Table 1 shows three common exterior lighting related problems of the 2008 SAAB 9-3.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Tail Light Switch problems | |
| Brake Light problems | |
| Headlights problems |
The contact owns a 2008 SAAB 9-3. The contact stated that the rear tail light failed. The dealer was contacted and advised that the failure was common for the year, make and model but unfortunately, the manufacturer was no longer allowing the part to be available in the united states. The VIN was not available. The current mileage was 42,000 and the failure mileage was not available.
The passenger-side taillight bulbs have become so dim that they are visible only upon very close inspection. The taillight bulbs also serve as the brake lights, emitting a brighter light when the brake is depressed. Because of this malfunction, following cars may not have sufficient visual notice that the car in front of them is braking, resulting in a traffic collision. I understand that this is a relatively common problem and was able to have the connector for the malfunctioning taillight replaced. This was an exercise in futility as, almost immediately, the taillight became as dim as it had been prior to the connector replacement. This issue, which evidently cannot be easily remedied, creates a hazard to vehicle occupants, and those in cars following the affected vehicle.
The headlights in my vehicle started flickering and shut off while driving in the dark a few days ago. After safely parking the car, I investigated and found that the housings are designed to be unservicable but I was able to investigate and found that nearly all of the internal wiring shielding had cracked and fallen off (please see attached photos, I appologize about the quality). The headlights failing without notice created a very dangerous blackout scenario which could have very easily resulted in serious injury and/or death due to manufacturing defect and by no fault by or prior warning to the operator. I was lucky!.