1997 Porsche Boxster
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Porsche › Boxster › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Porsche Boxster. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 1997 Porsche Boxster. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with tiptronic transmissions. the bearing sleeves can seize in the intermediate selector levers.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the ignition switch can crack and cause electrical failures.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can cause failure of the air conditioning, heater blower, headlamps, and windshield wipers.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new type ignition switch.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
22 complaints2 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 1997 porsche boxster. While attempting to engage in park gear, the shifter became very difficult to move out of the drive position. The vehicle was towed to an unknown independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission selector seized and the selector leveler…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 porsche boxster. While attempting to engage in park gear, the shifter became very difficult to move out of the drive position. The vehicle was towed to an unknown independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission selector seized and the selector leveler had to be replaced. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer; however, porsche of westwood in westwood, massachusetts was contacted by phone. The vehicle was repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 98v112000 (power train) several years ago. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.
- Power train
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…
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 57,000.
- Air bags · Seat belts
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 of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 54,000. updated 5/13/14*cn *tr
- Air bags · Seat belts
I took my 1997 porsche boxster to my porsche service dealer in cincinnati, ohio with a seat belt warning light on. A diagnosis was done and code received, to the effect that my seat belts needed replacing, both driver and passenger, due to a electrical short in the seat belt warning/air bag…
I took my 1997 porsche boxster to my porsche service dealer in cincinnati, ohio with a seat belt warning light on. A diagnosis was done and code received, to the effect that my seat belts needed replacing, both driver and passenger, due to a electrical short in the seat belt warning/air bag system. The total repair ranges @ $1100, $500 parts + $600 labor. I have researched this problem with porsche boxsters going back to the late nineties up to today. Porsche north america has done some remedial work through dealers on this problem, but has not fully owned the potential safety issue with these electrical modules shorting out leaving drivers and passengers unprotected. their arrogance in this matter IS over the top for a supposedly "high end" line of vehicles. I have tried to work with them, volunteering to pay part of the expense. at this point, I would like to see some follow up on their "token" ownership of what could be a serious safety issue for thousands of owners. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1997 porsche boxster. The contact stated the ignition switch was cracked and causing electrical failures to the air conditioner, wipers and head lights. The contact notices a recall under nhtsa campaign ID number: 98v113000 (electrical system:ignition:switch) but was advised…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 porsche boxster. The contact stated the ignition switch was cracked and causing electrical failures to the air conditioner, wipers and head lights. The contact notices a recall under nhtsa campaign ID number: 98v113000 (electrical system:ignition:switch) but was advised that the vin was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer should extend the recall since the failure was a known safety defect. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 103,000.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
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…
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 distributed in the us and 234 in canada with the vin # of [xxx] to [xxx] manufactured from october 10, 1996 to may 5, 1997. the vin on my vehicle IS approx 100 numbers from the above listed numbers. [Xxx]. I believe that porsche should be responsible for replacing either the complete steering lock with the ignition switch or replacing the ignition switch on with the new design whichever IS deemed appropriate. now porchse wants $430 to repair this. my vin IS extremely close to the ones which fall under this recall notice. just wondering how it IS that you determine which vin are affected by this defect and which ones are not. please respond at your earliest convenience. thank you for your time. [xxx]. *Nm updated 07/12/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
Dt: the contact's daughter was driving the vehicle and when she arrived home she alerted the contact that there was a milky substance in the oil. the vehicle was not driven again. it was then towed to the dealership. They wanted $14,000 to fix it, but did not tell her what was wrong with the…
Dt: the contact's daughter was driving the vehicle and when she arrived home she alerted the contact that there was a milky substance in the oil. the vehicle was not driven again. it was then towed to the dealership. They wanted $14,000 to fix it, but did not tell her what was wrong with the vehicle. she then took it to another mechanic, for a second opinion. the mechanic, determined there was a casting flaw which caused the radiator fluid to leak into the engine . the vehicle has not yet been repaired. *ak
- Air bags
Srs (airbag light) on due to faulty grounding in seatbelt switch. Porsche boxsters have an issue with it's airbag lights on due to a design flaw with the way porsche has grounded the switch on the seat belt harness. Porsche has subsequently released a technical service bulletin and parts update to…
Srs (airbag light) on due to faulty grounding in seatbelt switch. Porsche boxsters have an issue with it's airbag lights on due to a design flaw with the way porsche has grounded the switch on the seat belt harness. Porsche has subsequently released a technical service bulletin and parts update to address the issue, but fixes are done at owners expense. I believe that a recall should be in order to address this issue.
- Air bags · Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Dt: recall 98v113000. Was issued concerning ignition switch failure. caller said her car had same failure as mentioned in recall. dealer said this car was not included in recall. Manufacturer said this car was not under warranty , and not in the recall, and will offer no help. Also…
Dt: recall 98v113000. Was issued concerning ignition switch failure. caller said her car had same failure as mentioned in recall. dealer said this car was not included in recall. Manufacturer said this car was not under warranty , and not in the recall, and will offer no help. Also, another recall 98e005000. Concerning air bags was mentioned. caller said they will not help her with this recall either. Caller has paid for problems that should be under these recalls.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Electrical system: ignition switch failure. The same failure as recall #W03 in 1998. Dealer replaced switch in 1999, ignition switch cracked and failed again 2005. I am told by porsche my vehicel IS not covered under the recall.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)
1997 porsche boxter tiptronic transmission shifter selector increasingly became difficult to move and eventually unable to put in park and or drive. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
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
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
When pressing on the accelerator pedal vehicle would not accelerate, causing the driver to shut off the engine, then restart the vehicle. *Ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
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
- Electrical system › Wiring · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Exterior lighting › Headlights
Consumer states the electrical ignition switch failed as a result consumer has no wipers/ headlights/air conditioner. *ak
- Air bags · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
No summary listed for above vehicle. *Ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Intermittently in neutral vehicle will stall out and die. dealer has inspected vehicle, and could not correct the problem. Please provide additional information.*ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
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 totalled. Cause of fire unknown at this time. Consumer not injured. *ak
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
Passenger side seat belt failed. nlm
- Air bags
Airbag warning light came on, dealer said incase of an accident the air bags would not deploy.
- Power train › Manual transmission
5 speed transmission has failed several times.
- Air bags · Seat belts
The passenger side micro switch failed to operate properly; caused air bag light to come. Air bag IS now disconnected & will not operate. Will be taken vehicle to dealer to check out.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10252578Special tools and equipment information for the Boxster, Cayman, 911, and Panamera
- 10252562Special tools and equipment information for brake caliper pins for the 911, Boxster, and Cayman
- 10251154Information for PIWIS tester update 42.500.020
- 10246417Information for PIWIS tester update 42.300.050 & .052
- 10246387Instructions on manufactures certificate for approved Porsche A40 engine oils
- 10246385Instructions on manufactures certificate for approved Porsche C30 engine oils
- 10246384Instructions on manufacturers certificate for approved C20 engine oils
- 10246374Information for PIWIS tester update 42.300.040 & .041
- 10246372Information for PIWIS tester update 42.300.035
- 10246369Information for PIWIS tester update 42.300.030 - .032
- 10246366Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the glass roof - 9J0877069EY and 9J0877069DY
- 10244982Special tools and equipment information on PIWIS tester update 42.250.050
- 10243631Information on PIWIS tester update 42.250.045
- 10243630Information on PIWIS tester update 42.250.042
- 10243625Information PIWIS tester update 42.250.040
- 10243617Information on PIWIS tester update 42.250.032
- 10243616Information on PIWIS tester update 42.250.030
- 10243615Information on PIWIS tester update 42.200.025
- 10243598Information on PIWIS tester update 42.200.020 & .022
- 10243597Special tools and equipment information for all Porsche models. Diagnostic equipment standards.
- 10243588Manufacturers certificate for an overview of approved Porsche A40 engine oils.
- 10243587Manufacturers certificate for an overview of approved Porsche C40 engine oils.
- 10243586Manufacturers certificate for an overview of approved Porsche C30 engine oils.
- 10243585Manufacturers certificate for an overview of approved Porsche C20 engine oils.
- 10243576Information on PIWIS tester update 42.200.000 42.200.012
- 10242140Parts information for parts withdrawal on the locks made to original key code
- 10240439Manufacturers certificate for allocation of approved engine oils
- 10240414Information for PIWIS tester update 42.100.000, .010 & .011
- 10240397Information for PIWIS tester updates 42.000.050 & .051
- 10240389Information for PIWIS tester update 42.000.048
- 10240374Information for PIWIS tester update 42.000.040
- 10240352Information for PIWIS tester update 42.000.035
- 10238776Special tools information on an upgrade to the pushers for the VAS5237
- 10233941Manufacturers certificate for approved engine C20 engine oils.
- 10233920Product knowledge for the Porsche evolution from 1948-2023.
- 10232442Information for PIWIS tester update 41.750.045 & .046
- 10232416Special tools information for the pneumatic cartridge gun.
- 10232393Overview of approved engine A40 oils for all Porsche models that use A40 oil.
- 10232392Overview of approved engine C40 oils for all Porsche models that use C40 oil.
- 10232391Overview of approved engine C30 oils for all Porsche models that use C30 oil.
Every Porsche Boxster model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.