SAAB 9-3 owners have reported 9 unknown or other related problems since 1996. Table 1 shows the 1 most common unknown or other problems. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's unknown or other (9 problems). For details of each of the problem category, use the links in the table.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other problems |
The front driver coil spring broke and the broken end of the coil was pressed against the side wall of the tire. When the tire was removed a 1/4" deep gouge was observed in the side wall. This incident happened while parked, I noticed a loud bang and a strange noise while the vehicle was moving. I immediately removed the tire to check for problems and found the broken spring and gouge. If this occured on the highway (my commute is app 80 miles round trip) it could have easily punctured the tire and caused a more serious problem. Or left me stranded in an unsafe location.
Intermittent problem with door locks, sometimes the driver's side, sometimes one of the other 3 doors, the door lock will not lock the door; or sometimes is the opposite where it will not unlock the door.
The SAAB will intermittently fail to start. When the key is turned in the ignition, all electrical components opperate as designed, however the car will not turn over. This is not a battery or starter problem. The car does not make any cranking sounds or starter clicks. Rather, there is no engine turn over at all. After waiting for 30 - 60 minutes, the car will start as if there was no problem whatever. The issue appears to be the neutral safety switch. There is no electronic diagnostic test for this problem. The problem is not "recreatable. " it is 100% unpredictable as to when it will occur. A search of the internet for "SAAB 9-3 (or s900) intermittent start" will return thousands of posts from drivers describing the exact same problem. Fixes include pouring water or snow on top of the nss, drilling a hole in the dashboard and running a by-pass switch to the starter, and replacing the nss. Dealership will try to replace starters, batteries, ect and claim they have not heard of the nss problem.
Whenever turbo boost is engaged in my SAAB turbo x (2008), risk of misfire, check engine light begins to blink, car shudders, "limp home mode" engages (car loses power), and have to move to side of road and restart the car. This has happened both in second gear, and in fifth gear while trying to boost on the highway. There have been several similar reports on the web by other owners related to bad ignition coils in the vehicles. Car is brand new. Took this into dealer once and they say no codes were on the computer, but they have offered another visit to inspect. Note: this is not your everyday 9-3, but a limited edition SAAB (turbo x), with only 600 total shipped to the us.
The knobs for the heat, air, and where the heat and air goes breaks off! I have replaced each one once, and the cost was 135. 00.
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. *****.
My SAAB has had a litany of problems since I have owned the car. It all started with little items. Ignition wouldn't start the car. Head lights burnt out. Dash peeling, door handles discoloring, emergency brake getting stuck and being able to operate my car. Engine warning light because my gas cap wasn't on correct. Steering wheel locking while I was driving. Wheel lock light remaining on while I was driving. Brakes replaced due to factory retro fit. Seat belts being recalled. Computer constantly needing to be replaced so the car would function. Electronic key failing so I couldn't start my car. My car is a 5 speed and the shifter handle has an continues to come off in my hand. A minimum of 3 fuses needing to be replaced. The dash board goes blank at times showing no functions of the car. Window wouldn't go up or down and required the regulator to be replaced. Erractic idle. Service engine light comes on but, dealer doesn't know why. Brakes needed to be replaced at 30,000 miles and rotors too.
The blower on the air conditioner was not working. In addition I went in twice to have them look at the heating unit or climate control. The third time they replaced it, but it still turns off and sets to zero. Now the heat will come on whereas it didn't before. I recently (last week Feb. 16) down shifted in traffic because there was an accident ahead. I down shifted for five to four to three and the car turned off and I drifted to the side. I had the car towed to the dealer and they looked at it later the following week. I had to call the sales department to get someone from service to call me (my salesman has since quit). When the call was returned, the manager of sales todd aluded to the fact that this repair would not be covered under warranty. He said that the problem was diagnosed as non-mechanical (implying it was driver error or neglance) and SAAB USA would not hold to the warranty. The car was purchased on April 12, 2002 and has less that 25k miles; I have driven for over 23 years and had several manual cars and had always been able to downshift to slow the car in any situation. I believe I have a lemon. There are other issues with the car such as the tcs and braking system in rain and snow, yet the dealership tells me the noise and locking that is felt under my feet is normal.
Consumer has attempted to have recall work performed on 2004 9-3, mechanic informed him that they had to order part.