Shortlived Boxster engines survey

[Bob O]

While it's sad and very depressing to read about engine failures on our cars (especially ones with so few miles), one must keep in mind that we haven't heard from the thousands of others with no problems at all. As is ALWAYS the case with these type of forums. One only hears about the problem children and not the A students. Like mine for instance. 58,000 miles and the only issues with it so far have been an ignition switch failure ($29 diy fix with an audi switch from the local dealer) and a short in the driver's seat heater (not fixed yet simply because it doesn't bother me and isn't causing any other problems). Otherwise its' been trouble free. No MAF issue, no top issues, no broken chain tensioners (oh wait.. that was the 911!!) nothing. Change the oil, brake pads, and various filters, get new tires occasionally and that's about it. And yes.. I take it to the track. (ok.. so I've probably jinxed myself)

It's truly sad and I sympathize with those who have had engine failures. Unfortunately, there's no way at all to determine the actual failure rate. We don't know if its .0005% or 5%. Of the thousands and thousands of Boxsters sold, how many owners post here and on the other forums? Not that many. And Porsche won't release any info about failures. Any "surveys" one might see on the net are suspect at best, and probably (certainly??) not statistically sound. They're interesting to read but, sadly once again, one can't draw any valid conclusioins from them. If only........................

Maybe we should start a thread about our UNbroken Boxsters.

Bob

[Frodo]

Quote:

"I was told there was talk of a class action suit on this forum. Did that get anywhere? If there was ever a case for one, this seems to be it."

Posted by sfkjeld.

Yep, although it was a 911 involved. The news story was dated July 28, 2008, so it's probably gonna be a l o n g time before we get any meaningful outcome results. It may just result in some sort of settlement prior to going to trial. The results of that would be plenty interesting enough, though (unfortunately) often part of the settlement includes a stipulation that the terms of the settlement NOT be made public. That would, I suspect, more than likely happen here (Porsche being the likely party desirous of concealing any compromise it might make on the matter).

Here's the link:

http://www.northjersey.com/business/news/Porsches_blown_motor_spurs_suit.html

As of a few days ago, I've requested updates on the case...nothing so far. I'll post them as I get 'em.

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by Frodo

Quote:

"I was told there was talk of a class action suit on this forum. Did that get anywhere? If there was ever a case for one, this seems to be it."

Posted by sfkjeld.

Yep, although it was a 911 involved. The news story was dated July 28, 2008, so it's probably gonna be a l o n g time before we get any meaningful outcome results. It may just result in some sort of settlement prior to going to trial. The results of that would be plenty interesting enough, though (unfortunately) often part of the settlement includes a stipulation that the terms of the settlement NOT be made public. That would, I suspect, more than likely happen here (Porsche being the likely party desirous of concealing any compromise it might make on the matter).

Here's the link:

http://www.northjersey.com/business/news/Porsches_blown_motor_spurs_suit.html

As of a few days ago, I've requested updates on the case...nothing so far. I'll post them as I get 'em.

That article refers to the cracked cylinder liner issue that was seen in the early 3.4L engines. If Porsche was forced to recall the cars, it wouldn't effect Boxsters.

[Frodo]

Quote:

"That article refers to the cracked cylinder liner issue that was seen in the early 3.4L engines. If Porsche was forced to recall the cars, it wouldn't effect Boxsters."

Posted by blue2000s.

Yeah, sure, but it's similar issues. It sets a precedent, one that may be applicable in similar cases (like the Boxsters with RMS or IMS ailments). This is especially true if the case actually goes to trial and Porsche gets a judgment against them. That could be a real wake up call to them, though the likely appeals could drag on for years.

But, ya gotta start somewhere...

[danyl55]

Originally Posted by Bob O

While it's sad and very depressing to read about engine failures on our cars (especially ones with so few miles), one must keep in mind that we haven't heard from the thousands of others with no problems at all. As is ALWAYS the case with these type of forums. One only hears about the problem children and not the A students. Like mine for instance. 58,000 miles and the only issues with it so far have been an ignition switch failure ($29 diy fix with an audi switch from the local dealer) and a short in the driver's seat heater (not fixed yet simply because it doesn't bother me and isn't causing any other problems). Otherwise its' been trouble free. No MAF issue, no top issues, no broken chain tensioners (oh wait.. that was the 911!!) nothing. Change the oil, brake pads, and various filters, get new tires occasionally and that's about it. And yes.. I take it to the track. (ok.. so I've probably jinxed myself)

It's truly sad and I sympathize with those who have had engine failures. Unfortunately, there's no way at all to determine the actual failure rate. We don't know if its .0005% or 5%. Of the thousands and thousands of Boxsters sold, how many owners post here and on the other forums? Not that many. And Porsche won't release any info about failures. Any "surveys" one might see on the net are suspect at best, and probably (certainly??) not statistically sound. They're interesting to read but, sadly once again, one can't draw any valid conclusioins from them. If only........................

Maybe we should start a thread about our UNbroken Boxsters.

Bob

good idea Bob--my 97 has 120k and only a water pump replaced and routine maint. I don't track the car--just enjoy the hell out of it in the twisty mountains.

[Oaktown 986]

Originally Posted by danyl55

good idea Bob--my 97 has 120k and only a water pump replaced and routine maint. I don't track the car--just enjoy the hell out of it in the twisty mountains.

Amen brotha... just hit 95k with nothing but standard maintenance for an 11 year old car.