repaired · 2024 Q3
Exterior lighting: headlights
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.
2003 Porsche Boxster SProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 2003 Porsche Boxster S, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-656 the manufacturer reports only 30% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 30, 2022. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 Porsche Boxster S has problems
7 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
4Engine and engine cooling
1Electrical system
1Latches/locks/linkages
1Power train
1Steering1 crash/fire/injury
1Structure1 crash/fire/injury
1Air bags
1Tires1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 1 |
| Structure | 1 | 1 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2003 Porsche Boxster S recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Power train: automatic transmission
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…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Porsche.
Best & worst years
2003 vs. every other Boxster S year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Boxster S median. How we score
'00'01'02'03'04'05'11'12'13'14
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2003 Porsche Boxster S safety ratings
2003 Porsche Boxster S 2-DR w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Optional
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Boxster S owners report
Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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…
Own a 2003 Boxster S?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.