2020 Porsche 718 Boxster

The 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster is a mid-engine roadster celebrated for its precise handling, engaging driving dynamics, and stylish design. Engine options include a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-4 producing 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-4 producing 350 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque (Boxster S), and a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-6 producing 394 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque (Boxster GTS 4.0). Transmission options are a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic. Owners often praise the car’s responsive steering, balanced chassis, and overall fun-to-drive character. Common complaints revolve around the base engine’s sound and the limited storage space.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Flat-4

• Engine Bay Wiring Harness Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rodents can chew through the engine bay wiring harness. Symptoms include warning lights, misfires, and various electrical malfunctions.
  • Solution: Replace damaged wiring and rodent proofing measures.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.5L Turbocharged Flat-4

• Engine Bay Wiring Harness Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rodents can chew through the engine bay wiring harness. Symptoms include warning lights, misfires, and various electrical malfunctions.
  • Solution: Replace damaged wiring and rodent proofing measures.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

4.0L Naturally Aspirated Flat-6

• Engine Bay Wiring Harness Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rodents can chew through the engine bay wiring harness. Symptoms include warning lights, misfires, and various electrical malfunctions.
  • Solution: Replace damaged wiring and rodent proofing measures.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed PDK Dual-Clutch

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Jerky shifts, hesitation when accelerating, particularly in lower gears. Some owners have reported these issues becoming more pronounced over time.
  • Solution: PDK adaptation reset, software update, or in more severe cases, PDK clutch replacement or full transmission replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (reset/software) - $8,000+ (clutch/transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Bushing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Squeaking or knocking noises from the suspension, especially when going over bumps or turning. Can lead to vague handling.
  • Solution: Replace worn bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ (depending on which bushings are replaced)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• PCM (Porsche Communication Management) Freezing/Rebooting
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system freezes, becomes unresponsive, or randomly reboots.
  • Solution: Software update, PCM replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (software) - $2,000+ (PCM replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not used for extended periods. Can lead to starting problems.
  • Solution: Diagnose parasitic drain, replace faulty components, or use a battery tender.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Convertible Top Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Slow or erratic operation of the convertible top, failure to completely open or close, or unusual noises during operation.
  • Solution: Lubricate moving parts, adjust cables, or replace faulty hydraulic components or sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Creaking/Rattling Sounds
  • Description/Symptoms: Annoying creaking or rattling sounds emanating from the dashboard, door panels, or center console, especially when driving on rough roads.
  • Solution: Tighten loose panels, apply felt tape to contact points.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+ (depending on complexity)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster is a generally reliable sports car, but like all vehicles, it has its share of potential issues. The most common problems appear to be electrical glitches, convertible top malfunctions, and suspension bushing wear. Engine bay wiring can also be targeted by rodents. While some fixes are relatively inexpensive, others, such as PDK clutch replacement or PCM replacement, can be costly. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified Porsche mechanic.