2003 Porsche Boxster problems
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 problems
The Porsche Boxster, introduced in 1996, has been a popular sports car among enthusiasts. However, like any other vehicle, it has its share of common problems, particularly in the early years of production. One of the most significant issues with the 2003 Porsche Boxster is engine failure due to the IMS (Intermediate Shaft) bearing.
The IMS bearing is a crucial component of the engine, responsible for supporting the intermediate shaft that drives the camshafts. In the 2003 Boxster, the IMS bearing was prone to failure, which could lead to catastrophic engine damage and, in some cases, complete engine failure. This issue was not exclusive to the 2003 model but affected various models from the late 1990s to the early 2000s, including the 996 generation of the 911.
The IMS bearing failure was attributed to the use of a single row ball bearing, which was not designed to handle the high loads and stresses of the engine. As a result, the bearing could fail prematurely, causing the intermediate shaft to seize and damaging the engine.
Another problem that affected the 2003 Porsche Boxster was electrical issues. These issues were not as severe as the IMS bearing failure but could still cause inconvenience and frustration for owners. Common electrical problems included malfunctioning sensors, faulty wiring, and issues with the car's electronics.
In addition to the IMS bearing failure and electrical issues, the 2003 Boxster could also suffer from casting problems with the engine. These problems were present in earlier models, including the 1999 Boxster, and could lead to engine failure or reduced performance.
To avoid these common problems, it is recommended to avoid the 1997-1999 Boxster models and focus on models from 2000 or newer. However, even with these later models, it is crucial to inspect the IMS bearing and RMS (Rear Main Seal) before purchasing, as these components could still fail and lead to engine damage.
In summary, the 2003 Porsche Boxster is known for its common problems, including engine failure due to the IMS bearing and electrical issues. To avoid these problems, it is recommended to focus on models from 2000 or newer and thoroughly inspect the IMS bearing and RMS before purchasing.
What is the main problem with the Porsche Boxster?
The two main issues the Boxster and 996 faced at the start of the 2000s were IMS (intermediate shaft) bearing failures and RMS (rear main seal) issues. Contrary to popular belief, both of these issues, although certainly prelevant in both models, were not a guaranteed issue in models of this era.
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.
Is the Porsche Boxster reliable?
Despite its excellent performance and lifespan as a vehicle, the Porsche Boxster has only received a reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5 from RepairPal. Reports indicate that the Porsche Boxster tends to break down frequently and requires frequent maintenance and repairs.
Is Porsche Boxster high maintenance?
The annual maintenance cost of a Porsche Boxster is $952. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.
2003 Porsche Boxster car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Porsche Boxster problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Steering problems
- Air bags problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Porsche Boxster vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2003 Porsche Boxster complaints
The NHTSA has received 17 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Porsche Boxster.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-07-07
- VIN: WP0CB29893U
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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. In addition, while driving at various speeds, the transmission failed to shift into fifth gear and the vehicle would enter LIMP Mode. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer on two separate occasions and was informed that the gear selector switch was sticky due to the vehicle not being driven. The vehicle was repaired after the failures; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 12,669.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-20
- VIN: WP0CA29853U
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: THE IMS BEARINGS IN THE 2001-2005 PORSCHE BOXSTER WOULD JUST STOP THE ENGINE IF NOT REPLACED. HELLO, I BOUGHT MY 2003 POSCHE BOXSTER BRAND NEW FROM RECTOR PORSCHE/AUDI DEALERSHIP OF BURLINGAME BACK IN 2003. I RECENTLY FOUND OUT THAT PORSCHE HAD A FAULTY PART IN THEIR ENGINE CALLED THE IMS BEARINGS. THE CARS THAT WERE INVOLVED ARE CARS FROM 2001-2005 PORSCHE BOXSTER. THERE WAS A LAWSUIT (EISEN VS. PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA) THAT TOOK PLACE AND SETTLED BEFORE GOING INTO TRIAL. PEOPLE THAT OWNED THE CARS WERE NOTIFIED TO GET THEIR IMS BEARINGS FIXED THROUGH PORSCHE. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. I REACHED OUT TO PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA AND ASKED ABOUT THE LAWSUIT. THE LAST DATE TO FILE TO GET YOUR CAR FIXED WAS OCTOBER 15, 2013. THEY TOLD ME THAT I WASN'T EVEN LISTED IN THEIR SYSTEM AS THE OWNER OF MY PORSCHE BOXSTER. SO I ASKED. HOW COULD HAVE I FILED A CLAIM IF I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED ABOUT IT. PEOPLE'S CARS WOULD SEIZED FROM WORKING WITHOUT ANY SIGNS OF ANY PROBLEMS. MY CAR ONLY HAS 32,480 MILES ON IT. THE DEALERSHIP MECHANIC SUGGEST'S THAT I GET MY IMS BEARINGS REPLACED. BUT IT WOULD COST ME $3,500. WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THIS? THEY WON'T OWN UP TO THIS AND IT'S THEIR FAULT FOR NOT HAVING MY NAME LISTED IN THEIR SYSTEM. I SHOWED THEM MY BILL OF SALES FROM RECTOR AND EVEN SHOWED PROOF OF REGISTRATIONS DATING BACK FROM 2002 - TO PRESENT DAY.
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
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.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-11-15
- VIN: WP0CA29843U
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TOOK MY PORSCHE BOXSTER TO THE LOCAL PORSCHE DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE. THEY CALLED ME BACK AND SAID MY CAR HAD A GASOLINE FUEL LEAK AND NEEDED A REPLACEMENT FUEL LEVEL SENSOR IT WAS CRACKED AND LEAKING FUEL.. THE SERVICE ORDER AT PICKUP SAID MECHANIC NOTED FUEL DRIPPING FROM GAS TANK...NOTED LEAKING FROM CRACKS IN THE SENDING UNIT WHERE THE PRESSURIZED FUEL OUTLET IS, REPLACED SENDING UNIT AND SEAL, ALSO NOTED ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR SEAL SWOLLEN FROM FUEL CONTAMINATION. I ASKED THE SERVICE MANAGER IF THIS HAD BEEN REPORTED TO THE NHTSA AND HE SAID NO, WHY SHOULD THEY. I EXLPLAINED THIS WAS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD INVOLVING A FUEL LEAK THAT COULD HAVE SERIOUS LIFE OR DEATH CONSEQUENCES. I HAVE THE REPLACED UNIT AND PICTURES AS I REQUESTED THIS UPON PICKING UP THE VEHICLE. I WAS CHARGED $628.58 FOR REPLACING FAULTY FUEL LEVEL SENSOR(SENDING UNIT). I HAVE A COPY OF THE BILL WITH MECHANIC'S COMMENTS. ALSO PICS OF THE FAULTY UNIT ON MY CELL PHONE.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-08-05
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: REAR BRAKES (BOTH SIDES) BEGAN APPLYING THEMSELVES WITH NO DRIVER INPUT, LOCKING UP WITHIN ABOUT 5 SECONDS. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-06-17
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE AND DIAGNOSED AS HAVING AN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BEARING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-03-01
- VIN: WP0CA29893U
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: A STRANGE THING HAPPENED AS MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING HOME AT NIGHT IN OUR '03 BOXSTER. THE SEATBACK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MYSTERIOUSLY BEGAN ROTATING FORWARD, ALL EFFORTS TO STOP IT USING BODY FORCE FAILED. MY WIFE WAS CRUSHED INTO THE GLOVE BOX BY THE TIME I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND STOP. SHE COULD NOT REACH THE DOOR HANDLE AND WAS BARELY ABLE TO EXTRICATE HERSELF AFTER I OPENED THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE SEAT MOTOR HAD ROTATED THE SEATBACK FORWARD TO A POSITION OF APPROXIMATELY 45 PAST VERTICAL BY THE TIME IT STOPPED. WE LATER DISCOVERED THAT THE SHEEPSKIN SEAT COVER HAD SNAGGED THE PROTRUDING SWITCH ON THE SIDE OF THE SEAT AND HELD IT, CAUSING THE SEAT BACK TO ROTATE. THE POINT I NEED TO MAKE IS THIS; WHAT IF THE SAME THING HAD HAPPENED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE? THE DRIVER WOULD BE CRUSHED AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL AND UNABLE TO STOP. A CRASH WOULD BE INEVITABLE, AND THE DRIVER WOULD SUSTAIN SERIOUS INJURY SINCE THE SPACE BETWEEN THE DRIVER AND WHEEL IS SO SMALL. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO NEED FOR THE SEAT MOTOR TO BE ABLE TO ROTATE THE SEATBACK FORWARD TO SUCH A HUGE ANGLE FROM VERTICAL, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE MECHANICAL LEVER AT THE TOP OF THE SEAT MAY BE USED IF SEAT ROTATION IS REQUIRED. I STRONGLY URGE PORSCHE TO CONSIDER INSTALLING A LIMIT SWITCH ON THE SEAT MOTOR TO PREVENT EVEN THE REMOTEST POSSIBILITY OF THIS EVENT OCCURRING. THE POSSIBILITY OF SOMEONE PLACING AN ITEM IN A POSITION TO SNAG THE PROTRUDING SWITCH AND ACTIVATE THE SEAT ROTATION IS TOO REAL TO IGNORE, AND RAISES A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. NOTE THAT THE SHEEPSKIN SEAT COVERS I USE ARE CUSTOM MADE FOR THE BOXSTER SEAT AND HAVE CUTOUTS AROUND THE SEAT SWITCHES; EVEN SO THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-09-07
- VIN: WP0CA29813U
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1. I PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW. IT IS MY DAILY DRIVER. ONLY SERVICED MY PORSCHE MECHANICS. IT HAD 32,500 MILES AT TIME OF FAILURE. AFTER LEAVING A DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT, I NOTICED AN UNUSUAL SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. NOT VERY LOAD. I THOUGHT IT HAD CAUGHT A PIECE OF DEBRIS IN THE BELT SYSTEM. DROVE IT SLOWLY HOME, AND THE SOUND GOT PROGRESSIVELY LOUDER. THE NEXT MORNING THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF OIL UNDER THE CAR. I CALLED THE PORSCHE DEALER IN MOBILE, AL FOR A TOW TRUCK. 2. I WAS TOLD BY THE PORSCHE SERVICE MANAGER THAT THE CAR HAD EXPERIENCED THE INFAMOUS INTERMEDIATE SHAFT (IMS) FAILURE, AND THAT I WOULD NEED A NEW ENGINE. I WAS TOLD THERE IS LITTLE TO NO WARNING OF THIS FAILURE, AND THEY ARE ALMOST ALWAYS CATASTROPHIC. REQUIRING COMPLETE ENGINE REPLACEMENT. 3. PORSCHE NORTH AMERICA WAS CONTACTED WITH ALL PERTINENT INFORMATION. THEY RESPONDED WITH AN OFFER TO COVER HALF THE COST OF A FACTORY REBUILT ENGINE. I WOULD PAY THE OTHER HALF, PLUS ALL LABOR AND TOWING COSTS. THIS REPLACEMENT WILL COST ME OVER $11,000.00 !!! *TR
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
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
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
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
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-06-27
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WP0CA29823U
- Components: AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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. THERE WERE NO LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. THE VEHICLE FINALLY HIT A CURB CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS INJURED, BUT HASN'T GONE TO THE HOSPITAL. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED. THE AIR BAGS ALSO DID NOT DEPLOY.
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.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-13
- VIN: WP0CA29813U
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: SECOND GEAR IN THE TRANSMISSION BROKE. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-16
- Crash: 1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING FAILURE, FLUID LEAK. *JB
2003 Porsche Boxster recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2003 Porsche Boxster.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: DOPE, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: 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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- 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.
- 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.
Negative 2003 Porsche Boxster car reviews
Positive 2003 Porsche Boxster car reviews
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Congratulations on your 3rd Porsche! It's great to hear that you're enjoying it so much. The mid-engine design really allows for a thrilling driving experience, and it's wonderful to hear that you feel confident driving it fast. The car's interior is comfortable and spacious, with plenty of storage. The power top is also a great feature. While there are some areas for improvement, such as the plastic inside, overall it sounds like a fantastic car. Thank you for sharing your experience and advice on the 2003 and newer models. It's good to know that the tiptronic is easy to use and a great option. Enjoy your Porsche and happy driving!
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I loved the Honda S2000 until I drove the Porsche Boxster. It's a fantastic car, really fun to drive. I've never had a car that turns so many heads. It has lots of power, great handling, and it makes going to work a pleasure.
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If you're considering buying this Porsche, it's important to keep in mind that maintenance can be expensive. However, as someone who has owned several cars including a BMW Z4, Nissan 350z, and Toyota MR2, I can confidently say that the Boxster is in a league of its own. When my mom surprised me with it as a gift, I was thrilled to take it for a spin. The driving experience was unlike anything I had ever felt before. The car shifts smoothly and powerfully, and even the base model has impressive speed. Of course, the S model is even faster and more exhilarating to drive.
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Great car! It's so much fun to drive. There's nothing more to say other than it's an amazing value for a Porsche.
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Going to work in this beauty is absolutely worthwhile thanks to its awesome handling and acceleration. The state-of-the-art Triptronic transmission is also a great feature.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Porsche Boxster problems:
Opinions on a 2003 Boxter for sale? : r/boxster
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2003 Porsche Boxster Problems and Complaints - 42 Issues
Problem with your 2003 Porsche Boxster? Our list of 42 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2003 Porsche Boxster.
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Aug 11, 2020 ... Boxster & Boxster S (986) Forum - Porsche Boxster '03 - Good evening everyone! I am am currently the owner of a Porsche Boxster 2003 which ...
Other years of Porsche Boxster
Are you having problems with your 2003 Porsche Boxster?
Merritt King 2025-01-07
During my 26 months of ownership, the car has unfortunately been down for repairs for a total of 90 days due to multiple problems across various systems, ranging from electrical to suspension and even requiring a new engine. However, I am pleased to report that I have not received any traffic tickets while driving this car, which is a testament to how well I have taken care of it. While Porsche did extend the warranty for two years, the process of deciding how to repair, obtaining parts, and scheduling the work has been slower than expected.