VehicleVerdict

1997 Porsche Boxster problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 30 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.3 times the median Boxster year — the 1997 model ranks #3 of 19 Boxster years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Airbags leads the complaint categories with 8 reports (27% of the total).

30

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Boxster years?

Boxster NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted44 complaints1989: 1 complaints1997: 30 complaints1998: 44 complaints1999: 35 complaints2000: 5 complaints2001: 24 complaints2002: 12 complaints2003: 13 complaints2004: 4 complaints2005: 21 complaints2006: 7 complaints2012: 1 complaints2013: 13 complaints2014: 3 complaints2015: 7 complaints2016: 0 complaints2017: 1 complaints2021: 0 complaints2024: 0 complaints
Boxster NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Boxster years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Porsche Boxster problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags827%
Electrical System723%
Transmission517%
Seat Belts413%
Engine310%
Lighting13%
Speed Control13%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)13%

Does the 1997 Porsche Boxster have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

03V004000TransmissionJanuary 23, 2003 · 12,234 units

Defect

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 BEING REMOVED FRO THE IGNITION LOCK OR THE SLECTOR LEVER CAN BE SHIFTED FROM POSITION "P" WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED AND THE LOCKING BUTTON OPERATED.

Consequence

IF THE SELECTOR LEVER IS THEN SHIFTED FROM POSITION "P" TO POSITION "R, N OR D" WITH THE VEHICLE PARKED, AND IF THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT ON, THE VHEICLE WILL NOT BE SECURED FROM INADVERTENLY ROLLING AWAY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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 VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-545-8039.

98V112000TransmissionMay 22, 1998 · 738 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TIPTRONIC TRANSMISSIONS. THE BEARING SLEEVES CAN SEIZE IN THE INTERMEDIATE SELECTOR LEVERS.

Consequence

THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER BECOMES INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO MOVE RESULTING IN FAILURE TO ACTIVATE THE SELECTOR LEVER.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED BEARING SLEEVES OF THE LEVER WITH BEARING SLEEVES OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN.

98V113000Electrical SystemMay 22, 1998 · 3,217 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN CRACK AND CAUSE ELECTRICAL FAILURES.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE FAILURE OF THE AIR CONDITIONING, HEATER BLOWER, HEADLAMPS, AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW TYPE IGNITION SWITCH.

98E005000AirbagsFebruary 24, 1998 · 32 units

Defect

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 BOXSTER MODEL VEHICLES, PART NOS. 996 803 283 00 AND 996 803 083 00. DUE TO A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM, THE CONTACT BUCKLE (WHICH IS PART OF THE KIT) DOES NOT DEACTIVATE THE AIR BAG(S).

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THIS RESULTS IN THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG(S) WHICH COULD RESULT IN SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD SEAT OCCUPANT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A MODIFIED AIR BAG DEACTIVATION KIT.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 12, 2013

“CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE SERVICED BECAUSE OF WHITE SMOKE FROM TAILPIPE. DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE HOME FROM DEALER. AFTER ABOUT 35 MINUTES, HE WAS STOPPED BY GUARD OF HIS COMMUNITY, WHO SAW FIRE COMING FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT OUT FIRE, VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 13, 2001 · fire

“INTERMITTENTLY IN NEUTRAL VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT AND DIE. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE, AND COULD NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

“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. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · August 12, 2013

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 24, 2004 · fire

1997 Porsche Boxster — common questions

Is the 1997 Porsche Boxster reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 30 complaints put the 1997 model at #3 of 19 Boxster years. It is one of the Boxster years to avoid.

What are the most common 1997 Boxster problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (8 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints), transmission (5 complaints).

Does the 1997 Porsche Boxster have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Porsche Boxster. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Porsche Boxster years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Boxster years to avoid are 1998, 1999, 1997, 2017. The cleanest record among Boxster years belongs to 2024.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.