1997 Porsche Boxster
Only 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1997 | 22 |
| 1998 | 32 |
| 1999 | 28 |
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2001 | 13 |
| 2002 | 10 |
| 2003 | 12 |
| 2004 | 4 |
| 2005 | 16 |
| 2006 | 5 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 10 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 22 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
7 of 22 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
I TOOK MY 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER TO MY PORSCHE SERVICE DEALER IN CINCINNATI, OHIO WITH A SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT ON.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140308
Also filed under SEAT BELTS
THE PASSENGER SIDE MICRO SWITCH FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY; CAUSED AIR BAG LIGHT TO COME. AIR BAG IS NOW DISCONNECTED & WILL NOT OPERATE. WILL BE TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER TO CHECK OUT.
NHTSA ODI report, 19970821
Also filed under SEAT BELTS
7 of 22 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and front underhood.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE SERVICED BECAUSE OF WHITE SMOKE FROM TAILPIPE. DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE HOME FROM DEALER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20010618
CONSUMER STATES THE ELECTRICAL IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AS A RESULT CONSUMER HAS NO WIPERS/ HEADLIGHTS/AIR CONDITIONER. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030702
Also filed under EXTERIOR LIGHTING
5 of 22 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission and gear position indication (prndl).
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180226
4 of 22 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing anchorage.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140326
3 of 22 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and gasoline.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE CONSUMER NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS OCCURRED AFTER THE CONSUMER INSTALLED A NEW BATTERY, AND DROVE FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES. THEN CONSUMER TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040426
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 BOX
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A MODIFIED AIR BAG DEACTIVATION KIT.
Campaign 98E005000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TIPTRONIC TRANSMISSIONS. THE BEARING SLEEVES CAN SEIZE IN THE INTERMEDIATE SELECTOR LEVERS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED BEARING SLEEVES OF THE LEVER WITH BEARING SLEEVES OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN.
Campaign 98V112000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN CRACK AND CAUSE ELECTRICAL FAILURES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW TYPE IGNITION SWITCH.
Campaign 98V113000 — check if this car was fixed
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 TH
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 V
Campaign 03V004000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 09E025000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Porsche Boxster — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 98E005000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V112000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V113000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V004000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E025000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1997 Porsche Boxster reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Porsche Boxster?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Porsche Boxster have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.