The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 03V-004 (03V004000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | A305 |
| Manufacturer | Porsche Cars North America, Inc. |
| Component | Power train › Automatic transmission |
| Report date | January 23, 2003 |
| Owners notified | July 15, 2003 |
| Vehicles affected | 12,234 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
- 1997 Porsche Boxster
- 1998 Porsche Boxster
- 1999 Porsche Boxster
- 2000 Porsche Boxster
- 2001 Porsche Boxster
- 2002 Porsche Boxster
- 2003 Porsche Boxster
- 2001 Porsche Boxster S
- 2002 Porsche Boxster S
- 2003 Porsche Boxster S
Plus 1 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.
Owner complaints about the transmission & drivetrain
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 03V-004 repair free?
Yes. Porsche dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 12,234 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.