Porsche Boxster 981 (2012-2015) reliability
Porsche Boxster 981 built around 2015: fails its MOT less often than average
Porsche Boxster 981 models built around 2015 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age.
Looking at a Porsche Boxster 981?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
8% of MOT tests on Porsche Boxster 981 models built around 2015 ended in a fail (retests included), against 16% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Porsche Boxster 981 models built around 2015 involves the tyres.
Based on 5,014 tests of Boxster models registered 2012-2015.
About 1 in 30 Boxster 981 MOTs (3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2015 (10 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 1,160 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 75 Boxster 981 MOTs (1.6%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2015 (10 years old).
Based on 1,160 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
981 fail rate by age
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 13 years old.
How the Boxster 981 compares
At each age below, see how the Boxster 981 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 10,537 tests across 6 Porsche models, built around 2015 (10 years old).
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.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Brake pipes and hoses
High priorityLook under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk 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 checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other convertibles to compare
Other convertibles, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Boxster 981.
- 1
MINI Roadster
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 16.7%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 2.4%
- Dangerous
- 4.5%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 94.8%
No clear edge over the Porsche Boxster 981 on these figures.
1,408 MOT tests on cars built around 2015
- 2
Mazda MX-5
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 14.3%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 2.4%
- Dangerous
- 3.4%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 97.6%
No clear edge over the Porsche Boxster 981 on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
3,248 MOT tests on cars built around 2015
- 3
Mercedes-Benz SLK
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 17.6%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 3.8%
- Dangerous
- 6.2%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 92.7%
No clear edge over the Porsche Boxster 981 on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
5,861 MOT tests on cars built around 2015
- 4
BMW Z4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 16%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 4.3%
- Dangerous
- 7.7%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 96%
No clear edge over the Porsche Boxster 981 on these figures.
2,161 MOT tests on cars built around 2015
- 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.
How many are still registered
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
9 recalls in all4 of the 9 Boxster 981 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 4 recalls
Top concerns
- The fitted tyres may adversely affect vehicle emission outputs
- Rear axle carrier side parts may not meet required specifications
- Air bag control unit may have been installed with a faulty capacitor
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
How Boxster 981 cars have aged
How Boxster 981 cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
981 variants compared
Most common issues on Porsche Boxsters of this age
This list covers every Porsche Boxster built around 2015, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the 981 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 18.1%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 27.9%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 34.9%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 44.7%Advisory
Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease
- 53.3%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
Based on 1,160 tests
Looking at a Porsche Boxster 981?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2015 (10 years old), the Porsche Boxster 981 (2012-2015) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,160 10-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.