Five problems related to brake disc pads have been reported for the 2003 SAAB 9-3. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 SAAB 9-3 based on all problems reported for the 2003 9-3.
2003 SAAB 9-3 customer states that the front end of the car just dropped off after having the car inspected the front coil spring was found to be broken* the consumer was told the passenger side coil spring was also in the process of failing. The consumer was informed that the failure was caused by rust that had formed inside a rubber boot that was used at the base of the spring to dampen noise. Water was able to get inside the boots and remain, which caused rust to form and eventually compromised the integrity of the spring. The front pads and rotors were replaced. The consumer was informed that the new springs did have the rubber boots that the original springs had.
Brake pads & rotors, seat belt, battery replacement, tire, transmission, sunroof malfunction.
Brake pads wore through and rotors were damaged on the front end. No indication of brake wear from dealer service department at regular service intervals. SAAB has a long approximately 15,000 engine service interval. Consequently brakes may only be inspected every 15,000 miles. Neither dealer nor manufacturer can advise customer of when brake pads should be replaced. Customer has no avenue to receive advice regarding brake wear and replacement. Ulitmately pads are worn out completely without warning, and rotors are damaged, creating a safety issue. All parts are replaced at a cost to the consumer of $800.
Front brake rotors and pads wore out completely without warning. The consumer stated that there was a lot of brake dust the last 10,000 miles. The dealer stated that this was normal and that they could not do anything about it. The manufacturer has been called three times and they said this was normal wear. The caller only has 26,000 miles on vehicle and he believes this is not normal.
Headlights was too low which caused difficulty in driving at night. There was noise in the rear while backing and turning (the dealer could not find the problem), the onstar feature would not work and was intermittent, the seat belt light had come on and would go off intermittently (unable to duplicate), need service soon light would come on (unable to be duplicated), the squeal in the rear, could have also been linked to salt and sand in the rotors, the trunk would not stay open, the head lights were found to be out of adjustment, and the pads had rust on them.