NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 3 owner complaints for the 2000 Porsche Boxster S. Most complaints involve electrical system (2) and engine and engine cooling (1). The EPA rates it 17–18 mpg combined.
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 IGNITION KEY REMOVED AND THE LOCKING BUTTON OPERATED.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“IGNITION LOCK FAILURE - 2000 BOXSTER S. DEALER MECHANIC ADVISED THAT PROBLEM IS SERIOUS AND COMMON. WILL ALWAYS LEAD TO STRANDED MOTORIST. PROBLEM SO COMMON MECHANIC REQUESTED QUOTE FOR 'NUKED IGNITION LOCK' FROM SERVICE WRITER. SERVICE WRITER REPLIES $450 WITHOUT HAVING TO LOOK IT UP AND ALSO HUMOROUSLY ACKNOWLEDGES FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE. PROBABLY WIDESPREAD ACROSS PORSCHE MODEL AND YEAR RANGE, INCLUDING CARRERA, THANKS TO STANDARDIZATION OF COMPONENTS. IN MY CASE THE KEY WAS STUCK IN THE ON POSITION, SO I HAD TO FORCE THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION, STRAINING KEY AND DASH COMPONENTS. IT'S BEST FOR OTHER OWNERS TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE AT THE DEALER BEFORE THEY FORCE THEIR KEY OUT. *JB”
“I WAS INTERESTED IN PURCHASING A 2000 PORSCHE BOXSTER S. I TOOK THE CAR TO A PORSCHE DEALER TO HAVE A PRE PURCHASE INSPECTION PERFORMED AND WAS NOTIFIED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE 53,000 MILE CAR ACTUALLY HAD A FACTORY REPLACEMENT ENGINE INSTALLED FOR UNKNOWN REASON. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP THAT ACTUALLY INSTALLED THE FACTORY REPLACEMENT ENGINE AND I WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED AT 35,000 MILES FOR AN OIL LEAK. THE DEALERSHIP THAT PERFORMED THE INSPECTION REPORTED THAT A FEW MINOR ISSUES NEEDED TO BE ADDRESSED BUT OVERALL THAT THE CAR WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. I TOOK OWNERSHIP OF THE CAR AND WITHIN 2,000 MILES OF MY OWNERSHIP, THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BEARING BOLT FAILED DESTROYING THE ENGINE. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH OTHER PORSCHE BOXSTER OWNERS AND THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON, EVEN ON ENGINES WITH 20,000 MILES ON THEM. AT THE MOMENT, THE ONLY FIX FOR THIS ISSUE IS AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT FROM THE DEALERSHIP AT A COST OF $8,000-$13,000. *TR”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boxster S Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 18 | $4,400 | 494 |
| Boxster S Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | $4,700 | 523 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Oct 29, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (2), engine and engine cooling (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2000 Porsche Boxster S at 17–18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).