2012 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 2012 Porsche Boxster problems
The 2012 Porsche Boxster is a well-regarded roadster known for its inspired handling, evocative styling, and strong acceleration. However, like any vehicle, it has some common problems that potential buyers should be aware of.
One issue that affects some Porsche Boxsters, including the 2012 model, is the intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing failure.
Another problem that affects some 2012 Porsche Boxsters is the rear main seal (RMS) leak.
Additionally, some 2012 Porsche Boxsters may suffer from electrical issues, which can be challenging to diagnose and repair. It's essential to have any electrical problems checked by a Porsche specialist to ensure they are fixed correctly.
Finally, some 2012 Porsche Boxsters may have issues with the water pump, which can cause the engine to overheat and potentially lead to engine failure. It's essential to have the water pump checked regularly and replaced if necessary to avoid this problem.
In summary, while the 2012 Porsche Boxster is an excellent roadster with many positive attributes, potential buyers should be aware of the common problems that can affect this vehicle. These include IMS bearing failure, RMS leak, electrical issues, and water pump problems. Regular maintenance and inspections by a Porsche specialist can help prevent these issues and ensure the 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 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.
Is the Porsche Boxster reliable?
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.
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.
2012 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:
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Porsche Boxster vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2012 Porsche Boxster complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Porsche Boxster.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-18
- VIN: WP0ZZZ98ZDS
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: KNOWN PROBLEM WHERE THE BRAKE PEDAL PIN /SPINDLE WEARS IN THE PIVOT BUSH MECHANISM. THIS INTERFERES WITH PEDAL MOVEMENT AND CAN STICK CAUSING BRAKES TO STICK ON. THIS CAN CAUSE DASH WARNINGS BUT IF NOT CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLES BRAKES TO OVERHEAT WITHOUT DRIVERS KNOWLEDGE. THE UPGRADED PARTS ARE AVAILABLE FROM PORSCHE AS THE OLD VERSION SPINDLE AND BUSHES ARE FLAWED. I HAVE REPLACED THE PARTS,P99142328400 BEARING PIN / SPINDLE AND BUSHES P7PP721113A. THEY ARE SMALL IN COST BUT COULD PREVENT SERIOUS FAILURE OR INJURY / DEATH.. I LIVE IN UK AND BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO YOU
2012 Porsche Boxster recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2012 Porsche Boxster.
- Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PORSCHE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 911 SPEEDSTER AND 911 GTS RS 4.0; AND MODEL YEAR 2012 BOXSTER (INCLUDING S AND SPYDER); CAYMAN (INCLUDING S AND R); 911 CARRERA (INCLUDING S, GTS, 4, 4S, AND 4 GTS); 911 TARGA 4 AND TARGA 4S; AND 911 TURBO AND TURBO S MODELS MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 31, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 10, 2011. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE MOUNTING HOLES IN THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR PLATES FITTED TO THE VEHICLE ARE TOO SMALL. IF THE HOLE DIAMETER IS TOO SMALL, THE ANCHOR PLATE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ROTATE ABOUT THE FASTENING BOLT AS DESIGNED.
- Consequence: SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE SEAT BELT MAY NOT BE ROUTED OPTIMALLY AROUND THE OCCUPANT, OR MAY POTENTIALLY LOOSEN AT SOME POINT IN THE FUTURE INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY DURING A CRASH.
- Remedy: PORSCHE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT BELT ANCHORS AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE SEAT BELT. THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-767-7243.
Negative 2012 Porsche Boxster car reviews
Positive 2012 Porsche Boxster car reviews
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The car is such a joy to drive! As a long-time car enthusiast, I can confidently say that it's one of the nicest cars I've ever owned (and I've owned many!). The Boxster handles incredibly well, making every curvy road a thrilling experience. Despite being 6'2
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My 2010 Base Boxster is a unique car in many ways. It has an impressive amount of storage both inside the car (six compartments worth inside since I don't have Bose but I do have SPP and no CD changer), two trunks, and an auxiliary storage box in the front. All this storage makes the car much easier to live with from a practical perspective. The “fronk” will hold two legal airplane rollies...and you still have a large (though shallow) trunk in the back for duffels and other squishy stuff. The only downside is that you can’t put large hard-framed items inside the car (such as a 24” x 36” picture)....but how often do you need that capability? It’s great to see a Porsche convertible with such practicality, and that’s just one thing setting this series (987.2) apart from other convertibles and even from newer Boxsters. My Boxster also has European tri-colored tail lights, which is a huge plus to me (it’s a thoughtful safety touch). Let's talk about what really matters: This is a Porsche and it’s all about handling, acceleration, and braking...and naturally, the Porsche excels in all three areas, even with this Base Boxster. By modern standards, the car is relatively slow (0-60 in 5.4sec). The 2.9L flat six sounds glorious when revved (in contrast, the 2.0T4 in the new Boxster sounds like a cross between an air-cooled VW and a Subaru 4). However, the PFI 2.9L isn’t the engine of choice if you want real speed: That belongs to the S models and its DFI 3.4L. Still, the car is plenty speedy, especially when you’re the only one in the car and keeps pulling past 65 MPH. The handling, though, is truly telepathic. Provided you have top quality rubber (Michelin PS4s or equivalent (I'm running on Pilot Super Sports), the car handles around corners like it’s on rails. All handling and braking aspects spoil you for any other car. Also pleasant: The ride isn’t punishing.Oh, your Subaru WRX/STi and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo friends will feel like they're in a limo when they ride in this car! Every trip is a pleasure, especially with the PDK. If you had to do it all over again, you might have opted for the S version and given up a few vacations for the faster engine. As for the Radio CDR30 + Sound Package Plus (SPP), replacing the radio seems like a difficult proposition due to the optic cable integration with the rest of the electronics. Replacing the speakers is apparently another headache-inducing OCD experience. However, the sound quality is adequate, so you're leaving things alone until something truly breaks. Bluetooth integration with your new iPhone iOS 14.3 for making calls (initiated via Siri) is okay, though Waze sometimes plays directions via Bluetooth on a random basis. It's not quite Apple CarPlay. In the Dec 2020 Pandemic Update, you decided to do some maintenance after hearing some growling noises in the power steering. After doing lots of research and watching a number of Youtube videos, you added PS fluid (Pentosin), replaced your engine air filter (Wix), and replaced your cabin air filter in the fronk. Taking off the engine cover was convoluted and required lots of careful planning and patience. Adding Pentosin CHF 11S was easy, but replacing the engine air filter was super tricky (it's all twists and turns). You could have waited another 10k before doing it, so you were theoretically wasting money, but the time/effort to get the engine cover off is so high, one might as well do as much maintenance as possible while under there. You figure you saved at least $400 by doing this work yourself.The cabin air filter replacement was a bit tricky due to the four overengineered Torx bolts and cage guarding the air filter, along with a wire harness nearby that was not well thought out. If you are planning to attempt this service, I strongly recommend watching every video you can and placing a bunched-up towel under the next screw/bolt removal area to catch it if it falls, as losing one can be disastrous. Although working on a Porsche can be painstaking and OCD inducing, it is worth it.//Update December 2023: Some minor items are starting to go, such as the elastic straps in the convertible top and the trunk release button (front), which are both common issues. I am trying to fix both myself.
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I have been driving my 2009 Boxster for a month now and I am experiencing hesitation issues. Despite the dealer's computer not detecting any engine problems, the car still hesitates at times. While I am uncertain if the issue lies with the PDK or fuel injection, I am confident that this is not how a Porsche should perform. A Porsche should accelerate smoothly and powerfully from a dead stop. I urge for a thorough investigation to resolve this issue promptly.
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Hi there! I recently visited my local Porsche dealer to check out a used '95 Ferrari, but I ended up spotting a Boxster S on the floor. I couldn't resist taking it for a spin, and now it's sitting in my garage waiting for Spring! I have to say, these cars are truly built with the driver in mind. In my opinion, there's no car more well-balanced than a Boxster S.
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Replacing my aging s2000 was difficult, but buying the RS60 was easy. There was no comparison. The price of admission was high, but the Porsche selectable suspension system coupled with the smooth kick in the pants engine power, killer brakes, handling, and selectable exhaust makes an enthusiast's dream come true. The car felt like home immediately with its rare and beautiful gray interior and classic exterior that makes my tail wag every time the garage door opens. At 6 ft plus, there is plenty of room and comfort. The Bose system sounds very good when I am not listening to that beautiful exhaust note. The fit and finish are fantastic, and having two trunks is even better. The ride comfort is superb. It is a sensational auto that is an absolute blast.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2012 Porsche Boxster problems:
Can someone please school me a bit on 987 Boxsters? - 986 Forum ...
Nov 15, 2018 ... ... issues, significant model year changes, common problems, etc. Also, does the 987 have a immobilizer system like the 986 does? Located in the ...
2012 Porsche Boxster Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2012 Porsche Boxster? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...
Used Porsche Boxster - 2012-2016 Reliability & Common Problems ...
Feb 3, 2022 ... This version of the Boxster has an excellent reputation for good reliability, with remarkably few reported problems, and those that have been ...
Water Pump Failures....Common Problem? | Planet-9 Porsche Forum
Feb 15, 2011 ... I have been reading up on Boxsters/Caymans on this and another forum and I'm seeing a common trend regarding the Water Pump on the DI ...
What are the problems of a Porsche Boxster? - Quora
Feb 5, 2019 ... There are two main major problems with the pre-mid2008 Boxster (and Cayman): 1) the Intermediate Shaft (IMS) Bearing failure, the risk of which ...
Other years of Porsche Boxster
Are you having problems with your 2012 Porsche Boxster?
Marcelino Simonis 2024-02-15
Before purchasing one of these cars, it is important to conduct thorough research as they are known to be prone to early engine failure.