Front Suspension Coil Spring problems of the 2004 SAAB 9-3 - part 1

Right front spring broke off during travel. 2nd incident. Note broken coils replaced in 2010.

The contact owns a 2004 SAAB 9-3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the front passenger's side tire blew. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic, who replaced the damaged tire and also advised that the failure was caused by fractured coil springs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 140,000.

I was traveling at 50mph when I heard a loud pop from the front suspension. After the pop the front end would rattle over bumps. Upon further inspection I discovered the front right coil spring had cracked. After looking at the spring more I found another crack in the same spring.

I was backing out of my garage when I heard a loud clunk coming from the front left area of my car, accompanied by a burning rubber smell emanating from somewhere. I got out of the car and thought it looked a little lower on the left side. I felt it was unsafe to drive due to the loud noise when I put it in reverse, not to mention the smell of burning rubber. I got my car towed for $75, only to find out I was correct in my online assessment of the problem being my front suspension coil being broken (as per a local auto body diagnostic), due to the numerous and very similar sounding complaints especially for the 2003 and 2004 Saabs. I'm lucky that I didn't end up shredding my tire and losing control of my vehicle as I as about to embark on an hour drive, using highways, to meet a friend. However, now I come to find out that SAAB, since going bankrupt in mid-December of 2011 no longer is manufacturing or releasing any parts - so I am left with a car that is not drive-able until I can find a solution to this very frustrating problem.

Loud cracking noise when going over a small bump in road. Inspection showed broken right front coil spring. Could have punctured tire and caused an accident.

Broken front coil springs caused the vehicle to be unsafe to operate. Both left and right springs are broken with spring material extending towards the tire. Will require tow for service. Tire failure is likely if driven.

The contact owns a 2004 SAAB 9-3. While driving approximately 55 mph the front passenger side tire blew out. The contact was able to pull off to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The technicians stated the front passenger side coil spring needed to be replaced. The contact decided to replace both front driver and passenger side coil springs. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer issued an extended warranty for the failure but the vehicle was not covered under the warranty due to the mileage. The approximate failure mileage was 124,000. Updated 05/18/11.

The contact owns a 2004 SAAB 9-3. While driving at approximately 2 mph, the contact heard a loud pop noise from the front end of the vehicle. After driving half a mile at approximately 30 mph, he heard another loud pop and the front passenger tire blew out. The tire was replaced with a spare and contact drove to a repair center where he was informed the front passenger side coil spring broke and pierced the tire. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that the failure was a known issue that was being serviced on a case by case basis. The VIN was not available. The current and failure mileages were approximately 72,000.

2004 SAAB 9-3 front right spring coil failure. No warning prior to defect. Loud noise in wheel well first/only sign upon starting car and pulling out of driveway. Returned home immediately and made appointment with independent mechanic. Drove approx. 2 miles to mechanic who diagnosed front right suspension spring coil fractured/broken. Made appointment with SAAB dealer who assured me it was safe to drive car to dealer. Drove approx. 1. 5m when broken coil spring punctured tire resulting in blown-out tire. SAAB towed car, replaced both front spring coils and tire at no change.

My front driver side coil has snapped and I've found out this is a recurring issue from SAAB. This is quite a dangerous situation. I've not seen any letter warning us of this potential danger.

Front coil spring has broken.

Left front spring failure. There was an erratic occasional metal to metal noise coming from the under the hood. There was no indication of the spring being broken. Took car to service center and discovered spring failure. Upon further inquiry with SAAB dealer discovered this is a recurring problem. Had car repaired and parts replaced with new redesigned springs to correct defect. Old parts not available. Why hasn't a recall been issued? why hasn't a warning been sent out to SAAB owners? we own a second SAAB 9-3 and I am concerned about front spring failure on this car!.

Heard a loud noise while pulling out of the parking lot; soon after, there was a rubber(tire) burning smell and vibration on the front right side. The coil spring snapped and was pressing against the tire and rim. Had the car towed to the mechanic. Changed both front coil springs. Mileage on the car-44,000.

The contact owns a 2004 SAAB 9-3. The left coil spring fractured and then punctured a whole in his driver side front tire. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealer nor has the manufacturer been contacted. The failure mileage was 70,000. The VIN number was unknown.

Driver side front coil spring "broke" while driving my 2004 SAAB 9-3 on the highway at over 50 mph. Caused significant strut damage and rattling over the next few days as I was working to schedule in a mechanic visit. They finally quoted me $930 in repairs to replace both front springs, struts and to perform an alignment. Apparently, a lot of other Saabs of the same model has had this issue arise for them, I think the springs should be recalled. It is a significant safety issue.

Coil spring on front right tire of 2004 SAAB 9-3 broke. Shredded tire.

Front spring coil is broke. During oil change, dealer checked and found a piece of the coil missing. I would like SAAB to reimburse for this $400+ repair job.

The contact owns a 2004 SAAB 9-3. While the contact was examining the vehicle she noticed that the front driver side coil spring snapped and punctured the front driver side tire. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 45000.

Left front suspension coil spring broken.

The contact owns a 2004 SAAB 9-3. When the contact released the seat belt, the mechanism on the door post made a loud noise and the seat belt failed. The dealer advised her to call the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer advised her to not drive the vehicle. The contact would have to pay for the repairs and then have the dealer inspect the vehicle. The dealer stated that the seat belt failed and would cost $400 to repair. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number 04v226000 (seat belts:front:retractor); however, the dealer stated that this recall does not exist. The vehicle has not yet been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 49,200. Updated 08/04/09 the right front coil spring was broken. Updated 08/10/09.

Both front coil springs were broken when the car went in for inspection. Each of the front springs had approximately 3-4 inch long piece broken off where it meets the bottom retainer. Awaiting word from SAAB to see if they are going to cover the repair.

The contact owns a 2004 SAAB 9-3. While driving between 30-35 mph, the contact heard a strange noise underneath the vehicle. The noise was first noticed two weeks ago. He jacked up the vehicle and noticed that the coil spring failed. The contact feels that this is a safety issue because a crash could have occurred. The current and failure mileages were 24,500.

Front driver side coil spring broke.

I have a 2004 SAAB 9-3 that has experienced a front suspension coil spring failure. There has been no damage as of yet but I would like gm to pay for replacing the defective part.

Noticed a sudden steering pull and thump/rattle in front end. Drove to nearest shop to have a look and was told my front coil springs were broken and lucky that the spring did not shred the tire and cause a loss of control/accident! I've been told that this has been a somewhat common defect on similar year models. Shop recommended replace both springs before driving again.

The contact owns a 2004 SAAB 9-3. When attempting to reverse the vehicle at 3 mph, the contact smelled a burning rubber odor and heard a loud noise. He noticed that the front passenger side coil spring fractured and punctured the tire. The dealer would not assist with the repairs because there were no recalls available. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 57,000. Updated 03/27/09 updated 04/01/09.

While driving my wife experiences a scraping sound. Then her right front tire blew out and was shredded. Fortunately she was traveling very slowly on a local street, and was able to pull over; otherwise the tire blowout could have caused her serious harm. Turns out it was the spring (or coil) that had broken. Cost us $650. 00 to repair and replace both springs (SAAB said you have to replace both springs at same time, even though only one broke) and for a new tire. SAAB dealer said broken springs/coils not covered. I kept the broken spring. We had the local car repair shop discard the shredded tire.

My 2004 SAAB 93 arc had 2 broken front coil springs. Told corrosion caused breakage. Right front broke while driving with my 8 year old son in the car. Car had to be towed. Car is currently in the shop. Repairs over 400$ for just coil springs to be replaced.

I have a 2004 SAAB 9-3 linear and was driving near my house and heard a loud crack from the front driver side. I drove the car home a block and took the wheel off to find a piece of the front suspension coil spring snapped off and the remainder was rubbing against my tire. Luckily no harm was done to myself or tire but it could have occurred on the interstate with not as good results. I have done some research and this is a serious problem with this car not only in the us but same thing in europe. I will have to get my car towed to a mechanic and get the coil replaced.

On 2004 SAAB 9-3, right front coil spring broke, slashed wall of tire resulting in immediate deflation. Vehicle taken to local repair shop, repaired same day, requested old part to be held.

About 5 inches of the lower part of the front drivers side coil spring had snapped off and remained in the wheel well. Will have to take it in to get it repaired, just noticed it, time of incident unknown it could have happened when the car was purchased in 06.

1. Standard driving conditions in minnesota. 2. Front left coil spring breakage. Near the top of spring. 3. Replaced both front springs at dealership.

I was driving through the ted williams tunnel and the left front coil spring broke. I did not hit a bump. The spring caused a catastropic failure of the left front tire. I had to be towed out of the tunnel and have new coil springs installed.

While driving 35~40mph sudden very loud pop noise. Didn't hit a hole or anything. Car was still drivable, but stop to the side to inspect the tires. No flat tires and car seemed structurally ok. Continued to drive over the next few days. A rattling noise was always present over bumps. Finally looked behind the front left tire and saw the coil spring was broke in two locations.

Upon driving our 2004 SAAB 9-3 into a parking lot we noticed the car was not handling correctly. Front end was very low to ground, car not turning correctly, and making a noise. Upon having it towed to the dealer it appeared one of the front coil springs had snapped. Based on numerous other reported complaints similar to ours, we were very lucky that it happened very close to work, after getting off of the mass pike or we could have had a blown tire at 70 mph. After discussion with the SAAB dealer and their district manager, SAAB replaced both front coil springs at no cost to us without any argument. Ironically a friend of ours had just had the exact same problem a month earlier with the same outcome.