2020 Porsche Boxster: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Porsche Boxster first registered in 2020: we looked at the 1,324 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2020 Porsche Boxster MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2020 Porsche Boxster MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres18% 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.
- Brakes2% 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.
- Lights and electrics2% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors2% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Suspension1% 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 2020 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.
- Earlier PDK cars
PDK dual-clutch problems (earlier 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
- All engines
Paint, roof, and fast-wearing tyres and brakes
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 2020 Porsche Boxster
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the PDK gearbox had any work or software updates?
- 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
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 281 | Tyres 14% |
| 2021 | 543 | Tyres 12% |
| 2019 | 2,636 | Tyres 19% |
| 2018 | 3,020 | Tyres 18% |
| 2017 | 2,949 | Tyres 20% |
| 2016 | 3,637 | Tyres 18% |
| 2015 | 3,166 | Tyres 15% |
| 2014 | 3,540 | Tyres 17% |
| 2013 | 3,759 | Tyres 18% |
| 2012 | 3,277 | Tyres 18% |
| 2011 | 2,297 | Brakes 17% |
| 2010 | 2,386 | Brakes 19% |
| 2009 | 2,509 | Brakes 19% |
| 2008 | 3,177 | Brakes 23% |
| 2007 | 4,757 | Brakes 24% |
| 2006 | 5,567 | Brakes 28% |
| 2005 | 9,689 | Brakes 29% |
| 2004 | 6,148 | Brakes 31% |
| 2003 | 7,285 | Brakes 34% |
| 2002 | 6,395 | Brakes 32% |
| 2001 | 6,193 | Brakes 34% |
| 2000 | 5,643 | Brakes 33% |
| 1999 | 3,126 | Brakes 32% |
| 1998 | 2,279 | Brakes 32% |
| 1997 | 1,163 | Brakes 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 2020. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score