Used car guide

2018 Porsche Boxster: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Porsche Boxster first registered in 2018: we looked at the 3,020 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

3,020MOTs of 2018 cars, done in 2023–2025
94%pass first time (all 2018 cars: 83%)
4,000typical miles a year
18%had tyres flagged

Common 2018 Porsche Boxster MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Porsche Boxster MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    18% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Brakes
    4% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    3% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Lights and electrics
    2% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    1% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Suspension
    1% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

Known faults on the 2018 Porsche Boxster

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

  • PDK dual-clutch problems (earlier cars)

    Earlier PDK cars

    Earlier cars had problems with the dual-clutch gearbox. Engines are otherwise generally reliable.

    At the viewing: Drive in traffic and check the changes are smooth.

    Source: What Car?: used Porsche 718 Boxster (2016-2025) reliability

  • Paint, roof, and fast-wearing tyres and brakes

    All engines

    Owners have complained about paint quality, and it wears tyres and brakes quickly. Check the folding hood works.

    At the viewing: Look at the paint, the tyre tread and brake discs, and open and close the roof.

    Source: What Car?: used Porsche 718 Boxster (2016-2025) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Porsche Boxster

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Has the PDK gearbox had any work or software updates?
  2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Porsche Boxster?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Porsche Boxster compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2022281Tyres 14%
2021543Tyres 12%
20201,324Tyres 18%
20192,636Tyres 19%
20172,949Tyres 20%
20163,637Tyres 18%
20153,166Tyres 15%
20143,540Tyres 17%
20133,759Tyres 18%
20123,277Tyres 18%
20112,297Tyres 17%
20102,386Brakes 19%
20092,509Brakes 19%
20083,177Brakes 23%
20074,757Brakes 24%
20065,567Brakes 28%
20059,695Brakes 29%
20046,148Brakes 31%
20037,285Brakes 34%
20026,398Brakes 32%
20016,196Brakes 34%
20005,644Brakes 33%
19993,127Brakes 32%
19982,279Brakes 32%
19971,163Brakes 31%
1996–Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Porsche Boxster cars first registered in 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score