VehicleVerdict

2013 Porsche Boxster problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 13 complaints on file for the 2013 Porsche Boxster — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

13

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other Boxster years?

Boxster NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 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, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Boxster years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Porsche Boxster problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine323%
Other323%
Body & Structure215%
Suspension215%
Transmission215%
Brakes18%

Does the 2013 Porsche Boxster have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V679000TransmissionSeptember 1, 2021 · 4,934 units

Defect

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Boxster, 2013-2014 Boxster S, 2014-2015 Cayman, Cayman S, 2015 Boxster GTS, and Cayman GTS vehicles. The rear-axle carrier side sections may fracture.

Consequence

A carrier fracture may cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the rear-axle carrier side sections, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 6, 2022. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMB7.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I RENTED A 2013 PORSCHE BOXTER CONV. THEY DROPPED IT OFF TO ME AT STORE, DUE TO MY CAR BEING TOWED AWAY FROM BEING HIT. WAS QUICKLY SHOWN THE OUTSIDE TO VERIFY NO BODY OR WHEEL DAMAGE' FEW DAYS LATER, DRIVING RENTAL, I PULL UP BEHIND A PICK UP TRUCK ON THE COLDWATER CYN IN LOS ANGELES, (ONE WAY,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 26, 2013 · crash

“I RENTED A 2013 PORSCHE BOXTER CONV. THEY DROPPED IT OFF TO ME AT STORE, DUE TO MY CAR BEING TOWED AWAY FROM BEING HIT. WAS QUICKLY SHOWN THE OUTSIDE TO VERIFY NO BODY OR WHEEL DAMAGE' FEW DAYS LATER, DRIVING RENTAL, I PULL UP BEHIND A PICK UP TRUCK ON THE COLDWATER CYN IN LOS ANGELES, (ONE WAY,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 26, 2013 · crash

“2013 PORSCHE BOXSTER. CAR ROLLS WHEN STOPPED WITH TRANSMISSION IN 'PARK.' SIMILAR TO RECALLS OF PORSCHE CAYENNES AND PANAMERAS. MAY BE SIMILAR TO THE TRANSMISSION CONNECTION BUSHING PROBLEM THAT CAME LOOSE IN OTHER MODELS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 22, 2019

“I RENTED A 2013 PORSCHE BOXTER CONV. THEY DROPPED IT OFF TO ME AT STORE, DUE TO MY CAR BEING TOWED AWAY FROM BEING HIT. WAS QUICKLY SHOWN THE OUTSIDE TO VERIFY NO BODY OR WHEEL DAMAGE' FEW DAYS LATER, DRIVING RENTAL, I PULL UP BEHIND A PICK UP TRUCK ON THE COLDWATER CYN IN LOS ANGELES, (ONE WAY,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 26, 2013 · crash

“2013 PORSCHE BOXTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 21V-679. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER STATING THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE, BUT THE DEALER DENIED HAVING THE PARTS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 8, 2022

2013 Porsche Boxster — common questions

Is the 2013 Porsche Boxster reliable?

The record is thin — 13 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2013 Boxster problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (3 complaints), other (3 complaints), body & structure (2 complaints).

Does the 2013 Porsche Boxster have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2013 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.