2013 Porsche Boxster
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- Base/S 2dr Convertible
- Engines
- 2.7L 6-cyl, 3.4L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 22 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 172 in
- Curb weight
- 2,954 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Porsche Boxster is a two seaters offered with 2 engines (2.7L 6-cyl and 3.4L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 172 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 98-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,954 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 31 highway), 14% better than the 2013 two seaters average of 21.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,300 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2013
- New body dimensions: 1.1 in longer, wheelbase +2.7 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 2.7L 6-cyl
- Engine dropped: 2.9L 6-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 23 to 25
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Boxster →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base/S 2dr Convertible | 172 in | 70.9 in | 50.4 in | 97.6 in | 59.8 / 61.4 in | 2,954 lb | 46/54 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boxster | 2.7L 6-cyl | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | +14% | $3,300 | 352 |
| Boxster | 2.7L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 24 | +10% | $3,400 | 376 |
| Boxster S | 3.4L 6-cyl | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +10% | $3,400 | 372 |
| Boxster S | 3.4L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 22 | 0% | $3,750 | 397 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Porsche Boxster.
Similar 2013 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Porsche Boxster (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2013 Porsche 911 | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2013 BMW Z4 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Audi TT Roadster | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Power Train › Axle Assembly · Sep 1, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V679000 · 4,934 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Boxster, 2013-2014 Boxster S, 2014-2015 Cayman, Cayman S, 2015 Boxster GTS, and Cayman GTS vehicles. The rear-axle carrier side sections may fracture.
- Risk
- A carrier fracture may cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the rear-axle carrier side sections, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 6, 2022. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMB7.
Not every 2013 Porsche Boxster is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Porsche Boxster buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Suspension — 2 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Service Brakes — 1 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 22,230 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Porsche Boxster. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Boxster years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Boxster | 24 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 Boxster | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 Boxster | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 Boxster | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 Boxster | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 Boxster | 25 | 172 in | Not rated | 2 | 3 |
| 2014 Boxster | 25 | 172 in | Not rated | 3 | 2 |
| 2012 Boxster | 23 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2011 Boxster | 23 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2010 Boxster | 24 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 Boxster | 24 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2008 Boxster | 23 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Porsche. How we calculate this →