1998 Porsche Boxster
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
34% of complaints: structure — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing door and roof and pillars.
Show complaint excerpts
INSIDE RELEASE MECHANISM ON DRIVER'S DOOR BROKEN.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980702
THE DEFECTIVE DOOR CABLE MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980702
THIS SEEMS TO BE VERY COMMON. IS IT CONSIDERED A SAFTY ISSUE IF THE DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INTERIOR?
NHTSA ODI report, 19980628
25% of complaints: air bags — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
PORSCHE STARTED SELLING BOXSTERS IN 1997. THE CAR HAS A PROBLEM IN THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT WILL COME ON AND THE OWNER WILL NOT KNOW IF THE AIRBAGS ARE WORKING PROPERLY OR NOT. PORSCHE HAS HAD OVER 7 FIXES ON THIS ISSUE AND NONE HAVE WORKED TO DATE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050516
Also filed under EQUIPMENT
25% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
ENGINE COOLANT TANK CRACKED FOR PORSCHE BOXSTER (1998). THE TEMPERATURE MONITOR FLASHES INDICATING OVERHEATING ENGINE AND MAY CAUSE ENGINE TO SEIZE WHILE DRIVING. CONTACTED DEALER WHO INDICATED ITS A COMMON SAFETY PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20031117
22% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and module.
Show complaint excerpts
MY VEHICLE HAD ONLY APPROXIMATELY 65,000 MILES WHEN THE HORN STARTED TO MALFUNCTION. THE HORN STARTED TO ROUTINELY DEPLOY ON ITS OWN. IN THE SHORT TERM I HAD TO HAVE IT DISCONNECTED BY MY REGULAR MECHANIC SO I COULD CONTINUE TO OPERATE THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120911
6% of complaints: seat belts — 2 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing anchorage and front.
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
DOOR CABLE FAILURE
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
1998 Porsche Boxster — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 98E005000 (air bags) 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 1998 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 1998 Porsche Boxster?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Porsche Boxster have?
4 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.