2002 Porsche Boxster
Only 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 10
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2002
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2002: 10 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1997 | 22 |
| 1998 | 32 |
| 1999 | 28 |
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2001 | 13 |
| 2002 | 10 |
| 2003 | 12 |
| 2004 | 4 |
| 2005 | 16 |
| 2006 | 5 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 10 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 10 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 10 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.
Show complaint excerpts
On two occasions and on two separate vehicle engine camshaft failed while driving. Dealer and manufacturer were aware of problem. Feel free to provide any further information.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-07-30
Electrical system
2 of 10 total reports mention: electrical system.
Structure
2 of 10 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing body.
Power train
2 of 10 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing clutch assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
2002 porche Boxster. Consumer writes in regards to complaint concerning vehicle parts *tgw the consumer stated the cables from the shifter to the transmission failed while driving in heavy traffic.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-13
My clutch was making a terrible noise for a week after I initially purchased the car and then again about a week prior to the failure of the clutch. I only have 24000 miles on the clutch and it failed suddenly causing a burning cloud of smoke.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-02-05
Tires
1 of 10 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
Original equipment tires on 2002 Porsche boxter s are not safe on wet pavement. The type of tires are designed for clean dry pavement only. Very dangerous on wet pavement. No warning is provided to owner.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-15
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2003-07-15Power train03V004000 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…
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…
-
R
2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…
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.
-
R
2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 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…
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.
-
R
2022-10-28Exterior lighting22V656000 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.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Porsche Boxster — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 03V004000 · Power train
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 22V656000 · Exterior lighting
FAQ
- Is the 2002 Porsche Boxster reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Porsche Boxster?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 Porsche Boxster have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.