Two problems related to engine stall have been reported for the 2004 SAAB 9-3. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 SAAB 9-3 based on all problems reported for the 2004 9-3.
While driving, without any warning the car engine stalls. No warning at all!! once it stops, ignition key won't work. The only way to restart the car is to disconnect the battery. This is all done in the emergency shoulders, breakdown lanes, its also happened on the highway exit ramps. Luckily each time there was a place to pull over. We could get killed. It has happened numerous times . Sometimes it stalls 2-3 times a day. I am so disappointed in this car. I am afraid to drive it, and how can I sell it knowing that something bad could happen to the new owner.
Engine may stall when cold and car is traveling 30-45mph. Nearly lost control of vehicle on 2 occasions due to loss of steering and ran onto shoulder/lawn of homeowner. We have had the vehicle in 4 times for repairs or modifications in attempts to fix this but SAAB will not even admit there is an issue that needs fixing.