2003 Porsche Boxster S
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Porsche › Boxster S › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Porsche Boxster S. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2003 Porsche Boxster S. 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.
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
7 complaints2 involved a crash2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Body · Tires
March 5, 2019. [Xxx]. [Xxx] 2003 porsche boxster 3.2 engine with brand new michelin ultra-high-performance tires. On december 31, 2018 about 10:30 am, I was driving the car going east, about 80 to 100 miles per hour in the middle of three lanes.when I reached the top of the hill, the front end of…
March 5, 2019. [Xxx]. [Xxx] 2003 porsche boxster 3.2 engine with brand new michelin ultra-high-performance tires. On december 31, 2018 about 10:30 am, I was driving the car going east, about 80 to 100 miles per hour in the middle of three lanes.when I reached the top of the hill, the front end of the car wobble in the air, one side went up and then it came down: and then the other side went up and came down alternating for few seconds; and then the whole front end started to go up like it or taking off as an airplane. I applied the brakes lightly and it came down on the front right tire, then started to pulling me to the right immediately. I turned left to correct and the front tires lost traction and so the rear tires lost traction immediately. The car spun around twice and sideswiped against the curb on the passenger side and the front ended up facing eastwardly, just the same way as I was heading. I was the only one in the car. The left side door airbag opened up. My left arm and side of my body got all bruised up and sore for several weeks, because of the car and airbag impact. The rear passenger tire went over the curb and did not have any damage. The front passenger tire went barely over the curb and the lower arm broke. The driver front wheel did not go over the curb and upon the impact broke my steering arm and the rim outer side on around the rim broke at different places. the driver rear tire never made it over the curb. It impacted the curb so hard the whole wheel came off and laid on the ground facing down; the rim was badly bent and one spoke broken. The half shaft came completely out and was laying down on the ground and all the other mechanical components were broken and all the oil leaked out. This IS a midsection rear wheel car. It means that most of the weight IS in the rear. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *Cc *tr
- Steering
TL* the contact owned a 2003 porsche boxster s. While driving uphill at 100 mph, the vehicle vibrated violently when the brake pedal was depressed. Also, the steering pulled to the right and the steering wheel detached from the steering column. The vehicle struck a curb and the passenger side air…
TL* the contact owned a 2003 porsche boxster s. While driving uphill at 100 mph, the vehicle vibrated violently when the brake pedal was depressed. Also, the steering pulled to the right and the steering wheel detached from the steering column. The vehicle struck a curb and the passenger side air bags deployed. The rear driver's side tire detached from the vehicle. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was totaled and towed to the contact's home. The contact suffered bruises to the left arm, which did not require medical attention. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 130,000.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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…
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 part fails, the remedy IS a new (or used engine). there IS no way to know of this failure until it happens. I replaced my engine and it cost $12,000. this website provides a lot of information about this porsche problem and it shows some of the research conducted by their engineer, http://www.lnengineering.com/ims.html. their research indicates that porsche knows of the problem and thinks it has to do with particular vin number cars (one of which IS mine) and fixes it when it happens during warranty. I asked them to help cover the cost and they said no, as my car was out of warranty. it IS my opinion that a car (porsche or not) should not fail like this especially with no warning. as an fyi, it appears porsche finally redesigned this part in 2006. I hope you can help me capture some of my out of pocket expense as well as make other users aware with a possible recall. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
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 be taken more seriously by pcna considering the number of cases that are out there. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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…
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 moment by shutdown of the engine and loss of power steering. we feel fortunate that this engine failed at relatively low speed in light traffic, so that no accident or injuries occurred. Had the failure occurred earlier in the day while we were driving at highway speed on curving roads, we believe we would have been involved in a serious accident. Property damage was limited to loss of the engine itself - installation of a remanufactured engine IS estimated at $14,000 to $15,000. We purchased the vehicle this past january for $20,000 so that this engine failure represents a near total, uninsured loss. the engine failure has been diagnosed as an intermediate engine shaft (ims) failure by a local mechanic specializing in porsche maintenance and repair (the closest porsche dealership IS over 100 miles away). Our subsequent internet research indicates that ims failure IS a common problem for porsche automobiles with the M96 engine, with some estimates that greater than 25% of these vehicles will suffer engine failure prior to reaching 100,000 miles. Unfortunately, the true statistics are not available to consumers. Porsche has not admitted that this failure mode results from a bearing design flaw, however that IS the generally accepted root cause. porsche cars north america declines to assist with repair. we recommend that you open an investigation into the failure rate and safety aspects of the porsche M96 engine. We further suggest that it IS likely that fatal accidents involving porsches with these engines have been improperly assigned to driver error. We believe that porsche should be held responsible for ims failures of M96 engines through a safety recall. *Tr
- Air bags › On-off switch assembly
Called porsche dealership to find out how to manually turn off the passenger airbag in 2003 boxster s. I was told that a porsche manufacturer child safety seat was needed to be installed and then the seat belt would be buckled into that. this device would then turn off the passenger airbag. I…
Called porsche dealership to find out how to manually turn off the passenger airbag in 2003 boxster s. I was told that a porsche manufacturer child safety seat was needed to be installed and then the seat belt would be buckled into that. this device would then turn off the passenger airbag. I inquired about the size of this seat and was informed that it would fit a child up to 5 years of age. I told them that the law requires that a child 12 and under must not be seated with an airbag. also an elderly person or someone who recently had surgery would also not want to be seated with an airbag. the boxster s IS only a two passenger car. I was told that it can only be done with the car seat installed and that they could not disconnect the airbag any other way. they also said that if I was to disconnect it or have someone else try to install a turn off switch then I would be voiding the warranty. they said that the 2005's came with a turn off switch but none for the 2003. I asked a mechanic in my family about this, he said it sounds like a safety issue. could you please check into this.*jb
- Electrical system › Ignition · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Latches/locks/linkages › Trunk lid › Lock · Power train › Clutch assembly
I have had many problems with a 2003 boxster s I purchased in may 2003 from mckenna porsche in norwalk, ca. some of the major problems in the last 2 years include: 1) condensation in oil filler area; 2) oil leaks in 2 locations; 3) worn drive belt; 4) clutch causing grinding noise; 5) iginition…
I have had many problems with a 2003 boxster s I purchased in may 2003 from mckenna porsche in norwalk, ca. some of the major problems in the last 2 years include: 1) condensation in oil filler area; 2) oil leaks in 2 locations; 3) worn drive belt; 4) clutch causing grinding noise; 5) iginition switch & key didn't work; air conditioning unit didn't cool; 6) stereo system didn't work. mckenna has repaired/replaced all items to date except the clutch. mckenna advised clucth problem IS my responsibility due to wear and cost IS $1700. the vehilce has 19000 miles. the incident date below IS date I picked up the vehilce from mckenna. I have had problems with the vehicle starting with the first day I picked up the vehicle from mckenna.
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 S model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.