Car Stall Problems of SAAB 9-3

SAAB 9-3 owners have reported 33 problems related to car stall (under the engine and engine cooling category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of SAAB 9-3 based on all problems reported for the 9-3.

1 Car Stall problem of the 2008 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 07/05/2020

My car wouldn't start so I replaced the battery and the crankshaft sensor. It drove fine and then I parked it and went out a little later and it would jerk and try to stall while I was driving, sputtering like I was running out of gas. If I pressed the accelerator, it wouldn't accelerate and then it would surge forward. I ran some errands and it drove fine. After my final errand, the car struggled to start but did and idled really roughly. I put it into gear and it died. I couldn't get it started again. After reading other posts, this seems like an issue with these years and veey dangerous.

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2 Car Stall problem of the 2008 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 05/05/2020

I brought my 08 SAAB 9-3 to a shop for a compression test cause it kept stalling when I would go to start it, it's an automatic. I was told my intake valves were wearing down and it's due to gms faulty valves. Yesterday my car started ticking while I was driving and I lost almost all my power, come to find out my valves were about to snap. Now I'm making payments on a car I can't drive and gm refuses to fix this issue and there are multiple cases of this happening to 08-10 SAAB 9-3 with the gm factory valves.

3 Car Stall problem of the 2006 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 01/08/2019

Vehicle stalls while in drive there is internal fuel issue causing engine to misfire and potential damage.

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4 Car Stall problem of the 2008 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 12/08/2018

Rough idle and start on cold starts. This issue is well known in the SAAB community due to gm putting weak material in factory fuel injector valves. Engine loses compression until car is warm, but may result in stalls or limp mode.

5 Car Stall problem of the 2009 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 01/07/2018

Misfires when cold, resulting in rough low idle speed and possible stalling after cold start.

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6 Car Stall problem of the 2008 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 05/01/2017

Reached 100k miles, and car began running very rough. Engine light came on and diagnosed as bad ignition coil. Paid for tune-up, ignition coil, and and fuel service. Less than a month later, same issue. Car running fine, then suddenly almost stalls and engine light blinks then stays on - car runs very rough at idle and acceleration. Replaced 2 more coils. Less than one month issue, same issue - car running ok, then just almost stalls and runs rough - engine light blinks then stays on - relaced #5 coil. When diagnosing, service tech advised that issue was likely worse, not maintaining compression - likely required valve job. Have already paid several thousands of dollars on ignition coils and other service to dealership for this issue, now facing large bill for valve job.

7 Car Stall problem of the 2008 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 03/01/2017

I have been having this problem with my car for a while now and couldn't figureout what the problem was. When started from a cold start would take 2 or 3 times to get the car running it would stall out and run really rough. After a number of trips to the shop that maintains my car they researched online that this was a common problem for Saabs with this engine and gm isn't willing to do anything about it. I had to spend just under 2000. 00 to get this issue fixed. I see there are a bunch of people posting about this same problem the intake valve issue is a known issue with gm supplied intave valves on 2007-20011 Saabs with the b207 motor.

8 Car Stall problem of the 2008 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 01/20/2016

Intake valve issue - car will not start on a cold day and, sometimes at a stop sign /light, will stall - had to two mechanics depict the issue and it is the intake valve issue - many SAAB's have reported this issue and nothing was done by gm - I called gm and they said that they are not responsible - this issue has been reported several times and there are several threads as well.

9 Car Stall problem of the 2008 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 11/04/2015

79,000 miles began with sluggish cold starts until warmed than began to run o. K until stopped turning over. Another owner of gm screwing the public with crappy valves installed in these engines. When will there be enough complaints to create a recall. Ordering parts from east coast SAAB parts store and looking for reasonable and knowledgeable California based mechanic. Expecting to pay approximately $2k. Will update this complaint when job complete. Another gm disappointment in car ownership!.

10 Car Stall problem of the 2006 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 08/10/2015

I was driving car on middle lane on highway approaching traffic, when my car completely shut off. This was after getting a complete tune up including oil change, new batteries and tires. Towed car to repair shop and after repair, the engine light remained on and then there was smell of gas and car continued to stall. Took car back to repair shop, where the fuel injector was replaced and gas smell was eliminated. But engine light remained on and car completely shut off again. Took it to repair shop, yet again. This time, starter was changed and mechanic claims that a new ecu/ecm is needed for engine but part for 2006 model has been discontinued and is now running on 2004 eci/ecm and engine light still remains on and started is a bit rough.

11 Car Stall problem of the 2003 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 07/15/2015

Tl-the contact owns a 2003 SAAB 9-3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle did restart. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was not diagnosed, however, the mechanic replaced the dic and the crankshaft sensor. The vehicle was repaired and the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic and the dic was replaced. The failure persisted and now takes several attempts to start the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the failure mirrored NHTSA action number: ea04008 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 45,000. Sw.

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12 Car Stall problem of the 2007 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 11/17/2014

While attempting to install new headlights, I removed the negative on the battery. After putting the negative back on to the battery, the system has reset and has not rebooted since then. The car is in minimal driving condition, performance has significantly dropped and the steering wheel locks while driving at high speeds, the engine knocks and shakes at high speeds, there is no more turbo boost and while flooring the gas pedal, the car is hesitant to increase speed.

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13 Car Stall problem of the 2007 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 03/01/2014

During colder starts, the engine will take much longer than it should to start. Either it will try and crank until it does or it will crank and stall. Usually a few tries and it will clear up once the engine is warm. I think this might have to do with the intake valves being warn out prematurely. Many other SAAB owners in the same few years and mileage are having this problem.

14 Car Stall problem of the 2008 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 11/20/2013

I first noticed a difference in how my car worked about a year and a half ago. I purchased it certified pre-owed from a certified SAAB dealer at the time. When I first noticed the "cold-starts" I thought it was just normal wear and tear and maybe needed an oil change. I always use premium gasoline and get the vehicle serviced regularly by the dealer. When I took it to the dealer in the beginning of 2014, the technician said he's familiar with the problem that I was having. He says the issue is with the compression valve. He told me that I was "unlucky" that I purchased this car because SAAB manufactured 2007-2009 9-3 model engines where the valves were made of weaker metals that when surrounding metals. As the edges of the valves impact the engine walls, their original convex designed became concave, thus causing a loss in pressure and combustion. (I'm not an engine savvy guy, so please excuse my lact of terminology). So, he quoted me about $3,000 for a valve replacement. That's rediculousness! how can gm produce a vehicle whose valves will deteriorate after normal wear and tear? this has led to not only cold starts but also decreased responsiveness on the highway. Sometimes when driving, I would apply the accelerator and my car shakes for a few seconds. When giving a ride to others they look at me like, "that's not supposed to happen. " my car hasn't stalled or shut off while driving, but I'm guessing if I don't get this fixed soon it may happen. There is a safety issue that I'm sure gm is aware of; accordingly, there needs to be a recall to get this issue resolved.

15 Car Stall problem of the 2007 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 10/17/2013

Upon start, rough idle and misfires. Occasional stalling. Defect traced to metallurgical issues in the intake valves of the vehicle causing an improper seal when the engine is cold.

16 Car Stall problem of the 2010 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 05/20/2011

There have been two incidents where the vehicle has stalled suddenly while I was driving at a low speed. The vehicle also suddenly ran out of gas twice in the first two months I owned it. After the first service at the dealer, the fuel gauge has been working correctly, although I was not told there was a problem or a repair made. The second incident of stalling occurred today on the on-ramp of a bridge with no shoulder, on a curve going uphill, and no exit for two miles of bridge. The vehicle simply shut down while I was driving, with no noise or warning. There was half a tank of gas. I could not get the key out of the ignition or restart the car for approximately 30 minutes. I called 911 and waited in a very dangerous position on the ramp, with cars speeding around the curve, and my vehicle half in the lane. We were finally able to start up the car and it drove seemingly normally. I brought it to a local mechanic, who could not figure out what the problem was. I researched the problem myself online, and it became immediately apparent that this was a defective fuel pump, and that there had been a recall and numerous bulletins regarding the necessity of replacing the faulty parts to ensure safety. I was never contacted by SAAB or the dealer who sold me the car. All of my contact information was and is correct. I was nearly killed today as a result. I want to know how this is to be handled. Thank you.

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17 Car Stall problem of the 2007 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 06/01/2010

2007 SAAB 9-3 the vehicle stalls during hot and cold weather. Sometimes the vehicle runs "rough" the vehicle has then stalled in the middle of an intersection. The vehicle has been to the dealer six times for this problem. SAAB USA has been made aware of this problem and I advised them I want them to buy the vehicle back. The vehicle is still under it's factory warranty.

18 Car Stall problem of the 2003 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 09/01/2009

Vehicle was stalling during acceleration , then fuel pump had complete malfunction . . . . After replacement, engine has always run poorly and almost always stalls during acceleration. Replaced ignition coil , and it didn't fix problem . I have talked to 4 other SAAB 9-3 owners for this model year and 2004 and every one has the same problem.

19 Car Stall problem of the 2001 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 06/18/2009

The contact owns a 2001 SAAB 9-3 convertible. In 2006, the contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 103-7-22538. There were no failures at the time; however, the contact took the vehicle in for service to prevent the recall consequence. In 2007, the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The contact did not feel the need to file a complaint at that time. Since the beginning of 2009, the vehicle has frequently been stalling and is a major inconvenience. On June 10, 2009, the vehicle was serviced for the stalling issue and the contact was informed that the crank sensor needed to be replaced. He feels that he should not have to pay for services that were performed in 2006, which were supposed to remedy the failures in the first place. The failure mileage was 165,000.

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20 Car Stall problem of the 2006 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 03/16/2008

The contact owns a 2006 SAAB 9-3. While driving 20 mph, the steering wheel locked and the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure. The contact crashed into a ten foot barrier. Gm sent an engineer to gather evidence and survey the damage. One occupant was injured and a police report was filed. Gm stated that they will take apart the vehicle to find out why it stalled and crashed. The failure mileage was 36,000.

21 Car Stall problem of the 2000 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 06/13/2007

The contact owns a 2000 SAAB 9-3. At 68,359 miles, the engine was rebuilt due to a blown piston. The manufacturer stated that his VIN was not included in the recall. Fifteen months later, the entire engine had to be rebuilt for the same failure. While driving 55 mph, the vehicle stalled and the engine suddenly failed. The vehicle was repaired, but the contact believes that the manufacturer should consider this a recall because of the frequency of the failures. The recall number was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 97,780.

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22 Car Stall problem of the 2003 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 10/10/2006

No warning or signs of anything wrong. . . One day I am driving down the highway and taking an exit, when my car stalls out on me at 90km and hour, I almost hit the guard rail. This has happened 7 times in the last month where my car has stalled out on me. This happens when I am in neutral and depressing the brake. I took the car to SAAB for service, and they said nothing is wrong with the car and let me drive it home. Tonight I almost killed a child on a bike as I slid to a stop after my car stalled on me again. I do not understand how SAAB can let someone drive their car home when reporting such a serious problem. Please contact me as soon as possible!.

23 Car Stall problem of the 2000 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 08/31/2004

While driving 45 mph, the vehicle stalled. The consumer had the vehicle towed.

24 Car Stall problem of the 2003 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 01/30/2004

While driving thru a s curve, my car stalled and lost all power. The split second loss of power on a turn caused me to cross into on coming traffic before I reacted to bring my car back into my own lane. I was luckily that no other vehicles were coming from the opposite direction or I would hit them head on. My 2003 SAAB 9-3 coasted to an area off the side of the road where I stopped and restarted the engine. Again luckily that there was a road shoulder to pull over on. This is the 3rd time this has happened. The dealer response at the first time was "that's ok if it only happens once". . . But guess what it is still happening and seems to be a well known problem. . Hopefully we dont have to wait for someone to be killed before SAAB fixes it.

25 Car Stall problem of the 2003 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 12/30/2003

Twice while stopping at a stop light my car has stalled. It has stalled once while driving in traffic at about 35 mph. It has also gotten stuck in park twice afrter I start it. The sid says gear box malfunctioned. The lights burn out and the interior is falling apart. This car has 17,000 miles in it.

26 Car Stall problem of the 2003 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 12/29/2003

While driving 30 mph vehicle stalled. Driver was able to avoid a collision, and got the vehicle to the side of the road. Dealership mechanic upgraded the software for the engine.

27 Car Stall problem of the 2003 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 10/17/2003

My 2003 SAAB 9-3 has stalled 3 times in traffic. Took it to the dealer and they came up with nothing. Car is in shop right now and will see if anything is found but I doubt it. SAAB customer care is oblivious to problem. This is a potentially life threatening problem. Seems to happen while cruising in traffic at speed under 30 mph. Car completely locks up and will not start until pulled off the road, turned off and turned on again.

28 Car Stall problem of the 2003 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 10/08/2003

While driving vehicle stalled, and the steering wheel locked. The cause had not been determined.

29 Car Stall problem of the 1999 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 09/16/2003

The consumer had just filled the gas tank with fuel and was driving away when the vehicle stalled for no reason. The consumer managed to restart the vehicle and drove to the dealership. The mechanic could not locate the cause of the stalling problem.

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30 Car Stall problem of the 2000 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 09/15/2003

Tire rim's dented in normal use & tires blew. Tires & rims each $250 for total of $2000 turbo failed; installed new turbo at cost of $1200.

31 Car Stall problem of the 2003 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 08/14/2003

I have a 2003 SAAB 9-3 linear. I have had the car stall on me in traffic 4 times now over the last 4 months. I now realize I'm far from the only one this has happened to. This is a very dangerous situation as I have been in highway traffic 3 of the 4 times. Luckily in the outside lane and able to pull off. I have automatic transmission and run high octance fuel (recommended). Hopefully something can be done to press gm and force them to fix this problem.

32 Car Stall problem of the 2003 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 04/28/2003

Vehicle stalled while accelerating. Lost power steering and power brake assist. Could have easily caused an accident if I hadn't been able to stop safely. The car started with no issues after the stop.

33 Car Stall problem of the 2003 SAAB 9-3

Failure Date: 01/10/2003

I have experienced intermittent stalling with my 2003 SAAB 9-3. After giving the dealership approximately 5 chances to fix the problem, they were unable to. I then called customer service and they denied that there was any problem with the car and tried to say this was the normal function of the vehicle. They have made another attempt to fix the car. I then learned on your website that others had experienced this problem. I hope it is resolved.



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