Owners have filed 13 complaints
about the 2013 Porsche Boxster with NHTSA between 2013 and 2022.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 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 — 27
Against the median year of the Porsche Boxster. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
23.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
100% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2013 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 2013 Porsche Boxster
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
323.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 6,986 mi
Other & Unspecified
215.4%
Median failure at 5,769 miles
Suspension
215.4%
Body & Structure
215.4%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 4,800 mi
Transmission & Drivetrain
215.4%
Median failure at 23,615 miles
Equipment & Accessories
17.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Brakes
17.7%
Median failure at 25,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
457.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
114.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
228.6%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2013 Porsche Boxster C RWD
—
—
—
—
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.
May 2013peak 3Nov 2022
Recalls on the 2013 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 202248758,856 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Issue: On certain vehicles, covers were not installed over the horizontal headlamp adjusters. As a result, the headlamps may be adjusted horizontally. Canadian regulations do not allow for horizontal headlamp adjustment unless the vehicle is equipped with a built-in aiming device. Safety Risk: Headlamps that are not properly adjusted could cause reduced visibility or glare for oncoming drivers, and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Porsche will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to install caps over the headlamp adjustment screws.
Recall 2021539442 units in Canada
Suspension
Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear axle carrier side mounts may crack and eventually break. If both mounts break while driving, there could be a sudden loss of vehicle control. Safety Risk: A loss of vehicle control could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Porsche will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the rear axle carrier side sections.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
VAN Nuys, CACrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10522174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VAN Nuys, CACrash
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10522174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VAN Nuys, CACrash
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10522174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Boise, ID
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #11492177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moon Township, PA
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11468315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11455964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,230 milesHalf Moon BAY, CA
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11281902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,769 milesDebary, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11054496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,600 milesSanibel, FL
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10956470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesWauconda, IL
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #10899246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesWauconda, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10899246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,373 milesPomona, NY
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10548514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VAN Nuys, CACrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10522174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VAN Nuys, CACrash
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10522174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VAN Nuys, CACrash
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10522174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,800 milesDurham, NC
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10511049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.