Three problems related to engine and engine cooling 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 se conv (73k mikes at time of incident while driving 65 mph on highway car suddeenly quit running direct ignition cassette failed and ruined catalytic converter and O2 sensors SAAB forced to recall this part up to year 2002. My 2003 is old SAAB body style with defective di cassette. Part number on cassete is from the 2002 and earlier model years.
2003 SAAB 93 fails to accelerate from a stop in a timely manner. Delay can be as long as 5 seconds before reasonable rate of acceleration is achieved with light or heavy application of the gas pedal. Can occur when turning or in straight line acceleration. Only occurs in very hot weather (phoenix, summer). In normal weather, auto exhibits typical, slight turbo lag, but nothing nearly as severe as this condition. Auto did not exhibit problem during its first summer in 2003, but was serviced in 2004 for same condition. Updated engine control software was loaded and slight improvement resulted. This time (2005), car was again serviced with updated engine control software, but absolutely no improvement resulted. This is an extremely hazardous condition, and requires exceptional care while driving. I consider it an accident waiting to happen, and have warned several individual at the servicing dealer, kachina Cadillac/SAAB of htis. Per SAAB's owner's manual instructions, I am contacting you. I have contacted SAAB directly today after dealer failed to rectify the problem, was unresponsive and seemed completely uninterested in doing any anything to correct this extremely unsafe condition.
I just bought a 2003 SAAB 9-3 about a month ago and it has approx. 1800 miles on it. I was driving home from work and suddenly lost power steering followed by complete power. Luckily I was on a back road and pulled over safely. If I had been on the highway there may have been a different outcome. I feel that this is a very big safety issue.