2003 Porsche Boxster S recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Porsche Boxster S; the most frequently affected component is exterior lighting — headlights. Owners filed 7 complaints, most often about engine and engine cooling. Among the 13 model years of this model in the database, 2003 ranks #3 for number of recalls.

Recalls2

Complaints7

Crashes reported2in stored complaints

Check your own vehicle by VIN at NHTSA →

Recalls (2)

Exterior lighting — HeadlightsCampaign 22V656000 · 30 Aug 2022

Problem: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2020 Porsche Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Cayman S, 2001-2004 Boxster, Boxster S, 2004 Boxster 50 JAHRE SPYDER 550 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all affected models and model years. The caps that cover the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws are missing, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: Improperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the headlights for sealing caps and install missing caps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ANB4.

Power train — Automatic transmissionCampaign 03V004000 · 23 Jan 2003

Problem: Certain 2-door convertible passenger vehicles equipped with the tiptronic (automatic) transmission may have been produced with an incorrectly adjusted key-lock-cable down to the shift selector. If the key-lock-cable is not adjusted correctly, it is possible that the ignition key will snag upon being removed fro the ignition lock or the slector lever can be shifted from position "p" with the ignition key removed and the locking button operated.

Risk: If the selector lever is then shifted from position "p" to position "r, n or d" with the vehicle parked, and if the parking brake is not on, the vheicle will not be secured from inadvertenly rolling away, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the cable adjustment and, regardless of the results of this inspection, the key-lock-cable must also be adjusted. Owner notification began july 15, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact porsche at 1-800-545-8039.

What owners complain about

Share of the 7 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.

Engine and engine cooling4 · 57%

Power train1 · 14%

Electrical system1 · 14%

Latches/locks/linkages1 · 14%

Structure1 · 14%

Tires1 · 14%

Steering1 · 14%

Air bags1 · 14%

When complaints were filed

20051

20071

20091

20102

20192

From owner complaints

My engine failed due to a part called the intermediate shaft. The car is a 2003 porsche, boxster s with 47,000. This problem is well documented on line and appears to be a manufacturing problem. The dealership i went to, knew right away about the failure as they see at least 1 per month. When this part fails, the…
Engine and engine cooling · Jul 2010 · NHTSA complaint record

I have had many problems with a 2003 boxster s i purchased in may 2003 from mckenna porsche in norwalk, ca. Some of the major problems in the last 2 years include: 1) condensation in oil filler area; 2) oil leaks in 2 locations; 3) worn drive belt; 4) clutch causing grinding noise; 5) iginition switch & key didn't…
Engine and engine cooling · Jul 2005 · NHTSA complaint record

On saturday, may 16th this boxster suffered engine failure while traveling at ~ 30 mph. The engine failed with no prior warning. The initial indication was a loud and distracting flapping noise that sounded like something had been picked up on the car's undercarriage. This was followed within a moment by shutdown of…
Engine and engine cooling · Jun 2009 · NHTSA complaint record

March 5, 2019. [xxx]. [xxx] 2003 porsche boxster 3.2 engine with brand new michelin ultra-high-performance tires. On december 31, 2018 about 10:30 am, i was driving the car going east, about 80 to 100 miles per hour in the middle of three lanes.when i reached the top of the hill, the front end of the car wobble in the…
Structure · Mar 2019 · NHTSA complaint record

How this year compares

Recalls per model year for this model.

Full specifications All model years 2003 Porsche lineup

Source

Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.

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