Model year guide

2003 Porsche Boxster

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Porsche Boxster is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 23 on record.

2003 Porsche Boxster — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Porsche Boxster at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints19
Combined20 mpg
Typical price$11,319

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2003 Porsche Boxster recalls 4

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009

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.

Fix: 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.

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #09E025000 · 11/05/2009

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.

Fix: 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.

Power Train:automatic Transmission NHTSA Campaign #03V004000 · 23/01/2003

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…

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 W…

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #22V656000 · 30/08/2022

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 …

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2003 Porsche Boxster common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

2003 Porsche Boxster MPG & running costs

Combined20 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway26 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,800

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2003 Porsche Boxster worth?

Low
$7,500
Typical price
$11,319
High
$14,100

From 23 comparable 2003 Porsche Boxster listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Porsche Boxster costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$19,000
Depreciation (5 yrs)$4,450
Total$23,450
Per mile$0.31

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($11,319) with the same model 5 model-years older ($6,880), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2003 Porsche Boxster trims & engines on record

Trims
S · Base
Engines
3.2L 6-cyl 258 hp · 2.7L 6-cyl 225 hp

2003 Porsche Boxster vehicles on record

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Other Porsche Boxster model years

2018 2015 2014 2013 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997

2003 Porsche Boxster — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Porsche Boxster have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2003 Porsche Boxster. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Porsche Boxster?

Based on 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, tires, power train.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Porsche Boxster get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2003 Porsche Boxster at about 20 mpg combined (17 city / 26 highway).

How much is a 2003 Porsche Boxster worth?

Comparable 2003 Porsche Boxster listings run roughly $7,500–$14,100, typically around $11,319 (from 23 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.