2003 Porsche Boxster recalls and problems

The 2003 Porsche Boxster has 2 safety recalls and 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Porsche dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 0

Injuries / deaths

1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Porsche Boxster vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 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.

2003 Porsche Boxster problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	3
Steering	1
Vehicle Speed Control	1
Air Bags	1
Engine and Engine Cooling	1
Seats	1
Service Brakes	1
Fuel/Propulsion System	1
Engine	1
Tires	1
Visibility/Wiper	1

Most reported parts

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System — 1
Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 20,000 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 2003 Porsche Boxster complaints

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

Visibility/Wiper · reported May 13, 2026

Vehicle has an open safety recall involving a condition that may increase the risk of a crash. During a visit to an authorized dealership for information regarding the recall, dealership personnel advised against completing the recall procedure. I was informed that due to the age of the vehicle and components, performing the recall could potentially damage the headlight seals and that I could be financially responsible for repairs if damage occurred during the recall process. This raised concerns because the recall relates to a safety issue, yet I was discouraged from having the repair…

Tires · at 20,000 miles · reported Feb 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2003 Porsche Boxster equipped with Landgolden Tires, Tire Line: L27, Tire Size: 265/35/ZR18, DOT Number: (N/A). While performing routine maintenance on the vehicle, the contact discovered that the rear passengerâs side tire had experienced extensive tread separation. The online dealer from whom the tires were purchased from was contacted, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. The VIN was not available.

Power Train · at 12,669 miles · reported Jul 7, 2023

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…

Engine · reported Oct 2, 2019

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…

Power Train · at 11,000 miles · reported Nov 19, 2013

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.

Other Porsche Boxster years

2015 2014 2013 2012 2006 2005 200420032002 2001 2000

Compare all Porsche Boxster years · All Porsche models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Porsche Boxster have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 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 2003 Porsche Boxster?

Owners report power train problems most often (3 reports), followed by steering (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 20,000 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.