Two problems related to power train have 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.
Had been having problems with a very rough idle. Then when putting car into reverse from a cold start the brakes would be inoperable (brake would not press down). Throwing car into a different gear was only way to stop car. Very scary when parked on an incline one morning and reversed into traffic but couldn't stop. Took to service repair to find the brake booster needed replaced. Said this was unacceptable failure in car of this age/mileage who has very regular service record.
1. The events leading up to the failure. None 2. The failure, how often it occurs, and its consequences. Periodic uncommanded changes in throttle. Dealership test equipment shows evidence of data corruption on channel 1 of the two channel throttle position sensor (tps) occurring every couple of seconds. Driver perception of problem is in form of jerky throttle response at low throttle with one instance of sudden, uncommanded acceleration. The sudden throttle changes have resulted in traction loss on slippery roads severe enough that the vehicle departed the roadway. 3. What was done to correct the failure; I. E, parts repaired or replaced (and if old part is available) dealership replaced throttle body, wiring harness, and engine control module in an attempt to resolve tps data corruption problem and drivability problems, but was not successful in their pursuit. Dealership requested assistance from the manufacturer's field engineering team. A field engineer was dispatched, evaluated the vehicle, declared that it was "operating within manufacturer's specifications", and told the dealership to ignore what their test equipment was telling them. When requested to provide the specifications, what tests where performed to determine compliance, and the results of those tests, the manufacturer refused.