Saab 9-3 problems
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Saab 9-3 model years
Common Saab 9-3 problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Saab 9-3, here is a detailed list of common problems associated with this car:
- Engine Coolant Loss: Many Saab 9-3s (1999 to 2010) experience engine coolant loss due to a porous engine block. Gas and contaminants present during the casting process lead to low coolant levels. Repair attempts like replacing head gaskets and water pumps have had varying success rates. Solutions may involve inspecting the engine block for repair or replacement.
- Loud Noises on Rough Roads: The front-wheel-drive design of the second-generation Saab 9-3 (2002 to 2011) puts strain on the front suspension, causing top mounts and bearings to fail between 35,000 to 185,000 miles. This issue results in loud noises when driving on rough roads and may require replacement of these components for improved driving comfort.
- ECU, Electric Windows, and Rattles: Some owners have reported problems with the engine's ECU, faults with electric windows, and various rattles and creaks in the Saab 9-3. These issues can impact the overall driving experience and comfort of the vehicle, requiring careful inspection and potential repairs to address them.
- Uneven Tyre Wear and Clutch/Gearbox Troubles: Watch out for uneven tyre wear, which could indicate misaligned suspension or worn tyres, especially in hotter versions that can wear out fronts quickly. Additionally, be cautious of clutch slip and gearbox troubles, as these can affect the performance and drivability of the Saab 9-3. Ensuring a full service history and checking for specific features like leather trim and a good stereo system can enhance the resale value of the car.
These common problems highlight areas where Saab 9-3 owners may encounter issues, emphasizing the importance of thorough inspections and regular maintenance to address these concerns effectively.
Is a Saab 9-3 reliable?
The 9-3 is one of the most reliable and cost-efficient vehicles in the market. Some of its issues can be tedious to deal with, but most of them are preventable and repairable. If you're thinking of buying the Saab 9-3, keep in mind the importance of proper maintenance and repair.
What is the problem with the Saab 9 3x?
There is a well-known issue with Saab 9-3s where leaks can occur between the lubrication and cooling systems due to the chain powered design of the water pump. This issue is one of the more expensive on our list to fix and is definitely one that should make you think twice about parting with your money.
Are Saabs expensive to fix?
The annual maintenance cost of a Saab is $908. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.
What is the transmission problem on a Saab 9-3?
Most Common Saab 9-3 Problems
- Transmission Pressure Control Solenoid Failure May Cause Erratic Shifting.
- Nissan Crankshaft and Camshaft Sensor Recall.
- Harsh or Delayed Shifting of Automatic Transmission.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Saab 9-3 years
We have researched Saab problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Saab 9-3 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Saab 9-3 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Saab 9-3 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Saab 9-3 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Saab 9-3 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Saab 9-3 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Suspension problems
- Seat belts problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Saab 9-3 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 9-3 model years
A total of 56 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by 9-3 model years
There were a total of 22 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by 9-3 model years
There were a total of 71 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by 9-3 model years
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 1347 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Saab 9-3 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Saab 9-3 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Saab 9-3 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-30
- VIN: YS3FB79Y086
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Saab 9-3. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V318000 (Seat Belts) and 16V063000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however, the dealer declined to service the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Saab 9-3 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-01
- VIN: YS3DD58H7Y2
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The driver's side, side air bag deployed spontaneously. There was no apparent reason or cause, ie no side impact of any kind, no door slamming or other provocation. The car was parked in a garage for six hours before I sat in the car, closed the door, then BLAM! Temperature was moderate, where as the car is often parked on a city street in direct sun. Air bag deployment was a loud bang followed by smoke from an explosive, and a sting on my neck and shoulder where the bag hit me. Bits of foam from the seat interior, where the air bag was located, blew around the car interior. I suffered temporary hearing loss in my left ear due to the loud bang. I was also quite startled. No other people were at risk. No other air bags have deployed since I've owned the car, approx. 20 yrs., purchased used. I will consult an authorized repair shop, insurance agent, and a dealer service center for more info. A Saab dealer service center told me a new replacement air bag would be available from Sweden at a cost of $700. That would be in addition to the cost of repairing the seat, door frame panel, and other items. There were no prior dash board or related fault code messages. The car has never been in an accident or impacted in any way to the best of my knowledge (I saw a Carfax report at purchase).
Saab 9-3 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-15
- VIN: YS3FD45YX41
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: Retractor won't pull driver side seat belt back in
Saab 9-3 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-17
- VIN: YS3FC4BY2A1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: The contact owns a 2010 Saab 9-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V015000 (Fuel System, Other) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the fuel gauge failed to accurately provide fuel level in the vehicle. The contact stated that while the tank was a half tank full, the fuel gauge would drop to 0 gallons. The failure occurred intermittently. The check engine warning light was illuminated with a message indicating a fuel pump failure. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 104,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Saab 9-3 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2023-11-14
- VIN: YS3DF78K027
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: The radiator exploded, spewing fluids everywhere, overheating my vehicle without warning when I was driving 45 mph, almost causing a multi-car crash.
Saab 9-3 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-15
- Date Complaint: 2023-08-03
- VIN: YS3FB79N156
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2005 Saab 9-3. The contact stated that the front passenger's side seat belt failed to latch. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V318000 (Seat Belts). The vehicle was not repaired. There was no further information provided. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Saab 9-3 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-18
- Date Complaint: 2023-02-18
- VIN: YS3FB79Y786
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: at about 98,000 miles the starts to fail transmission fails Also when the car gets too cold in the winter it refuses to start and it is not a battery issue. the cylinders get to cold to start. When the warm weather comes back around it starts again.
Saab 9-3 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-11
- Date Complaint: 2023-02-16
- VIN: YS3DF78K027
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The soft top is faulty and the rear lights are as well.
Saab 9-3 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-04
- Date Complaint: 2022-06-04
- VIN: YS3FH46Y041
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Constant random recurrence of error codes P2122 and P2138 (either together or on their own) which results in the car switching to low power mode, with very low acceleration which makes it very dangerous to merge into traffic, pull out of stops, red lights, etc. Technically supposed to require changing the throttle pedal sensor, but changing it does not solve the issue, which is electrical. This is a known issue for GM cars.
Saab 9-3 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-29
- Date Complaint: 2022-03-29
- VIN: YS3FH49Y641
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: ******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE THE CONSUMER PLACED THE REQUEST*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
Saab 9-3 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-11
- Date Complaint: 2021-10-11
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: YS3DF78K717
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: unexpected and unrequested deployment of driver side seat air bag. i was driving the vehicle at a speed of 0-5mph attempting to back the vehicle into a parking spot when the driver seat air bag deployed. a report was made with the local police department. no indicator or failure lights were present, the vehicle is able to be inspected at this time for further information. It is unknown about any other inspections by anyone other than the local police department.
Saab 9-3 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-26
- Date Complaint: 2021-10-01
- VIN: YS3FH71U366
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Warning message that airbag is not working. Loud hissing sound immediately in front of dashboard, as if air is escaping. We cannot drive the car for fear of the airbag inflating. We are going to have to towed to a repair shop to be fixed and will keep all paperwork.
Saab 9-3 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2015-12-31
- Date Complaint: 2021-07-28
- VIN: YS3FB46Y581
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: Driver seat belt fails to retract. When retraction failure occurs, it is obvious to the seat occupant immediately. If a crash were to occur with a seat belt in this condition, the result could increase the risk of injury to the driver. The seat belt retraction failure has been reproduced and confirmed. No warning lamps but, the seat belt showed earlier symptoms of not working properly, by not engaging when hard braking occurred. I will have the tensioner replaced.
Saab 9-3 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-29
- Date Complaint: 2021-06-01
- VIN: ys3fa4cy4b1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: driver side seat belt not retracting, there is a recall but does not include this vin number.
Saab 9-3 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-10
- Date Complaint: 2021-05-17
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: ys3df55k112
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I left my home with my daughter in the afternoon to go to the bank and hardware store. I drove to the bank to make a deposit. We had to wait for quite awhile in the drive-through line at the bank, so I turned off my engine a couple of times rather than having the car idle. After making the deposit at the bank, I pulled out of the bank lot and began driving to the hardware store. I had driven for about two minutes and was driving along at approximately 25-30 miles an hour, and suddenly there was a terrible explosion at my left ear and massive pain in my left arm. I thought the car had been shot at and my arm hit. I was terrified we were still being shot at and looked at my daughter whose hands were over her ears. I could tell by that time that I was not bleeding and so was worried that the bullet had hit her. I could hear only faintly out of my left ear. There was smoke and the smell of an explosion. I could see by this time that an airbag had come out of my driver's seat and thought that it had been hit too. My daughter told me she was o.k. and to pull the car over so that we could see what had happened. I was shaking with fear and pain in my arm but finally calmed down enough to park the car and get out to see what had happened. It became clear that the car had not been shot at and that the driver's side seat airbag had simply spontaneously exploded without any warning whatsoever. The driver's seat side seam was completely ripped, multiple pieces of seat foam were lying about, and the air bag in the seat was out and ripped. The seat was still smoking. Luckily I had had my window completely down, or the explosion would have been louder in the car, and my arm and left side could have been more badly injured. I called my longtime Saab repairman who told me that what happened to me was extremely rare. He said I would need a new seat and that the computer system would need to be reset for the airbag system to work again. Insurance will examine soon. I may try GM too.
Latest 5 recalls Saab 9-3
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 47 recalls for different components of the Saab 9-3.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Saab 9-3 2007
- Report Received Date: 2016-02-03
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Saab 9-3 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2002, to February 15, 2011, 2006-2009 Saab 9-5 vehicles manufactured June 7, 2005, to May 28, 2009, and 2008-2009 Saturn Astra vehicles manufactured April 11, 2007, to July 24, 2008. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator on Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles and will replace the driver's frontal airbag module on Saturn Astra vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on March 1, 2017. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 28810.
- Model: Saab 9-3 2009
- Report Received Date: 2016-02-03
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Saab 9-3 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2002, to February 15, 2011, 2006-2009 Saab 9-5 vehicles manufactured June 7, 2005, to May 28, 2009, and 2008-2009 Saturn Astra vehicles manufactured April 11, 2007, to July 24, 2008. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator on Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles and will replace the driver's frontal airbag module on Saturn Astra vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on March 1, 2017. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 28810.
- Model: Saab 9-3 2008
- Report Received Date: 2016-02-03
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Saab 9-3 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2002, to February 15, 2011, 2006-2009 Saab 9-5 vehicles manufactured June 7, 2005, to May 28, 2009, and 2008-2009 Saturn Astra vehicles manufactured April 11, 2007, to July 24, 2008. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator on Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles and will replace the driver's frontal airbag module on Saturn Astra vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on March 1, 2017. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 28810.
- Model: Saab 9-3 2010
- Report Received Date: 2016-02-03
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Saab 9-3 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2002, to February 15, 2011, 2006-2009 Saab 9-5 vehicles manufactured June 7, 2005, to May 28, 2009, and 2008-2009 Saturn Astra vehicles manufactured April 11, 2007, to July 24, 2008. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator on Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles and will replace the driver's frontal airbag module on Saturn Astra vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on March 1, 2017. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 28810.
- Model: Saab 9-3 2006
- Report Received Date: 2016-02-03
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Saab 9-3 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2002, to February 15, 2011, 2006-2009 Saab 9-5 vehicles manufactured June 7, 2005, to May 28, 2009, and 2008-2009 Saturn Astra vehicles manufactured April 11, 2007, to July 24, 2008. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator on Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles and will replace the driver's frontal airbag module on Saturn Astra vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on March 1, 2017. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 28810.
Latest negative Saab 9-3 car reviews
Latest positive Saab 9-3 car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2006
I bought my car because three of my neighbors had them, and they were all relatively reliable, even the ones that were 10 years old and from the 900 series. I've been really pleased with my car's gas mileage (26 city, 34 highway), acceleration, and overall build quality. After 6000 miles and 7 months, I haven't had any problems yet, despite a few reports from others. The car rides well, and I especially like the sport suspension. I wouldn't choose any other car.
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Vehicle year: 1999
I purchased this car with 50,000 miles from a dealership as the second owner. Although the head gasket failed a day after the purchase, the dealership covered the labor costs while I paid for the parts which cost me $300. It is unacceptable for a car with such low mileage to have such issues. However, since the repairs, I have not experienced any further problems. I absolutely adore this car despite the slightly higher interior noise compared to my Honda Accord. It is more enjoyable to drive, has a better appearance, and the gas mileage is comparable (28 mpg/hwy with the Saab; 28-29 mpg '97 Honda Accord 4 cyl).
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Vehicle year: 2007
I recently purchased a 60th anniversary edition Saab in a stunning ice blue metallic color. It comes equipped with a roof rack, spoiler, and 17-inch wheels, and has an automatic transmission. The anniversary leather interior is a nice touch. Although it has been in storage for a while, it has just over 50k miles on it and I couldn't be happier with it. The car has plenty of power and gets decent mileage, averaging around 23-24 mpg. The only maintenance I've had to do is replace some bulbs (which wasn't incredibly easy) and change the oil once a year with Mobil1 synthetic oil, costing around $100. Unfortunately, I did have to replace the rear brakes and rotors as the pads burned straight through at about 20k miles. I was disappointed that the warranty didn't cover it, as there's no way the rear brakes should wear that fast. This is my second Saab and I recently purchased a low-mileage 2011 9-5, which I'm excited to drive.
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Vehicle year: 2006
I sold my 2006 9-3 Aero in August 2013 and replaced it with a 2009 2.0T for better fuel efficiency. However, I regretted my decision every day since then. The 2.0T has had sensor problems that caused the car to go into limp home mode. I bought my 2.0T in November with 69k miles and it has already been in the shop twice. It will be going again next week. I have only put 2500 miles on it. But let's get back to the review of the 2006 Aero. The car was perfect for me. I sold it with 116k miles and it was still running beautifully. It needed a new radiator and some minor suspension repairs, but the car still moved like it did when I bought it with 31k miles in 2008. I am now selling the 2.0T to look for another 2006 Aero with the button dash. I feel like I gave up a child in August. Haha!
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Vehicle year: 2011
Replacing our pick up for better fuel economy was a priority for us. We were drawn to Saab's tasteful design, functional and pleasing layout of controls, good fuel economy, safety, and good looks. In the end, our 7-year-old Saab (purchased used) convinced us to buy a new one. Even after several years of ownership, we still flip a coin over who gets to drive it. Instead of a van or CUV that doesn't handle like a car, we have a car that handles well and still accommodates a lot of stuff.
Are you having problems with your Saab 9-3?
Dashawn King 2025-03-22
Vehicle year: 2001
This is the second Saab I have leased. While the last car was great, this one seems to be slightly different as GM has taken over production. It is appointed slightly better than a Chevy, but it hasn't been as reliable or performance-oriented as my last Saab. I have had some issues with the suspension being too low, which has caused some flat tires and suspension problems.
Judah Conroy 2025-03-04
Vehicle year: 2003
I strongly advise against purchasing a Saab based on my personal experience with the 2003 9-3 model. Despite my initial desire to own one, the car has been in the shop 36 times in just 3 years and consistently experiences issues. Unfortunately, Saab's customer service has been unhelpful and unresponsive, refusing to offer any form of buyback or compensation. Given these circumstances, I cannot recommend purchasing a Saab and will not be doing so again in the future.
Emil Dickinson 2025-02-25
Vehicle year: 2000
The car was fine for the first 50K, but unfortunately, it has been giving me a lot of trouble lately. Despite my best efforts to maintain it religiously and keep it in a garage, it seems to be a bit of a headache. Over the past 12 months, I've had to spend an average of $550 a month on repairs (including three towings), which has been quite frustrating. Some of the repairs I've had to make include a new turbo for $1900, a fuel pump assembly for $550, and even a driver seatbelt for $470. I always use a solid local repair shop instead of the dealer, who charges an arm and a leg.
Cielo Pouros 2025-02-21
Vehicle year: 2002
This car requires frequent repairs, but with proper maintenance and attention, it can be reliable and efficient.
Valentin Halvorson 2025-02-09
Vehicle year: 2000
I'm about to turn in my 2000 9-3 convertible after a 3 year lease. Over the course of 32,000 miles, I have had to replace 7 tires and two rims. Unfortunately, I am currently driving on a bent rim which has caused a slow leak in the tire. However, I am still able to drive it until I turn it in. Although I have experienced some issues with the wheels and tires, I must say that the turbo engine is the BEST I've ever driven. It's a shame that I won't be getting another Saab, but I am grateful for the enjoyable driving experience. Thank you for the memories!