Research · Two Seaters

2013 Porsche BoxsterRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 10 owner complaints for the 2013 Porsche Boxster. Most complaints involve engine (3) and suspension (2). The EPA rates it 24–25 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
24–25mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Sep 2021
Owner complaints
10
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$3,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Power train: axle assembly

Free remedy

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Boxster, 2013-2014 Boxster S, 2014-2015 Cayman, Cayman S, 2015 Boxster GTS, and Cayman GTS vehicles. The rear-axle carrier side sections may fracture.

Power trainReported Sep 1, 2021NHTSA 21V679000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

10 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2013 – Nov 2022
  1. Engine3
  2. Suspension2
  3. Power train2
  4. Structure2
  5. Service brakes1
  6. Equipment adaptive/mobility1
  7. Other / unknown2

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
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

3 reports1 crash
“MY 2013 BOXSTER IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS FOR THE 7TH TIME DUE TO RODENT DAMAGE TO WIRING. PORSCHE USED A SOY BASED COMPOUND ON ITS WIRES WHICH IS EXTREMELY ATTRACTIVE TO RODENTS. PORSCHE GERMANY AND PORSCHE NORTH AMERICA DENY THE USE OF THESE PRODUCTS. AN EMAIL YESTERDAY STATED "WE DO NOT HAVE ANY INFORMATION THAT INDICATES WE CURRENTLY OR PREVIOUSLY USED A SOY BASED PRODUCT IN OUR WIRING". THE DAMAGE OCCURS IN OUR GARAGE WHICH IS NOT ENCLOSED. THIS DAMAGE HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE 6/25/15.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 23, 2017EngineODI 10956470

Suspension

2 reports
“2013 PORSCHE BOXTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 21V-679. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER STATING THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE, BUT THE DEALER DENIED HAVING THE PARTS.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 8, 2022SuspensionODI 11468315

Power train

2 reports
“2013 PORSCHE BOXSTER. CAR ROLLS WHEN STOPPED WITH TRANSMISSION IN 'PARK.' SIMILAR TO RECALLS OF PORSCHE CAYENNES AND PANAMERAS. MAY BE SIMILAR TO THE TRANSMISSION CONNECTION BUSHING PROBLEM THAT CAME LOOSE IN OTHER MODELS.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 22, 2019Power trainODI 11281902
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Two Seaters
Engines
2.7L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (AM-S7) · 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 30, 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 (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 2.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
223125$3,200352
Boxster
Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
202924$3,300376
  • Boxster
    Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 2.7 L
    22 city · 31 hwy · $3,200/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Boxster
    Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L
    20 city · 29 hwy · $3,300/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 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 2013 Porsche Boxster as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 7589
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

2013 Boxster questions

How many recalls does the 2013 Porsche Boxster have?

1 safety recall as of Oct 30, 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.

What are the most common 2013 Porsche Boxster problems?

Owners filed 10 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (3), suspension (2), power train (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2013 Porsche Boxster get?

The EPA rates the 2013 Porsche Boxster at 24–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026