Model year guide

2012 Porsche Boxster S

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Porsche Boxster S is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.

2012 Porsche Boxster S — representative photo
Representative photo

2012 Porsche Boxster S at a glance

Safety recalls1
Combined21–23 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2012 Porsche Boxster S recalls 1

Seat Belts NHTSA Campaign #11V409000 · manufacturer #AB02 · 05/08/2011

PORSCHE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 911 SPEEDSTER AND 911 GTS RS 4.0; AND MODEL YEAR 2012 BOXSTER (INCLUDING S AND SPYDER); CAYMAN (INCLUDING S AND R); 911 CARRERA (INCLUDING S, GTS, 4, 4S, AND 4 GTS); 911 TARGA 4 AND TARGA 4S; AND 911 TURBO AND TURBO S MODELS MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 31, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 10, 2011. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE MOUNTING HOLES IN THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR PLATES FITTED TO THE VE…

Fix: PORSCHE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT BELT ANCHORS AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE SEAT BELT. THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-767-7243.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2012 Porsche Boxster S MPG & running costs

Combined21–23 mpg
City20 mpg
Highway28 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,725
EPA size classTwo Seaters
TransmissionAutomatic 7-spd or Manual 6-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$6,625 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 Porsche Boxster S costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,625
Fuel only$18,625
Per mile$0.25

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 387

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 387.

Manufacturer's Certificate for Overview of Approved Porsche C40 Engine Oils. Note that this bulletin covers all models back to model year 1984, for which C40 engine oils are allocated.

Bulletin No. 28-26 · Power Train, Engine · Sep 2026

Manufacturer's Certificate for Overview of Approved Porsche C20 Engine Oils. Note that the bulletin covers all models back to model year 1984, for which C20 engine oils are allocated.

Bulletin No. 27-26 · Power Train, Engine · Sep 2026

Manufacturer's Certificate for Overview of Approved Porsche C30 Engine Oils. Note that the bulletin includes all models back to model year 1984, for which C30 engine oils are allocated.

Bulletin No. 26-26 · Power Train, Engine · Sep 2026

Manufacturer's Certificate for Overview of Approved Porsche A40 Engine Oils. Note that this bulletin covers all vehicles from model year 1997 to 2020, for which A40 engine oils are assigned. Model years 1997-2001 are not available for selection in the system.

Bulletin No. 25-26 · Power Train, Engine · Sep 2026

Special Tools and Equipment Information for alignment machines - Q3 2026 Software Spec Update Available

Bulletin SPTL2609 · Steering, Suspension, Wheels · Sep 2026

Technical Information for Damage to Nano Plug Contacts Due to Utilization of Incorrect Measuring Equipment

Bulletin No. 12-26 · Electrical System · Sep 2026

Special Tools and Equipment Information for Diagnostic Equipment Standards for all USA Porsche Centers

Bulletin SPTL2314a · Aug 2026

Special Tools and Equipment Information for alignment machines - Q2 2026 Software Spec Update Available

Bulletin SPTL2608 · Steering, Suspension, Wheels · Aug 2026

Product Knowledge for Model Type Designations

Bulletin GR16D8a · Aug 2026

Product Knowledge for Chassis/VIN Numbering Systems

Bulletin GR16D8 · Aug 2026

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the BOXSTER S RWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

2012 Porsche Boxster S vehicles on record

Other Porsche Boxster S model years

2012 Porsche Boxster S — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Porsche Boxster S have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2012 Porsche Boxster S. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Porsche Boxster S get?

The 2012 Porsche Boxster S has U.S. EPA estimates of 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.