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Porsche Boxster reliability by build year

Coverage 1996-present4 named generationsConvertiblePETROL

We've only got 1,067 MOT tests for Porsche Boxsters built around 2018 (7 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

Porsche Boxster built around 2018: about average at the MOT

Porsche Boxsters built around 2018 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age.

Check a Porsche Boxster by number plate

Key figure

7% of MOT tests on Porsche Boxsters built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 11% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Porsche Boxsters built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Porsche Boxster's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your Boxster's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

Boxster 982 (718)

982 (718) (2016-present)

Excellent
PETROL

7.3% fail rate, built around 2018 (7 years old)

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 6 MOTs, 16.6%)

From 1,067 MOT tests at this ageView details →
Boxster 981

981 (2012-2015)

Excellent
PETROL

7.8% fail rate, built around 2015 (10 years old)

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 4 MOTs, 22.8%)

From 1,160 MOT tests at this ageView details →
Boxster 987

987 (2005-2011)

Excellent
PETROL

9.2% fail rate, built around 2011 (14 years old)

Likely between 7.4% and 11.4%

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 29%)

From 792 MOT tests at this ageView details →
Boxster 986

986 (1996-2004)

Too close to call between ratings
PETROL

22.2% fail rate, built before 2000 (over 25 years old)

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 4 MOTs, 25.2%)

From 3,701 MOT tests at this ageView details →

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Porsche Boxster.

See every build year for the Porsche Boxster

Side-by-side

Porsche Boxster generations compared

Each generation is shown at 7 years old if it has at least 100 MOT tests at that age. If not, or if its cars are too new to be 7, it's shown at another age. We try ages close to 7 first. Newer generations have fewer years of data.

GenerationRatingFail rate
982 (718) (2016-present)
Excellent
Excellent7.3%built around 2018 (7 years old)from 1,067 MOT tests at this age
981 (2012-2015)
Excellent
Excellent7.8%built around 2015 (10 years old)from 1,160 MOT tests at this age
987 (2005-2011)
Excellent
Excellent9.2%likely between 7.4% and 11.4%built around 2011 (14 years old)from 792 MOT tests at this age
986 (1996-2004)
No ratingToo close to call between ratings
No ratingToo close to call between ratings22.2%built before 2000 (over 25 years old)from 3,701 MOT tests at this age

Each row is one generation of the Boxster, shown at the age printed under its fail rate. So rows can be different ages. Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail, retests included. A rating is given only when there are enough tests to place the fail rate in one rating band with 95% confidence.

By age

Porsche Boxster fail rate by age

This chart combines every Porsche Boxster ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
2924.5%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
3965.6%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
6805.7%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
9965.4%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
1,0677.3%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
1,1415.7%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
1,3026.5%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1,1607.8%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
1,3768.4%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
1,4577.8%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
92211.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
7929.2%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
9109.1%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
96812.2%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,51012.8%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,98314.6%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
2,89217.2%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
2,93017.6%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
2,87221.4%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
2,75022.7%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
2,44921.6%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
2,48721.1%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
3,70122.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 22 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 7-year-old Porsche Boxsters

These issues come from 7-year-old Porsche Boxsters, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    10.4%
    Advisory: 172Fail: 20 (10% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    7.7%
    Advisory: 130Fail: 19 (13% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    3.0%
    Advisory: 48Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords

    2.0%
    Advisory: 11Fail: 12 (52% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    1.6%
    Advisory: 17Fail: 2 (11% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,067 MOT tests on 7-year-old Porsche Boxsters, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 7-year-old Porsche Boxsters notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelNot much data
  1. Brakes + Tyres32%
  2. Tyres + Windscreen & wipers22%
  3. Other + Tyres19%
  4. Brakes + Windscreen & wipers11%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 73 MOT tests on Porsche Boxster cars built around 2018 (7 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

98%of this model's cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · More than typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

13 recalls in all

11 of the 13 Porsche Boxster recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 11 recalls

Top concerns

  • ARA7 recall campaign - replace shift cable
  • On affected vehicles the rear spoiler setting may not meet specifications due to incorrect coding during production maki
  • The fitted tyres may adversely affect vehicle emission outputs

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Like-for-like

Other convertibles to compare

Other convertibles to compare

  1. 1

    Mercedes-Benz Slc

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.7%

    No clear edge over the Porsche Boxster on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    2,558 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Mazda MX-5

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.6%
    Dangerous
    3.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    97.6%

    No clear edge over the Porsche Boxster on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    4,934 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Porsche Boxster across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. It has the 3rd lowest fail rate of 6 Porsche models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age. This is based on 1,067 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Porsche Boxster ever sold: 37,033 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2018 (7 years old): 1,067 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.