Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of SAAB 9-3 - part 2

While driving vehicle p0008 engine code occurred, car was taken to an independent mechanic, mechanic stated engine code was indicated by camshaft sensor, and could possibly be a worn timing chain. This is a common issue on gm 2. 8 and 3. 6 engines and gm has issued a TSB to extend the warranty for the timing chain to 120k miles or ten years. This TSB did not inclue the timing chain for the 2. 8 liter engine in the SAAB.

See all problems of the 2008 SAAB 9-3 🔎.

Over time the valves in the 2. 0t engine will wear causing dramatic loss in compression. Problem starts with rough idling and trouble turning over at cold start but escalates to a point where the car will not start what so ever. It appears that when manufacturing the engine gm put valves made of a softer than usual metal. These valves get essentially hammered against the cylinder head to a point where the edges become so thin they are razor sharp. A service bulletin was sent out to dealers from spna (SAAB parts north America), which means that gm is well aware of this issue. A SAAB mechanic warned me that the problem could get worse at any time regardless of mileage and that sooner of later my car would not start. To fix this issue all 16 valves would need to be replaced. This involves serious time and effort and I was quoted a price of up to $3,000 for a repair. Please be advised that this problem effects every SAAB 9-3 with the 2. 0t from 2007 to 2011. Gm should be held accountable for these faulty parts and issue a recall.

Was at a stop sign, vehicle suddenly cut off, had plenty of gas. Tried to start, it wouldn't about 10 min. Passed and tried again, it started. Thought it was just a fluke. Went on about my business. About 2 weeks later, I was driving and it cut off, waited about 10 min. Again. It started. This time I took it to the shop and explained the situation. The tested it and nothing came up. Alternator was good, battery was good. This has happened about 6 more times. Took it to another shop, they couldn't find anything wrong with it. Not sure what it could be now. Anyone else having this problem?.

See all problems of the 2006 SAAB 9-3 🔎.

My SAAB has worn intake valve seats which was confirmed with a compression test. Because of this problem, my car is having trouble starting cold. According to multiple SAAB blogs, this is a very common problem and is possibly caused by defective parts.

See all problems of the 2009 SAAB 9-3 🔎.

No start/cold climate for 2008 SAAB 9-3 2. 0t. Towed to SAAB dealership after cold no start yesterday 01/07/2014. SAAB technician diagnosis(01/08/2014): intake/inlet valves worn causing low engine compression, hence; failed start attempts. Engine compression and leak down tests performed to pinpoint exact problem.

Prematurely worn intake valves resulting in low compression and excessively rough running motor.

The intake valves are worn on the engine this started around 80,000 miles and has progressively gotten worse. The car will not start on very cold days. If it does, it idles very rough and hard. Date below is an estimate of when this started.

The engine would not turn over when trying to start the engine from a cold start. If the temperatures would lower close to freezing the car will just crank and never turn over. If I were able to get the car started, once it warmed up, it ran just fine. Reading online, it seems to be a known issue with the 2007 & 2008 SAAB 9-3's. It's a faulty intake valve and begins happening anywhere between 60,000 to 80,000 miles. I believe SAAB should look into this as it seems to be happening to a lot of 2007 & 2008 SAAB 9-3's. There should be a recall. The cost to get it fixed is over $2000.

At about 70,000 miles the car began to start rough on cold mornings this continued on until this year 2014-2015 it would barely start on all on a cold morning, after less then a minute of running it would be smooth with no apparent lose of power. All plugs and plug ignition coils we replaced with no effect. Finally I did a web search and found out a number of 9-3 SAAB's 2006-2008 had bad metal in some of valves causing them to wear paper thin. Once the engine was warm the metal expanded giving normal compression. A compression check on mine came back cycl 1,3,4 50lbs cycl 2 200lbs. This starting problem was first noticed at 70,000 I got the motor fixed at 92,000 miles. Of course the fix was a valve job and a cost to me of $2088. 02. I feel SAAB (gm) should share a large portion of this cost. This problem was very well documented on all the SAAB forums. I hope anyone reading this and has the same problem please file a complaint this is not right.

Difficult or no start when cold, rough idle, low compression #4 cylinder.

See all problems of the 2007 SAAB 9-3 🔎.

My wife's car is a 2008 SAAB 93 sedan. It had approximately 48,000 miles on it when the engine control module failed at highway speed. This caused loss of power-brakes, power-steeering and ability to continue driving. Fortunately, we were able to coast over to the side of the road. The engine would not re-start. We were able to restart it after figuring out which fuse control the "ecm" and pulling/resetting the fuse. The problem re-appeared multiple times on approximately 100-mile intervals. We finally had the ecm replaced with a used one by an independent mechanic. The local SAAB dealer quoted ~$1000 for a new ecm. The used unit cost ~$350 and requried the shop to "marry" the unit with the car's VIN. There was no warrenty on this car as SAAB went bankrupt. This is a serious safety concern. Fortunately I was driving and the kids were not in the car.

Tl the contact owns a 2006 SAAB 9-3. While operating the vehicle, the check engine indicator illuminated and the temperature gauge malfunctioned. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer who replaced the fuel cap, but the failure continued. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 120,000. The VIN was invalid.

Driving on turnpike and car hesitated very badly at 1/2 throttle in 3rd-5th gear at 50-70mph. Car stuttered so badly I backed off then engine malfunction light comes on for 10 secs, goes off and car then in a driving very poor - almost like its in limp mode. I belive it was limp home mode. Car felt like it was running on 3 cylinders with a hose blown off (not that I know what a hose is !!). I basically couldn't accelerate without the car feeling like it was going to fall apart. You could feel the car vibrating. I drove home very steady at 50 mph, being passed by all other vehicles. There are many problems with this model SAAB turbox 9-3 2. 8l v6 and faulty ignition coils. I know of scores of others having the same issue, with only 600 of this model produced. . Read more...

Rough idle and low compression when cold, symptom did not appear after the engine is warm. Intake valves failed and cost $1,700 to rebuild the head.

I have a 2006 SAAB 9-3 aero. My engine light has come on. I have tried to get this serviced several times. Each time the dealership/other mechanic resets the codes and tells me there is nothing wrong. Now they tell me it is a evaporator canister purge valve. They tell me that the part costs $425. No labor included. I have found this part for under $45. This is crap!!! I have even found tutorials on how to do it, 1 hour job. I have been trying to get this fixed since it was under warranty two years ago. Now they find the problem? a little suspicious if you ask me!.

Cold start problem caused by low compression / defective valves when cold. Runs fine after it warms up. Getting worse over time.

On August 27, 2012, while shopping in the mall, I came out side to the fire department putting a fire out that looks to have occurred while I was in the store. I don't understand how the care caught fire while it was parked. When I got out of the car it seemed to be fine. The fire marshall report side that it was an electrical fire that started because a defect from the manufacturer.

Began having issues starting, and misfires, and finally engine lost compression but still able to start when weather was warm. Nov -Dec 2011 no start or hard start in weather below 35f,local service shop said needed new engine, no compression when sat for long periods or exterior temp below 35f approx 94,000 mile. Dec 2011- called SAAB but bankrupt so no customer service, reached out to gm corporate regarding warranty and was told not honoring them since bankruptcy. Jan 2012 -2nd opinion by indy SAAB focused service center. Thought wrong oil was put in and with proper oil car, new spark plugs, fuel pump, etc started even in cold weather, but still misfired and rough idle and had to start in cold had mild winter. Jan 2013- same no start in cold and compression test again and cold test showed no compression in all cylinders. Hard to start when outside temp was below 30f and tested compression again and loss of compression, and ran sea foam through engine to remove carbon buildup upon suggestion from website board, others having issues with gm motors! not specific to SAAB. Still randomly started car ever 6 hours when temp dropped below 28f. Mar 2013- did another top engine cleaning with sea foam, mild weather until December. Dec 4th 2013-again hard start in cold weather did another top engine cleaning with sea foam. Jan 8, 2014- temp outside 22f no start again after sitting for 6 hours, battery dead from cranking, car towed, and no compression again, another 2 cycles top engine cleaning, car started after sitting in shop overnight. Jan 22, 2014- temp outside 16f, sat idle for 8 hours, no start again, battery died from cranking, car towed to shop, waiting on diagnosis. Found mention of spna technical bulletin dated 12/17/2013 hard starting cold w/ engine misfire and low compression 9-3 b207 and it described my issue perfectly. Reaching out local SAAB/gm service center.

Owner drove SAAB to mall and parked it. Approximately 20-30 minutes later, came back out to car and observed that fire department had extinguished a fire in the SAAB. Fire originated in right rear of engine compartment. Cause undetermined at this time. Vehicle has 2. 0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.

My SAAB is a 2008 9-3 aero with a 6 speed automatic transmission. Ever since I bought it in October 2010, when I try to accelerate while already at speed (I. E. , passing maneuver) the engine/transmission sputters and does not immediately accelerate. The stuttering makes passing in traffic a risky/dangerous move. I have made several trips to the dealer for investigation and am repeatedly told that this is the normal behavior for the automatic transmission. (I have never had an automatic transmission car act like this. ) nearly two years later, I still have the same thing occurring.

It has very rough start every morning when it's cold. . Read more...

When accelerating up to highway speeds engine will slip, stutter, and misfire reducing power and causing unsafe and unpredictable merging maneuvers. Have had 3 or more visits to dealer concerning this with repairs that never fully resolving issue of bad ignition coils or engine resolve. Vehicle is 2008 SAAB 9-3 turbo x, a limited run of 600.

Owner parked the vehicle at work and when owner got out, owner noticed a weird electrical type smell. Owner went inside to work. Approximately 5 minutes later, someone came in and said that the SAAB was smoking. Owner went outside and saw smoke coming from around the hood and also saw some embers dripping underneath the SAAB. Someone else called the fire department. By the time the fire department arrived, there was fire appearing up through the hood and cowl area. Vehicle has 2. 0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.

Vehicle owner pulled into a parking space and stopped, saw smoke coming from under the hood. Owner reported that the smoke became black and a fire erupted. Fire origin in right rear of engine compartment, cause undetermined. Vehicle has 2. 0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.

See all problems of the 2004 SAAB 9-3 🔎.

The contact owns a 2001 SAAB 9-3. While driving at approximately 30 mph, the oil pressure light illuminated. The contact turned the vehicle off and the light turned off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis and the mechanic flushed the oil sludge out. The current mileage was approximately 102,500. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. Updated 07/15/10 the consumer stated he received a letter from SAAB acknowledging a problem with several year models regarding internally lubricated engine parts. The letter stated they were extending the warranty for a total of eight years from the service date with unlimited mileage. The consumer stated his coverage expired. The cost to repair the problem was $2500. Updated 07/19/jb.

See all problems of the 2001 SAAB 9-3 🔎.

2003 SAAB 9-3 se conv (73k mikes at time of incident while driving 65 mph on highway car suddeenly quit running direct ignition cassette failed and ruined catalytic converter and O2 sensors SAAB forced to recall this part up to year 2002. My 2003 is old SAAB body style with defective di cassette. Part number on cassete is from the 2002 and earlier model years.

See all problems of the 2003 SAAB 9-3 🔎.

2000 9-3 had the ignition module recall done a few years ago. While driving at 45 mph the motor stopped. Lost all electrical power. Car would not restart. The repair shop replaced the catalytic because it was plugged. They said it could be caused by the ignition module.

See all problems of the 2000 SAAB 9-3 🔎.

2007 SAAB 9-3 went on fire with driver in it. Car was serviced at massey SAAB, orlando, flon June 3rd, 2008 (40,000 mile service, electrical repairs, detail, wheel alignment). Vehicle was in mcdonald's drive-through in orlando FL on junction of 535 n and hotel plaza blvd. Engine caught on fire. Manger of mcdonald's (frederico) and I (driver) pushed car away from building and other people. Flames entered cabin while I was in the vehicle steering it. I jumped out just in time, and the whole car went up in flames. There have been records of other SAAB's having similar fire problems in the past. I would like to have this investigated so other's are not injured in an occurrence like this. I am lucky to be alive. The fire department arrived and extinguished the flames, and informed me how lucky I was that I jumped out, and not brought the car home and parked it in my garage. Otherwise the whole neighborhood would have been affected. I do not have the full VIN b/c the car is completely totaled in fire. The last six numbers are 013430. The vehicle belongs to a fleet company wheels inc. I work for a pharmaceutical company, and this was my company car. Wheels/roche should have all details on the vehicle when you are investigating. Information for orange county fire rescue 407-836-9000 run# 47137; mcdonald's phone #: 407-827-1030.

The coolant reservoir has cracked three times in 16 months on my brand new SAAB 9-3 aero 2006. It only has aprx. 12k miles. SAAB replaces it for free, but offers not further explanation even upon request by owner. They refuse to issue a recall and this is a widespread problem with car according to service dept. On the first and most recent incident, of three incidents, there was combustion of the coolant reservoir, and resulting smoke. The vehicle is up to date on insurance, scheduled maintenance and lease payments. I have this documented on SAAB service dept. Service records. I fear for my safety, daily.

Engine seized.

No warning. Oil light goes on while driving on the highway. Vehicle towed to SAAB dealership. Engine seized. Sludge found in the oil pickup pan. Perfect service records. SAAB/gm will not honor extended 8 year warranty. For known sludge problem.

1999 SAAB 93 caught fire while on the ohio turnpike. Seems like the fire originated under the hood in the engine compartment. (ohio traffic crash report).

See all problems of the 1999 SAAB 9-3 🔎.

Cabin fan runs although key is no in ignition and unit is on off position. The situation also happens when unit is in off position and car is being driven.

Premature dic failure. Consistantly burns out spark plugs.

: the contact stated the air conditioner and the defroster has been repaired multiple times due to a sensor problem. The engine was replaced a few months ago but the replacement engine was noisy.

See all problems of the 2002 SAAB 9-3 🔎.