2002 Porsche Boxster recalls and problems

The 2002 Porsche Boxster has 2 safety recalls and 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Porsche dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
10
Crashes / fires
3 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Porsche Boxster vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 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.

2002 Porsche Boxster problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling3
Power Train2
Electrical System2
Structure2
Tires1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Seat Belts1

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
  • Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 37,600 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 2002 Porsche Boxster complaints

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

Power Train · at 69,554 miles · reported Sep 13, 2012
2002 porche boxster. Consumer writes in regards to complaint concerning vehicle parts the consumer stated the cables from the shifter to the transmission failed while driving in heavy traffic.
Seat Belts · at 80,000 miles · reported Apr 8, 2012
The seat belt on my vehicle, when buckled, has a tendency to not latch completely and allows for the release without pressing the release button. Also when it is latched, there is a tendency for it to get caught and not release without significant pulling force on the buckle.
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 49,500 miles · reported Apr 7, 2011
Ims engine failure. Known issues with porsche. Porsche boxster 49,500 miles. Place car in reveres, engine seized. Replacement of engine necessary. $8000- $15,000.
Electrical System · at 70,000 miles · reported Mar 16, 2010
See odi case number: 10318487, computer failure due to water leakage into cab. This happened to me twice in fall, 2008. The first time, the dealer replaced the computer (At my cost) and one month later, it happened again. Again, the computer was replaced and the carpets needed removal and cleaning due to fungus, all at my cost.
Electrical System · at 33,000 miles · reported Mar 10, 2010
We own a 2002 porsche boxster with approximately 66,000 miles. We purchased the vehicle, used, in late 2003. On three separate occasions we have experienced total loss of use of the vehicle due to water leaking into the interior compartment and flooding the control unit, rendering the car totally inoperable. The incidents have taken place in october, 2004 at 33,000 miles, april, 2008 at 61,000 miles, and currently in february, 2010. The repair has initialed replacing the control unit and having to pull out the carpet so as to inhibit mold growth. The first incident was repaired under the…

Other Porsche Boxster years

Compare all Porsche Boxster years · All Porsche models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Porsche Boxster have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 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 2002 Porsche Boxster?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (3 reports), followed by power train (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 37,600 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.