Porsche Boxster common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Porsche Boxster?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• PDK dual-clutch problems (earlier cars)

  Cars registered 2017–2022 · Earlier PDK cars

  Earlier cars had problems with the dual-clutch gearbox. Engines are otherwise generally reliable.

  At the viewing: Drive in traffic and check the changes are smooth.

  Source: What Car?: used Porsche 718 Boxster (2016-2025) reliability

• Paint, roof, and fast-wearing tyres and brakes

  Cars registered 2017–2022 · All engines

  Owners have complained about paint quality, and it wears tyres and brakes quickly. Check the folding hood works.

  At the viewing: Look at the paint, the tyre tread and brake discs, and open and close the roof.

  Source: What Car?: used Porsche 718 Boxster (2016-2025) reliability

• Paintwork quality

  Cars registered 2012–2016 · All engines

  There are reports of paintwork quality problems. Engines are generally reliable if serviced and oil-changed on time.

  At the viewing: Look over the paint, and check the service history for regular oil changes.

  Source: What Car?: used Porsche Boxster (2012-2016) reliability

• Roof and hard-use checks

  Cars registered 2012–2016 · Boxster

  Check the folding hood works properly, and look for signs of hard use: black exhaust smoke, replaced panels and kerbed wheels.

  At the viewing: Open and close the roof, and look for smoke on start-up.

  Source: What Car?: used Porsche Boxster (2012-2016) reliability

Common Porsche Boxster MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)

  up to 2.8× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Anti-roll bar link joints

  up to 5.8× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1997, 1998 and 1999.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Steering rack inner joints

  up to 2.2× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Horn

  up to 3.1× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1997 and 1998.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

Porsche Boxster MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2010 Porsche Boxster did best (90% passed first time, 30 points above all 2010 cars) and the 2020 did worst (93%, 6 points above all 2020 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Porsche Boxster

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the PDK gearbox had any work or software updates?
2. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the Porsche Boxster as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.8× as often on the Porsche Boxster as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the Porsche Boxster as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?