Ignition Problems of SAAB 9-3

2010 SAAB 9-3. Consumer writes in regards to takata airbag recall. The consumer stated after having the recall completed the key would no longer turn in the ignition. The cim was replaced and two new keys were had to be programmed. Two broken front coil springs were discovered. The consumer requested a reimbursement for the costs accumulated from having to purchase a rental vehicle. Updated 10/03/2017.

See all problems of the 2010 SAAB 9-3 🔎.

For my 1999 SAAB 9-3, base engine, I replaced the direct ignition cassette, at 128,800 miles on the odometer. The part alone was $488 and the total installation cost and parts (including a hose and four spark plugs) was $760. Model years 2000 through 2002 were recalled for this part.

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

2007 SAAB 9-3, wouldn't start and had to be towed to the dealer. The error message received when inserting the key was "lock malfunction. Pull over safely". This message and the incident is identical to the problems experienced with my 2005 SAAB 9-3, which had to be towed on numerous occasions because it wouldn't start. The problem happens when the key is inserted into the ignition. I know at least three other SAAB owners who have experienced the same problem, one who just purchased his 2009 SAAB this year. I actually filed a claim with SAAB for my 2005 vehicle, VIN , file no. 71-557354191 and because this was a recurring problem with my prior vehicle I believe it will happen again with my 2007 SAAB causing me considerable inconvenience and possibly putting me in danger if it happens to occur in a an unsafe location. It would appear that SAAB would acknowledge this problem and notify their customers of this problem. I have checked the recall record and find no evidence that there has been any attempt by the company to recall or correct this situation. I will be taking action under the song-beverly consumer warranty act to recover the full purchase price of this vehicle because bsed on the service record and my conversations with the dealer there does not appear to be a remedy for this defect. The technicians don't seem to know why this continues to happen. It appears to be an electrical problem related to the computer.

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

The check engine light came on at approximately 79,900 miles. Upon diagnosis by the SAAB dealer, they said the ignition cassette was failing. Replacement was necessary as when the part ceased to function the car would not run. This is the fourth time this part has been replaced. : dates the ignition cassette was replaced -- 6/30/08 (82,903 mi), 3/21/07 (56,231 mi. ), 12/15/05 (32,671 mi. ), 8/17/04 (18,720mi. ). The replaced part is available.

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

Interior cabin fan. . The fan stays on although the car is "off" (key out of ignition), and while ac or heat are off (at 0). There is also a noise at time coming from the fan under the glove box. Dealer claims this is not a defect and will cost around $1000, the darn car is less than 3. 5 years old and not a defect. . Sure.

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

The direct ignition cassette has been replaced four different times. The initial replacement was only 8,000 miles into the original ownership. The last two were in 2006 with 80,000 miles. It is apparent continued problems have been experienced with this vehicle.

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

2003 9-3 linear. Requesting follow up status on memo, dated 3-26-06. The vehicle engine would not shut off although the key was removed from the ignition. The vehicle had several brake problems. The vehicle hesitated slightly when moving. When braking the vehicle would jerk and skid. The brakes grabbed which caused the vehicle to stop quickly. The alarm was very sensitive. Everytime a bus or truck passed the vehicle with the alarm engaged it would sound. The dealer said there was not way to adjust the sensitivity of the alarm. The windows were off track. The steering wheel seized when the consumer was driving on the highway. *****.

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

I purchased my 2006 SAAB 9-3 aero sport sedan on March 10, 2006. By April 1, 2006, I was experiencing difficulty starting the vehicle, I. E. It would sputter, misfire, skip and idle at more than 1,770 rpm. Eventually the engine would even out and I would be able to pull out of the driveway. On the morning of may 1, 2006, the car continued this starting behavior, resulting in the "check engine" light coming on. I immediately drove the car to my SAAB dealer. They kept it for 21 days and still did not fix it, even though the dealer replaced every fuel injector on the car. On may 29, 2006, I took it back to the dealer for resolution and was told on June 6, 2006, that there was a service bulletin coming out about the pcm, after they had kept if for week without even trying to fix it. Evidently, the pcm either needs to be replaced or reprogrammed.

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

Without warning, the vehicle would not re-start once turned off and the key taken out of the ignition. I was unable to turn the key to re-start the vehicle and also heard a "thunk" sound when attempting to start the vehicle which originated directly below the inserted key. I was able to get the vehicle to the dealership where they diagnosed and corrected the problem under certified used vehicle warranty. The problem was diagnosed that the ignition mounting screw/bolts had "worked themselves loose" and cause the housing to unseat. The problem was corrected by re-installing the bolts. The problem is noticeable if you have a standard-shift vehicle (not an automatic) and are able to shift directly from neutral to reverse without needing to lift up on the safety mechanism near the shifter knob. The dealership advised me that the problem is not uncommon however the greatest concern was that when I drove the vehicle to the dealer I was unable to easily shift into gear and had noticeable difficulty shifting out of reverse.

Ignition cassette failure.

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

Note: this is the exact part and symptom described in NHTSA campaign id number : 05v399000 for 2000-2003 years. 1) I was driving up a hill, and the car stopped driving. 2) once it came to a stop, I could not restart the car. ) the ignition was replaced, and the service center confirmed that it was the same part that is covered in the 2000-2003 recall.

Direction ignition cassette failure. Car suffered complete loss of power, without warning, while traveling at approx 65 mph.

Related to NHTSA action number (investigation #) : pe05017. (1) check engine light activated on and off. I had a technician run the codes. The direct ignition cassette (dic) was sending error codes indicated possible imminent failure. (2) the dic did not fail yet on my car (now has 68,000 miles). Given SAAB's history with this particular part and the consequences of failure (total loss of power wherever it happens), I didn't take any chances. (3) on the advice of other SAAB owners and my independent safe technician, I purchased and installed a new dic. The old part is still available. I'm holding onto it in case the new one fails.

Dic failure direct ignition cassette failuer di cassette failure. Those are the terms I've heard for this problem that affects all Saabs in the model years 99-04. I have a 2001 9-3 convertible and it lost power all of a sudden because of a defective part that is in every single SAAB for many years. Losing power at high sped is not only inconvenient, but dangerous and frightening. SAAB needs to be forced to recall all Saabs and replace the di cassette with one that works. Please order this immediately. It is a safety issue affecting thousands of cars. Thank you.

Was driving down the gsp during the evening rush hour (5pm or so) in the left lane on the express side. Pickup truck approximately 4 ft off my rear bumper(NJ you know). Heavy rain. My 2000 SAAB 9-3 viggen just shut off. No warning. No power to get to appropriate shoulder so I had to drive the car off the left hand side of the road into the mud. After being towed to dealer I got the car back the next day. Di cassette failure was the diagnosis. Come to find out, this is a known problem with the SAAB di cassettes. One day later, car back in shop for 4 days. Dealer needed to replace catalytic convertor due to no engine power. Catalytic convertor failure a direct result of di failure. I am reporting this because had this happened while I was getting on the highway it could have been a big problem. It happens to some little old lady, it's definitely a problem at speed. With the advanced on board diagnostics and information displays, there is no way this should happen.

I own a 2001 SAAB 9-3 and wish to alert you to a problem with the SAAB direct ignition cassette. . Read more...

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

I was casually driving with my daughter and the car suddenly shutoff in the middle of traffic. I tried to restart the vehicle; however, it did not restart. Fortunately, I had enough momentum to carry me towards the curb. But I had to cut across a lane to make it to the curb. When I spoke with the dealer the next day, they knew immediately what the problem was - failed ignition cassette. The dealer said this is a constant problem with Saabs and there is no warning before failure. I find this odd considering the car has a service information display. Fortunately the car was still under warranty so it was repaired and returned by the dealer in 2 days. But at 42,000 miles, I find it scary as I have no idea when the next time it will fail - in another 40,000? had this been a time when I was on the expressway, which I frequently travel, this sudden shut-down could have caused fatal consequences for myself, my family, and/or surrounding motorists.

2003 safe 9-3 2. 0t linear, purch new 2/21/03 dies' unexpectedly when being driven. First incident: car 'died' right in the middle of the road completely unexpectedly. Assumed it was a 'fluke' and took no action. After second incident: dealer "reset fuel adaptation valve". After third incident (dangerous - merging into freeway) dealer "reprogrammed t8 and reset fuel adaptation per safe technical hot line" all incidents occurred within last two weeks. Car restarts with no warning light or "side" indication of problem upon ignition.

Failed direct ignition cassette leaves motorist stranded. There have been complaints that the engine will stop with no warning - even at high speeds of travel.

My wife was driving our 2000 SAAB 9-3 at approximately 55 mph on the h-3 enroute to kaneohe, hi. On the down hill side, the engine shut off with no warning. Nothing on the sid or other instrumentation. The car had plenty of fuel. She attempted to restart several times. Since she was coming down the mountain, she was able to safely coast to the shoulder of the road. The car was towed to the local SAAB dealer. The next day they ascertained the problem to be failure of the direct ignition cassette. Cost for replacement was $647. 79. Shortly thereafter, the catalytic converter failed due to raw fuel being dumped through the exhaust after the di cartridge failed. The converter was eventually replaced free of charge under the emission warranty after an extensive correspondence and telephone exchange with SAAB USA. The car had 69,779 miles on it when this event occurred. I still drive the car (105,000 miles), but carry a spare di cassette just in case it should fail again.

While driving and without warning vehicle shut off completely. Losing all power, resulting in no steering, brakes etc,. Contacted dealer.

Ignition locked. Yh.