1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
30
Owner Complaints
6
Recalls
29
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER
The 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER has received a total of 30 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 6 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. 29 technical service bulletins have been issued by Porsche Cars North America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Air Bags (8 complaints), Electrical Systemignitionswitch (3 complaints), and Seat Belts (3 complaints).
Recalls for the 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER
NHTSA has recorded 6 recalls for the 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER, potentially affecting up to 75,031 vehicles.
Recall 09E025000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
| 42,540 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
| 16,270 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 03V004000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
| 12,234 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 98V112000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
| 738 vehicles affected
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TIPTRONIC TRANSMISSIONS. THE BEARING SLEEVES CAN SEIZE IN THE INTERMEDIATE SELECTOR LEVERS.
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 98V113000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
| 3,217 vehicles affected
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN CRACK AND CAUSE ELECTRICAL FAILURES.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE FAILURE OF THE AIR CONDITIONING, HEATER BLOWER, HEADLAMPS, AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW TYPE IGNITION SWITCH.
View full details →Recall 98E005000 — AIR BAGS:ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY
| 32 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER
30 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical Systemignitionswitch | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical Systemignition | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical Systemwiring | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lightingheadlights | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Trainautomatic Transmission | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Trainmanual Transmission | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Beltsfrontanchorage | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
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.
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.
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
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
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
Safety Rating for the 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER
NHTSA has not yet tested the 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. has issued 29 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
No. 14-16 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Information on improving documentation or visual and/or acoustic repairs with pictures and/or sound files.
122-M2T3L-09 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Subject: Cleaning cooling system. Information: Engine oil in cooling system (coolant warning light comes on).
1359 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
NEW CRANKSHAFT SEALING RING ON FLYWHEEL SIDE. *TT
204 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE OIL LEAK BY CRANKSHAFT SEAL. *MJ
699 — AIR BAGS
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON. FAULT CODES 45, 46, 48 AND 49. *TT
1197 — STRUCTURE:BODY
ATTACHMENT OF WINDSTOP MIDDLE SECTION ON ROLL-OVER BAR. WINDSTOP NOISES WHEN DRIVING (RATTLING, CLICKING). *MJ
404 — TIRES
SUMMER TIRES AND WHEEL SUMMARY. *MJ
204 — TIRES
SUMMER TIRES WHEELS AND SPACER RING. *MJ
1A01 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
CRANKCASES AND BEARING HOUSING USE FOR REPAIRS/REPLACEMENT PARTS. *TT
302 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE OILS APPROVED BY PORSCHE. *TT
Showing 10 of 29 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the PORSCHE BOXSTER
- 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER (current)
- 1998 PORSCHE BOXSTER — 44 complaints
- 1999 PORSCHE BOXSTER — 35 complaints
- 2000 PORSCHE BOXSTER — 5 complaints
- 2001 PORSCHE BOXSTER — 24 complaints
- 2002 PORSCHE BOXSTER — 12 complaints
Other PORSCHE Models
- PORSCHE CAYENNE — 629 total complaints
- PORSCHE TAYCAN — 378 total complaints
- PORSCHE MACAN — 245 total complaints
- PORSCHE 911 — 173 total complaints
- PORSCHE PANAMERA — 153 total complaints
- PORSCHE CAYENNE S — 135 total complaints
- PORSCHE 911 TURBO — 89 total complaints
- PORSCHE 911 GT3 — 67 total complaints