Owners have filed 30 complaints
about the 1997 Porsche Boxster with NHTSA between 1997 and 2018.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 8 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 63
Against the median year of the Porsche Boxster. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 34
6.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 37
21% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1997 compares with every other Porsche Boxster
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1997 Porsche Boxster
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Airbags
826.7%
Median failure at 47,000 miles
Electrical System
723.3%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 72,100 mi
Transmission & Drivetrain
516.7%
Median failure at 57,000 miles
Seat Belts
413.3%
Median failure at 55,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
310.0%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 9,000 mi
Equipment & Accessories
13.3%
Lights
13.3%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
13.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
17.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
214.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
214.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
750.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
214.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 1997peak 4Feb 2018
Recalls on the 1997 Porsche Boxster
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 1998108234 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
THE IGNITION SWITCH HOUSING MAY CRACK WHICH MAY CAUSE THE IGNITION KEY TO STICK DURING ACTUATION. A CONSEQUENCE OF A STICKING KEY MAY BE FAILURE OF VARIOUS ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS INCLUDING HEADLAMPS AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS. CORRECTION: DEPENDING ON THE VIN RANGE, VEHICLES WILL EITHER HAVE THE COMPLETE STEERING LOCK WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED WITH A NEW DESIGN OR ONLY THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED WITH A NEW DESIGN.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 9,000 milesRapid City, SDFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE CONSUMER NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS OCCURRED AFTER THE CONSUMER INSTALLED A NEW BATTERY, AND DROVE FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES. THEN CONSUMER TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10071521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Orleans, LAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE SERVICED BECAUSE OF WHITE SMOKE FROM TAILPIPE. DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE HOME FROM DEALER. AFTER ABOUT 35 MINUTES, HE WAS STOPPED BY GUARD OF HIS COMMUNITY, WHO SAW FIRE COMING FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT OUT FIRE, VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. CAUSE OF FIRE UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME. CONSUMER NOT INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #890548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 102,000 milesUxbirdge, MA
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE IN PARK GEAR, THE SHIFTER BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO MOVE OUT OF THE DRIVE POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR SEIZED AND THE SELECTOR LEVELER HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER, PORSCHE OF WESTWOOD IN WESTWOOD, MASSACHUSETTS WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 98V112000 (POWER TRAIN) SEVERAL YEARS AGO. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
NHTSA complaint #11074960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesArlngton, VA
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT FAILED TO SHIFT INTO THE PARK POSITION. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE GEAR INDICATOR DISPLAYED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE WHILE IT WAS IN PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 98V112000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
NHTSA complaint #10836988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,000 milesCincinnati, OH
SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT SPORADICALLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLES, HARNESS AND CONTROL UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000. UPDATED 5/13/14*CN
NHTSA complaint #10574871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,000 milesCincinnati, OH
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT SPORADICALLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLES, HARNESS AND CONTROL UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000. UPDATED 5/13/14*CN
NHTSA complaint #10574871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesCincinnati, OH
SEAT BELTS
I TOOK MY 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER TO MY PORSCHE SERVICE DEALER IN CINCINNATI, OHIO WITH A SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT ON. A DIAGNOSIS WAS DONE AND CODE RECEIVED, TO THE EFFECT THAT MY SEAT BELTS NEEDED REPLACING, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER, DUE TO A ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE SEAT BELT WARNING/AIR BAG SYSTEM. THE TOTAL REPAIR RANGES @ $1100, $500 PARTS + $600 LABOR. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM WITH PORSCHE BOXSTERS GOING BACK TO THE LATE NINETIES UP TO TODAY. PORSCHE NORTH AMERICA HAS DONE SOME REMEDIAL WORK THROUGH DEALERS ON THIS PROBLEM, BUT HAS NOT FULLY OWNED THE POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE WITH THESE ELECTRICAL MODULES SHORTING OUT LEAVING DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS UNPROTECTED. THEIR ARROGANCE IN THIS MATTER IS OVER THE TOP FOR A SUPPOSEDLY "HIGH END" LINE OF VEHICLES. I HAVE TRIED TO WORK WITH THEM, VOLUNTEERING TO PAY PART OF THE EXPENSE. AT THIS POINT, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOME FOLLOW UP ON THEIR "TOKEN" OWNERSHIP OF WHAT COULD BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE FOR THOUSANDS OF OWNERS.
NHTSA complaint #10567961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesCincinnati, OH
AIR BAGS
I TOOK MY 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER TO MY PORSCHE SERVICE DEALER IN CINCINNATI, OHIO WITH A SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT ON. A DIAGNOSIS WAS DONE AND CODE RECEIVED, TO THE EFFECT THAT MY SEAT BELTS NEEDED REPLACING, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER, DUE TO A ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE SEAT BELT WARNING/AIR BAG SYSTEM. THE TOTAL REPAIR RANGES @ $1100, $500 PARTS + $600 LABOR. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM WITH PORSCHE BOXSTERS GOING BACK TO THE LATE NINETIES UP TO TODAY. PORSCHE NORTH AMERICA HAS DONE SOME REMEDIAL WORK THROUGH DEALERS ON THIS PROBLEM, BUT HAS NOT FULLY OWNED THE POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE WITH THESE ELECTRICAL MODULES SHORTING OUT LEAVING DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS UNPROTECTED. THEIR ARROGANCE IN THIS MATTER IS OVER THE TOP FOR A SUPPOSEDLY "HIGH END" LINE OF VEHICLES. I HAVE TRIED TO WORK WITH THEM, VOLUNTEERING TO PAY PART OF THE EXPENSE. AT THIS POINT, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOME FOLLOW UP ON THEIR "TOKEN" OWNERSHIP OF WHAT COULD BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE FOR THOUSANDS OF OWNERS.
NHTSA complaint #10567961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesTopeka, KS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER. THE CONTACT STATED THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS CRACKED AND CAUSING ELECTRICAL FAILURES TO THE AIR CONDITIONER, WIPERS AND HEAD LIGHTS. THE CONTACT NOTICES A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 98V113000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH) BUT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD EXTEND THE RECALL SINCE THE FAILURE WAS A KNOWN SAFETY DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
NHTSA complaint #10368666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesDebary, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
PURCHASED A 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER APPROX 1 MONTH AGO. WENT TO START THE VEHICLE AND THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. CHARGED UP THE BATTER AND NOTICED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TURNED ON THERE WAS NO AIR CONDITIONING, WINDSHIELD WIPERS DIDN'T WORK. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF, THE DASH LIGHTS REMAINED ON ALONG WITH THE RADIO THEREFORE CAUSING THE BATTER TO DIE. CHECK ON YOUR WEBSITE FOR ANY RECALLS FOR THIS DEFECT. NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS #98V-113 DTD 22 MAY 1998 FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM I'M HAVING. THERE WERE 3,217 VEHICLES DISTRIBUTED IN THE US AND 234 IN CANADA WITH THE VIN # OF [XXX] TO [XXX] MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 10, 1996 TO MAY 5, 1997. THE VIN ON MY VEHICLE IS APPROX 100 NUMBERS FROM THE ABOVE LISTED NUMBERS. [XXX]. I BELIEVE THAT PORSCHE SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING EITHER THE COMPLETE STEERING LOCK WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH OR REPLACING THE IGNITION SWITCH ON WITH THE NEW DESIGN WHICHEVER IS DEEMED APPROPRIATE. NOW PORCHSE WANTS $430 TO REPAIR THIS. MY VIN IS EXTREMELY CLOSE TO THE ONES WHICH FALL UNDER THIS RECALL NOTICE. JUST WONDERING HOW IT IS THAT YOU DETERMINE WHICH VIN ARE AFFECTED BY THIS DEFECT AND WHICH ONES ARE NOT. PLEASE RESPOND AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. [XXX]. *NM UPDATED 07/12/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10162093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colfax, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
DT: THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND WHEN SHE ARRIVED HOME SHE ALERTED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A MILKY SUBSTANCE IN THE OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN AGAIN. IT WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY WANTED $14,000 TO FIX IT, BUT DID NOT TELL HER WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. SHE THEN TOOK IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC, FOR A SECOND OPINION. THE MECHANIC, DETERMINED THERE WAS A CASTING FLAW WHICH CAUSED THE RADIATOR FLUID TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE . THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #10140450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesUnion City, CA
AIR BAGS
SRS (AIRBAG LIGHT) ON DUE TO FAULTY GROUNDING IN SEATBELT SWITCH. PORSCHE BOXSTERS HAVE AN ISSUE WITH IT'S AIRBAG LIGHTS ON DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW WITH THE WAY PORSCHE HAS GROUNDED THE SWITCH ON THE SEAT BELT HARNESS. PORSCHE HAS SUBSEQUENTLY RELEASED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN AND PARTS UPDATE TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE, BUT FIXES ARE DONE AT OWNERS EXPENSE. I BELIEVE THAT A RECALL SHOULD BE IN ORDER TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10134077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesAkron, OH
AIR BAGS
DT: RECALL 98V113000. WAS ISSUED CONCERNING IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE. CALLER SAID HER CAR HAD SAME FAILURE AS MENTIONED IN RECALL. DEALER SAID THIS CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL. MANUFACTURER SAID THIS CAR WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY , AND NOT IN THE RECALL, AND WILL OFFER NO HELP. ALSO, ANOTHER RECALL 98E005000. CONCERNING AIR BAGS WAS MENTIONED. CALLER SAID THEY WILL NOT HELP HER WITH THIS RECALL EITHER. CALLER HAS PAID FOR PROBLEMS THAT SHOULD BE UNDER THESE RECALLS.
NHTSA complaint #10126011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesAkron, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
DT: RECALL 98V113000. WAS ISSUED CONCERNING IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE. CALLER SAID HER CAR HAD SAME FAILURE AS MENTIONED IN RECALL. DEALER SAID THIS CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL. MANUFACTURER SAID THIS CAR WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY , AND NOT IN THE RECALL, AND WILL OFFER NO HELP. ALSO, ANOTHER RECALL 98E005000. CONCERNING AIR BAGS WAS MENTIONED. CALLER SAID THEY WILL NOT HELP HER WITH THIS RECALL EITHER. CALLER HAS PAID FOR PROBLEMS THAT SHOULD BE UNDER THESE RECALLS.
NHTSA complaint #10126011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,200 milesMenasha, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE. THE SAME FAILURE AS RECALL #W03 IN 1998. DEALER REPLACED SWITCH IN 1999, IGNITION SWITCH CRACKED AND FAILED AGAIN 2005. I AM TOLD BY PORSCHE MY VEHICEL IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10116467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesCentreville, VA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
1997 PORSCHE BOXTER TIPTRONIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTER SELECTOR INCREASINGLY BECAME DIFFICULT TO MOVE AND EVENTUALLY UNABLE TO PUT IN PARK AND OR DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10100921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,000 milesRapid City, SDFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE CONSUMER NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS OCCURRED AFTER THE CONSUMER INSTALLED A NEW BATTERY, AND DROVE FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES. THEN CONSUMER TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10071521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington Station, NY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
WHEN PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, THEN RESTART THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10057153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Astoria, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
NHTSA: 98-V-113-000:VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN CRACK AND CAUSE ELECTRICAL FAILURES. CONSUMER STATED HAS THE SAME PROBLEM, HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALL DUE TO THE VIN#.
NHTSA complaint #10031692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson Hieghts, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
CONSUMER STATES THE ELECTRICAL IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AS A RESULT CONSUMER HAS NO WIPERS/ HEADLIGHTS/AIR CONDITIONER.
NHTSA complaint #10026513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson Hieghts, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
CONSUMER STATES THE ELECTRICAL IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AS A RESULT CONSUMER HAS NO WIPERS/ HEADLIGHTS/AIR CONDITIONER.
NHTSA complaint #10026513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson Hieghts, NY
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
CONSUMER STATES THE ELECTRICAL IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AS A RESULT CONSUMER HAS NO WIPERS/ HEADLIGHTS/AIR CONDITIONER.
NHTSA complaint #10026513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BAL Harbour, FL
AIR BAGS
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #751525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BAL Harbour, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #751525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Rock, NJ
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
INTERMITTENTLY IN NEUTRAL VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT AND DIE. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE, AND COULD NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #893719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Orleans, LAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE SERVICED BECAUSE OF WHITE SMOKE FROM TAILPIPE. DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE HOME FROM DEALER. AFTER ABOUT 35 MINUTES, HE WAS STOPPED BY GUARD OF HIS COMMUNITY, WHO SAW FIRE COMING FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT OUT FIRE, VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. CAUSE OF FIRE UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME. CONSUMER NOT INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #890548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fountain V, CA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED. NLM
NHTSA complaint #606430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.