A modern, mid-engined sports car praised for driving dynamics and reliability. The turbocharged 2.0L flat-four offers strong performance with good fuel economy. Main concerns center on the turbo wastegate actuator (water ingress causing seizure), water pump failures at 30,000-60,000 km, and PADM (active engine mount) failures. PDK transmission is generally reliable but expensive when it fails. No IMS bearing issues (affects older models only). The 718 was named the most reliable car in the US by JD Power in 2024.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€2,150 - €3,800/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€1,300-2,100
Risk buffer
€850-1,700
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
Turbo wastegate actuator seizure€500 - €2,400
Actuator positioned low, vulnerable to water ingress causing rust and seizing · more· less
The wastegate actuator on the 2.0L turbo is mounted very low and exposed to road spray, causing water ingress that leads to rust and seizure. Common in wet climates (UK, Netherlands). Symptoms include loss of boost pressure, P0299 error code, and rough running above 3,000-4,000 rpm. Porsche dealers often replace the entire turbo (€2,000-2,400), but independent specialists can free and grease the actuator for €90-650. Some covered under warranty. Apply high-temp copper grease to the actuator arm and pivot point as preventive maintenance.
Water pump failure€850 - €1,400
Electric water pump typically fails between 30,000-60,000 km · more· less
The electric water pump integrated with the thermostat housing commonly fails between 30,000-60,000 km. Symptoms include coolant warning light, engine overheating, poor cabin heating, or coolant leaks. Some owners report being on their third pump after only 30,000 km. Premature failure is often caused by overtightened belts during service, putting excessive strain on the pump shaft bearing. Porsche has changed the water pump design on newer cars. Part costs €400-600 plus 3-4 hours labor.
PADM (active engine mount) failure€1,200 - €2,800
Water ingress causes mount failure, common across all Porsche Sport Chrono models · more· less
Porsche Active Drivetrain Mounts (PADM) fail randomly on all models equipped with Sport Chrono, even on nearly new vehicles. Moisture enters the dynamic mounts causing sensor failure. Symptoms include "PADM disabled" warning and reduced performance. Porsche dealers quote €2,200-2,800 per mount (€4,400-5,600 for both), but the issue is often just the sensor (€100-200 part). Some independent specialists stock mounts at €820 each because this fault is so common. Porsche recalled PADM mounts on 911 for water ingress but not on 718. Typically occurs around 12,000-40,000 km.
Internal sensor failures cause no reverse gear or limp mode · more· less
The PDK (dual-clutch) transmission is generally very reliable, but when issues occur they're expensive. Common symptoms include difficulty shifting, jerking, shuddering, loss of reverse gear, or limp mode. Internal sensor failures are most common - a sensor with no moving parts randomly fails. Dealers charge €20,000+ and replace the entire transmission, but specialists can repair it for €2,500-4,000. The electronic/hydraulic clutch section at the front is more problematic than the mechanical section. Avoid launching from stops and minimize low-speed crawling to extend lifespan. Manual transmission is more reliable.
High pressure fuel pump failure€800 - €1,800
Bosch pump batch issue, covered by service campaign WB09 · more· less
Direct injection engines can suffer high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure. Symptoms include perfect running below 3,000 rpm but misfires and rough running above 4,000 rpm, with engine management disabling a cylinder. A Bosch manufacturing defect (bad bearing batch) affected BMW and Porsche simultaneously. Porsche issued service campaign WB09 for free pump replacement. However, there's been a shortage of replacement pumps. Check if campaign was completed on your specific vehicle. Diagnosis can sometimes show false fuel pump sensor faults when the actual issue is damaged wiring.
Convertible top microswitch failure€100 - €1,200
Top pauses during operation, especially in wet weather · more· less
The convertible top mechanism is generally reliable but microswitch failures occur, especially during rainy seasons. The top pauses mid-operation or won't complete opening/closing. Requires replacing microswitch (Part 981-561-943-01, ~€100), but dealers charge €1,000+ for labor because the repair requires extensive interior disassembly to access the switches. Independent specialists can do it more affordably. The convertible top fabric itself is very durable with proper maintenance (303 Fabric Guard annually, brush when dusty, never stow when dirty).
Catalytic converter failure€2,400 - €3,000
Exhaust header cracks or cat internals disintegrate from thermal stress · more· less
Exhaust systems and catalytic converters experience high thermal stress. Initial symptom is a rattle from the cat or muffler coming apart internally. This creates a partial blockage causing heat buildup - cats can glow bright orange, risking fire. Check engine light with converter inefficiency codes appears. Some low-mileage examples (around 30,000 km) have needed cat replacement, possibly due to track use or misfire conditions flooding the cat with raw fuel. Proper warm-up and avoiding consistent low/high heat abuse helps prevent premature failure. If engine runs properly, cats should last the vehicle's life.
Battery drain / 12V battery failure€350 - €650
Car drains battery in 3-7 days if not driven or on tender · more· less
The 718 has normal parasitic draw that drains the 12V battery within 3-7 days when parked. This is characteristic of modern Porsches, not a defect. Solution: keep car on a quality trickle charger (CTEK recommended). Battery replacement costs €350-650. Battery life is typically 5 years, but deep discharge from sitting reduces lifespan significantly. Monitor auto-stop-start indicator - if always yellow (not green), battery is degraded. Battery must be registered/coded to the car after replacement using diagnostic tool.
Generally reliable sports car with some known weak points
The 718 Boxster was named the most reliable car in the US by JD Power in 2024. Most owners report excellent reliability, with high-mileage examples exceeding 200,000 km. The turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is robust and purpose-built for forced induction. Main concerns are environmental failures (turbo actuator water ingress, PADM moisture damage) and age-related cooling system issues. When repairs are needed, Porsche labor rates are high due to mid-engine packaging complexity. Extended warranty recommended if purchasing out of factory coverage.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Porsche dealer or authorized specialist records essential. Verify oil changes every 10,000-20,000 km depending on market.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual sounds, turbo noises, or rattles.
Body condition
Check for accident damage, paint mismatch. Aluminum body - look for galvanic corrosion.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway speeds to get transmission and turbo up to full temperature.
Specific for this vehicle
Test turbo boost at full temperature
Drive 20+ minutes, then accelerate hard at 3,000-5,000 rpm. Listen for wastegate rattle, feel for smooth boost. Check for P0299 error code.
Inspect turbo wastegate actuator for corrosion
From underneath, check actuator arm movement and look for rust. This is critical in wet climates.
Check coolant level and look for water pump leaks
Inspect water pump housing area for dried coolant residue or active leaks. Check coolant level before and after test drive.
Test Sport Chrono PADM mounts if equipped
Activate Sport Plus mode. Listen for "PADM disabled" warning. Feel for excessive engine movement or vibration.
PDK transmission operation (if equipped)
Feel for smooth shifts, no jerking or shuddering. Test reverse gear. Check for transmission warning lights. Cold and hot operation may differ.
Convertible top full cycle test
Operate top 3 times fully open and closed. Listen for motor strain or pauses. Check seals for leaks.
Scan for error codes with Porsche diagnostic tool
Many issues are stored in memory before triggering warning lights. Check all modules.
Verify service campaigns completed
Check with Porsche dealer using VIN if fuel pump WB09, generator WKJ5, and spoiler recalls completed.
Generator replacement (Campaign WKJ5)Check with VIN
High pressure fuel pump (Campaign WB09)Free replacement
Brake lines front axle (Campaign WLM6)Check with VIN
Airbag ECU connection issuesTSB available
The 718 Boxster has 90 Technical Service Bulletins issued. Contact Porsche with the VIN to verify all relevant recalls and service campaigns have been completed. TSBs document solutions to common issues but are not required to be fixed at manufacturer expense.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty4 years / 80,000 km
Porsche Approved Extended WarrantyUp to 15 years total age
Extended warranty cost (example)€5,500-7,800 for 9-10 years
All 2016-2020 718 Boxsters are outside factory warranty. Porsche Approved Extended Warranty is available in 1, 2, or 3-year increments up to 15 years total vehicle age. Third-party warranties are also available. Note: Extended warranties have extensive exclusion lists and typically require all maintenance at Porsche facilities. Important exclusions often include oil leaks, PADM sensor failures, and water ingress damage. Extended warranty strongly recommended given high repair costs.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.