SAAB 9-3 owners have reported 2 problems related to power assist brake vacuum (under the service brakes 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.
Intermittent brake failure at start. Depress brakes, either from driveway in reverse or starting forward after leaving driveway, and brakes do not work. Depressing brakes feels like power braking system is not engaging. Have to pull over to side of road, and after a few minutes, brakes return. This has happened periodically over the period since I bought the car new, December 2009. The consumer experienced an intermittent brake issue that was evident from the first year of ownership. Upon starting the vehicle in the morning, there was brake failure until the vehicle warmed up sufficiently for the problem to be resolved. He would generally catch the problem before exiting his driveway, but there were times the problem persisted upon shifting into forward gear. The consumer had the vacuum pipe replaced. The consumer referenced NHTSA action number pe08005, in which he believed was closed prematurely. Updated 08/27/14.
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all problems of the 2008 SAAB 9-3
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22 June 07 rear brakes replaced, noticed on initial driving that brake pedal would 'bottom out' , brakes would make metal on metal sound, and vehicle slow to stop. 13 July 07 vehicle returned to dealer with brake complaint, hand brake adjusted. 17 Aug 07 vehicle returned to dealer with same above complaint, vacuum booster pipes and non-return valve replaced
5 Sep 07 vehicle returned to dealer with same complaint, vacuum pump pipe assembly replaced again. 10 Sep 07 vehicle returned to dealer with same complaint, no problem found. As of this date brakes continue to malfunction on initial startup, once brakes have been used for several stops they appear to start working more correctly.
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all problems of the 2006 SAAB 9-3
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