AI DamagePorsche Boxster S: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Porsche Boxster S across 7 model years: 16 owner complaints and 0 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 38% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 38% of all complaints
- 3 Service brakes 13% of all complaints
- 4 Air bags 6% of all complaints
- 5 Fuel system 6% of all complaints
- 6 Latches, locks, linkages 6% of all complaints
- 7 Powertrain 6% of all complaints
- 8 Steering 6% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 6 complaints (38% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 6 complaints (38% of all).
- Service brakes: 2 complaints (13% of all).
- Air bags: 1 complaints (6% of all).
- Fuel system: 1 complaints (6% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 16 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches, locks, linkages | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
March 5, 2019. [xxx]. [xxx] 2003 porsche boxster 3.2 engine with brand new michelin ultra-high-performance tires. On december 31, 2018 about 10:30 am, I was driving the car going east, about 80 to 100 miles per hour in the middle of three lanes.when I reached the top of the hill, the front end of the car wobble in the…
While driving uphill at 100 mph, the vehicle vibrated violently when the brake pedal was depressed. Also, the steering pulled to the right and the steering wheel detached from the steering column. The vehicle struck a curb and the passenger side air bags deployed. The rear driver's side tire detached from the vehicle.
The serious safety defect is that the electronic hand brake system unexpectedly activates for no apparent reason while driving. This is extremely dangerous when the car locks down on the road at an intersection. In 6 months the car has been in for repair for 37 days in 2 different porsche dealerships.
While pulling away from a stop light in light city traffic, engine suddenly had reduced power output immediately followed by loud sounds of loose metal parts through out the engine compartment.
I contacted the dealership that actually installed the factory replacement engine and I was informed that the engine was replaced at 35,000 miles for an oil leak. The dealership that performed the inspection reported that a few minor issues needed to be addressed but overall that the car was in excellent condition.
My 2011 porsche cayenne has an "auto stop" feature that kills the engine whenever the car is stopped at a stop light or stop sign. When the driver's foot is removed from the brake, the car engine restarts. The stop-start delay is potentially dangerous.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.