Porsche Boxster MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 33,163 MOT tests on the Porsche Boxster carried out in 2023. 18% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 Boxsters passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1997 to 2020. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2010 models did best (91% passed, +30.6 points against the average for 13-year-old cars), while 2020 models fared worst (93%, +5.0 points). Tested cars had covered 63,808 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 6.6% of tests (noticeably below the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits", on 2.9% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 33,163
- First-time pass rate
- 82%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +10.6 points
- Average mileage at test
- 63,808
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Boxster?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Boxster MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 438 | 93% | 88% | +5.0 points | 13,950 |
| 2019 | 930 | 94% | 86% | +7.6 points | 16,844 |
| 2018 | 1,034 | 94% | 84% | +9.7 points | 21,766 |
| 2017 | 1,012 | 94% | 82% | +12.2 points | 26,453 |
| 2016 | 1,232 | 93% | 79% | +13.9 points | 28,230 |
| 2015 | 1,074 | 94% | 75% | +18.8 points | 31,947 |
| 2014 | 1,204 | 92% | 72% | +20.4 points | 38,320 |
| 2013 | 1,280 | 93% | 68% | +24.5 points | 42,034 |
| 2012 | 1,105 | 89% | 66% | +23.3 points | 45,188 |
| 2011 | 777 | 90% | 63% | +27.4 points | 48,692 |
| 2010 | 808 | 91% | 60% | +30.6 points | 54,209 |
| 2009 | 841 | 90% | 59% | +30.5 points | 58,847 |
| 2008 | 1,088 | 87% | 57% | +29.2 points | 62,504 |
| 2007 | 1,645 | 83% | 57% | +26.4 points | 66,383 |
| 2006 | 1,921 | 82% | 56% | +26.0 points | 72,600 |
| 2005 | 3,336 | 80% | 56% | +23.6 points | 74,629 |
| 2004 | 2,146 | 74% | 56% | +18.4 points | 77,322 |
| 2003 | 2,545 | 73% | 57% | +16.8 points | 80,327 |
| 2002 | 2,250 | 72% | 58% | +14.5 points | 84,201 |
| 2001 | 2,172 | 74% | 59% | +15.1 points | 84,876 |
| 2000 | 1,979 | 74% | 61% | +13.4 points | 86,684 |
| 1999 | 1,089 | 72% | 62% | +9.8 points | 91,259 |
| 1998 | 817 | 70% | 64% | +5.8 points | 91,926 |
| 1997 | 415 | 71% | 64% | +6.3 points | 92,052 |
Why the Porsche Boxster fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Boxster | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 6.6% | 11.3% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.4% | 3.1% |
| Brakes | 4.2% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 4.2% | 8.9% |
| Tyres | 3.2% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 2.4% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 1.7% | 3.5% |
| Steering | 0.7% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.5% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.4% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.9%
- 2not working2.8%
- 3fractured or broken1.9%
- 4excessively corroded1.7%
- 5tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.3%
- 6does not clear the windscreen effectively1.2%
- 7projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.0%
- 8ball joint excessively worn0.9%
- 9efficiency below requirements0.9%
- 10not working on dipped beam0.8%
Common Boxster MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Boxster, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 12.2% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 9.7% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 9.0% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 6.8% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.5% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 3.4% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 2.5% |
| Play in steering rack inner joint(s) | Non-component advisories | 1.9% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 1.9% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 1.6% |
Tips to help your Boxster pass
Based on where Boxsters most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 6.6% of Boxster tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 4.2% of Boxster tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the Boxster ULEZ compliant? See the Porsche Boxster ULEZ check, or view all Porsche models.
Other Porsche models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 33,163 first MOT tests of the Porsche Boxster carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 33,163 first MOT tests of the Porsche Boxster.
What is the Porsche Boxster MOT failure rate?
In our data, 18% of 33,163 first MOT attempts on the Porsche Boxster ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Porsche Boxster fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (6.6% of tests), noise, emissions and leaks (4.4% of tests), brakes (4.2% of tests).
Which Boxster year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2010 cars performed best: 91% passed first time, +30.6 points against the average for 13-year-old cars. The weakest was 2020, at 93% (+5.0 points).
How many miles had a typical Porsche Boxster covered at its MOT?
The average was 63,808 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2020 cars averaged 13,950 miles and 1997 cars 92,052.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Porsche Boxster?
"excessively corroded" was recorded on 12.2% of tests, in the brakes area. 4.2% of Boxsters failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Boxster's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 33,163 Boxsters in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 70% to 94% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 4 min readDashboard warning lights and the MOT: which ones mean a fail?An engine, ABS or airbag light that stays on is a major defect at the MOT, even if the car drives perfectly. Which lights testers check, and what to do first.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
Check any Boxster's MOT history
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