2003 Porsche Boxster S recalls and problems
The 2003 Porsche Boxster S has 2 safety recalls and 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Porsche dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Porsche Boxster S vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Porsche Boxster S recalls
Recall 22V-656: Exterior Lighting
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
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 S problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | |
| Electrical System | 1 | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 1 | |
| Power Train | 1 | |
| Air Bags | 1 | |
| Steering | 1 | |
| Tires | 1 | |
| Structure | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
- Electrical System › Ignition — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 1
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Lock — 1
- Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 1
- Air Bags › On-Off Switch Assembly — 1
- Structure › Body — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 59,679 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 S complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Porsche Boxster S years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Porsche Boxster S have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Porsche Boxster S: 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 S?
Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (4 reports), followed by electrical system (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 59,679 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.