Research · Two Seaters
2011 Porsche Boxster SpyderRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 2 owner complaints for the 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder. Most complaints involve power train (1) and service brakes, hydraulic (1). The EPA rates it 22–23 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
22–23mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
2
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$3,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
2 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2010 – Nov 2018
- Power train1
- Service brakes, hydraulic1
- Electrical system1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
By model year
Complaints for each Boxster Spyder model year we’ve synced.
Only one model year synced so far.
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Power train
1 report
“CAR HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR, THE SHIFTER SUDDENLY WENT COMPLETELY LOOSE, LEAVING THE CAR STUCK IN 1ST GEAR. AFTER SUBSEQUENT ANALYSIS, THE ROOT CAUSE WAS DETERMINED TO BE A SNAPPED SHIFT CABLE BETWEEN THE SHIFTER "STICK" AND THE TRANSMISSION. FURTHER RESEARCH REVEALS THIS IS A VERY WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITHIN THE PORSCHE COMMUNITY, CAUSED BY A BAD ENGINEERING DESIGN WHERE THE SHIFT CABLE IS MADE TO TAKE A SHARP BEND IN IT'S PATH TO THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSING THE SHIFT CABLE METAL TO FATIGUE THROUGH THE BEND AND EVENTUALLY SHEAR/SNAP WITHOUT WARNING. SIMPLY GOOGLE "PORSCHE SHIFT CABLE BREAK" FOR EXAMPLE TO FIND THE MANY MANY FOLKS SUFFERING THIS ISSUE. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IF IT HAPPENS AT AN IN-OPPORTUNE TIME LIKE ON THE HIGHWAY OR IN TRAFFIC! I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT I WAS TRAVELING AT LOW SPEED IN AN AREA WHERE I COULD SAFELY PULL OVER. IMAGINE IF I WAS CRUISING ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEED AND THEN DOWNSHIFTING FOR SAY AN EXIT, SUDDENLY FINDING THE SHIFTER GO COMPLETELY LOOSE, CAUSING ME TO BE STUCK IN SAY 6TH GEAR. THE INITIAL SHOCK AND NOT HAVING TIME TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS GOING ON COULD HAVE CAUSED ME TO GET REAR ENDED AT…”
Service brakes, hydraulic
1 report
“MY 2011 PORSCHE CAYENNE HAS AN "AUTO STOP" FEATURE THAT KILLS THE ENGINE WHENEVER THE CAR IS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. WHEN THE DRIVER'S FOOT IS REMOVED FROM THE BRAKE, THE CAR ENGINE RESTARTS. THE STOP-START DELAY IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED BY A CAR THAT WAS BEHIND ME BECAUSE THE DRIVER WAS ANXIOUS TO "MOVE" AND MY CAYENNE'S ENGINE HAD TO RESTART BEFORE IT WOULD MOVE FROM THE STOP LIGHT. THIS SPECIAL FEATURE CAN BE TURNED OFF, BUT YOU MUST TURN IT OFF EVERY TIME YOU START THE CAR. OTHERWISE, THE AUTO STOP FEATURE WILL CONTINUE TO OPERATE. I CONSIDER THE AUTO STOP FEATURE TO BE PROBLEMATIC. *TR”
Electrical system
1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Two Seaters
- Engines
- 3.4L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 7-spd · Manual 6-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boxster Spyder Auto 7-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | $3,450 | 386 |
| Boxster Spyder Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,600 | 404 |
- 23mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 29, 2026Vehicle 403
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| 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 |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2011 Boxster Spyder questions
How many recalls does the 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 29, 2026.
What are the most common 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder problems?
Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (1), service brakes, hydraulic (1), electrical system (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder at 22–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026