Porsche Boxster S Problems by Year

We compared every Porsche Boxster S model year from 2001–2003 using 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 2 recalls and federal defect investigations. No Boxster S year stands out with an unusual number of complaints. The best years are 2002 and 2001.

3model years
10complaints
2recalls
—worst years
2002, 2001best years

Complaints by model year

200120022003217
Owner complaints per model year, Porsche Boxster S. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
200372.0×2EngineAverage
20021−45%2Window & WiperFew
20012−20%2Fuel SystemFew

* Complaints compared with the median Boxster S year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Porsche Boxster S problems

  • Engine & coolingworst: 2003
    440%
  • Electrical systemworst: 2001
    330%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2001
    110%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 2002
    110%
  • Locks & latchesworst: 2003
    110%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2003
    110%
  • Air bagsworst: 2003
    110%
  • Steeringworst: 2003
    110%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2003
    110%
  • Body & structureworst: 2003
    110%

Latest Porsche Boxster S recalls

Exterior lighting › Headlights

NHTSA recall 22V-656 · Aug 30, 2022 · 222,858 vehicles

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.

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.

Power train › Automatic transmission

NHTSA recall 03V-004 · Jan 23, 2003 · 12,234 vehicles

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.

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.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Porsche Boxster S should you avoid?

None of the Porsche Boxster S years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.

What is the best year for the Porsche Boxster S?

2002 has the fewest complaints compared with other Boxster S years at the same age, followed by 2001. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Porsche Boxster S problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (4), electrical system (3) and fuel & propulsion system (1). Engine complaints peak in the 2003 model year.

How many recalls has the Porsche Boxster S had?

2 recalls across 2001–2003. The model year with the most is 2001.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.