2013 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 2013 Porsche Boxster problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Porsche Boxster 2013, several common problems have been identified:
- Timing Chain Rattle and Check Engine Light:
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- Symptom: Rattle Under Acceleration, Power Loss, CEL.
- Description: Common in older Boxster engines, this problem manifests as a check engine light under acceleration and engine rattle. It is often caused by stretching of the timing chains and failure of the timing chain tensioner, requiring replacement of these components.
- Source: CoPilot.
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- Low or No Battery Power:
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- Symptom: No Crank, Slow Crank or No Power.
- Description: The Porsche Boxster, often not driven daily, can experience battery drainage issues, leading to a flat battery. This can result in system resets and affect comfort features like the cabrio roof and window synchronization. Regular use of a battery maintainer is recommended to prevent this.
- Source: CoPilot.
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These problems highlight key mechanical issues that Porsche Boxster 2013 owners may encounter, emphasizing the importance of timely maintenance and addressing these issues to ensure the longevity and performance 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.
What is the life expectancy of a 2013 Porsche Boxster?
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.
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.
How long will a Porsche Boxster engine last?
You can expect your Boxster to last from 150,000-200,000 miles, with high mileage around 150,000 and good mileage closer to 130,000 and up. Although it might be tempting, we don't recommend purchasing a used Boxster with more than 100,000 miles for the sake of time and money.
2013 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
- Unknown or other problems
- Suspension problems
- Power train problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2013 Porsche Boxster vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2013 Porsche Boxster complaints
The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2013 Porsche Boxster.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-03
- VIN: WP0CB2A81DS
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: There is an open recall on my Porsche boxster, the Porsche recall number for this is AMC0. The recall involves reprogramming the car to reduce emissions in sport+ mode. My car has an aftermarket tune on the ECU, and the porsche dealership has told me that the recall is not possible due to this modification. If I want to get the recall done, they want me to pay to replace the ECU/DME. I also consented to and was charged for labor hours for the dealership to research any way to not replace the ecu and do this recall, but they found no method to do so. Are they legally allowed to refuse a recall due to modifications to the car? Should the cost to replace the ECU be covered under the recall? I can't seem to find any information about this online, so thanks for any information regarding this
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-08
- VIN: WP0CB2A8XDS
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 2013 PORSCHE BOXTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 21V-679. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER STATING THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE, BUT THE DEALER DENIED HAVING THE PARTS.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-10
- VIN: WP0CA2A81DS
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 2013 PORSCHE BOXTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUE WITH CONTROL ARM MOUNTS ON REAR SUSPENSION. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL 21V-679. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PARTS NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE RECALL REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-11-22
- VIN: WP0CA2A87DK
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 2013 PORSCHE BOXSTER. CAR ROLLS WHEN STOPPED WITH TRANSMISSION IN 'PARK.' SIMILAR TO RECALLS OF PORSCHE CAYENNES AND PANAMERAS. MAY BE SIMILAR TO THE TRANSMISSION CONNECTION BUSHING PROBLEM THAT CAME LOOSE IN OTHER MODELS.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-12-12
- VIN: WPOCA2A8XDS
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: HORN STICKS LOUD AND REMAINS ON FOR ABOUT ONE MINUTE. SUSPECT BRACKET HOLDING AIRBAG NEEDS NEW ISOLATION "O" RINGS WHICH, OVER TIME, ALLOW HORN TO TOUCH BRACKET COMPLETING HORN RELAY CIRCUIT. COULD CAUSE OTHER CARS TO SWERVE INTO TRAFFIC. SPECIFICALLY, I WAS STOPPED FOR A 4 WAY STOP SIGN, ANOTHER CAR APPROACHED AT SUCH A SPEED THAT I SAW SHE WAS GOING TO STOP AND SHE DIDN'T. I WATCHED HER BLOW BY AND GOT BEHIND HER AND BLEW THE HORN BUT THE HORN STAYED ON. THE LADY STOPPED AND I TOLD HER (SHE WAS A REALTOR GOING TO A SHOWING) SHE MISSED THE STOP. AS I WENT ON MY WAY THE HORN QUIT. TOTAL TIME 30-45 SECONDS. CONTACTING DEALER FOR REPAIR ESTIMATE.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-06-25
- VIN: CA2A83DS113
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: MY 2013 BOXSTER IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS FOR THE 7TH TIME DUE TO RODENT DAMAGE TO WIRING. PORSCHE USED A SOY BASED COMPOUND ON ITS WIRES WHICH IS EXTREMELY ATTRACTIVE TO RODENTS. PORSCHE GERMANY AND PORSCHE NORTH AMERICA DENY THE USE OF THESE PRODUCTS. AN EMAIL YESTERDAY STATED "WE DO NOT HAVE ANY INFORMATION THAT INDICATES WE CURRENTLY OR PREVIOUSLY USED A SOY BASED PRODUCT IN OUR WIRING". THE DAMAGE OCCURS IN OUR GARAGE WHICH IS NOT ENCLOSED. THIS DAMAGE HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE 6/25/15.
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-08-10
- VIN: WP0CA2A81DK
- Components: POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: IT LOST POWER BRAKES DURING MY DRIVING AT 45 MILES/HOUR. THE VEHICLE COULDN'T STOP MORE THAN 200 YARD BEFORE A TRAFFIC LIGHT. I ALMOST HIT INTO TRAFFIC WHICH RUNS AT 55 MILES PER HOUR. THE CAR DROVE ABOUT 25000 MILES WHEN POWER BRAKES FAILED. PORSCHE SAID VEHICLE'S VACUUM PUMP BROKEN. THEY FIXED. I ASKED THEM WHAT IS LIFE FOR A VACUUM PUMP, THEY REJECTED TO ANSWER. I ASKED THEM WHY THE VACUUM PUMP FAILED, THEY SAID IT WAS SCRAPPED, THEY DON'T KNOW. I ASKED THEM HOW THEY ARE SURE THE NEW ONE WOULD BE GOOD. THEY TOLD ME THAT IS WHY THEY PROVIDED 4 YEARS WARRANTY/50000 MILES WARRANTY. I TOLD THEM IT IS SAFETY PARTS, IF THEY CAN'T TELL ME WHAT'S WRONG, I DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE TO DRIVE. IT IS HORRIFIC EXPERIENCE WHEN POWER BRAKE LOST, THE CAR OUT OF CONTROL, COULDN'T STOP. I AM LUCKY I DIDN'T HIT ANYONE BECAUSE NO ONE IN FRONT OF AND LUCKILY AGAIN THE CAR STOPPED ABOUT 20 YARDS BEFORE TRAFFIC LANE ON ROUTE 55 IN IL.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-10-17
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: MY DASHBOARD READS FAULT OF THE ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM AND A YELLOW ENGINE APPEARS I CALLED PORSCHE OF RAMSEY NJ AS I HAVE NOT HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR THREE MONTHS YET AND WAS TOLD NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE THEY HAD BUCKWILD TOWING TOW MY VEHICLE TO THEIR LOCATION I AM EXTREMELY UPSET AND WANT RESTITUTION FROM THIS COMPANY I DON'T HAVE THE MILEAGE BUT I THINK ITS 5373 THE CAR WAS PARKED AT THE TIME I TRIED TO START IT AND THIS IS WHAT APPEARED ON THE DASH BOARD. *TR
STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-06-26
- Crash: 1
- Components: STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY,ENGINE
- Summary: I RENTED A 2013 PORSCHE BOXTER CONV. THEY DROPPED IT OFF TO ME AT STORE, DUE TO MY CAR BEING TOWED AWAY FROM BEING HIT. WAS QUICKLY SHOWN THE OUTSIDE TO VERIFY NO BODY OR WHEEL DAMAGE' FEW DAYS LATER, DRIVING RENTAL, I PULL UP BEHIND A PICK UP TRUCK ON THE COLDWATER CYN IN LOS ANGELES, (ONE WAY, EACH DIRECTION} TRAFFIC CAME TO A STANDSTILL, AND THEN MY ENGINE SHUT OFF, TACHOMETER WENT TO ZERO. ODD, AND AS I WAS REACHING FOR KEY TO RESTART, I GENTLY PUT MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR, AND WOW, CAR COMES ALIVE AND LURCHES INTO TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME. NOW DAMAGE TO CAR CAN BE REPAIRED, BUT IF I HAD BEEN AT A CROSSWALK WHEN THIS HAPPENED, I COULD HAVE KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED PEDESTRIAN. \ DEALER LATER TELLS ME CAR HAS OPTION OF AUTO STOP.\ SHOULD BE REQUIRED OF RENTAL CAR COMPANIES TO INFORM RENTER OF THIS FEATURE SO AS NOT TO HAVE ACCIDENTS. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-04-26
- VIN: WP0CA2A86DS
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: ON THE 2013 BOXSTER THE TAILPIPE CAN BURN YOUR LEG IF YOU'RE NOT CAREFULLY WHEN YOU GO TO OPEN THE REAR TRUNK. IT MY VIEW THAT THE TAILPIPE EXTEND TO LONG FROM THE BUMPER OF THE CAR AND THEREFORE, WHEN SOMEONE GOES TO OPEN THE TRUNK YOUR LEG WILL TOUCH THE TAILPIPE. MY WIFE WAS BURN ON HER LEG FROM THE TAILPIPE. I MADE A COMPLAINT TO NORTH AMERICA PORSCHE. I GOT THE FEELING FROM THE SENIOR REP THAT IT HAPPEN AND SO WHAT. I SOMEONE CAN TAKE LOOK AT THIS ISSUE AND SEE IF SOMETHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS. *TR
2013 Porsche Boxster recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2013 Porsche Boxster.
- 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.
Positive 2013 Porsche Boxster car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2013 Porsche Boxster problems:
Any problem areas with 2013 Boxters? - Rennlist - Porsche ...
May 14, 2016 ... track Porsche). I have had problems ... known" issues. I would also recommend using ... I have 18,500 miles on my 2013 Boxster S and have had no ...
Any reliability issues with 2013-2014 Boxster S? : r/Porsche
Nov 11, 2020 ... Offhand I know the original 981 coil packs tend to have a short life, but that's not a super serious issue. There have also been some cosmetic ...
2013 Boxster S Engine Failed!! - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion ...
Jan 19, 2013 ... I've never heard of them replacing an entire car. Many who have had problems with the 986 and 996 motor would have welcomed the offer of ...
2013 Porsche Boxster Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2013 Porsche Boxster? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...
"Any "Known" Issues with 981? - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion ...
May 10, 2019 ... - 981 2014 PDK Boxster S: --- Third owner. --- Driver's side coolant fan died. Covered by aftermarket warranty. --- Currently own - 4 months ...
Other years of Porsche Boxster
Are you having problems with your 2013 Porsche Boxster?
Randy Smitham 2024-11-07
Hello! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my Boxster S that I bought back in January 2013. Every time I walk into my garage and see it, I can't help but smile. The deep blue with black top is my personal favorite, but what really makes me love this car are the curves. It's such a sexy car! I enjoy watching it being driven almost as much as I enjoy driving it myself. In terms of reliability, I'm happy to report that it gets a 5-star rating. It's a solidly built machine that has only needed regular maintenance despite having driven it for about 20,000 miles. I hope you get a chance to drive one someday, it's an absolute blast!
Dion Runte 2024-10-17
I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying your new car so far! It sounds like you have some exciting plans for it, and I look forward to hearing more about your experiences with it in the future. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!
Colt Blanda 2024-09-21
I've had my Boxster for nearly 11 years and it has been a fabulous vehicle. It handles superbly and always puts a smile on my face. The overall look of it is stunning. I've had very few issues with it and it drives like the first day I picked it up at the dealership. I highly recommend this car.
Oran Bins 2024-09-14
The Porsche 981 is an impressive car that offers a lot of power and balance. It has noticeable large side intakes and 20
Orland Rutherford 2024-09-09
Congratulations on your first Boxster, and first Porsche! It sounds like you made a great choice by ordering a car to your own specifications. I'm glad to hear that you're mostly happy with it so far, especially since you didn't go overboard with the options. I hope you continue to enjoy your new ride!