13 problems related to front suspension 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.
No events leading to failure. Passenger front spring broke at 71,000 miles. Broke previously at 35,000 miles. Current brake at 71,000, broken spring dug into passenger front tire and prevent the car from steering to the left. Springs were replaced by the dealer after the 35,000 mile failure. Springs and struts were replaced with aftermarket parts after the 71,000 file failure.
Coil spring failed on 2003 SAAB 9-3 puncturing tire and causing car to cross center line of roadway. Had there been any oncoming traffic, this coil spring induced tire blowout may have resulted in a head-on frontal collision on a busy two-lane state highway. Had this been on an interstate or other roadway with higher speeds, it may have been fatal.
On may 14 I went out to my car and noticed that the front left of my car was leaning towards the ground. After my husband took off the tire, the spring to my car just fell off. The car was towed to the dealership where I was advise that this is an going issue with SAAB. When I contacted SAAB USA they stated that this was not a problem and that they would not help me pay to have a new spring on my car. The gentlemen who towed my car also advise me that this was his 5th SAAB he towed this month with the same problem that I have - broken spring.
Left front spring snapped while in normal driving circumstances. Potential for serious accident exists. Dealer replacing both front springs stating this is a common occurrence.
The front drivers side spring broke. Happened while the car was sitting still.
Front right suspension springs on my 2003 SAAB 9-3 broke. No accident occurred, but could have been deadly if it was on the freeway. There seems to be a pattern of this. . Something like this should not be happening on this type of car. It was taken to the nearest dealer that wants to charge $1100 for the fix because I am out of warranty by. I am also in the process of contacting SAAB USA.
I am another SAAB owner with the problem described complaint "investigation # pe08051. " this was discovered during other work being performed on the car. Along with other numerous problems, this may explain why we have gone through many sets of tires and alignment has always been a problem. The 1st and last SAAB I will ever own.
Both front suspension springs on my 2003 SAAB 9-3 broke. A front tire was punctured while the car was in motion due to the break. No accident occurred, but could have been deadly if it was on the freeway. There seems to be a pattern of this. My car only has 36,000 miles on it. Something like this should not be happening on this type of car. It was taken to the nearest dealer that wants to charge $1100 for the fix because I am out of warranty by 6,000 miles. I am also in the process of contacting SAAB USA.
2003 SAAB 9-3 linear. Oem front spring broken (passenger side). Noticed when doing brakes one day. No damage to vehicle or any property, but still a huge problem.
1. There is a distinct sound when the vehicle goes over bumps, it rattles on the driver side, strut. Brought it to a SAAB dealership they can't find the problem. Brought it to a small shop, they replaced the dust covers on the front struts and after bringing it back six times for the same problem they can't find the problem. Both shops state that the struts are just fine. Rattles like the strut is ready to fall off. Have no more idea where to go. SAAB dealership states that it's supposed to sound like that because of a sport sedan. I don't believe it. Battery draw. Draws battery dead after two days letting it sit. Brought it to authorized SAAB dealership they can't find a draw. Brought it to small shop, they found a draw of 1amp. After three new batteries, still draws and dead battery.
Front spring failure from corrosion damage front passenger spring broken, completely broken off piece approximately 5-6 found. Every time the vehicle was driven over a rough road surface (aka pothole, dirt road, speed bump), a vibration / rattling noise was heard coming from the front passenger side. Originally, it was believed that the noise was due to a wheel or brake issue, so we drove the car for quite some time thinking it was just a minor annoyance, not a serious safety risk (some drivers have had the spring shoot out and shred their tires while driving!). We got the tires / wheels balanced, rotated and also replaced the brakes, none of which helped the problem. Then another mechanic confirmed the problem during an oil change when they found the broken off piece of spring which was causing the rattle. The broken off piece has a significant concentration of rust the last 1 or so where the break occurred. There is a rubber sheath that partially covers that section of the spring, but it is obviously flawed in keeping water from corroding the spring as there is a lot of rust all throughout. The other spring has rust on it as well, but has not failed yet we plan to replace both springs now, hopefully with the next model years springs which I heard have a better shield to prevent this from occurring. Researching online what the problem was, I found that this problem also occurs on this model year SAAB in the uk as found on the Saabscene. Com forum and I read that the NHTSA just started investigating this issue August 28, 2008 as investigation # pe08051.
My SAAB 9 3 has been in the shop 5 times for the same issue - "front end creaks when I turn or goes over bumps" this started on March 2, 2006 with 41,694 up until October 17 2008 with 98,508 (sept 2007, Dec 2007 June 2008). Out of the 5 times 4 of those times they have replaced the front stabilizers. In October 17 they stated nothing was wrong however, after we left the dealership we still heard the front end making noise. Called the dealership right away who then tells me that they were unable to find anything. May 2009 - my spring broke off my car.
At 65 mph the vehicle pulls to the right and left very hard even at the slightest turn. This pulling is really violent. Consumer has to drive at low speeds to control vehicle. Dealer suggested consumer to get skinnier tires. Please provide any further information.