VehicleVerdict

2003 Porsche Boxster S problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 11 complaints on file for the 2003 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.

11

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Boxster S years?

Boxster S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted11 complaints2000: 3 complaints2001: 2 complaints2002: 2 complaints2003: 11 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 1 complaints2011: 2 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 1 complaints2014: 0 complaints
Boxster S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Boxster S years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Porsche Boxster S problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine436%
Electrical System19%
Latches & Locks19%
Steering19%
Body & Structure19%
Tires & Wheels19%
Airbags19%
Transmission19%

Does the 2003 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.

“I HAVE A 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER S WITH 32,000MI ON IT. ON THE 8TH OF MARCH, THE ENGINE FAILED WITH AN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BEARING FAILURE REQUIRING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENGINE. PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA ARE NOT HELPFUL. SUCH A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE ENGINE IN MY OPINION IS DANGEROUS AND SHOULD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 8, 2010

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · January 31, 2018 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · May 11, 2003

“CALLED PORSCHE DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT HOW TO MANUALLY TURN OFF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IN 2003 BOXSTER S. I WAS TOLD THAT A PORSCHE MANUFACTURER CHILD SAFETY SEAT WAS NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED AND THEN THE SEAT BELT WOULD BE BUCKLED INTO THAT. THIS DEVICE WOULD THEN TURN OFF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 10, 2007

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 11, 2003

2003 Porsche Boxster S — common questions

Is the 2003 Porsche Boxster S reliable?

The record is thin — 11 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2003 Boxster S problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (4 complaints), steering (1 complaints), body & structure (1 complaints).

Does the 2003 Porsche Boxster S have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Porsche Boxster S. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.