🇩🇪 Deutsch
Porsche · Convertible / Roadster · 2012–2016

Porsche Boxster 981

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
5.0 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

375–385 PS

3.8L Benzin

3.8 naturally aspirated, sky open — goosebumps

Legendary!
Most Reliable Engine

310–340 PS

3.4L Benzin

5 weaknesses

Good Choice

Generations

Engine Overview

The Porsche Boxster 981 is available with 4 engine variants — from 265 to 385 hp.

2.7L · Benziner· 265 PS
2012 2016
Good Choice 5 weaknesses
GTS · Benziner· 330 PS
2014 2016
Good Choice 5 weaknesses
S · Benziner· 310–320 PS
2012 2016
Good Choice 5 weaknesses
Spyder · Benziner· 375 PS
2015 2016
Good Choice 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Porsche 2.7L (Benziner, 265 PS) has the MA1.22 (2.7L) — rated: "Good Choice", 5 known weaknesses.

The Porsche GTS (Benziner, 330 PS) has the MA1.23 (3.4L) — rated: "Good Choice", 5 known weaknesses.

The Porsche S (Benziner, 310–320 PS) has the MA1.23 (3.4L) — rated: "Good Choice", 5 known weaknesses.

The Porsche Spyder (Benziner, 375 PS) has the MA1-981HiPerf (3.8L) — rated: "Good Choice", 5 known weaknesses.

NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
16 complaints · 2012–2016
Engine
5 ⚠ 1
Suspension
4
Powertrain
3
Body Structure
3 ⚠ 1
Brakes
2

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Engine (5 complaints)
⚠ Suspension (4 complaints)
⚠ Powertrain (3 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

Alternatives

Same Segment

Mercedes-Benz SL R231

Cabrio/Roadster (2012–2020)

Same Segment

Mercedes-Benz SLK R172

Cabrio/Roadster (2011–2016)

Same Segment

BMW Z4 E89

Cabrio/Roadster (2009–2016)

Same Segment

MINI MINI R57

Cabrio/Roadster (2009–2015)

Same Segment

MINI MINI Cabrio R57

Cabrio/Roadster (2009–2015)

Same Segment

Mazda MX-5 NC

Cabrio/Roadster (2005–2015)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 15 weaknesses have been documented for the Porsche Boxster 981 (2012–2016). Considered reliable: MA1.22 (2.7L), MA1.23 (3.4L), MA1-981HiPerf (3.8L).

What to watch out for with the Porsche Boxster? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Porsche Boxster 981 have? +
The Porsche Boxster 981 has 15 known engine weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Porsche Boxster 981? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: MA1.22 (2.7L), MA1.23 (3.4L), MA1-981HiPerf (3.8L). The most reliable engine is the MA1.23 (3.4L) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the MA1-981HiPerf (3.8L).
Which Porsche Boxster 981 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Porsche Boxster 981. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 5 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Porsche Boxster 981 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Porsche Boxster 981 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} The Boxster Spyder 981 with a 3.8-litre NA engine right behind the head is one of the most intense Porsche experiences full stop. Manual only, stripped roof, no comfort nonsense — acoustically with the top down, a force of nature. But like the GT4: the engine only wakes up past 5,000 rpm, and there on back roads speed is already excessive. Can never be wrung out where it comes alive. For open back-road driving with gearwork, the GTS Boxster is the better pick — it delivers pleasure at speeds that still make sense.
Is the Porsche Boxster 981 worth buying used? +
The Porsche Boxster 981 is a good choice as a used car — 3 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Porsche Boxster 981? +
The Porsche Boxster 981 is available with engine variants from 265 to 385 hp. Petrol: MA1.22 (2.7L), MA1.23 (3.4L), MA1-981HiPerf (3.8L).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee