Seven problems related to ignition have been reported for the 2000 SAAB 9-3. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2000 SAAB 9-3 based on all problems reported for the 2000 9-3.
Ignition cassette failure.
Related to NHTSA action number (investigation #) : pe05017. (1) check engine light activated on and off. I had a technician run the codes. The direct ignition cassette (dic) was sending error codes indicated possible imminent failure. (2) the dic did not fail yet on my car (now has 68,000 miles). Given SAAB's history with this particular part and the consequences of failure (total loss of power wherever it happens), I didn't take any chances. (3) on the advice of other SAAB owners and my independent safe technician, I purchased and installed a new dic. The old part is still available. I'm holding onto it in case the new one fails.
Was driving down the gsp during the evening rush hour (5pm or so) in the left lane on the express side. Pickup truck approximately 4 ft off my rear bumper(NJ you know). Heavy rain. My 2000 SAAB 9-3 viggen just shut off. No warning. No power to get to appropriate shoulder so I had to drive the car off the left hand side of the road into the mud. After being towed to dealer I got the car back the next day. Di cassette failure was the diagnosis. Come to find out, this is a known problem with the SAAB di cassettes. One day later, car back in shop for 4 days. Dealer needed to replace catalytic convertor due to no engine power. Catalytic convertor failure a direct result of di failure. I am reporting this because had this happened while I was getting on the highway it could have been a big problem. It happens to some little old lady, it's definitely a problem at speed. With the advanced on board diagnostics and information displays, there is no way this should happen.
While driving 45 mph, the vehicle stalled. The consumer had the vehicle towed.
I was casually driving with my daughter and the car suddenly shutoff in the middle of traffic. I tried to restart the vehicle; however, it did not restart. Fortunately, I had enough momentum to carry me towards the curb. But I had to cut across a lane to make it to the curb. When I spoke with the dealer the next day, they knew immediately what the problem was - failed ignition cassette. The dealer said this is a constant problem with Saabs and there is no warning before failure. I find this odd considering the car has a service information display. Fortunately the car was still under warranty so it was repaired and returned by the dealer in 2 days. But at 42,000 miles, I find it scary as I have no idea when the next time it will fail - in another 40,000? had this been a time when I was on the expressway, which I frequently travel, this sudden shut-down could have caused fatal consequences for myself, my family, and/or surrounding motorists.
Failed direct ignition cassette leaves motorist stranded. There have been complaints that the engine will stop with no warning - even at high speeds of travel.
My wife was driving our 2000 SAAB 9-3 at approximately 55 mph on the h-3 enroute to kaneohe, hi. On the down hill side, the engine shut off with no warning. Nothing on the sid or other instrumentation. The car had plenty of fuel. She attempted to restart several times. Since she was coming down the mountain, she was able to safely coast to the shoulder of the road. The car was towed to the local SAAB dealer. The next day they ascertained the problem to be failure of the direct ignition cassette. Cost for replacement was $647. 79. Shortly thereafter, the catalytic converter failed due to raw fuel being dumped through the exhaust after the di cartridge failed. The converter was eventually replaced free of charge under the emission warranty after an extensive correspondence and telephone exchange with SAAB USA. The car had 69,779 miles on it when this event occurred. I still drive the car (105,000 miles), but carry a spare di cassette just in case it should fail again.