Summary
The Porsche Boxster has 9 recalls spanning 1997 to 2014, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2014 models where the front hood lock can fail and allow the hood to fly open while driving, eliminating forward visibility. Also on recent production, 2013 models have a rear axle carrier mount that can crack and eventually break; if both mounts fail while driving, the rear axle can shift suddenly and cause a loss of vehicle control. On 2011 Boxster Spyder models specifically, the locking hook on the removable sun shield can fail to seat fully into its catch on the windscreen frame, allowing the sun shield to open at speed and create a hazard for the driver and surrounding traffic.
Going back to late 1990s production, the 1997 and 1998 model years with the Tiptronic automatic transmission have a pair of related issues: the shift cable can be incorrectly adjusted, making it possible to move the selector out of Park after the ignition key is removed, allowing the vehicle to roll freely without the parking brake applied. Separately on 1997 Tiptronic models, the bearing sleeves inside the selector lever assembly can seize, making the lever progressively harder to move until it cannot be shifted at all. The 1997 model year also has an ignition switch housing that can crack, causing the key to stick during use and cutting power to headlamps, windshield wipers, and other electrical components. Rounding out the recall history, 2001 models sold in Canada have headlamps that were built without covers over the horizontal adjusters, leaving the lights susceptible to being moved out of alignment and either reducing the driver's forward visibility or creating glare for oncoming traffic.
