2002 Porsche Boxster: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 10 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling; the 2000 and 2004 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2022
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“2002 porche boxster. Consumer writes in regards to complaint concerning vehicle parts *tgw the consumer stated the cables from the shifter to the transmission failed while driving in heavy traffic.”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2011
“Ims engine failure. Known issues with porsche. Porsche boxster 49,500 miles. Place car in reveres, engine seized. Replacement of engine necessary. $8000- $15,000. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2011
“The seat belt on my vehicle, when buckled, has a tendency to not latch completely and allows for the release without pressing the release button. Also when it is latched, there is a tendency for it to get caught and not release without significant pulling force on the buckle. *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jul 2010
Show 4 more owner reports
“See odi case number: 10318487, computer failure due to water leakage into cab. This happened to me twice in fall, 2008. The first time, the dealer replaced the computer (at my cost) and one month later, it happened again. Again, the computer was replaced and the carpets needed removal and cleaning due to fungus, all at my cost. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2008
“My clutch was making a terrible noise for a week after I initially purchased the car and then again about a week prior to the failure of the clutch. I only have 24000 miles on the clutch and it failed suddenly causing a burning cloud of smoke. I reported the problem initially to the porsche dealer in new orleans, crescent city motors, and they told me that noises were common and that it was not a problem. I feel this caused my clutch to burn up prematurely, however, they feel like there was no problem in the materials and workmanship. I have heard that there are problems with the throw out bearing in porsche boxsters and this is the part that was making the noise. *jb”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2004
“On two occasions and on two separate vehicle engine camshaft failed while driving. Dealer and manufacturer were aware of problem. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2002
“Original equipment tires on 2002 porsche boxter s are not safe on wet pavement. The type of tires are designed for clean dry pavement only. Very dangerous on wet pavement. No warning is provided to owner. Not disclosed to owner, tire manufacturer warns of use on other than clean dry pavement. Car hydroplanned during first rainstorm and caused serious accident on busy interstate highway. Tires had to be replaced.”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2002
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
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. 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.
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 adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
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. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ANB4.
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.
Remedy: 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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2002 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Boxster by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Porsche Boxster reliable?
NHTSA has 10 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2002 Porsche Boxster. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 2002 Porsche Boxster have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.