2003 Porsche Boxster
Only 12 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 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1997 | 22 |
| 1998 | 32 |
| 1999 | 28 |
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2001 | 13 |
| 2002 | 10 |
| 2003 | 12 |
| 2004 | 3 |
| 2005 | 16 |
| 2006 | 5 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 10 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 12 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 12 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230707
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131119
1 of 12 total reports mentions: visibility/wiper.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260513
1 of 12 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060629
1 of 12 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2003 Porsche Boxster equipped with Landgolden Tires, Tire Line: L27, Tire Size: 265/35/ZR18, DOT Number: (N/A).
NHTSA ODI report, 20260226
1 of 12 total reports mentions: steering.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
POWER STEERING FAILURE, FLUID LEAK. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030922
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 TH
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 V
Campaign 03V004000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E025000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 22V656000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Porsche Boxster — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V004000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E025000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V656000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2003 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 2003 Porsche Boxster?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Porsche Boxster have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.