1997 Porsche Boxster: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Porsche Boxster: 3 recalls, 22 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
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Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 3 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #98V113000 · 1998 · 3,217 vehicles
What's wrong: The ignition switch can crack and cause electrical failures.
Why it matters: This condition can cause failure of the air conditioning, heater blower, headlamps, and windshield wipers.
The fix: Dealers will install a new type ignition switch.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #98V112000 · 1998 · 738 vehicles
What's wrong: The bearing sleeves can seize in the intermediate selector levers.
Why it matters: The transmission selector lever becomes increasingly difficult to move resulting in failure to activate the selector lever.
The fix: Dealers will replace the affected bearing sleeves of the lever with bearing sleeves of an improved design.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #03V004000 · 2003 · 12,234 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
3 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Airbags Equipment recall #98E005000 · 1998 · 32 vehicles
What's wrong: 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).
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will install a modified air bag deactivation kit.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (7): the most common themes are warning light on (3).
- Electrical (7): the most common themes are electrical failure (5).
- Transmission & drivetrain (5): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (3).
- Seat belts (4): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
The 1997 Porsche Boxster has 22 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 14 Boxster model years for complaints (1.9× the average Boxster year). Complaints peaked in 2005 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 56,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (32 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Porsche Boxster.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Porsche Boxster have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Porsche Boxster, plus 3 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 Porsche Boxster problems?
Owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (7), electrical (7), transmission & drivetrain (5).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Porsche Boxster get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Porsche Boxster repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.