CarRecallWatchThe 2004 Porsche Boxster has 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA.
The most-reported problem area is Engine And Engine Cooling (2 reports).
2004 Porsche Boxster recalls
Missing headlight adjuster caps can misaim headlights
On certain Porsche Boxster, Boxster S, Cayenne and Cayenne S vehicles from 2001 to 2003, the caps covering the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws may be missing.
Most common 2004 Porsche Boxster problems
Problem areas named in the 4 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 2 |
| Steering | 1 |
| Engine | 1 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 |
What owners report
SUMMARY OF SAFETY DEFECT: Active, unmitigated toxic gasoline vapor leak inside the cabin of a 2004 Porsche Boxster, presenting an acute fire and toxic chemical exposure hazard upon filling the tank and starting the vehicle. DEALER & CORPORATE EVASION: Ignored Warnings: Dealership intake and repair orders (such as Frank's Automotive RO #XXX) logged raw fuel odors but omitted proper fuel system diagnostics. Compromised Inspection: Authorized personnel at Porsche South Austin (PSA), including service advisor [XXX], used "gold certified" credentials to falsely clear the vehicle without remediation. Corporate Denial: In Case #XXX dated XXX PCNA Executive Case Specialist [XXX] form
THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BEARING WHEN OUT AND SPREAD METAL SHAVING THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE. THIS CAUSED A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. I HAVE TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE MECHANIC AND WILL HAVE TO HAVE AN ENGINE REBUILD. THE CAR HAS BEEN SERVICE ACCORDING TO THE COMPANY PROVIDED SERVICE MANUAL. I CALLED PORSCHE USA TO SEE IF THEY WOUDL DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE FAILURE, SINCE THIS HAS BEEN A DOCUMENTED PROBLEM WITH CERTAIN PORSCHES, BUT THE COMPANY WOULD NOT HELP. *TT
2004 PORSCHE BOXSTER, 58-60K MI, HAD CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE AT 10 MI/HR. ENGINE STALLED; WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND DRIVE A FEW FEET, BUT BADLY MISSING. LOUD CLANGING NOISE FROM ENGINE. NO SMOKE. OIL DRAINED FROM CAR WHEN TILTED ON TOWTRUCK. DEALER FOUND INTERMEDIATE SHAFT (IMS) FAILURE; REQUIRED ENGINE REPLACEMENT AT $18K. DEALER SAID THEY HAD SEEN A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF IMS FAILURES (BUT PORSCHE HAS NOT NOTIFIED OWNERS). NO INJURIES, BUT CERTAINLY ENGINE FAILURE LIKE THIS COULD HAVE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. PORSCHE FORUMS ON INTERNET SHOW FREQUENCY OF FAILURES FROM THIS DEFECT (POORLY DESIGNED BEARING ASSEMBLY ON IMS) IS VERY HIGH, AS MUCH AS 8-11% IN ONE FORUM POLL. DEF
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PORSCHE BOXSTER. WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP LIGHT AT 2 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE IMS (INTERMEDIATE SHAFT) FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FAIL. IT WOULD COST $16,000-$20,000 TO REPLACE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE EXCEEDED ITS WARRANTY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 20468. UPDATED 05/27/09. *LJ THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BOLT BROKE WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FAIL. UPDATED 05/28/09.*JB
2004 Porsche Boxster questions
Does the 2004 Porsche Boxster have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2004 Porsche Boxster: Missing headlight adjuster caps can misaim headlights. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Porsche Boxster?
Based on 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine And Engine Cooling (2), Steering (1), Engine (1).
How do I check if a recall on my 2004 Porsche Boxster has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.