One problem related to engine knocking noise has 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.
Leased 2003 SAAB 9-3 arc on 9/26 and this is my second complaint (10051379) and I still have not heard from SAAB customer care regarding their fixing the loud right rear rattling/knocking noise. I have called numerous times with no call back. I now have two more problems. . . The car hesitates, sputters and almost stalls. . . The dealer increased the idle and that was the fix. . . I do not feel safe when starting off from a stop or driving in stop and go traffic. Also the transmission is shifting hard between gears between 10 and 30 mphs. . . It started a few days ago and is becoming more prevalent as each day passes. . Both these problems along with the loud rattling/knocking noise from right rear that dealer says is normal tell me that this car has problems that SAAB doesn't want to deal with and that is not right.