2004 Porsche Boxster
Only 4 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 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2004
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2004: 4 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 4 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 4 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.
Show complaint excerpts
2004 Porsche Boxster, 58-60K mi, had catastrophic engine failure at 10 mi/hr. Engine stalled; was able to restart and drive a few feet, but badly missing. Loud clanging noise from engine. No smoke. Oil drained from car when tilted on towtruck.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-04-29
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 Porsche Boxster. When accelerating from a stop light at 2 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and they stated that the ims (Intermediate shaft) failed, which caused the engine to fail.
NHTSA ODI report, 2009-05-07
Also filed under Steering
Steering
1 of 4 total reports mentions: steering.
Fuel/propulsion system
1 of 4 total reports mentions: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
SUMMARY OF SAFETY DEFECT: Active, unmitigated toxic gasoline vapor leak inside the cabin of a 2004 Porsche Boxster, presenting an acute fire and toxic chemical exposure hazard upon filling the tank and starting the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-13
Engine
1 of 4 total reports mentions: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
The intermediate shaft bearing when out and spread metal shaving throughout the engine. This caused a catastrophic engine failure. I have to have the car towed to the mechanic and will have to have an engine rebuild.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-21
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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
2004 Porsche Boxster — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 1 report on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 22V656000 · Exterior lighting
FAQ
- Is the 2004 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 2004 Porsche Boxster?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 Porsche Boxster have?
- 3 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.