2004 Porsche Boxster Porsche Boxster 2004

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2004 Porsche Boxster repairs by problem area

Engine (49%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (8%)

Brakes and Traction Control (2%)

Suspension and Steering (9%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (24%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (2%)

Other (4%)

Chart based on 99 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2004 Porsche Boxster.

2004 Porsche Boxster repair cost distribution

$2500+ (11%)

$1000 - $2499 (14%)

$500 - $999 (19%)

$100 - $499 (29%)

< $100 (27%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 79 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2004 Porsche Boxster 2dr Convertible

264-horsepower 3.2L H6 6-speed manual RWD

Porsche Boxster in Texas, United States
Apr 2016 - Jun 2018
Feb 2017

97000 mi

US $115
Replaced Air/Oil Separator because car was idling roughly, drawing major vacuum through the crankcase and blew white smoke a few times. Repair was successful and fairly easy. 
Feb 2018

100600 mi

US $800
Fuel pump failed non-catastrophically. Car was slow to start for a week or two. I assumed that it was the battery due to not driving the car enough. I drove it to Modern Aircooled for a thorough general inspection and oil change, and they identified that the fuel pump was failing to produce needed pressure. The fuel pump was replaced. 
Mar 2018

102000 mi

US $500
Water pump failed. It was gushing coolant once the system pressurized and caused bad noises. Belt tenioner roller replaced. Bolt was rounded over and required cutting to remove. Cutting the bolt took a very long time due to lack of access. Bolt was replaced with M10x50mm set screw and lock nut due to lack of access. Replacement pulley used was Sebro brand. 
Porsche Boxster in Manitoba, Canada
Dec 2009 - May 2013
Jun 2012

32860 mi

C $450
Window relay stopped working properly 
Porsche Boxster in California, United States
Nov 2009 - Jan 2010
Jan 2010

51000 mi

US $750
2004 Boxter S. Right rear wheel bearing started to howl, I was sure it would have been covered under the 6 year warranty which was still in effect but it wasn't, cost was $750.  A week later the left rear started to do the same thing, I got rid of it. Replace left rear wheel bearing. CV boots are leaking and need replacement also. 
Porsche Boxster in Kentucky, United States
Dec 2009 - Aug 2011
Jul 2010

21000 mi

US $5000
Intermediate Shaft Failure 
Porsche Boxster in California, United States
May 2010 - Jul 2011
Dec 2010

42000 mi

US $800
Water pump was making noise and needed to be replaced. 
Porsche Boxster in Slovak Republic
Jun 2013 - Jun 2016
Jul 2013

44120 mi

€400
noisy on road bumps 
Jun 2015

45880 mi

€70
Faulty cap on cooling circuit. Vehicle lost about 5 liters of cooling liquid and stalled due to low level of liquid / overheating. Common issue, easy fix. 
Oct 2015

45880 mi

€450
Driver's window opening mechanism gone. The technician said, that it's common issue on this car. 
Apr 2016

45980 mi

€480
Cooling system issues - coolant is leaking somewhere under winshield and makes it foggy. Noisy starter - hangs in action after engine start. 
May 2016

46500 mi

€177
A/C gas is leaking somewhere. Every year I have to fill it - nobody can find where it's leaking... Very strange vibration at cca 3.000rpm and owl-like sounds at 1.800+rpm. The mechanics found out, that "some engine bearing" is on the go, but they can't distinguish which one. Statistics say that 8% of Boxsters die on IMS failure. Selling 
Jun 2016

46500 mi

€50
Water leaking from under the engine... Some gasket failed. Definitely this is a terrible car !!! Have to sell it immediately. The whole car is one "Unrepaired Problem". Don't ever buy !!! Leaking oil, leaking water, leaking A/C, smells, smokes, makes noises, vibrates... and fails too often !!! 

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2004 Porsche Boxster 2dr Convertible

264-horsepower 3.2L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD

Porsche Boxster in South Carolina, United States
Oct 2018 - Oct 2020
Aug 2018

32155 mi

US $3292
The car was inspected and additional repairs were done while doing ims bearing change and while the engine was out. IMS bearing update and new oil separator. $1,777.15 Ims bearing kit L&N $899 Oil separator $162.84 
Sep 2020

36132 mi

US $2976
The car was giving a Selector lever not engaged warning, and Lights were flashing d and 4 in instrument. The Gear shift mechanism was replaced. 
Porsche Boxster in California, United States
Aug 2010 - Jun 2011
Sep 2010

23000 mi
catastophic rear intermediate shaft failure, resulting in complete engine replacement. Resulted from inherent engine defect in the intermediate shaft design. 

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2004 Porsche Boxster 2dr Convertible

258-horsepower 3.2L H6 6-speed manual RWD

Porsche Boxster in Virginia, United States
Mar 2015 - Jun 2015
Mar 2015

71000 mi

US $3500
RMS was leaking a small amount of oil. I had the IMS upgraded to the L&N dual row bearing(brand new version). At the same time, I elected to replace the clutch; Sachs. 4 CV boots were replaced. Two were badly cracked but I elected to replace all four due to their age. 
Jun 2015

72000 mi

US $120
Replaced a worn out front engine mount. 
Porsche Boxster in California, United States
Sep 2010 - Dec 2012
Oct 2010

10000 mi

US $6507
Catastrophic engine failure due to intermediate shaft failure. Dealer confirmed; known problem but refused to fix b/c out of warranty & 2nd owner. My mechanic rebuilt engine & photodocumented for class-action suit investigation. 
May 2011

13700 mi

US $110
Clip for guidewire for convertible softtop broke, causing tonneau cover to not close properly which caused scrape in paint on corner of cover and also blocked access to open trunk lid. Clip replaced, paint touched up. 
Porsche Boxster in Oregon, United States
Jul 2017 - Aug 2018
Aug 2018

48000 mi

US $90
Expansion tank cap failure. Replaced cap. 
Porsche Boxster in Maryland, United States
Jan 2013 - Mar 2018
Jun 2014

52000 mi

US $2000
Water pump pulley rattling, replaced pump 
Sep 2017

59870 mi

US $500
Alternator Busted, New one installed 
Porsche Boxster in California, United States
Apr 2011 - Sep 2014
Aug 2014

69000 mi

US $55
Coolant leak. Coolant reservoir vent replaced. 
Porsche Boxster in British Columbia, Canada
Dec 2009 - Dec 2017
Oct 2015

29140 mi

C $2700
Right rear wheel bearing replaced 
Porsche Boxster in California, United States
Aug 2010 - May 2014
Sep 2010

83000 mi

US $1700
Remove and replace transmission to replace shift shaft bushings and seals. Was leaking transmission fluid. Seeping oil at intermediate shaft seal. IMS retrofit proactively done while replacing intermediate shaft cover seal. More information: http://www.lnengineering.com/ims.html. 
Jun 2011

89000 mi

US $700
Front motor mount worn out resulting in clunking and vibration. 
Sep 2012

106000 mi

US $2200
Precat rattle. Required replacement of exhaust manifold since precat is built into it. No aftermarket available. 
Sep 2013

116000 mi

US $500
Slightly higher idle (@ ~1k). Infrequent puffs of blue smoke on cold startup. Check engine light. Replaced air/oil separator to correct problem. 
Dec 2013

117000 mi

US $2100
CEL thrown for catalytic converter failure. Replace catalytic converter. Part of exh manifold. 2 on car. Other one replaced 15 mo earlier. 
Jan 2014

111800 mi

US $90
Moisture under truck lid. Coolant Pressure Release Valve (located in trunk next to coolant filler, under plastic cover) was leaking. Significant white residue/crystals of dried coolant around valve. Replaced 2 o'rings. Replace hood and truck supports/shocks. Would not stay up in colder weather. 
Porsche Boxster in North Carolina, United States
Dec 2009 - Mar 2022
Feb 2013

49000 mi

US $15000
Rod bearings failed. Detected by oil sample analysis. Cams scored. IMS bearing in early failure mode (full of oil). RMS leaking slightly. Replaced rod bearings, IMS bearing, RMS, precautionary replacement of clutch, water pump, thermostat 
Jun 2015

77000 mi

US $196
Front trunk would not open. Replace actuator Driver side window did not dip. CV boots failed/replaced. 
Sep 2015

79000 mi

US $750
CV joint boots torn. Replaced. 
Jun 2017

93900 mi

US $500
Water pump mounting point was leaking. I chose to replace pump. The 90k mile service was about $3000 including the water pump. 
Sep 2017

95000 mi
Leaking water pump replaced. I elected to replace the pump as I consider it a regular replacement item after 50k miles. The car then developed overheating problems requiring a flatbed trip back to dealer. The dealer claims it was an air pocket. Where the 1.5 gallons of coolant I added went they won't say. I also burped the system after I added the coolant. The dispute with Leith Porsche continues. 
Jun 2018

103000 mi

US $10000
02 sensors, plugs, AOS,AOL,  IMS bearing replacement of 6 year old replacement, front engine mount, oil and filters. The clutch and flywheel were also failing and were replaced.  
Sep 2021

120000 mi

US $100
The Bose sound system was repaired by the new owner 
Porsche Boxster in California, United States
Dec 2009 - Jun 2015
Dec 2010

47000 mi

US $800
Water pump was slightly leaking, replaced as preventative measure. 
May 2014

65000 mi

US $1200
Rear control arms replaced; they were rattling and worn out. 

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2004 Porsche Boxster 2dr Convertible

258-horsepower 3.2L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD

Porsche Boxster in California, United States
Oct 2013 - Jun 2018
Mar 2015

105000 mi

US $500
Air oil separator replaced (original unit) 
Apr 2016

110200 mi

US $1200
Replaced LCAs. Signs of wear at the right front bushing. 
Oct 2017

115000 mi

US $2300
AT coolant valve Replaced axles 
Porsche Boxster in Virginia, United States
Dec 2008 - Aug 2012
Apr 2008

44000 mi

US $150
Replaced two broken underbody panels. (DIY) Suspect they were broken during the last oil change of the prior owner. 
Aug 2008

48000 mi

US $350
Remote entry failed on one keyfob. 
Jan 2009

50000 mi

US $300
CD Player (Becker CDR23) failing intermittently; required repair. 
Feb 2010

58800 mi
Headlamp switch failed (interior dash lights intermittent; headlights/taillights normal). Removed and cleaned the internal terminals, then reassembled. DIY. I posted details to renntech.org 
Jul 2010

63000 mi
Emissions air-oil separator (AOS) failed, and had to be replaced. Passenger windshield wiper stopped working. Was repaired by tightening the nut holding the wiper arm to the wiper mechanism. 
Feb 2011

69800 mi

US $30
Left cab top tension rope frayed severely and replaced just prior to complete failure. 
Jun 2012

83000 mi

US $300
Replaced faulty remote keyfob. Using second broken fob as manual key. 
Aug 2012

85000 mi

US $8
Engine ran less than smoothly at low throttle settings under some conditions. Cleaned throttle body & tightened several vacuum line connections. 

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2004 Porsche Boxster 2dr Convertible

228-horsepower 2.7L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD

Porsche Boxster in Texas, United States
Mar 2015 - Jun 2018
Apr 2015

63700 mi

US $800
replaced a leaking seal 
Jul 2016

80500 mi
Rubbing backing plate 
Mar 2017

88000 mi
Replaced brake light switch 
Jun 2018

102000 mi

US $400
replaced front brake pads, also had engine oil change at same time and is included in price 

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2004 Porsche Boxster 2dr Convertible

228-horsepower 2.7L H6 5-speed manual RWD

Porsche Boxster in Great Britain
Jul 2021 - Jun 2022
Sep 2021

44000 mi
Front and rear links changed. They are known as coffin arms, the large lower links. They can't be re-bushed. 
Jun 2022

48000 mi

£800
AC compressor failed 
Porsche Boxster in Kentucky, United States
May 2014 - Jan 2022
Dec 2021

88000 mi

US $200
Replace Headlight switch. Headlights would not turn on. Only parking lights lit. High beams worked only if lever was held back. Common problem with Boxsters. Purchased parts from Pelican. 
Porsche Boxster in Colorado, United States
Jun 2011 - Jul 2012
Jun 2012

27000 mi

US $1000
Bad power steering pump 
Porsche Boxster in New York, United States
Jun 2009 - Jun 2022
Jul 2009

32000 mi

US $45
Moisture in immobilizer control unit under seat, blew fuse, car died. Mechanical part of ignition tumbler failed, car hard to start, replaced ignition switch. 
Nov 2011

43000 mi

US $104
Numerous false warning llghts, instruments and radio stopped working, car otherwise ran fine, Problem could not be replicated by shop after full OBD scan, problem disappeared entirely, car has run fine ever since. 
Aug 2012

47300 mi

US $37
Microswitch that prevents car from being started with the clutch out/car in gear failed, needed replacement. Have ordered new switch, but for now simply took the two electrical connections to the microswitch off and jumped them with a two-inch wire.  
Sep 2013

52000 mi

US $300
Transponder on spare (valet) key became inop, needed to purchase new key head and reprogram all three of the car's keys. 
Apr 2014

55000 mi

US $1500
Fault in instrument cluster caused battery to go flat overnight--some instrument lights stayed on even though ignition was off and car was locked. Valet key (which I use as an emergency key, taped behind the front license plate) went dead. Would not activate ignition. 
Sep 2014

58000 mi

US $425
CEL on, found dry-rotted gas-cap seal and also had to replace a shut valve seal, then passed evap. test. 
Apr 2016

64700 mi

US $44
Left door-latch microswitch unit that controls up/down movement of window when door is opened or closed failed, Replaced unit. 
Dec 2017

72000 mi

US $600
Technician found two cracked ignition coils and replaced them. Total cost for the shop visit was $1.500, but cost of coils and labor was approx $600 of that. The rest was routine fluid, filters and sparkplugs replacement. 
Porsche Boxster in California, United States
May 2010 - Apr 2011
Jul 2010

27000 mi

US $3800
Fuel pump replacement. Fuel pump replacement, major maintenance, new rear tires 
Feb 2011

36000 mi
Fuel pump was incorrectly installed when it was replaced fuel pump re-installed - when new pump was installed during last visit it was done incorrectly and came loose 
Porsche Boxster in New Jersey, United States
Dec 2009 - Jun 2018
Oct 2010

34300 mi

US $400
failed motormount - known weakness. Replaced with improved unit. PITA job. estimate is parts plus 5 hours of my time 
Jan 2012

37300 mi

US $140
replaced (self) air-oil-seperator. Done at my convenience as it was slowly degrading. 
Feb 2013

50900 mi

US $100
Airbag system failure. May be intermittent. Shop would replace clock spring and/or airbag. What i did is take everything apart, inspect, clean contacts, treat with contact treatment (cramolin) and put back together. Voila. 
Apr 2013

51300 mi

US $100
Airbag failure again (porsche code 41). This time it was seatbelt latch connections, took apart and cleaned, success not confirmed. Might be a 3rd try. 
Jul 2013

53200 mi
Chased the wires and found that one connector was rotated 90 degrees. 
Mar 2016

62000 mi
fuel venting and recapture system had an error that resulted in a CEL/MIL. Took apart fender liner, checked everything. blew through it - put back together, cleared code, so far so good. 
Aug 2016

62000 mi

US $1100
Drive linkage (cables, ends) broke. Note this broke under heavy use and was mishandled. However, linkage showed significant wear so it would have eventually failed (maybe years later) 
Porsche Boxster in Alberta, Canada
Aug 2011 - Jun 2018
May 2013

60240 mi

C $1000
Changed motor carrier (mount) 
Porsche Boxster in California, United States
Apr 2012 - Sep 2013
Sep 2013

48000 mi

US $871
Rebuilt BOSCH Alternator 

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2004 Porsche Boxster Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2004 Porsche Boxster problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.