2003 Porsche Boxster
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Porsche › Boxster › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Porsche Boxster. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2003 Porsche Boxster. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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 date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact porsche at 1-800-545-8039.
Owner complaints
12 complaints1 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Visibility/wiper
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…
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 performed unless I accepted potential liability for damage resulting from the recall work itself. As a result, the safety recall remains unresolved. No warning lamps or messages were present prior to this interaction. The issue described here concerns the handling of the recall and the guidance provided by the dealership regarding completion of a safety recall repair.
- Tires
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 passenger’s side tire had experienced extensive tread separation. The online…
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 passenger’s 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
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…
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.
- Engine
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…
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.
- Fuel/propulsion system
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…
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.
- Service brakes
Rear brakes (both sides) began applying themselves with no driver input, locking up within about 5 seconds. *tr
- Power train
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…
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.
- Seats
A strange thing happened as my wife and I were driving home at night in our '03 boxster. The seatback on the passenger side mysteriously began rotating forward, all efforts to stop it using body force failed. My wife was crushed into the glove box by the time I was able to pull over and stop. She…
A strange thing happened as my wife and I were driving home at night in our '03 boxster. The seatback on the passenger side mysteriously began rotating forward, all efforts to stop it using body force failed. My wife was crushed into the glove box by the time I was able to pull over and stop. She could not reach the door handle and was barely able to extricate herself after I opened the door from the outside. The seat motor had rotated the seatback forward to a position of approximately 45 past vertical by the time it stopped. we later discovered that the sheepskin seat cover had snagged the protruding switch on the side of the seat and held it, causing the seat back to rotate. The point I need to make IS this; what if the same thing had happened on the driver's side? The driver would be crushed against the steering wheel and unable to stop. A crash would be inevitable, and the driver would sustain serious injury since the space between the driver and wheel IS so small. there IS absolutely no need for the seat motor to be able to rotate the seatback forward to such a huge angle from vertical, especially since the mechanical lever at the top of the seat may be used if seat rotation IS required. I strongly urge porsche to consider installing a limit switch on the seat motor to prevent even the remotest possibility of this event occurring. The possibility of someone placing an item in a position to snag the protruding switch and activate the seat rotation IS too real to ignore, and raises a significant safety issue. Note that the sheepskin seat covers I use are custom made for the boxster seat and have cutouts around the seat switches; even so this incident happened. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
1. I purchased this car new. it IS my daily driver. only serviced my porsche mechanics. it had 32,500 miles at time of failure. after leaving a doctor's appointment, I noticed an unusual sound coming from the engine compartment. not very load. I thought it had caught a piece of debris in the…
1. I purchased this car new. it IS my daily driver. only serviced my porsche mechanics. it had 32,500 miles at time of failure. after leaving a doctor's appointment, I noticed an unusual sound coming from the engine compartment. not very load. I thought it had caught a piece of debris in the belt system. drove it slowly home, and the sound got progressively louder. the next morning there was a puddle of oil under the car. I called the porsche dealer in mobile, al for a tow truck. 2. I was told by the porsche service manager that the car had experienced the infamous intermediate shaft (ims) failure, and that I would need a new engine. I was told there IS little to no warning of this failure, and they are almost always catastrophic. requiring complete engine replacement. 3. porsche north america was contacted with all pertinent information. they responded with an offer to cover half the cost of a factory rebuilt engine. I would pay the other half, plus all labor and towing costs. this replacement will cost me over $11,000.00 !!! *Tr
- Air bags · Vehicle speed control
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 20-25 mph, the vehicle accelerated on its own causing the contact to lose control which resulted an accident. there were no problems with the vehicle prior to this incident. there were no lights illuminated on the dash. the vehicle finally hit a curb…
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 20-25 mph, the vehicle accelerated on its own causing the contact to lose control which resulted an accident. there were no problems with the vehicle prior to this incident. there were no lights illuminated on the dash. the vehicle finally hit a curb causing extensive damage to the vehicle. the driver was injured, but hasn't gone to the hospital. there was a police report filed. the air bags also did not deploy.
- Power train › Manual transmission
Second gear in the transmission broke. *ak
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
Power steering failure, fluid leak. *jb
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011666Parts information with parts withdrawal involving the hydro-mounting - 992199384F The affected vehicles are cars that use the part number mentioned.
- 11011572Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the oil separator. The affected vehicles are cars that use part number 0PC115099A
- 11011570Special tools and equipment information for the WiScope UV upgrade - affecting all Porsche models
- 11011563Information on PIWIS tester update 43.000.020 & .021. PIWIS tester updates applies to all Porsche models that have an OBD2 port.
- 11011561Information on PIWIS tester update 43.000.017. PIWIS tester updates applies to all Porsche models that have an OBD2 port.
- 11011552Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the camera and control unit with the camera - PAD980551 & PAD980568C. The affected vehicles are cars that use the part numbers mentioned.
- 11011200Information on PIWIS tester update 43.000.016. PIWIS tester updates applies to all Porsche models with an OBD2 port.
- 11011195Information on PIWIS tester update 43.000.010, .011 & .015. PIWIS tester updates applies to all Porsche models with an OBD2 port.
- 11009877Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.048
- 11009862Special tools and equipment information for the mobile data signal strength in the workshop
- 11008666Manufacturers certificate with an overview on approved Porsche A40 engine oils. See attached for list of affected vehicles.
- 11008658Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the windscreen. Vehicles affected are cars that use part numbers 992845011Q, 992845011AN, 992845011S, 992845011AM, 992845011BL, 992845011DB, 992845047DY, 992845047FY
- 11008657Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.040. PIWIS tester updates applies to all Porsche models that have an OBD2 port.
- 11008637Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.032. PIWIS tester updates applies to all Porsche models that have an OBD2 port.
- 11008636Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.030. PIWIS tester updates applies to all Porsche models that have an OBD2 port.
- 11008635Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the booster - 7PP035223M, 7PP035223AA, 99164548000. Vehicles affected are cars that use the part numbers listed.
- 11008624Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.025
- 11008603Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the windscreen. The cars involved are cars that use the part numbers 992845011Q, 992845011AN, 992845011S, 992845011AM, 992845011BL, 992845011DB, 992845047DY, 992845047FY
- 11008486Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.021
- 11008479Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the chain tensioner - 0PB109507D
- 11008476Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.020
- 11008473Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the seat frame - 992885456CY
- 11008470Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.015
- 11008454Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the booster - 7PP035223M, 7PP035223AA, and 99164548000
- 11008449Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.010 & .011
- 11008441Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the engine oil (00004321093)
- 11008440Information on PIWIS tester update 42.950.000 & .001
- 11007107Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the wire set - 976971227 & 976971227A
- 11007096Information on PIWIS tester update 42.900.030
- 11007041Information on PIWIS tester update 42.900.020
- 11007037Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the ball screw - PAF004835
- 11007036Information on PIWIS tester update 42.900.010
- 11006874Parts information for parts withdrawal involving a number of parts for the flange, fuel pump, and fuel filter
- 11006858Product Knowledge on the chassis/VIN numbering systems
- 11006850Information on PIWIS tester update 42.900.000
- 11005806Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the charger for the high-voltage battery
- 11005805Information on PIWIS tester update 42.800.070 & .072
- 11005798Special tools and equipment information VAS6292 Hunter Aligner License Program Change
- 11005786Parts information for parts withdrawal involving the brake hose 9J1611707F and 9J1611708F
- 11005783Information on PIWIS tester update 42.800.060
Every Porsche Boxster model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.