2003 Porsche Boxster s problems

General information about Porsche-Boxster s
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Porsche Boxster and Cayman are mid-engine two-seater sports cars manufactured and marketed by German automobile manufacturer Porsche across four generations—as a two-door, two-seater roadster (Boxster) and a three-door, two-seater fastback coupé (Cayman).

The first generation Boxster was introduced in 1996; the second generation Boxster and the Cayman arrived in late 2005; and the third generation launched in 2012. Since the introduction of the fourth generation in 2016, the two models have been marketed as the Porsche 718 Boxster and Porsche 718 Cayman.

The nameplate Boxster is a portmanteau of boxer, a reference to its flat or boxer engine, and roadster, a reference to the body style. The nameplate Cayman is an alternative spelling of caiman, a member of the alligator family.

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Common 2003 Porsche Boxster s problems

The Porsche Boxster S, model year 2003, is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:

RMS (Rear Main Seal) Leaks: Another common problem in the 2003 Boxster S is leaks from the rear main seal, which can cause oil leaks between the engine and transmission joint. This issue can lead to clutch damage in manual cars if not addressed promptly. Some leaks may only appear during storage or initial startup, as the seal needs heat from driving to remain sealed efficiently.

Misfires and Check Engine Light: Misfires in the Boxster S 2003 can be caused by worn spark plugs, cracks in ignition coils, or oil leaking past the spark plug tube seals. Ignition coils on the M96 and M97 Boxster engines have been updated by Porsche multiple times due to their susceptibility to cracking. Low mileage older cars may still have the older style coils, and it is recommended to replace all coils with the newer versions even if only one has failed.

Exhaust Manifold Cracks: This issue can be caused by heat stress or corroded bolts/fasteners. Excessive engine noise, exhaust fumes escaping from around the manifold, and loss of performance are possible signs of a crack, which can be difficult to spot by sight unless you have the facilities to inspect the underneath of the car. A cracked exhaust manifold will usually need to be replaced.

Suspension Problems: Suspension issues are the second most common reason for a Boxster 987 to fail its MOT, with broken coil springs being the primary culprit. These problems can cause the coolant radiators and air conditioning condensers to corrode, leading to expensive repairs. It is essential to check the ducts for signs of regular cleaning and look for stone damage to the air conditioning system.

Wheel Corrosion: Corrosion is a common problem with the various wheels available with the Boxster, and once it has started, the condition will deteriorate. Check for signs of damage, such as curbing and early corrosion, as it will mean the wheels eventually need to be refurbished.

Roof Mechanism Issues: Problems with broken push rods on the roof mechanism are common, but they are simple and relatively inexpensive to replace. The other thing to look for is evidence of leaks, particularly from the rear roof drains, which can get blocked by dirt and leaves, forcing rainwater into the cabin close to an electronic control unit.

Brake System: While the brakes on the Boxster 987 are excellent, they may not feel as heavily servo-assisted as those in most cars. It is essential to check how much life is left in the discs and pads before deciding how much to offer for the car. If discs have a rough surface, circular grooves, or a pronounced outer lip, they will need replacing in the near future. Similarly, if the brakes squeak or the car pulls one way during braking, it is almost certainly a sign that repairs are needed.

It is crucial to address these common problems promptly to maintain the performance and longevity of your Porsche Boxster S 2003. Regular inspections and maintenance by a Porsche specialist can help identify and prevent these issues.

What goes wrong on Porsche Boxster S?

Porsche Boxsters have a number of common sources for leaking oil. Some of the most common include rear main seal (see below), valve covers, spark plug seals and oil cooler seals. Less common are leaks from the cam seals and scavenger oil pump seal.

What is the biggest problem with Porsche Boxster?

The most common problems with Porsche Boxsters first and second generations are:

Engine Block Porosity.
Cylinder Head Cracks.
Cylinder Lining Cracks.
Rod Bolt Failure.
IMS Bearing Failures.
Chain Tensioner Failure.
Variocam Solenoids Failure.
Leaks in the Rear Main Seal.

Does 2003 Boxster have IMS issue?

Boxsters, Caymans and 911s from MY1997 to MY2008 are all at risk of IMS bearing failure, with the exception of Turbo, GT2 and GT3 models.

Are old Porsche Boxsters reliable?

The Porsche Boxster usually needs frequent major and unexpected repairs, according to RepairPal. It has a 2.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating, ranking 12th out of 15 cars in the same category.

2003 Porsche Boxster s car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Porsche Boxster s problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Engine and engine cooling problems
Structure problems
Tires problems
Steering problems
Air bags problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Porsche Boxster s vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2003 Porsche Boxster s complaints

The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Porsche Boxster s.

2019-03-14

STRUCTURE,TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2018-01-31
Number Of Injuries: 1
Crash: 1
VIN: WP0CB29823U
Components: STRUCTURE,TIRES
Summary: MARCH 5, 2019. [XXX]. [XXX] 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER 3.2 ENGINE WITH BRAND NEW MICHELIN ULTRA-HIGH-PERFORMANCE TIRES. ON DECEMBER 31, 2018 ABOUT 10:30 AM, I WAS DRIVING THE CAR GOING EAST, ABOUT 80 TO 100 MILES PER HOUR IN THE MIDDLE OF THREE LANES.WHEN I REACHED THE TOP OF THE HILL, THE FRONT END OF THE CAR WOBBLE IN THE AIR, ONE SIDE WENT UP AND THEN IT CAME DOWN: AND THEN THE OTHER SIDE WENT UP AND CAME DOWN ALTERNATING FOR FEW SECONDS; AND THEN THE WHOLE FRONT END STARTED TO GO UP LIKE IT OR TAKING OFF AS AN AIRPLANE. I APPLIED THE BRAKES LIGHTLY AND IT CAME DOWN ON THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE, THEN STARTED TO PULLING ME TO THE RIGHT IMMEDIATELY. I TURNED LEFT TO CORRECT AND THE FRONT TIRES LOST TRACTION AND SO THE REAR TIRES LOST TRACTION IMMEDIATELY. THE CAR SPUN AROUND TWICE AND SIDESWIPED AGAINST THE CURB ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE FRONT ENDED UP FACING EASTWARDLY, JUST THE SAME WAY AS I WAS HEADING. I WAS THE ONLY ONE IN THE CAR. THE LEFT SIDE DOOR AIRBAG OPENED UP. MY LEFT ARM AND SIDE OF MY BODY GOT ALL BRUISED UP AND SORE FOR SEVERAL WEEKS, BECAUSE OF THE CAR AND AIRBAG IMPACT. THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE WENT OVER THE CURB AND DID NOT HAVE ANY DAMAGE. THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WENT BARELY OVER THE CURB AND THE LOWER ARM BROKE. THE DRIVER FRONT WHEEL DID NOT GO OVER THE CURB AND UPON THE IMPACT BROKE MY STEERING ARM AND THE RIM OUTER SIDE ON AROUND THE RIM BROKE AT DIFFERENT PLACES. THE DRIVER REAR TIRE NEVER MADE IT OVER THE CURB. IT IMPACTED THE CURB SO HARD THE WHOLE WHEEL CAME OFF AND LAID ON THE GROUND FACING DOWN; THE RIM WAS BADLY BENT AND ONE SPOKE BROKEN. THE HALF SHAFT CAME COMPLETELY OUT AND WAS LAYING DOWN ON THE GROUND AND ALL THE OTHER MECHANICAL COMPONENTS WERE BROKEN AND ALL THE OIL LEAKED OUT. THIS IS A MIDSECTION REAR WHEEL CAR. IT MEANS THAT MOST OF THE WEIGHT IS IN THE REAR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR

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2019-03-06

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2018-12-18
Number Of Injuries: 1
Crash: 1
VIN: WP0CB29823U
Components: STEERING
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER S. WHILE DRIVING UPHILL AT 100 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED VIOLENTLY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. ALSO, THE STEERING PULLED TO THE RIGHT AND THE STEERING WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE STRUCK A CURB AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE CONTACT SUFFERED BRUISES TO THE LEFT ARM, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

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2010-07-23

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2010-06-19
VIN: WP0CB29803U
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: MY ENGINE FAILED DUE TO A PART CALLED THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. THE CAR IS A 2003 PORSCHE, BOXSTER S WITH 47,000. THIS PROBLEM IS WELL DOCUMENTED ON LINE AND APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP I WENT TO, KNEW RIGHT AWAY ABOUT THE FAILURE AS THEY SEE AT LEAST 1 PER MONTH. WHEN THIS PART FAILS, THE REMEDY IS A NEW (OR USED ENGINE). THERE IS NO WAY TO KNOW OF THIS FAILURE UNTIL IT HAPPENS. I REPLACED MY ENGINE AND IT COST $12,000. THIS WEBSITE PROVIDES A LOT OF INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PORSCHE PROBLEM AND IT SHOWS SOME OF THE RESEARCH CONDUCTED BY THEIR ENGINEER, HTTP://WWW.LNENGINEERING.COM/IMS.HTML. THEIR RESEARCH INDICATES THAT PORSCHE KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM AND THINKS IT HAS TO DO WITH PARTICULAR VIN NUMBER CARS (ONE OF WHICH IS MINE) AND FIXES IT WHEN IT HAPPENS DURING WARRANTY. I ASKED THEM TO HELP COVER THE COST AND THEY SAID NO, AS MY CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. IT IS MY OPINION THAT A CAR (PORSCHE OR NOT) SHOULD NOT FAIL LIKE THIS ESPECIALLY WITH NO WARNING. AS AN FYI, IT APPEARS PORSCHE FINALLY REDESIGNED THIS PART IN 2006. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME CAPTURE SOME OF MY OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE AS WELL AS MAKE OTHER USERS AWARE WITH A POSSIBLE RECALL. *TR

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2010-03-12

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2010-03-08
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: I HAVE A 2003 PORSCHE BOXSTER S WITH 32,000MI ON IT. ON THE 8TH OF MARCH, THE ENGINE FAILED WITH AN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BEARING FAILURE REQUIRING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENGINE. PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA ARE NOT HELPFUL. SUCH A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE ENGINE IN MY OPINION IS DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE TAKEN MORE SERIOUSLY BY PCNA CONSIDERING THE NUMBER OF CASES THAT ARE OUT THERE. *TR

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2009-06-13

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2009-05-16
VIN: WP0CB29853U
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: ON SATURDAY, MAY 16TH THIS BOXSTER SUFFERED ENGINE FAILURE WHILE TRAVELING AT ~ 30 MPH. THE ENGINE FAILED WITH NO PRIOR WARNING. THE INITIAL INDICATION WAS A LOUD AND DISTRACTING FLAPPING NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING HAD BEEN PICKED UP ON THE CAR'S UNDERCARRIAGE. THIS WAS FOLLOWED WITHIN A MOMENT BY SHUTDOWN OF THE ENGINE AND LOSS OF POWER STEERING. WE FEEL FORTUNATE THAT THIS ENGINE FAILED AT RELATIVELY LOW SPEED IN LIGHT TRAFFIC, SO THAT NO ACCIDENT OR INJURIES OCCURRED. HAD THE FAILURE OCCURRED EARLIER IN THE DAY WHILE WE WERE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON CURVING ROADS, WE BELIEVE WE WOULD HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. PROPERTY DAMAGE WAS LIMITED TO LOSS OF THE ENGINE ITSELF - INSTALLATION OF A REMANUFACTURED ENGINE IS ESTIMATED AT $14,000 TO $15,000. WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE THIS PAST JANUARY FOR $20,000 SO THAT THIS ENGINE FAILURE REPRESENTS A NEAR TOTAL, UNINSURED LOSS. THE ENGINE FAILURE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS AN INTERMEDIATE ENGINE SHAFT (IMS) FAILURE BY A LOCAL MECHANIC SPECIALIZING IN PORSCHE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR (THE CLOSEST PORSCHE DEALERSHIP IS OVER 100 MILES AWAY). OUR SUBSEQUENT INTERNET RESEARCH INDICATES THAT IMS FAILURE IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR PORSCHE AUTOMOBILES WITH THE M96 ENGINE, WITH SOME ESTIMATES THAT GREATER THAN 25% OF THESE VEHICLES WILL SUFFER ENGINE FAILURE PRIOR TO REACHING 100,000 MILES. UNFORTUNATELY, THE TRUE STATISTICS ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO CONSUMERS. PORSCHE HAS NOT ADMITTED THAT THIS FAILURE MODE RESULTS FROM A BEARING DESIGN FLAW, HOWEVER THAT IS THE GENERALLY ACCEPTED ROOT CAUSE. PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA DECLINES TO ASSIST WITH REPAIR. WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU OPEN AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE FAILURE RATE AND SAFETY ASPECTS OF THE PORSCHE M96 ENGINE. WE FURTHER SUGGEST THAT IT IS LIKELY THAT FATAL ACCIDENTS INVOLVING PORSCHES WITH THESE ENGINES HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ASSIGNED TO DRIVER ERROR. WE BELIEVE THAT PORSCHE SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR IMS FAILURES OF M96 ENGINES THROUGH A SAFETY RECALL. *TR

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2007-01-27

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2007-01-10
VIN: WP0CB298X3U
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: CALLED PORSCHE DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT HOW TO MANUALLY TURN OFF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IN 2003 BOXSTER S. I WAS TOLD THAT A PORSCHE MANUFACTURER CHILD SAFETY SEAT WAS NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED AND THEN THE SEAT BELT WOULD BE BUCKLED INTO THAT. THIS DEVICE WOULD THEN TURN OFF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG. I INQUIRED ABOUT THE SIZE OF THIS SEAT AND WAS INFORMED THAT IT WOULD FIT A CHILD UP TO 5 YEARS OF AGE. I TOLD THEM THAT THE LAW REQUIRES THAT A CHILD 12 AND UNDER MUST NOT BE SEATED WITH AN AIRBAG. ALSO AN ELDERLY PERSON OR SOMEONE WHO RECENTLY HAD SURGERY WOULD ALSO NOT WANT TO BE SEATED WITH AN AIRBAG. THE BOXSTER S IS ONLY A TWO PASSENGER CAR. I WAS TOLD THAT IT CAN ONLY BE DONE WITH THE CAR SEAT INSTALLED AND THAT THEY COULD NOT DISCONNECT THE AIRBAG ANY OTHER WAY. THEY ALSO SAID THAT IF I WAS TO DISCONNECT IT OR HAVE SOMEONE ELSE TRY TO INSTALL A TURN OFF SWITCH THEN I WOULD BE VOIDING THE WARRANTY. THEY SAID THAT THE 2005'S CAME WITH A TURN OFF SWITCH BUT NONE FOR THE 2003. I ASKED A MECHANIC IN MY FAMILY ABOUT THIS, HE SAID IT SOUNDS LIKE A SAFETY ISSUE. COULD YOU PLEASE CHECK INTO THIS.*JB

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2005-07-15

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2003-05-11
VIN: WP0CB29873U
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Summary: I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH A 2003 BOXSTER S I PURCHASED IN MAY 2003 FROM MCKENNA PORSCHE IN NORWALK, CA. SOME OF THE MAJOR PROBLEMS IN THE LAST 2 YEARS INCLUDE: 1) CONDENSATION IN OIL FILLER AREA; 2) OIL LEAKS IN 2 LOCATIONS; 3) WORN DRIVE BELT; 4) CLUTCH CAUSING GRINDING NOISE; 5) IGINITION SWITCH & KEY DIDN'T WORK; AIR CONDITIONING UNIT DIDN'T COOL; 6) STEREO SYSTEM DIDN'T WORK. MCKENNA HAS REPAIRED/REPLACED ALL ITEMS TO DATE EXCEPT THE CLUTCH. MCKENNA ADVISED CLUCTH PROBLEM IS MY RESPONSIBILITY DUE TO WEAR AND COST IS $1700. THE VEHILCE HAS 19000 MILES. THE INCIDENT DATE BELOW IS DATE I PICKED UP THE VEHILCE FROM MCKENNA. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE STARTING WITH THE FIRST DAY I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE FROM MCKENNA.

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2003 Porsche Boxster s recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2003 Porsche Boxster s.

2022-08-30

Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Summary: 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."
Consequence: Improperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
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. Porsche's number for this recall is ANB4.

2003-01-23

Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
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 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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2003 Porsche Boxster s problems:

2003 Boxster S - prevent IMS failure? - 986 Forum - The Community ...

http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-general-discussions/17073-2003-boxster-s-prevent-ims-failure.html

Jun 8, 2008 ... All Boxster's are prone to RMS and IMS failures, but they tend to be more common in earlier years. Also know that once you get past 35-40K miles ...

Opinions on a 2003 Boxter for sale? : r/boxster

https://www.reddit.com/r/boxster/comments/jqp1qp/opinions_on_a_2003_boxter_for_sale/

Nov 9, 2020 ... ... 2003-Porsche-Boxster-Roadster-5SPD/. Is 99K ... What are some common problems with the boxter that I should know about? ... I've got two Boxster S, ...

Here Are The Porsche Boxster Years To Avoid - CoPilot

https://www.copilotsearch.com/posts/porsche-boxster-years-to-avoid/

Jun 12, 2023 ... Common Porsche Boxster Problems · Oil separator leaks: Owners of 2007-2010 Boxsters reported leakage at the oil separator, which occurs at around ...

2003 Porsche Boxster Problems and Complaints - 42 Issues

https://repairpal.com/2003-porsche-boxster/problems

Top 2003 Porsche Boxster Problems · Various Faults Due to Intenal Leak at the Oil Seperator · Power Windows Won't Lower Due to Failing Cabriolet Top/Door Handle ...