2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER S — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
11
Owner Complaints
2
Recalls
4
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER S
The 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER S has received a total of 11 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 4 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. 4 technical service bulletins have been issued by Porsche Cars North America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine And Engine Coolingengine (2 complaints), Air Bagson Off Switch Assembly (1 complaint), and Electrical Systemignition (1 complaint).
Recalls for the 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER S
NHTSA has recorded 4 recalls for the 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER S, potentially affecting up to 680,808 vehicles.
Recall 22V656000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
| 222,858 vehicles affected
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...
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.
View full details →Recall 22V656000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
| 222,858 vehicles affected
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...
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.
View full details →Recall 22V656000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
| 222,858 vehicles affected
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...
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.
View full details →Recall 03V004000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
| 12,234 vehicles affected
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...
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...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER S
11 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER S. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Coolingengine | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bagson Off Switch Assembly | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical Systemignition | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Latcheslockslinkagestrunk Lidlock | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Trainclutch Assembly | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
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 AIR, ONE SIDE WENT UP AND THEN IT CAME DOWN: AND THEN THE OTHER SIDE WENT UP AND CAME DOWN ALTERNATING FOR FEW SECONDS; AND THEN THE WHOLE FRONT END STARTED TO GO UP LIKE IT OR TAKING OFF AS AN AIRPLANE. I APPLIED THE BRAKES LIGHTLY AND IT CAME DOWN ON THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE, THEN STARTED TO PULLING ME TO THE RIGHT IMMEDIATELY. I TURNED LEFT TO CORRECT AND THE FRONT TIRES LOST TRACTION AND SO THE REAR TIRES LOST TRACTION IMMEDIATELY. THE CAR SPUN AROUND TWICE AND SIDESWIPED AGAINST THE CURB ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE FRONT ENDED UP FACING EASTWARDLY, JUST THE SAME WAY AS I WAS HEADING. I WAS THE ONLY ONE IN THE CAR. THE LEFT SIDE DOOR AIRBAG OPENED UP. MY LEFT ARM AND SIDE OF MY BODY GOT ALL BRUISED UP AND SORE FOR SEVERAL WEEKS, BECAUSE OF THE CAR AND AIRBAG IMPACT. THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE WENT OVER THE CURB AND DID NOT HAVE ANY DAMAGE. THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WENT BARELY OVER THE CURB AND THE LOWER ARM BROKE. THE DRIVER FRONT WHEEL DID NOT GO OVER THE CURB AND UPON THE IMPACT BROKE MY STEERING ARM AND THE RIM OUTER SIDE ON AROUND THE RIM BROKE AT DIFFERENT PLACES. THE DRIVER REAR TIRE NEVER MADE IT OVER THE CURB. IT IMPACTED THE CURB SO HARD THE WHOLE WHEEL CAME OFF AND LAID ON THE GROUND FACING DOWN; THE RIM WAS BADLY BENT AND ONE SPOKE BROKEN. THE HALF SHAFT CAME COMPLETELY OUT AND WAS LAYING DOWN ON THE GROUND AND ALL THE OTHER MECHANICAL COMPONENTS WERE BROKEN AND ALL THE OIL LEAKED OUT. THIS IS A MIDSECTION REAR WHEEL CAR. IT MEANS THAT MOST OF THE WEIGHT IS IN THE REAR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR
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 AIR, ONE SIDE WENT UP AND THEN IT CAME DOWN: AND THEN THE OTHER SIDE WENT UP AND CAME DOWN ALTERNATING FOR FEW SECONDS; AND THEN THE WHOLE FRONT END STARTED TO GO UP LIKE IT OR TAKING OFF AS AN AIRPLANE. I APPLIED THE BRAKES LIGHTLY AND IT CAME DOWN ON THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE, THEN STARTED TO PULLING ME TO THE RIGHT IMMEDIATELY. I TURNED LEFT TO CORRECT AND THE FRONT TIRES LOST TRACTION AND SO THE REAR TIRES LOST TRACTION IMMEDIATELY. THE CAR SPUN AROUND TWICE AND SIDESWIPED AGAINST THE CURB ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE FRONT ENDED UP FACING EASTWARDLY, JUST THE SAME WAY AS I WAS HEADING. I WAS THE ONLY ONE IN THE CAR. THE LEFT SIDE DOOR AIRBAG OPENED UP. MY LEFT ARM AND SIDE OF MY BODY GOT ALL BRUISED UP AND SORE FOR SEVERAL WEEKS, BECAUSE OF THE CAR AND AIRBAG IMPACT. THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE WENT OVER THE CURB AND DID NOT HAVE ANY DAMAGE. THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WENT BARELY OVER THE CURB AND THE LOWER ARM BROKE. THE DRIVER FRONT WHEEL DID NOT GO OVER THE CURB AND UPON THE IMPACT BROKE MY STEERING ARM AND THE RIM OUTER SIDE ON AROUND THE RIM BROKE AT DIFFERENT PLACES. THE DRIVER REAR TIRE NEVER MADE IT OVER THE CURB. IT IMPACTED THE CURB SO HARD THE WHOLE WHEEL CAME OFF AND LAID ON THE GROUND FACING DOWN; THE RIM WAS BADLY BENT AND ONE SPOKE BROKEN. THE HALF SHAFT CAME COMPLETELY OUT AND WAS LAYING DOWN ON THE GROUND AND ALL THE OTHER MECHANICAL COMPONENTS WERE BROKEN AND ALL THE OIL LEAKED OUT. THIS IS A MIDSECTION REAR WHEEL CAR. IT MEANS THAT MOST OF THE WEIGHT IS IN THE REAR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER S. WHILE DRIVING UPHILL AT 100 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED VIOLENTLY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. ALSO, THE STEERING PULLED TO THE RIGHT AND THE STEERING WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE STRUCK A CURB AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE CONTACT SUFFERED BRUISES TO THE LEFT ARM, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
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 REMEDY IS A NEW (OR USED ENGINE). THERE IS NO WAY TO KNOW OF THIS FAILURE UNTIL IT HAPPENS. I REPLACED MY ENGINE AND IT COST $12,000. THIS WEBSITE PROVIDES A LOT OF INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PORSCHE PROBLEM AND IT SHOWS SOME OF THE RESEARCH CONDUCTED BY THEIR ENGINEER, HTTP://WWW.LNENGINEERING.COM/IMS.HTML. THEIR RESEARCH INDICATES THAT PORSCHE KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM AND THINKS IT HAS TO DO WITH PARTICULAR VIN NUMBER CARS (ONE OF WHICH IS MINE) AND FIXES IT WHEN IT HAPPENS DURING WARRANTY. I ASKED THEM TO HELP COVER THE COST AND THEY SAID NO, AS MY CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. IT IS MY OPINION THAT A CAR (PORSCHE OR NOT) SHOULD NOT FAIL LIKE THIS ESPECIALLY WITH NO WARNING. AS AN FYI, IT APPEARS PORSCHE FINALLY REDESIGNED THIS PART IN 2006. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME CAPTURE SOME OF MY OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE AS WELL AS MAKE OTHER USERS AWARE WITH A POSSIBLE RECALL. *TR
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 BE TAKEN MORE SERIOUSLY BY PCNA CONSIDERING THE NUMBER OF CASES THAT ARE OUT THERE. *TR
Safety Rating for the 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER S
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER S in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER S
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. has issued 4 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER S. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
122-T6A9F-02 — ENGINE
Parts withdrawal for various parts that were used in Recall and workshop campaigns.
122-S3R9Q-11 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
New PIWIS Tester update 38.800.030
304 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ACTIVATED, - MALFUNCTION CODES P2096 AND/OR P2098 IN THE DME FAULT MEMORY. SOFTWARE HAS BEEN UPDATED. *MJ
202 — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
DRIVE SHAFT. *TT
NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER S
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the PORSCHE BOXSTER S
- 2000 PORSCHE BOXSTER S — 3 complaints
- 2001 PORSCHE BOXSTER S — 2 complaints
- 2002 PORSCHE BOXSTER S — 2 complaints
- 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER S (current)
- 2004 PORSCHE BOXSTER S — 0 complaints
- 2005 PORSCHE BOXSTER S — 1 complaint
Other PORSCHE Models
- PORSCHE CAYENNE — 629 total complaints
- PORSCHE TAYCAN — 378 total complaints
- PORSCHE MACAN — 245 total complaints
- PORSCHE BOXSTER — 219 total complaints
- PORSCHE 911 — 173 total complaints
- PORSCHE PANAMERA — 153 total complaints
- PORSCHE CAYENNE S — 135 total complaints
- PORSCHE 911 TURBO — 89 total complaints