2001 Porsche Boxster recalls and problems

The 2001 Porsche Boxster has 2 safety recalls and 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Porsche dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
13
Crashes / fires
1 / 1
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2001 Porsche Boxster vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 Porsche Boxster recalls

Recall 22V-656: Exterior Lighting

Reported Aug 30, 2022 · 222,858 vehicles affected · Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Problem: 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."

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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 03V-004: Power Train

Reported Jan 23, 2003 · 12,234 vehicles affected · PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

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 not be secured from inadvertenly rolling away, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

2001 Porsche Boxster problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System5
Structure3
Visibility3
Engine and Engine Cooling3
Suspension2
Tires2
Air Bags2
Power Train2
Service Brakes2

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash — 1
  • Visibility › Windshield — 1
  • Suspension › Front › Stabilizer Bar — 1
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 1
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
  • Power Train › Driveline — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 53,208 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2001 Porsche Boxster complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Suspension · reported Nov 27, 2023
The right front suspension failed. Something broke so that the wheel/brake component bent away from the car causing a sudden left hand turn/jerk. This was confirmed upon exiting the car and looking at the front right semi-attached wheel. The car traveled THROUGH highway safety cables, front windshield shattered, right passenger side arm bag deployed and car stopped in median before going into oncoming traffic. The car is currently being picked up and accessed by insurance company. No warning lamps or messages. The front end did seem to "float" prior to the accident - I figured I had a tire…
Service Brakes · reported Aug 20, 2023
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) failure due to premature degradation of plastic wiring harness connectors for ABS wheel speed sensors located in each wheel well. ABS warning light illuminated alerting to the disabling of the system. Issue confirmed by independent repair facility. Dealer was engaged, but denied coverage due to vehicle being out of warranty and no recalls initiated.
Electrical System · reported Dec 31, 2021
There are thousands of complaints/postings appearing on the Internet, including fixes, (many of which may be equally dangerous) whereby the vehicle's central locking mechanism fails, making it impossible for passengers to egress through either door or window. The locking mechanism on the driver's side door has a cheap part that is known to commonly fail. When it does, neither the driver nor passenger door may be opened from either inside or outside of the vehicle. The central locking system is tied in with the door lock, and the windows may sometimes also fail when the lock mechanism fails. We…
Service Brakes · at 81,195 miles · reported Nov 21, 2019
1.earlier date fixed wireharness/drained parts at local bmw repairman garage resolved 2. Later in city,turning in motion car suddenly stall/powerloss of brakes,clutchsticky,hear timing odd,steering difficult had towed to porsche dealer . Garage).porsche diagnosed w multipoint inspection ,porsche only did work covered by 3rd party extended warrantee for a oil water separator and water radiator replaced and told me engine has issues,5 mos later still at porsche,caution to drive,towed out, porschemanuf /cr/sc codes to repair until then released car w operative/safety issues dealing with airwater…
Tires · reported Jul 16, 2014
Was driving on the florida turnpike in the miami area, under rush hour traffic, doing about 75-80 MPH when the front left tire blew up from the side wall. Almost lost control of the car. The tire has a 4" opening on the sidewall close to the wheel. Called hankook, they sent me to a local distributor who said he couldn't do anything about it. Tires were about 2 years old with plenty of thread left. Last hankook tires for me, family and close friends. I AM replacing all the tires on this car. Tire is a hankook ventus v12 evo.

Other Porsche Boxster years

Compare all Porsche Boxster years · All Porsche models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Porsche Boxster have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2001 Porsche Boxster: 22V-656 (exterior lighting), 03V-004 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Porsche Boxster?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (5 reports), followed by structure (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 53,208 miles.

Are Porsche recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Porsche dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.