One problem related to power assist hydraulic brake has been reported for the 2006 SAAB 9-3. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2006 SAAB 9-3 based on all problems reported for the 2006 9-3.
Intermittent loss of brake power assist on cold start, giving very hard pedal. Recovers with several pumps of brake pedal, or several seconds of idle time. Began about mid-June, 2007, and was reported to dealer. Behavior is not consistent, and may vary with weather conditions. Barely avoided a low-speed accident in a parking deck first time it happened. Car taken to dealer specifically to identify / repair problem on 11-7-07. Dealer response has been positive, but unable to locate specific problem. Dealer found that other SAAB 9-3 aero (v6) models exhibited similar characteristic, including brand new 08. Further pursuit with SAAB got negative response, as dealer was unable to find the problem, and reported the car "normal" in that it behaved as other similar models on cold start. I then reported to a SAAB owner website, and responses from others led to coverage of current NHTSA investigation pe08005.