1997 Porsche BOXSTER problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
18 owner complaints analyzed
3 distinct recall campaigns
56,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1997 model year. Data snapshot: . 11 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 18 complaints (27.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 7 | 38.9% |
| Transmission and shifting | 3 | 16.7% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 5.6% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 5.6% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 5 |
| Electrical System:Ignition:Switch | 3 |
| Power Train | 2 |
| Seat Belts | 2 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Electrical System:Ignition | 1 |
| Electrical System:Wiring | 1 |
| Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood | 1 |
Air Bags: 5; Electrical System:Ignition:Switch: 3; Power Train: 2; Seat Belts: 2; Electrical System: 1; Electrical System:Ignition: 1; Electrical System:Wiring: 1; Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 2 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 2 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 5 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 2 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 5; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 0
50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (5). 7 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2003 | 2 |
| 2004 | 3 |
| 2005 | 4 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2018 | 1 |
2001: 3; 2003: 2; 2004: 3; 2005: 4; 2006: 1; 2010: 1; 2014: 2; 2016: 1; 2018: 1
Pattern summary
Air Bags leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 7 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 3 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10026513 · 2003-07-02 (July 2, 2003)
CONSUMER STATES THE ELECTRICAL IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AS A RESULT CONSUMER HAS NO WIPERS/ HEADLIGHTS/AIR CONDITIONER. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10026513 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10031692 · 2003-07-31 (July 31, 2003)
NHTSA: 98-V-113-000:VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN CRACK AND CAUSE ELECTRICAL FAILURES. CONSUMER STATED HAS THE SAME PROBLEM, HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALL DUE TO THE VIN#. *PH
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10031692 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10100921 · 2004-12-02 (December 2, 2004)
1997 PORSCHE BOXTER TIPTRONIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTER SELECTOR INCREASINGLY BECAME DIFFICULT TO MOVE AND EVENTUALLY UNABLE TO PUT IN PARK AND OR DRIVE. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. 48,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10100921 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10836988 · 2016-02-18 (February 18, 2016)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT FAILED TO SHIFT INTO THE PARK POSITION. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE GEAR INDICATOR DISPLAYED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE WHILE IT WAS IN PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 98V112000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,00…
Owner-reported narrative. 57,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10836988 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 893719 · 2001-08-07 (August 7, 2001)
INTERMITTENTLY IN NEUTRAL VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT AND DIE. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE, AND COULD NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 893719 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10162093 · 2006-07-11 (July 11, 2006)
PURCHASED A 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER APPROX 1 MONTH AGO. WENT TO START THE VEHICLE AND THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. CHARGED UP THE BATTER AND NOTICED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TURNED ON THERE WAS NO AIR CONDITIONING, WINDSHIELD WIPERS DIDN'T WORK. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF, THE DASH LIGHTS REMAINED ON ALONG WITH THE RADIO THEREFORE CAUSING THE BATTER TO DIE. CHECK ON YOUR WEBSITE FOR ANY RECALLS FOR THIS DEFECT. NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS #98V-113 DTD 22 MAY 1998 FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM I'M HAVING. THERE WERE 3,217 VEHICLES DISTRIBU…
Owner-reported narrative. 70,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10162093 at NHTSA ↗