Model year record

1997 Porsche Boxster recalls & problems

The 1997 Porsche Boxster has 6 safety recalls and 22 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (8 complaints).

Recalls6safety recalls

Complaints22filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 2reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingMay 11, 2009

Headlights

Recall 09E02500042,540 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

Exterior lighting

Recall 09E01200016,270 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Power trainJan 23, 2003

Automatic transmission

Recall 03V00400012,234 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN 2-DOOR CONVERTIBLE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TIPTRONIC (AUTOMATIC) TRANSMISSION MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH AN INCORRECTLY ADJUSTED KEY-LOCK-CABLE DOWN TO THE SHIFT SELECTOR. IF THE KEY-LOCK-CABLE IS NOT ADJUSTED CORRECTLY, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE IGNITION KEY WILL SNAG UPON BEING REMOVED FRO THE IGNITION LOCK OR THE SLECTOR LEVER CAN BE SHIFTED FROM POSITION "P" WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED AND THE LOCKING BUTTON OPERATED.
Risk: IF THE SELECTOR LEVER IS THEN SHIFTED FROM POSITION "P" TO POSITION "R, N OR D" WITH THE VEHICLE PARKED, AND IF THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT ON, THE VHEICLE WILL NOT BE SECURED FROM INADVERTENLY ROLLING AWAY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CABLE ADJUSTMENT AND, REGARDLESS OF THE RESULTS OF THIS INSPECTION, THE KEY-LOCK-CABLE MUST ALSO BE ADJUSTED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 15, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-545-8039.

Electrical systemMay 22, 1998

Ignition › Switch

Recall 98V1130003,217 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN CRACK AND CAUSE ELECTRICAL FAILURES.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE FAILURE OF THE AIR CONDITIONING, HEATER BLOWER, HEADLAMPS, AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW TYPE IGNITION SWITCH.

Power trainMay 22, 1998

Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)

Recall 98V112000738 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TIPTRONIC TRANSMISSIONS. THE BEARING SLEEVES CAN SEIZE IN THE INTERMEDIATE SELECTOR LEVERS.
Risk: THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER BECOMES INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO MOVE RESULTING IN FAILURE TO ACTIVATE THE SELECTOR LEVER.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED BEARING SLEEVES OF THE LEVER WITH BEARING SLEEVES OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN.

Air bagsFeb 24, 1998

On-off switch assembly

Recall 98E00500032 vehicles

Problem: EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: CHILD SEATING SYSTEM AIR BAG DEACTIVATION KIT FOR USE ON 1997-1998 911 CARRERA S, CARRERA 4, CARRERA 4S, AND TURBO (1997 MODEL ONLY), PART NO. 993 803 283 00, AND 1997-1998 BOXSTER MODEL VEHICLES, PART NOS. 996 803 283 00 AND 996 803 083 00. DUE TO A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM, THE CONTACT BUCKLE (WHICH IS PART OF THE KIT) DOES NOT DEACTIVATE THE AIR BAG(S).
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THIS RESULTS IN THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG(S) WHICH COULD RESULT IN SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD SEAT OCCUPANT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A MODIFIED AIR BAG DEACTIVATION KIT.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Fuel economy

Boxster

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.5 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel

Boxster

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,850/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Fires	Typical mileage*
Air bags	8	0	47,000 mi
Electrical systemIgnition › Switch; Wiring › Front underhood	7	1	72,100 mi
Power trainManual transmission; Automatic transmission	5	0	57,000 mi
Seat beltsFront › Anchorage	4	0	—
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe	3	1	—
Exterior lightingHeadlights	1	0	—
EquipmentAppliance › Air conditioner	1	0	—
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal	1	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

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.
Feb 19, 2018 · 102,000 miles
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.
Dec 24, 2015 · 57,000 miles
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 *TR
Aug 12, 2013 · 54,000 miles
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…
Dec 12, 2013 · 56,000 miles
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.
Sep 12, 2010 · 103,000 miles
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…
Jul 5, 2006 · 70,000 miles
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. *AK
Sep 28, 2005
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.
Jan 1, 2005 · 40,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.