Front Suspension Coil Spring Problems of SAAB 9-3 - part 1

First issue was front suspension coils. Replaced both. Biggest issue was once the weather became very cold, car would not start. Ended up being a victim of the bad intake valves provided by gm. Now, after a complete valve job and having the car run great from March 2017 to Dec 2017. . It appears it may have a cracked block. Car never overheated. Fluids were always maintained. Looked into that and apparently there were some casting issues as well. Thanks gm.

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

Drivers side front coil spring rusted and broken causing loud clunking when driving. I am looking for an explanation on why safety recall 15917 only includes the years 2003-2006 when clearly the issue from reading online surpasses those years by far.

Both front coil springs while driving, snapped in half, and dislocated from vehicle, 6 months apart. Was driving at 30 mph, and the passenger front spring snapped in two. Had no forewarning, before it exploded apart. The passenger-side coil-spring snapped off the vehicle, in two+ places, and was retrieved from the highway. Metal showed a clear snap. The metal appeared corroded and as if the metal was not strong enough to work long-term. Six months later, the driver side front-coil-spring snapped and dislodged in the exact same manner, and when the failed piece was retrieved from the highway, it showed the same clear snap lines, as its predecessor. Both instances caused the car to lose control. Clearly a manufacturing defect with sub-par metalloids that likely will kill someone if they are traveling fast. Please recall as its the same defect that appears in 2003 - 2006 SAAB models. In 2010, general motors offered an extended warranty on about 66,000 2003 - 2006 SAAB 9-3 vehicles to cover the cost of replacing front springs that break due to corrosion. The mechanic stated that this was a common occurrence on for SAAB 9-3 models, but is not covered by gm special coverage #15917 because that extended warranty only applies to 2003-2006 vehicles. . Read more...

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

Both front coil springs while driving, snapped in half, and dislocated from vehicle, 6 months apart. Was driving at 30 mph, and the passenger front spring snapped in two. Had no forewarning, before it exploded apart. The passenger-side coil-spring snapped off the vehicle, in two+ places, and was retrieved from the highway. Metal showed a clear snap. The metal appeared corroded and as if the metal was not strong enough to work long-term. Six months later, the driver side front-coil-spring snapped and dislodged in the exact same manner, and when the failed piece was retrieved from the highway, it showed the same clear snap lines, as its predecessor. Both instances caused the car to lose control. Clearly a manufacturing defect with sub-par metalloids that likely will kill someone if they are traveling fast. Please recall as its the same defect that appears in 2003 - 2006 SAAB models. In 2010, general motors offered an extended warranty on about 66,000 2003 - 2006 SAAB 9-3 vehicles to cover the cost of replacing front springs that break due to corrosion. The mechanic stated that this was a common occurrence on for SAAB 9-3 models, but is not covered by gm special coverage #15917 because that extended warranty only applies to 2003-2006 vehicles.

Noticed a clunking noise coming from the front left side of the car when going over bumps. Took car to mechanic and discovered that the front left coil spring was corroded and broken. The corrosion occurred at the bottom of the spring and the broken piece was sticking out of the strut assrmbly and was possibly a tire puncture hazzard. The mechanic stated that this was a common occurrence on this model SAAB but is not covered by gm special coverage #15917 because that extended warranty only applies to 2003-2006 models. Why not gm??.

The front coil springs and strut bearings need to be replaced because both coil springs cracked/broke. There is a similar issue with other SAAB model years recall 15917 and this should be expanded to cover model year 2007 as well since same problem occurring.

Noticed a brittle breaking sound and assumed it was my front brakes. Had new brakes put on the car but still had rubbing and rotational ticking sounds coming from the front wheels. Took it to the dealer where I bought the car new and they told me the front coil springs were both broken and needed replaced with the manufacturers recommended repair which was authorized for 2003-2006 model year 9-3 SAAB. And that my 2008 SAAB (current vehicle) was not covered under this defect repair order from gm. This incidentally now has happened on both of my last two Saabs, the 2004 9-3 I had before this current 2008 9-3 model SAAB. I am amazed that this issue has continued to occur and not be covered by any recall beyond the 2006 model year as described to me. Additionally it is extremely coincidental that these last two SAAB I've owned have had the same problem but now I have to bear the burden of the over $600 repair and parts for this current vehicle when the 2004 model was covered.

Tl-the contact owns a 2007 SAAB 9-3. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 mph, there was a pop sound and the sound of metal grinding. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the front drivers side spring coil was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but the vehicle was not covered for the repairs. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000. Mm.

The contact owns a 2007 SAAB 9-3. The contact stated that the engine valves failed prematurely. The service engine indicator illuminated and the vehicle performed roughly each time the failure occurred. In addition, the springs that connected to the front struts had premature rust and corrosion, which caused it to fracture without warning. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the front coils springs and eight valves needed to be replaced. The vehicle was also inspected by a dealer (conntech SAAB specialists, 180 jefferson blvd, warwick, ri 02888, (401) 738-3665). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN and failure mileage were not available.

Please refer to complaint number 10691989 which pertains to driver side broken suspension coil spring. This complaint (which I'm submitting now) pertains to passenger side (right) suspension coil spring. The top of the coil spring was heavily rusted approx. 1-2 inches from the top of the spring and was at risk of breaking/snapping. Broken spring could have sliced the front tire open and caused a high speed accident.

Just put 2005 SAAB 9-3 into shop for new breaks and was informed that the front passenger coil spring was broken. Parts are unavailable. I have no recollection as to when this might have happened. Thankfully it was not on freeway.

See all problems of the 2005 SAAB 9-3 🔎.

Tl-the contact owns a 2009 SAAB 9-3. The contact stated that while driving there was a rattling noise emitted from the front passenger's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnostic testing. However the contact self diagnosed the issue. Contact stated that the coil spring was broken. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000. Rg.

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

A noise could be heard coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle when driving over rough portion of the road. Vehicle was taken to repair center and it was discovered the front passenger coil spring had corroded and split. Currently working with dealer to verify if repair costs can be covered under any extended warranty.

After experiencing rattles in the front of my car, I brought my 2007 SAAB 9-3 in to a mechanic to find both front coil springs corroded and cracked. Had I not had this repair done the broken coil springs could have caused a serious accident. This was a $900 repair. Another friend with a 2007 SAAB 9-3 also had this repair done.

Vehicle's front passenger side coil spring has fractured as a result of poor design.

Right front spring broke off during travel. 2nd incident. Note broken coils replaced in 2010.

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

The contact owns a 2007 SAAB 9-3. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph there was a loud banging noise that came from the front drivers side. The contact noticed that the coil spring was broken on top of the strut on the front drivers side. The contact was able to be driven to the contacts residence. The failure was not diagnosed nor was the vehicle repaired. The VIN was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103000.

My 2008 SAAB 9-3 2. 0t had a similar issue to the SAAB's affected by the 2003-2006 warranty extension for the front coil springs. I am in a salt belt state, massachusetts, and my front coil springs failed at 64,500 miles. It was found during a routine inspection. Clearly the design changes made after the 03-06 issue were not enough to stop the front coil spring fractures and the engineering analysis done was not adequate.

The contact owns a 2004 SAAB 9-3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the front passenger's side tire blew. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic, who replaced the damaged tire and also advised that the failure was caused by fractured coil springs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 140,000.

I was traveling at 50mph when I heard a loud pop from the front suspension. After the pop the front end would rattle over bumps. Upon further inspection I discovered the front right coil spring had cracked. After looking at the spring more I found another crack in the same spring.

The driver's side front coil spring has broken causing it to become detached. Auto repair shop stated that both springs must be replaced to give the suspension safe stability.

Driver started hearing a clunking sound on the left front side. Upon getting brake work done mechanic discovered that the left front coil spring had broken. Driver contacted the Mazda/SAAB dealership of bedford, ohio and was told that the vehicle was covered in a warranty extension for the coil springs and scheduled the repair work. After taking the vehicle in for service the dealership recognized that they had made a mistake and the warranty extension was only for 2003-2006, and would not honor the repair. If the same problem is occurring in the 2007 models, the warranty extension should also apply to those vehicles.

Left front coil spring failure. Corresponds with existing SAAB TSB for 9-3's through 2006. My 2007 is identical vehicle and equipped with the same part as earlier vehicles, but current campaign does not cover this year. It caused a drivability issue. Please review for action, this is an accident waiting to happen.

Left front coil spring failure. Corresponds with existing SAAB TSB for 9-3's through 2006. My 2007 is identical vehicle and equipped with the same part as earlier vehicles, but current campaign does not cover this year? this makes no sense. Please expand to include all model years originally equipped with the faulty coil springs. I was lucky in that the failure on my vehicle did not tear the tire and I did not have an accident.

Front coil spring on car has rusted through which is a common issue for 2003-2006 Saabs, and gm has provided a extended warranty to cover this issue. However, for 2007 they have not. (I have never had a vehicle where the springs have broken. ) while I did not have an accident, when the spring broke, it caused a drivability issue. After searching SAAB forums for answers, it is apparent I am not the only one affected by this issue. Please review for possible action. This seems to me a just a accident waiting to happen. As the suspension loses 1-2" in height effecting braking distance, and if on a rough road when this could happen damage to car and the people inside.

I went to put new tires on the car because of a flat tire and the service garage indicated the front coil springs were broken. I called a SAAB dealearship and that indicated that the previous owner replaced the springs but the replacement springs were not covered.

Front coil springs broke. Service station had to remove front strut assemblies to replace "broken" front coil springs- install struts-clean affected surfaces and two new tires.

Replaced both front coil springs at recommendation of dealer. One spring was broken completely at bottom (on driver's side), and the other was cracked (on passenger side). Spacer leafs were replaced also. I've retained the parts. Expense was not covered under warranty although the car has only 47,500 miles. It is 4 years, 5 months old. I am the original owner. Car has never been in an accident.

The contact owns a 2005 SAAB 9-3. The contact stated that while driving 5 mph, the front passenger side suspension coil spring fractured and punctured the front passenger tire. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to a local mechanic shop where the failure was confirmed. The dealer was contacted and advised that the parts needed for the repair were on a national back order and the dealer was unaware of when the parts would become available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure who stated they were not sure when the parts would become available and offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 78,000.

I was backing out of my garage when I heard a loud clunk coming from the front left area of my car, accompanied by a burning rubber smell emanating from somewhere. I got out of the car and thought it looked a little lower on the left side. I felt it was unsafe to drive due to the loud noise when I put it in reverse, not to mention the smell of burning rubber. I got my car towed for $75, only to find out I was correct in my online assessment of the problem being my front suspension coil being broken (as per a local auto body diagnostic), due to the numerous and very similar sounding complaints especially for the 2003 and 2004 Saabs. I'm lucky that I didn't end up shredding my tire and losing control of my vehicle as I as about to embark on an hour drive, using highways, to meet a friend. However, now I come to find out that SAAB, since going bankrupt in mid-December of 2011 no longer is manufacturing or releasing any parts - so I am left with a car that is not drive-able until I can find a solution to this very frustrating problem.

Loud cracking noise when going over a small bump in road. Inspection showed broken right front coil spring. Could have punctured tire and caused an accident.

The front-right coil spring has broken (when turning 180 degree, at 3 or 5 mph);.

While driving my SAAB 9-3 2007 I started hearing some rattling noise from the front left suspension. I stopped the vehicle but could not see anything unusual. When I reached my garage I was able to remove the front wheel and noticed about 6 inches of the bottom spring coil was broken off from the rest of the spring. I contacted SAAB exchange dealer in lake bluff, illinois and was told the 2007 SAAB does not have any recalls related to the springs and the replacement cost would be about $1250. This is definitely a major safety issue and should be repaired by SAAB (gm in this case).

The contact owns a 2005 SAAB 9-3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, she heard a loud noise and the vehicle started to drive differently. The vehicle was taken straight to the dealer where they advised her that the front passenger side coil springs were fractured and needed to be repaired. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised her that they had issued an extended warranty but her vehicle was not one of the affected units that the warranty would cover. The failure and the current mileages were approximately 42,000.

A few weeks ago, I began to notice a clunking sound near front driver's side tire when going over bumps in the road. Upon investigation this week, I could see that the coil spring was broken right through the metal. I had never hears of anything like that. Mileage is approximately 77,000. Drove it to the mechanic, who confirmed that there is a broken spring. They informed me that, although the part is not expensive, there are none available, that this is a known defect, and the part is on a national backorder! I never rec'd any sort of notification from SAAB about this. The mechanic also said that I was incredibly lucky that the break didn't happen on the freeway, that it could have taken out the brand new front tire. I have a young daughter and I volunteer to drive other school kids on a weekly basis--this could have been catastrophic. Until a new spring is found, I was told not to drive the car, that it could blow out the tire at any time. There is no eta on the new part. Even though SAAB is bankrupt, there's a local dealer still in business, so I'm the wait list for the part with them as well. In the meantime, I'm stuck.