1999 Porsche Boxster Problems and Repair Histories

Porsche in California, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Mar	2011	52000		First odometer entry
Sep	2011	63000	85	Replaced ignition system. Key functioned by electrical connects were not being made.
Oct	2011	64000	0	Replaced missing or broken cosmetic items, cover on the vanity mirror on passenger side visor, cap on mounting bolt over passenger side windshield wiper. Cap probably came off on own as not very secure. Modified new one for tighter fit.
Dec	2011	66000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in Louisiana, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Feb	2012	58000		First odometer entry
Mar	2012	58000	25	Rear trunk lift pistons no longer supported the hood weight, simply bought new ones from Rock Auto and replaced them ...took about 10 minutes.
Apr	2012	58500	95	got intermittent Check Engine light - codes said it was O2 sensor in bank 2 (driver side) #1 (upstream of catalytic converter). ordered OE part from Rockauto and changed it myself ...easy ...solved problem -- passed inspection.
Jun	2012	59000	35	The clutch starter switch was causing intermittent starting problems. Replaced switch located under steering column - 5 minutes job - solved the problem
Nov	2012	60000	168	passenger side rear view mirror not moving in or out remotely.
Mar	2013	60000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in Illinois, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Mar	2012	66000		First odometer entry
Nov	2012	72000	1000	Coolant leak. Replaced coolant tank and cap.
Feb	2013	73000	100	Check engine light. Vacuum line vibrating against engine. Cut and rerouted . Sensors checked.
Mar	2013	73000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in California, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jun	2010	14000		First odometer entry
Jul	2010	14000	9500	Catastrophic engine failure at 14,011 miles. Internal engine problem called a 'slipped sleeve' caused piston/cylinder #3 to destruct. Appears to be a manufacturing defect but no assistance from Porsche.
Jun	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in British Columbia, Canada
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jun	2010	62000		First odometer entry
Jul	2010	65100	10000	Engine cylinder cracked. Common for boxsters. Dont ever buy this car, they are unreliable.
Jun	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in California, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
May	2009	103000		First odometer entry
Jun	2009	103000	8459	Blown motor. Factory defect. Slipped cylinder sleave.
Mar	2010			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in Pennsylvania, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Mar	2011	59000		First odometer entry
Apr	2011	60000	300	Front engine mount was worn out. Replaced with new mount.
Dec	2011	64000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in California, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jan	2011	88000		First odometer entry
Feb	2011	89000	45	Ignition switch replaced.
Apr	2011	90000	950	Front engine mount failed. Rubber insert cracked. Replaced with factory new mount.
Sep	2011	96000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in Oklahoma, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Oct	2010	69000		First odometer entry
Nov	2010	70000	230	The trunk struts for the rear trunk could no longer hold up the trunk so i had them replaced under the Porsche certified preowned program.
May	2012	89000	0	When sold to a dealer the Boxster had A LOT of repairs coming its way...needed gaskets, engine overhaul... needed shocks needed seat shocks

 

Porsche in California, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Aug	2011	25000		First odometer entry
Mar	2012	56000	1400	Rear plastic window developed major cracks. Replaced with glass window new top.
Dec	2012	57000	200	Visor cover broke
Mar	2013	58000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in Connecticut, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
May	2009	14000		First odometer entry
Sep	2011	21000	1700	Intermediate Shaft bearing replaced.
Jul	2012	22300	60	Sleeves from cat pipe to muffler opened up. Caused excessivley loud noise. Resecured w/new locking nuts.
Nov	2012	23500	420	Check engine light came on. Diagnosed as bad air mass meter. Air mass meter replaced.
Mar	2013	24000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in Alabama, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jul	2011	65000		First odometer entry
Sep	2011	67000	33	Fuel door lock actuator inop. Removed/replaced actuator.
Feb	2012	71700	87	Replaced failed check valve 993-113-250-03, a one way valve in the emissions related Secondary Air Injection system.
May	2012	74000	80	Faulty fuel tank vent line to throttle body (part number 996-110-129-06) causing air leak in intake system setting DTCs P1124 and P1126.
Nov	2012			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in British Columbia, Canada
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Mar	2009	93000		First odometer entry
Jun	2009	94860	1200	Second water pump within 1 year replacement. The pump rattled for 4 days before dying. Coolant spashed all over engine. Complete replacement 1000 tow 200.
Oct	2009	96720	80	Both Halogens went out on low beam. 2 $15 light bulbs and a half hour to install.
Dec	2009	97960	800	Key became corrupt after water leaked into the drivers computer. Cause was faulty drainage pipe behind drivers seat.
Mar	2010	99820	200	Windshield convertible top sensor switch went kaput. After removing the hard top the switch worked for a few minutes then died. Had to manually put top up and order switch. 1 hour labour ($100) + parts ($56) + taxes.
Sep	2010	104160	1000	Convertible top push rods broke.
Nov	2010	104780	550	Convertible top push rods replaced. As well as drip trays in convertible top down position. Leak to front passenger side corrected with repair as well as top now functional.
Apr	2012			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in Maryland, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Oct	2009	36000		First odometer entry
Sep	2011	45000	3600	Variable camshaft timing system failure. Variocam actuator replaced and DME computer repaired.
Mar	2013	49000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in Nevada, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jul	2011	96000		First odometer entry
Sep	2011	96000	450	relay for convertible top went out
Jan	2012	98000	0	water pump and v-belt replaced
Aug	2012	101500	830	Convertible top would not go up/down. Had to replace the convertible soft top microswitch ($45) and optionally replaced the e-brake engagement switch ($5). turn signal switch broke. had to replace the whole unit. replaced with a used one featuring the trip computer and had the wiring for that installed. the horn bump stop/switch had to be replaced. also had a four wheel alignment done.
Jan	2013	103300	60	Electrical connector passenger headlight snaps into came loose. Repair shop adjusted and replaced bulb, although the old bulb illuminated when directly attached to a 12v battery.
Mar	2013	104000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in California, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Mar	2009	29000		First odometer entry
Apr	2009	30000	500	The air oil separator (AOS) was showing signs of approaching failure. The AOS and connecting J-tube were replaced during the 30k maintenance as further preventative maintenance. $150 in parts + self labor vs. possible engine replacement.
Jun	2009	30000	915	The fuel pump failed. The fuel pump, fuel filter and seal were replaced with new factory parts. 4 hours of labor for inspection and repair required. I suspect fuel filter was never replaced before due to low milage of vehicle and three previous owners.
Jul	2010	45000	250	Cracked coolant tank became increasingly leaky after long road trip. Replaced old tank.
Jul	2011	53000	500	The window regulator which had been failing for the last several months of use finally failed completely. The passenger window would no longer lower. Thus I couldn't use my convertible top either.
Nov	2012	68700	600	Serpentine belt pullies and bearings were worn out and needed replacement. Cold air intake fan needed replacement as well.
Mar	2013	74000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in California, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Mar	2009	79000		First odometer entry
Apr	2009	80000	300	Water pump was leaking at the bearing seal. Part was ordered on line and replaced by me
Jul	2009	82000	47	replace ignition coil pack
Sep	2009	85000	250	Coolant tank failed, had to be replaced
Mar	2010			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in Arizona, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Aug	2009	102000		First odometer entry
Nov	2009	103000	300	Electric change over valve in secondary emission system nonoperative and replaced.
Mar	2010	104000	200	Cracked oil filler causing loss of oil. Removed & replaced oil filler system. Also replaced AOS and cleaned throttle body since they were removed for repair.
Jun	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in Colorado, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Mar	2009	26000		First odometer entry
Oct	2009	31000	216	Replaced Ignition Switch
Apr	2011	35000	500	One O2 sensor replaced
Dec	2012	40000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in Arizona, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Mar	2009	76000		First odometer entry
Oct	2009	78000	200	Passenger window regulator broken. Second time repaired in 10 years.
Jun	2012			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in Florida, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Apr	2009	76000		First odometer entry
Sep	2009	76000	0	Weird issue with temp sensor/ECU.(Works fine with MAF disconnected).

 

Porsche in North Carolina, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Mar	2009	71000		First odometer entry
Nov	2009	78000	1700	failure of seal on water pump - coolant leak MAF sensor failure. New part installed, faulty. 2nd new MAF installed, fine. All corrected while car was still in shop.
Apr	2012	88000	400	Airbag sensor light on, likely failed sensor in seat-belt(s). Not fixed at this time. Failed emergency brake sensor. Sensor must work and brake light illuminate for convertible top to work. Leak in coolant overflow tank. Replacement part ordered but not yet installed. Cracked coolant overflow tank replaced. Replaced brake light sensor.
May	2012	88500	275	Failed voltage regulator. Part ordered from Pelican and installed by local indy shop.
Mar	2013	92000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in South Carolina, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jul	2009	38000		First odometer entry
Nov	2009	43000	45	Airbag light on dashboard came on AGAIN! Seat belt latch was replaced last spring. On this trip the seat was removed and contacts cleaned - sensor light reset. After two weeks the light came back on.
Apr	2010	48000	150	Airbag light was on AGAIN!! Buckles had been replaced previously on both seats to address the known electrical contact problems. On this trip we finally installed a new wiring harness and the issue is resolved for now.
Jul	2010	51000	800	Front right radiator developed a leak and needed to be replaced.
May	2012	67500	1700	Seal on front left strut blew. Lost all fluid. Opted to replace entire suspension with ROW M030 kit which also included upgraded sway bars. Parts roughly $1100, labor another $600
Jun	2012	68000	350	Water pump went bad. Leaking around shaft seal. Bought new pump and low temp thermostat and replaced myself. Car could not be driven home as leak was significant. Got my trailer and towed it home.
Sep	2012	69000	32	Center console cover hinge broke. Purchased retrofit kit and installed myself
Mar	2013	73000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in Utah, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Aug	2009	95000		First odometer entry
Jul	2010	108000	6	Horn honks when hitting a bump. Repaired with rubber O rings.
Mar	2013	130000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in Michigan, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
May	2009	83000		First odometer entry
Jun	2009	83000	800	coolant storage tank cracked - typical of older Boxsters.
Sep	2009	86000	46	horns burned out due to horn pad bushings wearing out allowing horn to engage contacts continuously - known problem with older 4 spoke Porsche steering wheels. dates back several models. shame on Porsche for continuing to sell poor designs
Jul	2010	89000	120	Airbag light on. Stupid design of seatbelt with a resistor that will get dirty and / or fail.
Oct	2010	92000	300	Convertible top arm socket broke. Typical failure mode for Boxsters.
Sep	2011	97000	300	Some widget valve in the emissions system was bad (formerly this function was performed by PCV valves).
Apr	2012	99000	0	Airbag light, reset it with Durametric software.
Sep	2012	102000	3000	Rear main seal leaking.  New clutch/flywheel/release bearing (worn)& since the RMS was leaking it was a good time to replace. Also Intermediate Shaft Bearing replaced (known weakness of Boxsters), coolant temp sensor replaced, ebrake engmt sensor replaced.
Mar	2013	103000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in Oregon, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Oct	2009	126000		First odometer entry
Dec	2009	129000	350	Owner replaced water pump/thermostat and all coolant.
Mar	2010			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in Pennsylvania, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Aug	2009	18000		First odometer entry
Dec	2011	23000	450	Convertible top
Oct	2012			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in Connecticut, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jul	2009	54000		First odometer entry
Sep	2010	55000	220	Cracked coolant tank
Mar	2013	59000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in Louisiana, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Mar	2009	45000		First odometer entry
Aug	2010	47000	960	passenger side window regulator failed. Window stuck in the open position. Dealer replaced ragulator and window motor.
May	2012	48500	382	passenger window inoperative, intermittently. Dealer found a loose connection to the window motor. Lots of labor cost to find a simple problem.
Aug	2012	50500	50	horn blows by itself. Horn bushings behind airbag mount were worn or had collapsed. Added silicone gel to renew the rubber bushings.
Dec	2012	51000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in California, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jun	2009	74000		First odometer entry
Jul	2009	74000	1100	Rotors worn to unsafe condition at time of sale. Car was guaranteed safe by seller (dealer) due to 50 point safety inspection. Owner felt car wasn't stopping properly and took it into a Porsche mechanic who saw the worn rotors right off.
Sep	2009	77000	660	Fuel gauge was not registering full even after topping off tank. Shop was supposed to fix it but was unsuccessful. Ordered sending unit. Fuel sending unit replaced but fuel gauge still does not register full after topping off although it is closer than before sending unit replaced. Shop claims the next thing to do is remove instrument cluster to see if gauge is working correctly.
Nov	2009	78000	337	Replaced worn out motor mount.
Feb	2010	80000	250	Alarm and immobilization connector came loose on M535 unit causing car to not start.
Mar	2010	81000	2166	Replaced OEM IMS bearing with LN Engineering ceramic IMS bearing. Replaced OEM original RMS with new style OEM RMS. Rubber bellows on Oil/Air separator was replaced due to a hole causing a vacuum leak. Leak caused fault codes that caused a CEL.
Apr	2010	82300	90	Rubber vacuum tube on SAV under intake plenum was broken causing a vacuum leak and SA fault codes causing a CEL. Rubber vacuum tube replaced.
Jul	2010	86000	862	Water pump failure, water pump replaced with OEM. Serpentine belt showed wear and replaced. Replaced driver's side headlight bulb.
Dec	2011	99000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Porsche in North Carolina, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Sep	2011	61000		First odometer entry
Dec	2011	63000	16	Foam near left rear drain ripped. Repaired with silicone. Throttle Body Cleaned. Idle Control Valve Cleaned
Feb	2012	65700	25	Passenger and driver's door leaking water into cabin. Vapor Barriers were torn. Replaced vapor barriers.
Dec	2012	68000		Most recent odometer entry.