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
- 12
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2003
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2003: 12 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 12 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
3 of 12 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission.
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, 2023-07-07
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, 2013-11-19
Visibility/wiper
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, 2026-05-13
Vehicle speed control
1 of 12 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show 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, 2006-06-29
Also filed under Air bags
Tires
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, 2026-02-26
Steering
1 of 12 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system.
Show complaint excerpts
Power steering failure, fluid leak.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-22
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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…
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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.
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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.
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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
2003 Porsche Boxster — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility/wiper: 1 report on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 1 report 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 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 25% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 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.