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Research · Two Seaters

2009 Porsche BoxsterRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 3 owner complaints for the 2009 Porsche Boxster. Most complaints involve power train (2) and tires (1). The EPA rates it 22–24 mpg combined.

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Combined MPG
22–24mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
3
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$3,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2009 Porsche Boxster as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

3 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2014 – Apr 2022
  1. Power train2
  2. Tires1
  3. Vehicle speed control1

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 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
199722
199832
199928
20005
200113
200211
200319
20044
200519
20065
20072
20081
20093
20102
20112
20121
201310
20142
20153
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

2 reports
“VEHICLE STUCK IN NEUTRAL AFTER FEW SECONDS STOP AT STOP SIGN IN CROSS STREET. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE INTO HOTEL PARKING LOT A FEW FEET AWAY AND VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME. MISSED FIRST REPAIR APPOINTMENT BUT RESCHEDULED FOR 11/20/2014. 11/13/2014-VEHICLE NOW WILL NOT STAY ON WHEN KEY IS TURNED, WILL TRY A BATTERY CHARGE. EXPECTING TO REPLACE BATTERY AFTER DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT. I DON'T DRIVE IT THAT OFTEN AND HAVE NEVER MISSED A SERVICE APPT. *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 15, 2014Power train, Vehicle speed controlODI 10655152

Tires

1 report
“TIRES ARE 235/40 R18 REAR TIRES. This is the second set of these tires that have worn out after about 3500 city/highway road miles. No racing, no drifting, no tire spinning on launch. Porsche dealer replaced both sets as part of CPO process; now I need a third set. Current mileage on the car is 63590; I purchased it in Sept of 2021 with 57K miles. Tire wear is even across the tread; no alignment issues observed. Excessive wear was noted both times by the Discount Tire tech who checked the air in the tires at my request-routine for me. Last time, the tech said the tires were so bad he shouldn't put air in and I should get them replace ASAP. The danger arises from unexpectedly low mileage to complete tread loss and cord appearing without warning with the risk of a blowout at highway speeds on out of town trips. The excessive wear is being discussed in Boxster forums with no recognition that this must be a design or manufacturing defect unique to this model of tire. Please investigate. [XXX] Litigation consultant”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 20, 2022TiresODI 11461509

Vehicle speed control

1 report
Send a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Two Seaters
Engines
2.9L 6-cyl · 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 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Boxster
Auto 7-spd, 6 cyl, 2.9 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
202924$3,300370
Boxster S
Auto 7-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
202923$3,450386
Boxster
Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 2.9 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
192722$3,600404
Boxster S
Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
192622$3,600404
  • Boxster
    Auto 7-spd, 6 cyl, 2.9 L
    20 city · 29 hwy · $3,300/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • Boxster S
    Auto 7-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L
    20 city · 29 hwy · $3,450/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Boxster
    Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 2.9 L
    19 city · 27 hwy · $3,600/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Boxster S
    Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L
    19 city · 26 hwy · $3,600/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Porsche Boxster as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 5188
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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.
09 —FAQ

2009 Boxster questions

How many recalls does the 2009 Porsche Boxster have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.

What are the most common 2009 Porsche Boxster problems?

Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (2), tires (1), vehicle speed control (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2009 Porsche Boxster get?

The EPA rates the 2009 Porsche Boxster at 22–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026