Two problems related to transmission failure 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.
Automatic transmission completely failed while driving on highway without prior warning. Only 35,400 miles at failure. Had to be towed to dealer which is replacing transmission under warranty.
Abruptly, at 53,000 miles, the transmission failed. Dealer could not explain why, except to cite various "codes. " dealer said they do not check those codes at the 45,000 mile interval. SAAB refused to do anything about it, even after a polite appeal. Apparently, SAAB doesn't value me as a customer, and refuses to admit that they have any blame. Estimated dealer cost, including tax, is about $7,500. I have always meticulously maintained my SAAB. A transmission that fails at 53,000 miles (on the highway, creating a safety issue) on its own, with no advance warning, is obviously defective. I am a 4 time SAAB owner -- won't be buying a SAAB again, for sure, although before this incident I was planning to buy an 9-7 in a couple of years. If it wasn't such a hassle, I would file a lawsuit -- among other things, I am sure that this defective transmission was defective at 50,000 miles, just as it obviously was at 53,000.