Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards.
Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
Ask About This Model
Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the
Porsche Boxster. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
AI Assistant
Important: This assistant provides context from aggregated NHTSA data.
Always check your specific VIN on
NHTSA.gov
for vehicle-specific recall information.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Porsche Boxster,
based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
Coverage spans model years 1989–2024 with 25 recall campaigns and 219 complaints in NHTSA data.
Years with the most recall activity: 2014 (3), 1997 (3), and 2021 (2).
Years with the most complaint volume: 1998 (44), 1999 (35), and 1997 (30).
Top recall themes: Powertrain, Seats and restraints, and Airbags.
Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Air bags, Engine and engine cooling:engine, Engine.
Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas.
Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Powertrain
4 campaigns · Years: 1997–2003, 2013–2015, 2024
These campaigns relate to drivetrain or transmission components that can affect shifting, power delivery, or control.
Official notices (evidence):
24V343000
· Power train: Gear position indication (prndl)
Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the
Porsche Boxster in NHTSA complaint data are
Air bags, Engine and engine cooling:engine, Engine.
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer
complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and
complaints, not risk predictions.
Model Year
Recalls
Complaints
Details
2024
1
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
2021
2
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
2017
1
1
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train.
2016
1
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
2015
2
7
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Steering, Suspension.
2014
3
3
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Engine, Structure:body.
2013
1
13
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Structure:body, Power train.
2012
1
1
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes.
2006
0
7
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Air bags:frontal, Electrical system.
2005
0
21
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine, Engine and engine cooling, Engine.
2004
1
4
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling, Steering, Engine and engine cooling:engine.
2003
2
11
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train, Steering:hydraulic power assist system, Air bags.
2002
2
12
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine, Electrical system, Tires.
2001
2
24
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Engine and engine cooling, Structure:body.
2000
1
5
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Suspension:front, Visibility:glass, side/rear.
1999
1
35
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Engine and engine cooling, Engine and engine cooling:engine.
1998
1
44
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Structure:body:door, Engine and engine cooling:engine.
1997
3
30
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Seat belts, Electrical system:ignition:switch.
1989
0
1
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags.
What to Do Next
Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model.
The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved:
Power train
, Exterior lighting
and Air bags
Show recall evidence by year
2024
Power train: Gear position indication (prndl):
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2024 Boxster and Cayman vehicles. The safety clip that attaches the shift cable to the transmission may not be installed properly, which can prevent the transmission from locking in the park position when the shift lever is placed in
2021
Suspension: Critical fasteners:
Safety recall involving the suspension area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 C
Engine:
Safety recall involving the engine area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
2017
Air bags: Air bag/restraint control module:
Safety recall involving the air bags area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
2016
Air bags: Air bag/restraint control module:
Safety recall involving the air bags area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
2015
Latches/locks/linkages:
Safety recall involving the latches/locks/linkages area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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
Power train: Axle assembly:
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
2014
Seats:
Safety recall involving the seats area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 pas
Latches/locks/linkages:
Safety recall involving the latches/locks/linkages area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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
Power train: Axle assembly:
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
2013
Power train: Axle assembly:
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
2012
Seat belts:
Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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, 2
2004
Exterior lighting: Headlights:
Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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
2003
Power train: Automatic transmission:
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 be
Exterior lighting: Headlights:
Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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
2002
Power train: Automatic transmission:
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 be
Exterior lighting: Headlights:
Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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
2001
Power train: Automatic transmission:
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 be
Exterior lighting: Headlights:
Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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
2000
Power train: Automatic transmission:
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 be
1999
Power train: Automatic transmission:
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 be
1998
Power train: Automatic transmission:
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 be
1997
Power train: Automatic transmission:
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 be
Power train: Gear position indication (prndl):
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with tiptronic transmissions. The bearing sleeves can seize in the intermediate selector levers.
Electrical system: Switch:
Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data.
This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be
treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official
NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.
