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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1997–2021

Porsche Boxster recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns and 163 owner complaints for the Porsche Boxster, covering model years 1997 to 2021. The 1998 model year drew the most complaints (32), and Engine and Engine Cooling is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Porsche Boxster VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 11 recall campaigns on file
  • 163 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 16 model years with data (1997–2021)
  • most complaints: 1998 (32 for that model year)
  • top component: Engine and Engine Cooling (43 complaints)
  • latest recall 22V656000 (reported Aug 30, 2022)
  • 8 complaints reporting a crash (4.9%)
  • 4 complaints reporting a fire (2.5%)
  • 4 complaints reporting an injury (2.5%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Porsche Boxster complaints by model year

14 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 1998 model year has the most complaints: 32 of 163, or 19.6%. Next come 1999 (28) and 1997 (22). The fewest are for 2012, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Porsche Boxster owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1997–2015Column chart of 163 complaints across 19 model years. The highest is 1998 with 32. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1997: 22 complaints2219971998: 32 complaints3219981999: 28 complaints2819992000: 5 complaints520002001: 13 complaints1320012002: 10 complaints1020022003: 12 complaints1220032004: 4 complaints420042005: 16 complaints1620052006: 5 complaints520062007: 0 complaints20072008: 0 complaints20082009: 0 complaints20092010: 0 complaints20102011: 0 complaints20112012: 1 complaint120122013: 10 complaints1020132014: 2 complaints220142015: 3 complaints32015
Show the figures for all 14 model years
Porsche Boxster complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Porsche Boxster complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
1997220200
1998320000
1999281010
200051110
2001131110
2002103000
2003121010
200440000
2005160000
200650000
201210000
2013101000
201420000
201530000
All model years1638440

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Porsche Boxster components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Engine and Engine Cooling is the component named most often, in 43 complaints (26.4% of all 163), followed by Air Bags (28) and Electrical System (25).

Components named most often in Porsche Boxster complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Porsche Boxster complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Engine and Engine Cooling4326.4%
Air Bags2817.2%
Electrical System2515.3%
Power Train2012.3%
Structure1911.7%
Engine159.2%
Seat Belts116.7%
Suspension84.9%
Service Brakes74.3%
Tires53.1%
Steering42.5%
Equipment31.8%
Unknown or Other31.8%
Vehicle Speed Control31.8%
Visibility31.8%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Porsche Boxster recalls

11 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Boxster, newest first. The 11 campaigns cover model years 1997 to 2021. The 1997 and 2014 model years appear in the most campaigns (3 each).

  • 11 recall campaigns
Porsche Boxster recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
1997: 3 campaigns1998: 1 campaign1999: 1 campaign
2000: 1 campaign2001: 2 campaigns2002: 2 campaigns2003: 2 campaigns2004: 1 campaign2005: no campaigns2006: no campaigns2007: no campaigns2008: no campaigns2009: no campaigns
2010: no campaigns2011: no campaigns2012: 1 campaign2013: 1 campaign2014: 3 campaigns2015: 2 campaigns2016: no campaigns2017: 1 campaign2018: no campaigns2019: no campaigns
2020: no campaigns2021: 2 campaigns
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 22V656000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Headlights

    Model years 2001–2004

    Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2020 Porsche Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Cayman S, 2001-2004 Boxster, Boxster S, 2004 Boxster 50 JAHRE SPYDER 550 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all affected models and model years. The caps that cover the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws are missing, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

    Consequence:
    Improperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the headlights for sealing caps and install missing caps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ANB4.

    Filed by Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 21V679000

    Reported

    Power Train › Axle Assembly

    Model years 2013–2015

    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.

    Filed by Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 21V200000

    Reported

    Engine

    Model year 2021

    Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Porsche Cayman GT4, Cayman GTS 4.0, 718 Spyder, and Boxster GTS 4.0 vehicles. The engine connecting rods may crack and loosen.

    Consequence:
    A loose connection while driving may cause engine damage, a stall, or an oil leak, increasing the risk of a crash or fire.
    Remedy:
    Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connecting rods or, as necessary, the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMA4.

    Filed by Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 21V157000

    Reported

    Suspension › Critical Fasteners; Suspension

    Model year 2021

    Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo, Taycan Turbo S, Taycan, Taycan 4S, 911 Turbo S Coupe, Cayman, Cayman T, Cayman S, Cayman GT4, 911 Carrera Coupe, 911 Carrera S Coupe, 911 Carrera 4S Coupe, 911 Carrera 4S Targa, 911 Carrera Cabriolet, 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4S Targa Heritage Design Edition, 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet, 911 Turbo Coupe, 911 Turbo Cabriolet, 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, 718 Spyder, and Boxster vehicles. Certain suspension components may not have been tightened correctly and can loosen.

    Consequence:
    Loose suspension components may detach, causing a sudden loss of vehicle stability and control, and increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the affected suspension nuts and bolts. Dealers will also inspect surrounding components for damage, and replace any damaged parts as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 7, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMA3.

    Filed by Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 19V533000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module

    Model year 2017

    Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2016-2017 911 and Boxster, 2016 Cayman and Panamera vehicles. The air bag Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have a defective power supply capacitor that can result in air bag deactivation or inadvertent deployment of the air bags.

    Consequence:
    Deactivated air bags increase the risk of injury. Inadvertent deployment of the air bags increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will install new software and replace the air bag ECU as necessary, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 13, 2019. Owners received a second notice and the recall began February 12, 2020. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKB4.

    Filed by Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 14V698000

    Reported

    Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch

    Model years 2014–2015

    Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Porsche 911, Boxster, and Cayman vehicles manufactured May 7, 2014, to September 23, 2014. The front hood upper lock components were not manufactured to specification and may fail to securely latch the vehicle's hood during operation.

    Consequence:
    A failure of the hood latching mechanism may cause the hood to suddenly open during vehicle operation and will severely impede the driver's ability to see out the front windshield, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
    Remedy:
    Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lock on the front hood, free of charge. The recall began December 12, 2014. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AE04.

    Filed by Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

  7. NHTSA campaign 13V502000

    Reported

    Seats; Electrical System

    Model year 2014

    Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2014 Boxster, Boxster S, Cayman, Cayman S and 911 Carrera (S, Cabriolet, S Cabriolet, 4, 4S, 4 Cabriolet, 4s Cabriolet) vehicles manufactured September 2, 2013, through September 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the passenger seats may be equipped with defective wiring harnesses resulting in intermittent contact with the harness plug.

    Consequence:
    The intermittent plug may cause the passenger seat frontal and knee airbags may be deactivated. In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, this may increase the risk of injury to the front passenger.
    Remedy:
    Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2013. Owners may contact Porsche at 1-770-290-3500. Porsche's recall number is AD04.

    Filed by Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

  8. NHTSA campaign 11V409000

    Reported

    Seat Belts

    Model year 2012

    Porsche is recalling certain model year 2011 911 speedster and 911 GTS RS 4.0; and model year 2012 boxster (including s and spyder); cayman (including s and r); 911 carrera (including s, GTS, 4, 4S, and 4 GTS); 911 targa 4 and targa 4S; and 911 turbo and turbo s models manufactured from May 31, 2011, through June 10, 2011. There is a possibility that the mounting holes in the seat belt anchor plates fitted to the vehicle are too small. If the hole diameter is too small, the anchor plate may not be able to rotate about the fastening bolt as designed.

    Consequence:
    Should this occur, the seat belt may not be routed optimally around the occupant, or may potentially loosen at some point in the future increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
    Remedy:
    Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt anchors and, if necessary, replace the seat belt. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on September 2, 2011. Owners may contact Porsche at 1-800-767-7243.

    Filed by Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

  9. NHTSA campaign 03V004000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission

    Model years 1997–2003

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

  10. NHTSA campaign 98V113000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition › Switch

    Model year 1997

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The ignition switch can crack and cause electrical failures.

    Consequence:
    This condition can cause failure of the air conditioning, heater blower, headlamps, and windshield wipers.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a new type ignition switch.

    Filed by Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Show 1 more recall

  1. NHTSA campaign 98V112000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (PRNDL)

    Model year 1997

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with tiptronic transmissions. The bearing sleeves can seize in the intermediate selector levers.

    Consequence:
    The transmission selector lever becomes increasingly difficult to move resulting in failure to activate the selector lever.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the affected bearing sleeves of the lever with bearing sleeves of an improved design.

    Filed by Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Porsche Boxster questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Porsche Boxster have?

NHTSA lists 11 vehicle recall campaigns for the Porsche Boxster, covering model years 1997 to 2021. The most recent, 22V656000, was reported on August 30, 2022 and is filed under “Exterior lighting”. The 1997 and 2014 model years are covered by the most campaigns (3 each).

Which Porsche Boxster model year has the most complaints?

The 1998 model year, with 32 of the 163 complaints in NHTSA’s file (19.6%). The next are 1999 (28) and 1997 (22). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Porsche Boxster complaint?

Engine and Engine Cooling is the component named most often: 43 complaints, or 26.4% of all 163. Air Bags (28) and Electrical System (25) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Porsche Boxster?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Porsche dealer.

How many Porsche Boxster complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 163 complaints, 8 report a crash, 4 a fire, 4 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Porsche models

8 models · most complaints first

The Porsche models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Porsche VIN decoder with every Porsche model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Porsche models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.