2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
11
Owner Complaints
4
Recalls
7
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER
The 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER has received a total of 11 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 6 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. 7 technical service bulletins have been issued by Porsche Cars North America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Train (2 complaints), Air Bags (1 complaint), and Engine (1 complaint).
Recalls for the 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER
NHTSA has recorded 6 recalls for the 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER, potentially affecting up to 739,618 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 09E025000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
| 42,540 vehicles affected
Defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
View full details →Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
| 16,270 vehicles affected
Defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
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
11 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Trainmanual Transmission | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2003 Porsche Boxster. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the indicator lights on the gear shifter for the park(P) and the four (4) position was flashing. In addition, while driving at various speeds, the transmission failed to shift into fifth gear and the vehicle would enter LIMP Mode. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer on two separate occasions and was informed that the gear selector switch was sticky due to the vehicle not being driven. The vehicle was repaired after the failures; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 12,669.
THE IMS BEARINGS IN THE 2001-2005 PORSCHE BOXSTER WOULD JUST STOP THE ENGINE IF NOT REPLACED. HELLO, I BOUGHT MY 2003 POSCHE BOXSTER BRAND NEW FROM RECTOR PORSCHE/AUDI DEALERSHIP OF BURLINGAME BACK IN 2003. I RECENTLY FOUND OUT THAT PORSCHE HAD A FAULTY PART IN THEIR ENGINE CALLED THE IMS BEARINGS. THE CARS THAT WERE INVOLVED ARE CARS FROM 2001-2005 PORSCHE BOXSTER. THERE WAS A LAWSUIT (EISEN VS. PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA) THAT TOOK PLACE AND SETTLED BEFORE GOING INTO TRIAL. PEOPLE THAT OWNED THE CARS WERE NOTIFIED TO GET THEIR IMS BEARINGS FIXED THROUGH PORSCHE. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. I REACHED OUT TO PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA AND ASKED ABOUT THE LAWSUIT. THE LAST DATE TO FILE TO GET YOUR CAR FIXED WAS OCTOBER 15, 2013. THEY TOLD ME THAT I WASN'T EVEN LISTED IN THEIR SYSTEM AS THE OWNER OF MY PORSCHE BOXSTER. SO I ASKED. HOW COULD HAVE I FILED A CLAIM IF I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED ABOUT IT. PEOPLE'S CARS WOULD SEIZED FROM WORKING WITHOUT ANY SIGNS OF ANY PROBLEMS. MY CAR ONLY HAS 32,480 MILES ON IT. THE DEALERSHIP MECHANIC SUGGEST'S THAT I GET MY IMS BEARINGS REPLACED. BUT IT WOULD COST ME $3,500. WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THIS? THEY WON'T OWN UP TO THIS AND IT'S THEIR FAULT FOR NOT HAVING MY NAME LISTED IN THEIR SYSTEM. I SHOWED THEM MY BILL OF SALES FROM RECTOR AND EVEN SHOWED PROOF OF REGISTRATIONS DATING BACK FROM 2002 - TO PRESENT DAY.
TOOK MY PORSCHE BOXSTER TO THE LOCAL PORSCHE DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE. THEY CALLED ME BACK AND SAID MY CAR HAD A GASOLINE FUEL LEAK AND NEEDED A REPLACEMENT FUEL LEVEL SENSOR IT WAS CRACKED AND LEAKING FUEL.. THE SERVICE ORDER AT PICKUP SAID MECHANIC NOTED FUEL DRIPPING FROM GAS TANK...NOTED LEAKING FROM CRACKS IN THE SENDING UNIT WHERE THE PRESSURIZED FUEL OUTLET IS, REPLACED SENDING UNIT AND SEAL, ALSO NOTED ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR SEAL SWOLLEN FROM FUEL CONTAMINATION. I ASKED THE SERVICE MANAGER IF THIS HAD BEEN REPORTED TO THE NHTSA AND HE SAID NO, WHY SHOULD THEY. I EXLPLAINED THIS WAS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD INVOLVING A FUEL LEAK THAT COULD HAVE SERIOUS LIFE OR DEATH CONSEQUENCES. I HAVE THE REPLACED UNIT AND PICTURES AS I REQUESTED THIS UPON PICKING UP THE VEHICLE. I WAS CHARGED $628.58 FOR REPLACING FAULTY FUEL LEVEL SENSOR(SENDING UNIT). I HAVE A COPY OF THE BILL WITH MECHANIC'S COMMENTS. ALSO PICS OF THE FAULTY UNIT ON MY CELL PHONE.
REAR BRAKES (BOTH SIDES) BEGAN APPLYING THEMSELVES WITH NO DRIVER INPUT, LOCKING UP WITHIN ABOUT 5 SECONDS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 PORSCHE BOXTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE VEHICLE. AFTER PARKING, THE CONTACT NOTICED OIL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE AND DIAGNOSED AS HAVING AN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BEARING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Safety Rating for the 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. has issued 7 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
No. 40-22-2 — EQUIPMENT
Technical information for the convertible top mechanism replacement: rework required before installation.
105 — POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:PEDAL/HAND LEVER(MOTORCYCLE)
CLUTCH PEDAL DOES NOT FULLY REACH ITS ORIGINAL POSITION. *TT
504 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
SPORTS EXHAUST SYSTEM INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. *TT
403 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
PORSCHE COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT (PCM2) SOFTWARE UPDATE. *TT
9687 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES
CENTRAL LOCKING / RADIO REMOTE CONTROL DOES NOT FUNCTION. IMMOBILIZER CANNOT BE DEACTIVATED. *TT
502 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
REPLACING DME CONTROL MODULE. *TT
502 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
ACTIVATING THE CD RADIO PORSCHE CDR 23. *TT
NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the PORSCHE BOXSTER
- 1998 PORSCHE BOXSTER — 44 complaints
- 1999 PORSCHE BOXSTER — 35 complaints
- 2000 PORSCHE BOXSTER — 5 complaints
- 2001 PORSCHE BOXSTER — 24 complaints
- 2002 PORSCHE BOXSTER — 12 complaints
- 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER (current)
- 2004 PORSCHE BOXSTER — 4 complaints
- 2005 PORSCHE BOXSTER — 21 complaints
- 2006 PORSCHE BOXSTER — 7 complaints
Other PORSCHE Models
- PORSCHE CAYENNE — 629 total complaints
- PORSCHE TAYCAN — 378 total complaints
- PORSCHE MACAN — 245 total complaints
- PORSCHE 911 — 173 total complaints
- PORSCHE PANAMERA — 153 total complaints
- PORSCHE CAYENNE S — 135 total complaints
- PORSCHE 911 TURBO — 89 total complaints
- PORSCHE 911 GT3 — 67 total complaints