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Porsche Boxster 982 (718) (2016-present) reliability

At a glance

Porsche Boxster 982 (718) built around 2018: about average at the MOT

Porsche Boxster 982 (718) models built around 2018 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Porsche Boxster 982 (718) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

7% of MOT tests on Porsche Boxster 982 (718) models 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 Boxster 982 (718) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Porsche Boxster 982 (718)
excellent reliability2016-presentConvertiblePETROL

Based on 5,343 tests of Boxster models registered 2016+.

About 1 in 30 petrol Boxster cars registered in 2022 (3.3%) failed their first MOT.

Based on 243 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).

About 1 in 50 Boxster 982 (718) MOTs (1.9%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,067 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 30 Boxster 982 (718) MOTs (3.1%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 1,067 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

982 (718) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
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
7715.8%

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 7 years old.

How the Boxster 982 (718) compares

At each age below, see how the Boxster 982 (718) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 13,024 tests across 6 Porsche models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail ratePorsche average
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
7715.8%

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 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.

Other convertibles to compare

Other convertibles, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Boxster 982 (718).

  1. 1

    Mercedes-Benz Slc

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.7%

    No clear edge over the Porsche Boxster 982 (718) 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 982 (718) 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.

Recall context

13 recalls in all

7 of the 13 Boxster 982 (718) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 7 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
  • 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.

What has gone wrong on Boxster 982 (718) cars built around 2018

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 84 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
2%

Wear items

Tyres
18%
Brakes
2%
Lighting
1%
How Boxster 982 (718) cars have aged

How Boxster 982 (718) 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.

Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.

0%3456789Age at MOTBuilt around 2021, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 4.1% (197 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2021, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 3.3% (184 tests, 2025 data)2021Built around 2020, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 6.5% (324 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2020, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 5.2% (287 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2020, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 6.5% (279 tests, 2025 data)2020Built around 2019, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 5.5% (707 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2019, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 5.3% (636 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2019, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 5.3% (568 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2019, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 5.6% (540 tests, 2025 data)2019Built around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 6.4% (813 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 5.2% (695 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 6.3% (679 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 5.7% (632 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 5.3% (607 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 5.8% (755 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 5.3% (647 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 6.0% (651 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 6.8% (632 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 5.7% (596 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 5.8% (910 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 4.7% (832 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 7.1% (808 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 6.4% (780 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 5.8% (771 tests, 2025 data)2016
First registered around 2021First registered around 2020First registered around 2019First registered around 2018
How each part holds up as 982 (718) cars age

How each part holds up as 982 (718) cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car6 years7 years8 years
SuspensionNo figure2%2%
BrakesNo figure2%No figure
Tyres8%18%13%
LightingNo figure1%1%

Based on petrol cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 61 to 112 cars at each age.

982 (718) variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Porsche Boxsters of this age

This list covers every Porsche Boxster built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the 982 (718) on its own.

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 tests

Looking at a Porsche Boxster 982 (718) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Porsche Boxster 982 (718) (2016-present) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,067 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 5,343 MOT tests on Porsche Boxsters first registered from 2016. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.