1999 Saab 9-3 convertible problems
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Common 1999 Saab 9-3 convertible problems
The Saab 9-3 Convertible 1999 is known for several common problems that potential buyers should be aware of. These issues are based on complaints from owners of this car and are discussed in detail below.
- Cooler Oil Leaks: Oil contamination in the coolant is a sign of leaks between the lubrication and cooling systems due to the chain. This issue is one of the more expensive on the list to fix and should make potential buyers think twice.
- Hood: The hood of the Saab 9-3 Convertible should be thoroughly checked for any rips, damage, and proper functioning. Raise and lower it a couple of times to ensure it's in good working order.
- Interior Heating: One of the most common issues with the Saab 9-3 is with the heating system, specifically the structural problems with the dial controls and knobs. These are known to easily crack off and split. Fortunately, they cost less than £10 each to repair, so potential buyers should not let the heating controls, or lack thereof, put them off a purchase.
- Oil Sludge: Petrol-powered 9-3s may experience costly problems with the engine if the previous owner has not been keeping up with regular services or has used thicker oil than is stipulated. Check the service history to make sure the owner has been on the ball.
- Strut Mounts: Listen out for a grinding noise on the test drive. Grinding noises and squeaks, particularly as you're going round corners, can be due to the mounts and bearings at the top of the McPherson struts in the suspension system.
- ABS and Traction Control: Persistent ABS and traction control light problems have been reported for second generation Saab 9-3s from 2002 to 2011 (with the exception of the 2009 model year). Corroded wire harness connectors in the front wheel sensors could be the source of this problem. ABS and traction control failure on the Saab 9-3 can lead to a complete loss of control on slippery or uneven roads. Both parts must be replaced in order to restore the Saab 9-3's braking system.
- Timing Chains: Timing chains have a habit of rattling on engines and can eventually fail. Ensure they are checked, and if the car's handling is a little sloppy, it could be that the suspension bushes need replacing.
- Hood Condition: Check the condition of the hood carefully. If it needs replacing, you'll be looking at a big bill.
In summary, potential buyers of the Saab 9-3 Convertible 1999 should be aware of these common problems and thoroughly inspect any potential vehicle for these issues before making a purchase.
What is the most common problem with the Saab 9-3?
Many owners have complained about engine failure caused by a faulty direct ignition cassette (DIC). Saab vehicles primarily use a DIC system, with ignition coils that directly go on top of the spark plugs. If there's a problem with the DIC, the engine may crank but not start.
How reliable are Saab convertible?
Overall, if these issues are taken care of, there's no reason why the Saab 9-3 Convertible can't continue to provide reliable transportation for its owner. With proper care and maintenance, this car could last for several more years.
Is the Saab 9-3 a good car?
The Saab is extremely well made, very comfortable especially on long journeys, despite its age is V ery reliable, however fuel economy is average at best. The soft top roof keeps the car very warm without any leakage. There is a surprisingly roomy boot & interior.
What is the top speed of the 1999 Saab 9-3 convertible?
SAAB 9-3 Convertible 2.0L Turbo 4AT FWD (185 HP)
| PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Top Speed: | 143 mph (230 km/h) |
| Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 8.5 s |
1999 Saab 9-3 convertible car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Saab 9-3 convertible problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Seat belts problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1999 Saab 9-3 convertible vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1999 Saab 9-3 convertible complaints
The NHTSA has received 16 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1999 Saab 9-3 convertible.
2015-08-18
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-08-18
- VIN: YS3DD78N2X7
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I WAS TRAVELING ALONG ON THE INTERSTATE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SIDE CURTAIN DRIVER AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. IT NEARLY CAUSED ME TO WRECK FROM THE LOUD POP WHICH BLURRED MY VISION AS WELL.
2014-09-23
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-02-03
- VIN: YS3DD78N2X7
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 10/29/14*CN
2010-12-25
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-12-13
- VIN: YS3DD75N0X7
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED. *TR
2008-08-25
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-07-07
- VIN: YS3DD75N8X7
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO COLLISION AND ONLY THE SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, NONE OF THE OTHERS DID. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT IF IT HAD BEEN ANY OF THE OTHER AIRBAGS, PARTICULARLY THOSE ON THE LEFT. AS IT WAS, THE NOXIOUS FUMES AND DUST FROM THE AIR BAG CAUSED SOME RESPIRATORY DISTRESS AND REDUCED THE VISIBILITY INSIDE THE VEHICLE. *TR
2007-11-15
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-07
- Fire: 1
- VIN: YS3DD78N4X7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1999 SAAB 93 CAUGHT FIRE WHILE ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE. SEEMS LIKE THE FIRE ORIGINATED UNDER THE HOOD IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *KB (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)*JB
2007-05-01
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-04-27
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: YS3DD78N8X7
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DRIVING ON ROAD AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED ON ITS OWN IN AFTERNOON OF FRIDAY, APRIL 27TH. NO PASSENGER WAS IN THE SEAT. SAAB WAS IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED. CAR WAS TAKEN TO SAAB DEALER MONDAY MORNING. CAR WAS LEFT THERE ALL DAY AND SAAB CORP WAS TO HAVE THE CAR INSPECTED. NOTHING WAS DONE AND CAR WAS PICKED UP ON MONDAY EVENING. WE ARE DESPERATELY TRYING TO GET SAAB TO LOOK AT THE CAR BUT THEY ARE BEING DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH. SAAB CORP IS NOT GIVING ANY INDICATION AS TO WHAT THEY ARE GOING TO DO TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND ENSURE IT DOES NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. SAAB CORP AND SAAB DEALER DO NOT HAVE A SENSE OF URGENCY TO GET THE CAR LOOKED AT. THE FEAR NOW IS THAT ANOTHER ONE MAY GO OFF UNEXPECTEDLY. DRIVERS EAR HAS NOT BEEN NORMAL SINCE THE INCIDENT. *TR
2006-07-03
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-26
- VIN: YS3DD78N7X7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT TWO VEHICLES WERE TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS ON THE DI CASSETTE OR THE ID MODULE. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE TWO VEHICLES MAY BE UNDER RECALL FOR THE PARTS AFFECTED. HOWEVER AFTER AN INVESTIGATION IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES. THE VEHICLES WAS REPAIRED THREE TIMES PRIOR WITH THE SAME PART. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. UPDATED 7/19/2006 - *NM
2006-01-17
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-01-16
- VIN: YS3DF75N1X7
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH NO KEY IN THE IGNITION. WHEN THE CONTACT LEANED OVER TO THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE AIR BAG WAS CUT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVABLE. *NM
2005-09-14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-09-10
- VIN: YS3DF75P1X7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE I WAS HIGHWAY DRIVING; I PARKED THE VEHICLE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND DIDN'T USE IT UNTIL THE MECHANIC WAS AVAILABLE. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST SHOWED DIRECT IGNITION FAILURE, THE PART WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW PART. BEING A LONG-TIME SAAB OWNER, OF SEVERAL MODELS, I AM AWARE THAT CERTAIN MODELS HAVE ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS, SUCH AS THIS PART. *JB
2005-08-26
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-07-31
- VIN: YS3DD78N0X7
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: DT: CONSUMER STATES THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS THAT HOLD THE FUEL LINE TOGETHER FAILED ON A 1999 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONSUMER SMELLED GAS, WHILE DRIVING. PULLED OVER AND SAW THAT THE GAS WAS LEAKING OUT EVERYWHERE. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE MODELS 2001-2002 WERE RECALLED ON THE EXACT SAME THING. THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING FINE BEFORE THIS. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD CONSUMER THAT HIS CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER SAID THAT IT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. IF THERE WERE MORE COMPLAINTS THEY WOULD BROADEN THE RECALL YEAR. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REGULARLY MAINTAINED . THE CAR WAS FIXED TODAY.*AK
2005-07-20
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-01
- VIN: YS3DD75N5X7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I HAVE A 1999 9-3 CONVERTIBLE, BOUGHT CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED FROM THE DEALER (SANTA MONICA SAAB) IN 2002. LAST SUMMER, THE CEL CAME ON AT ABOUT 38K, SO I HAD THE ENGINE SERVICED AT THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED BY THE MANAGER THAT THE CODES INDICATED A DI CASSETTE FAILURE AND ALSO POSSIBLE OXYGEN SENSOR FAILURE AS A RESULT. AT THAT TIME, I HADN'T EXPERIENCED ANY ENGINE STALLING OR FAILURE AS A RESULT OF THIS PROBLEM BUT WAS WARNED THAT IT MIGHT FAIL WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING IF THE DI CASSETTE WASN'T REPLACED. I TOOK THAT RISK, DRIVING ONLY LIMITED DISTANCES (IN/AROUND TOWN ONLY) FOR A FEW MONTHS W/THE CEL INTERMITTENTLY ON BUT OTHERWISE NO DISCERNABLE PROBLEMS. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, I FOUND A SAAB MECHANIC AND ASKED HIM TO REPLACE THE DI CASSETTE ON APRIL 1, 2005 (LABOR COST WAS MINOR; THE PART, HOWEVER, WAS $500). I ALSO HAD THE O2 SENSOR REPLACED AS WELL BUT SINCE THEN HAVE EXPERIENCED SOME STALLING AT IDLE, THE CAUSE OF WHICH IS STILL TO BE DETERMINED (THROUGH A PROCESS OF ELIMINATION...AND CONTINUED VISITS TO MY MECHANIC). I SHOULD NOTE THAT I WAS TOLD BY BOTH THE DEALER SERVICE MANAGER AND MY MECHANIC THAT THE DI CASSETTE FAILURE HAPPENS RATHER FREQUENTLY. BUT CONSIDERING THAT MY CAR AT THE TIME OF FAILURE HAD LESS THAN 40K AND WAS WELL-MAINTAINED, I WAS SURPRISED THAT THIS HAPPENED, IN MY OPINION, THROUGH NO FAULT OF MY OWN. THROUGH READING OF AND POSTING TO THE SAABCENTRAL FORUM, I'VE DISCOVERED QUITE A FEW OTHER SAAB OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, ALL OF US WONDERING WHAT GM/SAAB IS DOING TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. SOME OWNERS, IT SEEMS, HAVE RESIGNED THEMSELVES TO FREQUENT DI CASSETTE FAILURES. THOUGH I DIDN'T EXPERIENCE THE ENGINE FAILURE AS SOME DRIVERS HAVE, I STILL THINK THAT A $500 PART SHOULDN'T FAIL SO EARLY AND OFTEN,AND I FIND THE SUGGESTED SOLUTION (DRIVING AROUND W/A SPARE DI CASSETTE) UNACCEPTABLE.
2004-07-29
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-07-23
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND PULLED OVER. CONSUMER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, AND NOTICED THAT FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AL
2004-01-03
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-02
- VIN: YS3DF78N1X7
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TWISTED SEAT BELTS; FRONT AND REAR ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE DEALERSHIP HAS UNTWISTED THESE BELTS ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. IN A FEW CASES, IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF WEEKS BEFORE I HAD TO RETURN TO HAVE THEM UNTWISTED AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALSO VERY FORTHCOMING INFORMING ME THAT THIS IS A ONGOING OCCURENCE IN THIS SAAB MODEL. I CANNOT SEE WHY THEY HAVE NOT BEEN RECALLED, SINCE SAAB KNOWS OF THEIR FAULTY DESIGN. THEY ARE UNSAFE, AND I CANNOT SEE HOW THEY WILL FUNCTION PROPERLY IN AN ACCIDENT.*AK
2003-11-19
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-20
- VIN: YS3DF78N1X7
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ON, OR ABOUT THIS DATE, MY CONVERTIBLE TOP CEASED TO OPERATE. THE "RAMS" WERE LEAKING HYDRAULIC FLUID, AND THE HYDRAULIC PUMP WAS MISSING TEETH IN ITS' GEAR RING. THIS CAR HAS ONLY 31,000 MILES AND JUST WENT OVER FOUR YEARS OLD IN FEBRUARY; WHICH WAS ALSO THE END OF ITS' MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY. I CONTACTED SAAB CARS USA TO ADVISE THEM OF THIS PREMATURE FAILURE OF SEVERAL PARTS WITHIN THE CONVERTIBLE TOP. THEY PAID FOR PARTS ON ONE OF THE REPAIRS (THE RAMS). FOLLOWING THIS INCIDENT WITH THE TOP, AND AFTER IT WAS REPAIRED, A INTERMEDIATE SWITCH IN MY CONVERTIBLE TOP FAILED, AND WAS REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE . I NOTIFIED SAAB CARS USA OF MY DISSATISFACTION CONCERNING THESE FAILED PARTS, BUT THEY NO LONGER WISHED TO ASSIST. THEY CLAIMED THAT THEY HAD HELPED WITH THE PREVIOUS REPAIR, AND WOULD NOT HELP WITH THIS ONE. IT SEEMS, INSTEAD OF LISTENING TO WHAT THE ACTUAL COMPLAINT OR PROBLEM WAS, THEY FOLLOW SOME TYPE OF TEMPLATE ON HOW MUCH ASSISTANCE THEY GIVE A VEHICLE OR AN INDIVIDUAL. THESE FAILURES ARE MAJOR COMPONENTS OF THE TOP, AND THEY OBVIOUSLY FAILED PREMATURELY.*AK
2003-10-26
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-14
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BATTERY CABLE CORROSION AND BATTERY LEAKAGE. SINCE JUNE 1999 WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE POSITIVE LEAD BATTERY CABLE HAS CORRODED TOTALLY THROUGH FOUR TIMES. TWICE SNAPPING IN HALF AND LEAVING ME ON THE ROAD REQUIRING A TOW. THE DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED THE CABLE FOUR TIMES AND THE BATTERY THREE TIMES. HOWEVER THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO OCCUR. THE DEALERSHIP CANNOT FIND A PROBLEM OTHER THAN CONTINUING TO REPLACE THE CABLE. THE LAST CABLE LASTED ONLY TWO MONTH BEFORE IT CORRODED THROUGH... *LA
2001-01-27
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-27
- VIN: YS3DD75N0X7
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: IN THE LAST 10 MONTHS THE FUNDAMENTAL RIMS THAT CAME WITH OPTIONAL STEALTH PACKAGE ARE WEAK. THREE RIMS HAVE BENT DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. LOCAL FL DEALERSHIP WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE A DEFECT IN THE RIMS. FACTORY ALARM GOES OFF EVEN WHEN ALARM IS NOT SET. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED AS WELL AS WHEN DRIVING. LOCAL FL DEALER CANNOT FIND PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH THE SERVICE THEFT ALARM MESSAGE APPEARS.*AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1999 Saab 9-3 convertible problems:
1999 Saab 9-3 Problems and Complaints - 20 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1999-saab-9-3/problems
Top 1999 Saab 9-3 Problems · Engine Coolant Loss and no Leak Noted · Knocking Noise While Turning and/or a Banging Noise When Driving on Rough Roads · Engine Dies ...
1999 9-3 convertible top issues | SaabCentral Forums
https://www.saabcentral.com/threads/1999-9-3-convertible-top-issues.116108/
Dec 5, 2007 ... The top switch is a 2 position switch the up section appears to be working as you said, the other side not ,have you spilled coffee on it lately ...
Q&A: Saab 9-3 Convertible Problems & Ignition Switch Issues
https://www.justanswer.com/saab/89yqw-saab-9-3-2-0t-1999-saab-9-3-convertible-problem.html
Feb 12, 2014 ... My 1999 Saab 9-3 convertible has a problem that when the ignition key is turned to engage the starter, it will not - Answered by a verified ...
I am considering buying a used 1999 Saab 9-3 convertible, how ...
https://www.saabcentral.com/threads/i-am-considering-buying-a-used-1999-saab-9-3-convertible-how-reliable-is-it.156614/
Apr 30, 2009 ... If it has been auctioned twice recently I'd be very skeptical of it. Dealers auction cars because they want to avoid future problems. Auctioning ...
Advice on buying a 2002 Saab 9-3? - Saab Forums - Saab ...
https://saabforums.com/forum/saab-9-3-11/advice-buying-2002-saab-9-3-a-1419/
Jan 9, 2009 ... Take BMW, Audi, VW, etc, they ALL have bigger problems that saabs do. ... I own a 1999 Saab 9-3 SE convertible. In ... reliability, remove, saab, ...
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