2002 Porsche Boxster S problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2002 Porsche Boxster S — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Boxster S years?

Boxster S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Boxster S years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Porsche Boxster S problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Electrical System	1	50%	— flat
Visibility & Wipers	1	50%	new

Does the 2002 Porsche Boxster S have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V656000LightingAugust 30, 2022 · 222,858 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

03V004000TransmissionJanuary 23, 2003 · 12,234 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TWO WEEKS AGO I HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY POWER WINDOW LIFT MECHANIC AT THE DRIVERS SIDE WHICH I HAD IT FIXED AT THE PARK PLACE PORSCHE IN DALLAS TEXAS AND WAS TOLD THAT MY WARRANTY DOESN'T COVER FOR THE POWER WINDOW LIFT MECHANIC AND WAS CHARGED 516 DOLLARS. HAVING DONE MY OWN RESEARCH I FOUND OUT…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 3, 2006

“TWO WEEKS AGO I HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY POWER WINDOW LIFT MECHANIC AT THE DRIVERS SIDE WHICH I HAD IT FIXED AT THE PARK PLACE PORSCHE IN DALLAS TEXAS AND WAS TOLD THAT MY WARRANTY DOESN'T COVER FOR THE POWER WINDOW LIFT MECHANIC AND WAS CHARGED 516 DOLLARS. HAVING DONE MY OWN RESEARCH I FOUND OUT…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · August 3, 2006

2002 Porsche Boxster S — common questions

Is the 2002 Porsche Boxster S reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2002 Porsche Boxster S have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Porsche Boxster S. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2002 compare to other Boxster S years?

What are the most common 2002 Porsche Boxster S problems?

Does the 2002 Porsche Boxster S have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2002 Porsche Boxster S — common questions

Is the 2002 Porsche Boxster S reliable?

Does the 2002 Porsche Boxster S have recalls?

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