The early boxsters are only more reliable just looking at IMS issues. They are more prone to alot of other problems that got fixed down the line ...
Other years of Porsche Boxster
Are you having problems with your 2006 Porsche Boxster?
Arne Greenholt 2025-02-15
I have had other nice cars, including a Corvette, but I must say that the handling on this car is light years above the rest. It is truly exhilarating to drive, with a sensory experience that is both auditory and visual. What's more, I paid only $10000 for this car and even with 135000 miles it looks and feels crisp and new. There are no shakes, rattles or rolls to speak of. It's an absolute blast to drive!
Rex Veum 2025-02-09
Congratulations on your second Boxster S! It's great to hear that you're enjoying the styling, handling, and performance. I understand that the cost of options can be a bit steep, and the wait time for exclusive options can be frustrating. It's important to keep in mind that some options may not appreciably improve resale value, so it's wise to select them carefully. I agree that automatic climate control should have been a standard feature. The second generation Boxsters, starting with the '05 model, have seen significant improvements in almost all areas. It's impressive that the '06 S was such a noticeable upgrade from your '01 S. While it's true that used Boxsters have a lower residual value than 911s, I'm sure you'll enjoy the car regardless of its resale value. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Luciano Sipes 2025-02-04
You've got yourself an excellent all-around car! It's fun to drive and has great performance with good gas mileage. Plus, you've had no maintenance issues whatsoever in three years of ownership.
Barrett Roob 2025-02-04
Porsche has done an amazing job with the Boxster, giving it a unique style and the performance it deserves. The car boasts unparalleled handling, the best braking and slalom times in magazine tests, usable cargo space, amazing seats, and an upmarket interior. The Boxster S is particularly impressive, offering incredible value compared to the base Carrera Cab which costs $30,000 more! The quality of the car is excellent, and the service is reasonable. However, what really sets the Boxster apart is the pure sports car driving experience it provides. I even traded in my BMW M3 for the 987S because I believe that less weight is more fun than more horsepower. Porsche has truly nailed the perfect recipe for performance, style, and prestige with the new Boxster!
Percival Sanford 2025-01-12
Rock solid fun! This car has more than enough power to throw you back in your seat as you zoom around town. The handling is so smooth that you'll never want to take your foot off the gas. Its spacious interior is perfect for those of us with above average height, and the ride is just as impressive. Take it for a test drive on a real world street with lots of turns and opportunities to punch it, and you'll be hooked. Don't forget to bring your check book!