Three problems related to engine failure have been reported for the 2008 SAAB 9-3. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 SAAB 9-3 based on all problems reported for the 2008 9-3.
The stock intake valves are bad, noticed problem at 75,000 miles and bought the car at 74,000. This is a very common problem for this year including engine failure. Over a 3,000$ fix.
Engine fails to start when cold and when it does, the car runs extremely rough. Car hesitates and drives poorly until engine is finally warm. Cold compression test confirms that there is low compression and that there are defective intake valves. This is a serious problem for a vehicle that is not old at all.
Noticed our 2008 SAAB 9-3 2. 0 has been starting and idling rough in could weather. Once the car warms up to operating regular operating temperature, the car idles smoothly. Performed a compression test on the cold engine and found low compression on two of the four cylinders. Apparently, the intake valves in the cylinder on this model are wearing badly not seating correctly when the engine is cold. Once the engine warms up and expands, the valves seat correctly and engines runs normally. This is a catastrophic engine failure and gm should recall these cars to repair engine with the proper valves. I have requested quoted from two independent shops and they we $2100 and $2300 respectively. We haven't been able to start the car in a week.