2003 Porsche Boxster Porsche Boxster 2003

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2003 Porsche Boxster repairs by problem area

Engine (40%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (12%)

Brakes and Traction Control (2%)

Suspension and Steering (15%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (20%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (4%)

Other (7%)

Chart based on 165 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2003 Porsche Boxster.

2003 Porsche Boxster repair cost distribution

$2500+ (7%)

$1000 - $2499 (16%)

$500 - $999 (23%)

$100 - $499 (28%)

< $100 (26%)

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

Chart based on 140 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2003 Porsche Boxster

Engine not specified

Porsche Boxster in Georgia, United States
Apr 2010 - Jun 2011
May 2010

82000 mi
Intermediate shaft went through the engine. New engine shipped from Germany. 
Jul 2010

83000 mi
Ignition switch. 

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2003 Porsche Boxster 2dr Convertible

258-horsepower 3.2L H6 6-speed manual RWD

Porsche Boxster in Pennsylvania, United States
Jul 2013 - Sep 2017
Apr 2014

32000 mi

US $1700
rear cv boots 
Mar 2016

35000 mi

US $400
Replaced turn signal stalk assembly. 
Porsche Boxster in Texas, United States
May 2014 - Jul 2018
May 2014

97000 mi

US $800
Replaced leaking water pump, replaced thermostat at same time 
Jul 2015

118300 mi

US $300
AOS Failed 
Nov 2015

126000 mi

US $703
Replaced l/r CV boots and left axle assy 
Sep 2016

141000 mi

US $1000
Could smell antifreeze and front window was fogging badly. Received a low coolant warning on start up that went away when car warmed up. Heater core was replaced. Small foam pieces were coming from dash vents. Common issue on 986 - diverter flap is foam padded and the foam deteriorates over time. Replaced foam and taped over it with duct tape while heater core was out. 
Dec 2016

146000 mi

US $55
replaced faulty LCD display on AC control unit 
Jan 2017

130500 mi

US $250
replace frunk latch Replace drivers side locking latch inside door (not handle) 
Feb 2017

148000 mi

US $1400
small leak from brass bushing 
Mar 2017

148000 mi

US $2300
motor mount - replaced with 987 version new Koni shocks and H&R springs 
Jul 2017

149000 mi

US $9400
Cracked head: loss of coolant, no intermix of coolant and oil (coolant was being burned in cylinder). Installed used head. 
Apr 2018

160000 mi

US $1000
Drivers side axle was replaced with OEM Replaced water pump at 65,000 miles 
Jul 2018

163000 mi

US $600
Coolant fitting failed. Oil cooler oring leaking 
Porsche Boxster in Washington, United States
Sep 2012 - Sep 2016
Jun 2013

66000 mi

US $350
Replaced second gear detent, popping out of gear 
Dec 2014

74000 mi

US $3500
Replaced left rear wheel bearing due to wheel noise under load Clattering over bumps, replaced trailing arms Vibration in car at 3200 RPM, replaced engine mount 
Porsche Boxster in California, United States
Aug 2009 - Jun 2018
Jul 2013

69200 mi

US $1000
Oil separator valve. 
Porsche Boxster in Maine, United States
Jul 2011 - Jun 2015
Oct 2013

40200 mi

US $5000
Bad rear wheel bearing 
Porsche Boxster in Tennessee, United States
Aug 2015 - Dec 2017
Sep 2015

141000 mi

US $110
Replaced actuator release motor for front trunk, it was only opening the trunk intermittently. I also replaced the plastic trim around the trunk latch that was decaying around its edges. 
Oct 2015

141200 mi

US $10
Engine light came on, car would not run, towed home. Air intake hose was detached from from air filter. Removed hose and Mass Airflow Sensor, and throttle body, cleaned each of them reinstalled with new air filter, car ran like new. 
Jan 2017

14633800 mi
Headlights stopped working, removed headlight assembly and cleaned all electrical connectors with electric cleaner spray. 
May 2017

147479 mi

US $380
Water hose to oil cooler failed causing overheating. Replaced hose and system coolant, also replaced all cooling hoses in the car to avoid additional problems. 
Porsche Boxster in Massachusetts, United States
Aug 2007 - Sep 2009
Oct 2007

34000 mi
replaced front lower control arms (trailing arm, wishbone) (covered by CPO) 
Jun 2009

57532 mi

US $1422
replaced left front upper strut mount bearing, replaced inner and outer cv boots 
Jul 2009

59000 mi

US $577
replaced beverage holder ($500), new soft-top tension cable ($77) 
Porsche Boxster in Virginia, United States
Jun 2021 - Jan 2022
Jan 2022

80000 mi

US $300
alternator died. replaced it myself 
Porsche Boxster in Florida, United States
Jul 2021 - Oct 2022
May 2022

89000 mi

US $1200
The 8 year old water pump failed. Replaced the thermostat, drive belt  and also found the plastic engine oil fill line was cracked so replaced. 
Porsche Boxster in South Carolina, United States
Nov 2020 - Jul 2022
Sep 2021

65000 mi

US $100
engine mount  and shift linkage 
Jul 2022

68000 mi

US $4000
Transmission required a rebuild. 
Porsche Boxster in Manitoba, Canada
Sep 2014 - Jun 2022
Jul 2017

60140 mi

C $250
Replaced a radiator that had a pinhole leak. 
Jun 2022

74400 mi

C $275
Turn signals failed to self cancel. Replaced the steering column turn signal, cruise control and wiper stalk assembly. Front trunk hood latch was not releasing reliably. Replaced the latch assembly. 
Porsche Boxster in New Jersey, United States
Sep 2009 - Apr 2017
Jul 2009

28500 mi

US $1600
RMS leak fixed 
Porsche Boxster in California, United States
Feb 2010 - Dec 2015
Jun 2010

50000 mi
Clutch micro switch failed intermitently 
Nov 2010

56000 mi

US $1100
60K maintenance (paid by owner). cv boots replaced. belt tensioner paid by cpo 
Jan 2011

59000 mi

US $1100
Check Engine Light 
Jan 2014

82000 mi

US $10000
Cracked head due to failed water pump. Trying to source new head. 
Porsche Boxster in Pennsylvania, United States
Jan 2012 - Sep 2015
Apr 2012

31000 mi
Front Hood Prop cylinders Replaced faulty radiator cap 
Nov 2012

36900 mi

US $45
Replaced 4 torn CV boots 
Sep 2013

41000 mi

US $75
Diagnose and repair faulty (cracked) fuel sending unit in fuel tank Replace driver side rear-wheel bearing 
Apr 2014

44300 mi

US $527
Replace water Pump, top off coolant, bleed cooling system Replaced failed front engine mount. The problem is common, so "while I was in there", I just did this repair too. 
Sep 2014

48000 mi

US $165
Replaced failed transmission mounts (2) 
Feb 2015

49900 mi

US $87
Replace faulty,not worn,, rear wheel bearing and all single-use fastners 
Porsche Boxster in Virginia, United States
Aug 2009 - Apr 2011
Apr 2011

41000 mi

US $2400
Rear main seal (RMS) leaking again. Replacing the RMS requires removing the engine. This cost $1,200 in labor and $20 in parts.  The alternator also went out, cost $500 to replace.  Suspension boots and spark plugs were also replaced. 
Porsche Boxster in Colorado, United States
Aug 2008 - Dec 2013
Oct 2008

16000 mi

US $68
Condensation on coolant tank. Replaced cap and bleeder assembly myself. 
Apr 2009

18500 mi

US $1040
Replaced Rear main seal---warranty 
Apr 2010

25000 mi
Water Pump Replaced 
Apr 2012

32700 mi
Rear main seal replaced. Clutch bearing replaced. Extended warranty doesn't cover clutch parts. Horn replaced. Passenger window regulator replaced. 
Jul 2012

36700 mi

US $100
CV Boots replaced Brake fluid leak fixed 
Dec 2012

41000 mi

US $585
Fluid leak on seal. rear wheel bearing 
Aug 2013

46600 mi
Spring assy broke. Towed to dealer. Covered by extended warranty. 600.00 
Porsche Boxster in Colorado, United States
Sep 2009 - Jun 2018
Jun 2016

32000 mi

US $580
Alternator stopped charging. Replaced. 
Porsche Boxster in Florida, United States
Aug 2009 - Mar 2018
Sep 2009

35000 mi
engine seized. intermediate shaft broken. pistons and valves broken thermostat would not open. engine overheated to 213c. 
Aug 2012

46300 mi

US $500
replace all four cv joint boots, balance front tires 
Jun 2014

51000 mi

US $253
Replaced struts on front and rear storage compartments 
Jun 2016

55000 mi

US $300
Headlights not operational. Problem solve and replace the common power supply switch for both headlights. 
Porsche Boxster in Washington, United States
Aug 2009 - Dec 2016
Sep 2009

54000 mi

US $200
Drivers door latch failed causing failure of window drop-down function to clear convertible top. 
Dec 2011

77000 mi

US $800
CV joint boots were torn. Elected to replace both half shafts which cost slightly more than replacing only the boots. Rebuilt transmission, replaced clutch pressure plate, clutch disc, rear main seal, flywheel 
Jan 2014

81000 mi
Replaced air-oil separator 
Feb 2015

106000 mi

US $4550
Replaced rear main seal (slight leak between transmission and engine, $4000. Replaced water pump, $400. Replaced clutch cylinder, $150. 

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2003 Porsche Boxster 2dr Convertible

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

Porsche Boxster in Georgia, United States
Nov 2013 - Dec 2017
Oct 2016

52125 mi
Driver window not dropping properly. Replaced driver-side window regulator. Convertible top not operating properly. Both top cover pushrods disconnected. Reconnected pushrods and lubricated top linkage components. 
May 2017

53167 mi

US $450
Alternator not fully charging battery. Bad diode. Replaced alternator and drive belt. 
Aug 2017

53643 mi

US $80
Rear trunk lid not staying up. Replaced both struts. 
Porsche Boxster in California, United States
Aug 2009 - Jun 2017
Oct 2010

46000 mi

US $180
Convertible top came loose in back (obviously previous dumb DIY). Top resettled under rubber seal, glued. 
Jan 2011

48000 mi

US $956
Top not closing.Mounting rear main top bow for push rod fr. transmission broken off. L/R pushrods bent. Sent for welding: mounting ear + 2 other cracks.Reinstalled bow/top, replacing L/R pushrods, 1 bushing + pushrod sleeve. 
Aug 2011

52000 mi

US $538
Driver's window hitting top when closing. Driver's window regulator replaced. 
Dec 2011

54000 mi

US $289
New switch required for headlights. Only fog lights worked. Check engine light on, evidently due to faulty seal on gas cap. 
Porsche Boxster in Prince Edward Island, Canada
Aug 2009 - Jan 2016
Sep 2009

24166 mi

C $471
serp. pull serp. belt washer, bolt 
Jul 2013

40400 mi
replacement of alternator 
Aug 2013

40920 mi

C $775
first alternator did not work, replaced again. charge shown is for initial repair. 
Jun 2015

50840 mi

C $911
Coarse, scratching noise was coming from the rear area. Deflection roller was faulty Labor was $675.00 part and air-freight was $156.00 
Aug 2015

52240 mi

C $600
Lower control arms. Left side bushing was defective. replaced left front and right front lower control arms. 

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2003 Porsche Boxster 2dr Convertible

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

Porsche Boxster in Pennsylvania, United States
Feb 2015 - Sep 2015
Mar 2015

62000 mi
Chech engine light. Code PO491 PO492. Vac lines off. Replaced air pump relay 
Porsche Boxster in California, United States
Jun 2015 - Jun 2015
Jun 2015

126000 mi

US $550
Replaced the motor mount 
Porsche Boxster in United Arab Emirates
Jan 2013 - Jun 2013
Feb 2013

95060 mi

¤25
Replace Heater flap valve foam 
May 2013

96100 mi

¤50
Roof not retracting replace emerg brake switch 
Porsche Boxster in Wisconsin, United States
Jun 2011 - Apr 2013
Oct 2011

54200 mi

US $2200
Water pump, constant burning smell in exhaust, panel lights constantly come on -- check engine, airbags, emissions -- some go off after a few months. Faulty panel?Need emissions check/engine lite on.Completely taken apart & put back.Problems 
Apr 2013

58000 mi

US $2900
Check engine light for PO491 and PO492 - emissions = $900. Assumed oil leak. Took car apart. Found nothing. $2,000. Water pump = $900. The car is now for sale. Repairs are too expensive. Put 7K on it since I bought it with no dash lights on. 
Porsche Boxster in Oklahoma, United States
Jul 2010 - May 2012
Dec 2011

32000 mi

US $397
Check engine light came on. Dealer diagnosed vacuum reservoir and damaged the oil drain plug so an unnecessary oil change was done. I distrusted the dealer and thought it was a commission scam. Only reset warning light, no problem now. Bad dealer! 
Apr 2012

32000 mi

US $400
Vacuum accumulator had to be replaced because it failed and triggered the CEL. 
Porsche Boxster in Minnesota, United States
Dec 2014 - Jun 2018
Dec 2017

52000 mi

US $3000
Repaired faulty screen for heating and cooling controls and fan. 
Jan 2018

52000 mi

US $50
Replaced both the low beam bulbs - did the work myself. 
Apr 2018

53300 mi
Aligned the headlights. This project only took about 20 minutes. 
Porsche Boxster in Pennsylvania, United States
Nov 2010 - Nov 2013
Dec 2010

27000 mi

US $100
Steering was making squeaking noise when turning corners. Problem was not fixed by dealer before selling me the car. Dealer replaced part, but it still squeaks a little. 
Feb 2011

29000 mi

US $600
Owner noticed a noisy rattle early in January. Mechanic diagnosed it as a water pump problem and replaced it. 
Porsche Boxster in Massachusetts, United States
Dec 2012 - Dec 2023
May 2017

113000 mi

US $70
Many bolts were frozen and snapped off. Ending up replacing with used hub 
Jul 2021

123000 mi
Would only shift up to 4th. Not to 5th. Paddle shifters inoperable. Very hard clunky shifts in forward and reverse. Flashing lights between Manual 4th and Auto D. Disconnecting battery did nothing. Used very old non Porsche OBD II reader found no faults. It was too old to read trani codes. Hit erase error codes, cleared up the problem. Car drives and shifts better than ever! Will check fluid level and condition soon. This trani fluid has 123,000 miles on it! 
Nov 2021

123000 mi
Neutral safety multifunction switch replaced. This part from Porsche cost $450! Most cars this part cost under $50. It took me 15 Minutes to repair the old one( drill out six rivets and clean the six tracks and wipers, glue or screw back together) 

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2003 Porsche Boxster 2dr Convertible

228-horsepower 2.7L H6 5-speed manual RWD

Porsche Boxster in Oklahoma, United States
Oct 2008 - Aug 2012
May 2008

30000 mi

US $40
ignition switch replacement; bought switch on-line and replaced it myself 
Porsche Boxster in California, United States
Jul 2010 - Jun 2011
Aug 2010

16693 mi

US $664
Cracked coolant reservoir replaced. Serpentine belt replaced. 
Porsche Boxster in Minnesota, United States
Aug 2009 - Jul 2022
Apr 2016

50000 mi

US $500
Wheel bearing failure 
Porsche Boxster in South Carolina, United States
Aug 2010 - Jun 2018
Oct 2015

27000 mi

US $345
Ignition switch assembly replaced, car would start and all accessories functioned normally, however the key could not be removed from the ignition. 
Porsche Boxster in Colorado, United States
Aug 2009 - Jan 2022
Feb 2011

50000 mi

US $300
Took car in for oil change, replaced serpentine belt and water pump,  and R&R oil pan for small leak. 
Aug 2014

65500 mi

US $13
Top failed to close. Replaced the microswitch under the handbrake. Top failed to close. Replaced the microswitch under the handbrake. 
Sep 2015

72000 mi

US $165
Replaced the ignition locking mechanism and switch 
Porsche Boxster in New Jersey, United States
Dec 2013 - Jun 2018
Jan 2015

119500 mi

US $300
Bad ignition coils. 
Dec 2015

121000 mi

US $250
corroded brake line was leaking. Replaced all rear lines (4 pieces, total). 
Mar 2016

123000 mi

US $600
fuel pump was replaced 
Dec 2017

137000 mi

US $550
Bent wheel repairs 
Porsche Boxster in Tennessee, United States
Jan 2010 - Nov 2014
Sep 2013

55000 mi

US $750
Window regulator Brake light bulb would not seat properly. 
Porsche Boxster in Illinois, United States
Mar 2011 - Aug 2011
Jun 2011

35000 mi

US $55
Replace bad orange LCD display for heater / AC control module. DIY repair to remove control module,disassemble display, and insert new LCD ordered through internet 
Porsche Boxster in Florida, United States
Feb 2011 - Feb 2015
Apr 2012

44500 mi

US $210
Turn signal switch broken. Ordered new part on the internet and replaced it myself. 
Aug 2012

47500 mi

US $3000
Replaced Clutch, throughout bearing etc. Also replaced rear engine seal. $1600. Steering rack leaking. Had to be replaced. $1400. 
Jun 2013

52000 mi

US $238
Passenger window regulation replaced. Had mechanic come to house. Rebuild old regulator. (plastic 30 cent part) 
Dec 2014

61000 mi

US $70
Replaced driver side radio speaker 
Porsche Boxster in Maryland, United States
Jun 2010 - Dec 2019
Aug 2010

26000 mi

US $600
Bad Wheel bearing 
Aug 2011

41000 mi

US $750
motor for window was replaced 
Jan 2013

57000 mi

US $100
Temperature regulator broke 
Apr 2014

67200 mi

US $750
Rt. Window actuator replaced 
Jun 2014

68000 mi

US $750
Replaced rear lower control arms 
Jul 2015

78000 mi

US $1600
Front struts replaced 
Nov 2016

91000 mi

US $2400
Struts and rear wheel bearing 
Aug 2017

105000 mi

US $700
Replaced wheel bearings 
Porsche Boxster in Virginia, United States
Jan 2012 - Oct 2017
Apr 2013

83000 mi

US $150
emission (fuel vapor) control valve for fuel tank failed. 
Mar 2014

91000 mi

US $600
oil separator failed 
Jun 2014

95000 mi

US $250
replace control arm (balljoint) and trailing arm 
Jan 2015

120700 mi

US $139
replace headlight switch 
Dec 2015

112000 mi

US $1700
both rear wheel bearing replaced and 4 wheel alignment 
Porsche Boxster in New York, United States
Aug 2009 - Mar 2011
Oct 2009

55000 mi

US $1500
Leaking RMS and IMS seals both replaced under warranty. Owner replaced worn clutch and flywheel both worn beyond repair or resurfacing. 
Dec 2009

57000 mi

US $500
Rear spoiler had to be replaced 
Porsche Boxster in Texas, United States
Apr 2015 - Jun 2016
Aug 2015

69700 mi

US $400
Car is overheating. Water Pump failed and was replaced, overheating problem persisted. Still being diagnosed as to the original cause Air bubble in coolant system. System flushed. 
Mar 2016

74000 mi

US $2400
Alternator failed. 
Porsche Boxster in Quebec, Canada
Feb 2005 - Jun 2011
Jan 2005

21756 mi
Foot rest replaced 
Feb 2005

21756 mi
Sealing ring F cranks again 
Apr 2005

23645 mi
Defective connector fuel pump 
Jun 2008

53196 mi
Bleeder O-Ring 
Aug 2008

53320 mi
Cooling tank cap replaced 
Mar 2010

56803 mi
Front motor mount. Front motor mount 
Porsche Boxster in New Mexico, United States
May 2014 - Nov 2021
Mar 2015

85000 mi

US $1200
Full suspension refresh. End links were on the way out (leaking their grease) and OEM shocks no longer met rebound requirements. Springs were sagging from fatigue. Worn bushings were also replaced at the time as they were found. 
Jun 2017

94000 mi

US $300
Motor mount was hanging on by a thread. Could feel the motor shift in corners. Motor mount replaced with polyurethane mount for longevity. Mild increase in NVH. One transmission mount was leaking. Replaced both to be on the safe side. 
Apr 2018

96000 mi

US $500
Chain guide on driver's side head lost a chunk which clogged the oil return port. Disassembly of cam shaft cover required to repair and replace. Oil pan removed to find plastic particulate. All chain guides replaced, chain tensioners replaced. 
Porsche Boxster in Maryland, United States
Feb 2014 - Sep 2014
Feb 2014

104000 mi

US $200
Amos was replaced Replaced rear wheel bearing 
Porsche Boxster in Ohio, United States
Jun 2015 - Jun 2022
Nov 2016

59200 mi

US $119
Replaced Oil Separator 

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2003 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 2003 Porsche Boxster problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.