Porsche Boxster years to avoid
The Porsche Boxster years to avoid are 1998, 1999, 1997 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2012 is the cleanest year on record.
221
Total complaints
11
Recall campaigns
1989–2015
Years covered
3
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Boxster years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | High complaint rate | 44 | |
| 1999 | High complaint rate | 35 | |
| 1997 | High complaint rate | 30 |
Every Boxster year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 7 | 2 | |
| 2014 | 3 | 3 | |
| 2013 | 13 | 1 | |
| 2012 | 1 | 1 | |
| 2006 | 7 | 0 | |
| 2005 | 21 | 0 | |
| 2004 | 5 | 3 | |
| 2003 | 13 | 4 | |
| 2002 | 12 | 4 | |
| 2001 | 24 | 4 | |
| 2000 | 5 | 3 | |
| 1999avoid | 35 | 3 | |
| 1998avoid | 44 | 4 | |
| 1997avoid | 30 | 6 | |
| 1989 | 1 | 0 |
Common questions
What are the worst Porsche Boxster years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Boxster years to avoid are 1998, 1999, 1997. The cleanest year on record is 2012.
What is the best year for the Porsche Boxster?
By complaint volume, 2012 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Boxster years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Porsche Boxster have?
Across all model years, the Boxster has 11 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 221 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.