Saab 9-3 Saab 9-3

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Saab 9-3 repairs by problem area

Engine (32%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (4%)

Brakes and Traction Control (5%)

Suspension and Steering (16%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (28%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (9%)

Other (7%)

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Chart based on 1972 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the Saab 9-3.

Saab 9-3 electrical repair cost distribution

$2500+ (1%)

$1000 - $2499 (9%)

$500 - $999 (13%)

$100 - $499 (34%)

< $100 (43%)

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Chart based on 438 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2011 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

109000 mi

US $800
Replace AC compressor 

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2009 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

82000 mi

US $100
right front xenon bulb assembly, only high beam was working. Purchased two bulbs only (no ballast) and found video on youtube for removing bulbs from both headlights, put in new bulbs, worked beautifully. 

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2009 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

15180 mi

$1700
A/C compressor did not start. Low on coolant medium, refilled 365 g. 
17980 mi

$4232
AC compressor disd not start due to low coolant medium/leak. Replaced 3 gaskets/o-rings and refilled medium and oil. 
19430 mi

$18000
A/C system still leaking, replaced two valves and recharged. OEM P/N 3041827 and 13122149 

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2009 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual AWD

66600 mi

US $1000
Any disconnection in power to instrument cluster caused tachometer needle to reset to readings other than zero. Was finally reading 3500 rpm with the engine stopped. Speedometer was also inaccurate, reading ~10mph too low. 

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2009 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

11598 mi Repaired poor wiring in failed right rear tail light. 
37000 mi

US $20
Burned out harness connecting the passenger side headlight. Direct connection made by the mechanic. 
116000 mi Burned out headlight 
51000 mi

US $300
Airbag sensor and seat belt sensor stopped working. Mechanic unable to fix it. 

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2009 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

37000 mi

US $100
Error message regarding ignition on information center. Diagnosed as faulty body module which was reset. Worked for a while but messages returned since. 
55000 mi

US $2000
Drivers side window motor replaced. 

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2008 Saab 9-3

Engine not specified

21080 mi Drivers front window rolling up then back down; would not go all the way up unless X button was held down. Dealer reset pinch protection software with scan tool 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

22000 mi Alarm system malfunction. Entire rear window required replacement under warranty. 
75000 mi

US $1500
The driver's door and passenger side rear door solenoid locking modules required replacement (would not lock and unlock with the keyfob) 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual AWD

40900 mi

US $300
Back right LED circuit board went bad. Replaced circuit board inside back right taillight assembly, which corrected issue. 
75000 mi

US $182
Replaced Xenon (HID) headlight 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

15810 mi

C $300
Found the sunroof not working when test drove it in a used car dealer. They thought it was the motor, but after replacing the motor the problem remained. They finally replaced the module, problem solved. 
41000 mi Battery died. 
72300 mi Air conditioning speed working, don't remember issue but it works be like a $800+ repair diet or labor from accessing parts. I didn't get it fixed. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

46000 mi Chimes 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

71780 mi Weak battery. Replaced with a new one. 
73780 mi Door module failure. Driver side. 
85020 mi

C $250
Fuel level sending unit failed. Mechanic broke the fuel pump while replacing the unit, so he changed the fuel pump too. 
110360 mi

C $950
Alternator replaced with a new one.rnNew brake rotors ands pads-front. 
113860 mi -fuel level sending unit defective, replaced with a new one . Poorly designed fuel level unit seems problematic-i already replaced the unit less than two years ago. 
120900 mi

C $950
A/c compressor shot. Replaced with a new one. Recharge and maintenance of a/c. 
53000 mi

US $175
Left front Tire Pressure Sensor 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

18000 mi Cruise control engaging on its own when driving on highway. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual AWD

32300 mi The ambient light sensor that automatically controls the headlights went out. A new one is ordered, and it should take less than a day to fix. 
53500 mi

US $970
Battery kept on dying and after diagnosis of entire electrical no leach was found and alternator was not charging the battery 
23560 mi Battery faulty - replaced under warranty. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

17000 mi Speedometer is off by 3 or 4 mph (over) at highway speeds compared to my gps. Dealer said he ran my car next to another car and they both said same speed. I think the gps is accurate. 
71300 mi

US $930
Driver rear window needs new regulator. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD

40000 mi Rain sensing wiper module needs replacement. Part is on order for past three weeks. 
65000 mi When filling the tank with gas the gas gauge reads empty when it is full. When partially full in reads correctly. Called dealer. Waiting for GM to decide on warranty. 
34300 mi

US $1200
Replaced dead battery 
87000 mi

US $75
Gas gage intermittently goes to empty even when there is fuel in the car. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

32000 mi A/C was not blowing cold after a month of ownership. Took up to 10 minutes before the air would get cold. Dealer recharged under warranty. Door speakers were blown, dealer replaced them under warranty. Appears to be a common problem with these cars. 
61000 mi The battery failed after 2 years. I bought a dura last platinum battery with AGM (absorbed glass mat) technology hoping it would last longer that 2 years. Replaced free under 3 year free replacement warranty. 
73200 mi

US $95
Bose amplifier partially failed. Replaced with a used Bose amp. Less than a 1 hour repair. 
78820 mi

C $700
Rebuilt AC compressor installed 
89900 mi

C $230
The fuel gauge sender failed, indicating an empty tank when over half full. This is a known common failure in this model. 
93000 mi

C $160
No crank. Inspected the battery, which turned out to be the factory original. I purchased and installed a new 5 Year Warranty battery. 
124514 mi

C $1345
Change AC evaporator and expansion valve, leak test and recharge. 
96300 mi

US $730
Drivers side power lock module failed 
106000 mi

US $250
AC warm 
18000 mi Brake light malfunction 
19000 mi Two brake light bulbs had to be replaced because they stopped working. My experience is that it took more than 10m due to the assembly being a bit difficult to take apart etc. 
21300 mi Pinch mechanism for power window out of alignment prevented driver window from closing completely. Re-calibration in less than one hour fixed problem. 
39100 mi

US $600
replaced control unit for windows on drivers door. system was failing and erratic. 
94000 mi

US $650
Changed fuel level sensor. 
109000 mi

US $150
Tire Pressure Monitor System - master system fault. No parts replaced. Reprogrammed master module. It took three trips but it is finally working without a fault. 
111000 mi

US $10
Remote FOB battery was low. This resulted in Random faults in the security system when unlocking or starting the car. Random faults such as steering wheel lock, or the doors would not unlock would occur. My mechanic instructed me to change the FOB batteries, then start the car at least 5 times with each fob to re-initialize the FOB with the security computer. After that I was to reset the computer by pulling the NEG battery cable for several minutes. The fix worked, all faults cleared and both FOBs function normally without fault. 
41000 mi Housing for glovebox light melted by HVAC system 
50000 mi Faulty third brake light. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

129000 mi

US $225
Drivers window switch failed, other windows okay. Replaced master drivers door switch pack ($90 part), paid "indi" SAAB shop $135 to "marry" new switch pack to car via TechII Canbus. Problem solved. 
83000 mi

US $435
Fuel tank sending unit was failing intermittently. Sending unit was replaced. 
110000 mi

US $60
Left side headlight went out. Bought replacement bulbs, and replaced both left & right side myself. 
131000 mi Airbag warranty repair (Takata). Done at independent Saab shop (East of Sweden Saab in Boulder, CO) and Saab fully covered 100% of repair cost. East of Sweden did the replacement of entire airbag unit in like 15 minutes! 
92000 mi

US $20
Intermittent hard starting. Walmart battery replaced under warranty. Self installed. 
99000 mi Fuel tank level sensor in tank is failing. Inoperative when level is > 3/4 full. 
99550 mi

US $300
Fuel level sensor in tank failed. Broke fuel pump outlet pipe during repair so ended up replacing entire in-tank fuel pump assembly, which was recommended anyway due to mileage of car and difficulty of access. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 180hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD

53940 mi Broken down alternator, had to be replaced. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

55300 mi

US $400
Tire pressure sensor was failing intermittently. Replaced one sensor. 
73500 mi

US $100
Trunk light was inoperative. Bulb was good. Wiring to the bulb had cracked. 
53000 mi

US $300
driver air bag sensor 

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2008 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD

74300 mi Car was periodically draining battery when not being driven. Glove box light switch was sticking and caused the light to remain on even with the glovebox door shut. Glovebox light removed in lieu of replacing switch. 
61380 mi

C $150
replaced the battery after 5 years with old one. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

77000 mi

US $30
Message "Failed Rear Brake light" (left & right) However lights did brigthen when braking . This is a fail-safe feature by Saab whereby the tail lights act as standby stop lights. In fact the bulbs WERE blown. V. difficult to source locally 
87300 mi

US $82
Security alarm kept going off. Replaced ignition key 
89600 mi The vsecurity alarm has started going off(again) Central locking has stopped working. Not fixed yet 
49800 mi Right front low beam failure message on Driver info system. Both front headlamps checked and replaced based on visual inspection showing low lamp brightness. 
65000 mi

US $60
Driver's side window would auto reverse down half way when using door switch for auto express up. PDM, DDM reprogrammed and pinch point pressure recalibrated. 
102225 mi

US $1300
A/C was working less efficiently, that is, had to set thermostat to 64 F instead of 70 F to get cool air to blow through vents. 

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2007 Saab 9-3

Engine not specified

55000 mi

US $790
Motors in both driver and passenger windows went out 

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2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

6000 mi Right rear turn signal lamp had failed. 
20000 mi Radio making buzzing noise after warm. 
21000 mi Radio replaced for buzzing noise - was diagnosed on prior service visit.  

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2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

64000 mi

US $600
Fault in Wiper controls required replacement of CIM which also control alarm 
75000 mi

US $350
Left rear door lock mechanism intermittent failure - replaced unit. 
97000 mi

US $2400
RR window regulator replaced 
179000 mi

US $125
failed window regulator - left rear 
184000 mi

US $500
left rear window regulator failed. 
180000 mi

US $140
recharged AC 
Radio control button on steering wheel malfunctioned. Part was ordered June 15 or so. As of August 16, we are still waiting for it. Odometer did not cross 1,000 mile mark til July. 
3000 mi Radio part ordered mid-June finally arrived mid-September. Dealer installed it, and problem is fixed. 
5000 mi When the car was in the shop for the recall repair, the mechanics noticed that both tail light relays were bad. They replaced both. Wonder if I was driving around with no tail lights.... 
11000 mi Replaced passenger side tail light assembly. Wasn't actually friend or family who noticed the problem but rather a UPS driver who came up beside me and told me about the short in the light. There was no checkbox for that.  
20300 mi bad fuel level sensor 
21000 mi Rear window driver's side fell down into door. Replaced window regulator. 
26000 mi

US $40
Headlight 
30000 mi

US $60
Another headlight 
30300 mi A/C wss not working. Turns out mechanic failed to reconnect it after March clutch repair. 
33600 mi

US $30
Error message about right marker failure. Mechanics did not see that but replaced bulbs with lower wattage ones as they knew original bulbs to be an issue. Message has not come back. 

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2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

20000 mi Computer/sensor/module replaced to correct lock/alarm malfunction. Battery replaced as well. Replace Alarm/lock sensor 
24500 mi Windshield Wipers stopped working. Repaired by dealer at no charge. Covered by warranty. 
27000 mi Right low beam headlight failure 
17000 mi Front light bulb replaced. Side marker bulb replaced. 
24000 mi Tail light out. Had to replace entire tail light assembly. 
42000 mi

£452
alternator failed - replace 
61000 mi

£5
left dipped beam headlamp replaced 
26000 mi Light bulbs. 
136000 mi

US $200
Fuel gauge not working. The problem was the fuel level sending unit attached to the pump in the tank. Due to the age of the vehicle the fuel pump assembly was changed. 

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2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 150hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD

A $600 Alternator was removed, alternator clutch replaced. 
A $350 Replaced alternator with upgraded unit. Previous repairer ignored service bulletin stating replace and not repair. Electric solenoids in alternator began to fail leading to dash light. Was still drivable. Replaced alternator with upgraded unit. Previous repairer ignored service bulletin stating replace and not repair. Electric solenoids in alternator began to fail leading to dash light. Was still drivable. 

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2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

114800 mi

US $380
Left Xenon bulb working intermittently. Replaced bulb and igniter. 
71000 mi

US $160
AC O-Ring deteriorated, was replaced and R134a was recharged. 
96000 mi

US $2000
Work was NOT performed as the ECM, which went out while I was driving 70mph on the HWY with family,was on BO for ???. Dealer ended up taking it as a trade in. 
39900 mi

US $50
Xenon bulb failed 
62200 mi

US $125
Three year battery failed at three years and one month 
18000 mi Left front headlight leveling system/headlight replaced. 
41000 mi

US $454
turn signal sensor relay had to be replaced 
49000 mi replace radio/navigation unit 

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2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD

7000 mi Left rear window would not close unless helped by pulling up on the window. Fix required replacing the regulator. 
22000 mi Replaced several light bulbs 

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2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

76300 mi

US $1000
ac compressor replacement` 
130000 mi

US $1400
recharge AC 
44020 mi

C $200
Windshield fluid pump replaced. 
102700 mi

US $50
Replaced both R & L low beam headlamps. R side had burnt out. Tried Sylvania H7 Silverstar bulbs this time, hoping for longer service interval. These Saabs seem to go through head lamps at a high rate. 
107000 mi

US $565
Replace passenger side (Right) low beam bulb. 
96000 mi

US $150
Rear passenger window regulator broke during normal operation of the window. A new regulator was needed to fix the problem. 
52060 mi

C $600
Fuel sender needed to be replaced (fuel gauge wasn't working) 
37000 mi

US $104
 

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2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

34100 mi Both the front low beam and the rear high mounted brake light malfunctioned. The bulbs were replaced and the problem is fixed. 
17000 mi Could not unlock the ignition key to start the car. Needed new Electronic key. 
43000 mi Radio Controls would not function 
112000 mi

US $125
No Airconditioning 
122000 mi

US $449
Needed oil change, tire rotation and a/c system has small leak. Needed recharge 
122000 mi The multi-unit Climate Control did not work on the passenger side. The heated Seat on the Drivers Side did not work. 
17000 mi cd player would not work 
34000 mi Auto A/C was dropping into manual mode occasionally during wet weather 
67200 mi

US $1005
A/C compressor clutch solenoid failed. The solenoid is not a replaceable part, so the entire compressor+clutch assembly had to be replaced. 
77000 mi

US $199
Lower Schrader valve found to be leaking 
86200 mi

US $161
Dye test indicated Evaporator has a slow leak 
87600 mi

US $800
A/C leak. Evaporator replaced. 
92000 mi

US $25
A/C wasn't working. Added refrigerant using recharge kit 
4000 mi Faulty window regulator, driver's side front. 
26000 mi

US $500
Pinch sensor on the drivers side of the car fails. Only fix is to re-flash the computer. The repair works for a couple of weeks then fails again. 
41000 mi

US $70
had the amp replaced once and waiting on another amp forever. hiss coming from rear right speaker most of the time.  
65900 mi

C $80
Replaced front right position light and socket.  
73780 mi

C $100
Back left brake light wires was causing an electronical short and had to be fixed. 
93000 mi

US $1600
Car would not start due to CIM failure. Locks and alarm were also affected. Replaced the CIM and keys. Dealer programming was required. 
98000 mi

US $140
AC was low on refrigerant following recharge 6 months prior. No leaks found under the hood. Detected refrigerant in the area of the evaporator. Recharged the AC again and system is working again. 
114700 mi

US $5
City light bulbs were out. Use W5W bulbs to replace all two city lights and side markers. 
17000 mi At the Saab dealer, under warranty, corrected “left front light failure”. I never found a bulb that was out, but they fixed something at the dealer. No charge. In the shop for 3 hours, as I also had an oil change service, also no charge. 
20000 mi

US $60
Headlights seemed dim, replaced with new brighter 90w bulbs. One of the replaced bulbs was completely shaded/blackened. Still working, but not bright. 
48000 mi

US $370
The front driver's window regulator chewed itself up and failed. 
79000 mi

US $400
Driver's door lock actuator failed and was replaced 
50000 mi

US $225
Dead starter. Replaced. 
84000 mi

US $30
Headlight bulbs went out. replaced with new ones. 
176000 mi

US $100
Starter 

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2007 Saab 9-3 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic 2WD

17000 mi Left low beam failure. 

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2007 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

118000 mi

US $600
Fuel sender stopped working, resulting in unreliable gas gauge. Needed new fuel sender. 

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2007 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD

38300 mi no response to FOB, car could not start 
44000 mi CD's not being read, replaced CD Player.  
46000 mi Drivers HID not raising on dark roads, HID assembly was replaced, repair to part or software reload not attempted. 

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2007 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

91500 mi

US $250
AC Evaporator leaked. Long process removing everything under dash, until purchased a flexible drive extension (strong spring with 3/8" fitting on each end). Total time 10 hours, could do it now it less than 5 hours with this flexible drive extension (purchased in big box store). Evaporator inlet became loose. Not welded or soldered, held to the body by chemical bonding. Replaced expansion valve, gaskets, etc.. also. 
36000 mi

US $85
Replaced failing key. 
96000 mi

US $1200
Replaced A/C evaporator. 
98000 mi

US $350
Faulty door lock was causing security system to fail. Door lock was replaced. 
45000 mi right side marker and right fog light replaced right side marker and right fog light replace 
49000 mi A/C compressor replaced under warranty 
70000 mi

US $160
Routine maintenance, oil change, wiper blades, left front fog light. Billed 1/8 hour for the last. 

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2006 Saab 9-3

Engine not specified

60000 mi

US $200
Radio and turn signals no sound - amp1 failure suspected. Battery drained over and over until it no longer held a charge. Radio and system sounds later started working. Battery replaced after less than 2 yrs. 

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2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

2000 mi When I tried to put the passenger window up, it would sometimes automatically go back down. Bad sensor. 
15000 mi The front passenger window does not always return to its upright position when I try to close it -- it goes up, then down again. They replaced something and fixed it. 
16000 mi The driver window wouldn't go all the way up. The door's electronics need to be rebooted. 
36000 mi Battery and cables replaced. 
41000 mi Antenna cracking. 
49000 mi

US $600
SID unit (trip computer) after resetting trip info would randomly go back to previous distance/MPG numbers after turning off engine (then back on). After multiple attempts including software updates, SID was replaced and finally fixed. 
63000 mi

US $310
AC stopped working--- no parts replaced, just computer reset. Unfortunately troubleshooting took a long time hence the expensive repair. 
125000 mi

US $35
Ballast control unit for right low beam headlight was bad (from water damage). Troubleshooting-- first assumed it was the bulb but using other's side bulb it still didn't work, then assumed it was the ignitor but used the one from the driver's side and confirmed that even with good ignitor it still didn't work, next step was to replace the ballast control unit (again, using the working one from the driver's side) and it DID work. Solution was to replace the bad ballast control unit. I ordered a USED unit (as it was significantly cheaper and came with a warranty). The biggest issue was having to remove the front bumper to get to the ballast control unit. After watching a short youtube video, it was nowhere as difficult as it initially appeared. I read on the forums that others were charged $900 at the dealer to address the same issue (it seems they replaced all three; bulb, ignitor, and ballast). My $35 solution and two hours worth of research, troubleshooting, and performing the repair was certainly worth it 
87000 mi

US $40
Wipers stopped halfway up the windshield and fluid would not squirt. Replaced windshield motor due to faulty position sensor with a used motor and replaced driver nozzle due to crack in existing nozzle. 

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2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD

71000 mi

US $450
Driver window regulator failed 
19000 mi Malfunctioning passenger airbag sensor. 

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2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

135000 mi

US $200
Fuel sender 
150000 mi

US $37
Fuel tank level sender 
40000 mi

US $150
Windshield wiper motor regulator and adjustment of lights. 
31000 mi Vehicle has required low beam headlight replacement three times in 30,000 miles of ownership - twice on left side, once on right. Dealer checked electrical system, found no problems, replaced both headlight bulbs. Time will tell whether or not ... 
72000 mi

US $640
Fuel gauge would go to zero when tank filled. After 100 miles of driving, gauge would come on scale and work normally until next fillup. Happened consistently. Mechanic replaced fuel pump assembly which resolved problem. 
93800 mi

US $504
Blower motor for circulating air inside the vehicle developed chirping noise, needed to be replaced due to incipient failure. 
118000 mi

US $20
Both headlights failed approximately 2 weeks apart. Headlights replaced. 

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2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

29000 mi Driver's power window pinch protection was causing the window to go back down at the top when the express-up feature was used. 
74000 mi

US $183
Front tilt on drivers power seat stopped working. Replaced tilt motor. 
156500 mi

US $191
The cabin ventilation fan was squeaking on extremely hot days. 
175000 mi

US $200
A/c fan motor squeezing like a dining cricket. Nursed it for a month before getting it fixed. 

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2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 150hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

75640 mi

C $600
Replaced both front door electric locks 
82800 mi

C $1200
Replaced passenger front electric window actuator 

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2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 150hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD

20000 mi Alternator failed, successfully replaced at dealer. 

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2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

34000 mi Rear taillight bulb assembly came loose. Taillight bulb rested against fiberoptic wire going to the audio/nav system and melted the insulation. This rendered the audio/nav system inoperable. Fiber optic cable assembly was replaced. 
164074 mi

US $1000
Installed new cabin fan motor, cabin filter seal and cabin filter.  Replaced melted passenger side tail/brake circuit board and 4 pin terminal connector with good used unit. Replaced corroded right front marker socket and bulb. 
65720 mi

$700
Key fob damaged by dealer, unable to lock or unlock the car, only to start the car. dealer supplied and programmed news key fob. 
75020 mi

$600
A/C not cooling, one vent gives cold air, all the rest give hot air 
23000 mi factory security system was not working and was replaced. 

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2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD

98000 mi

US $25
ACC cabin blower motor was noisy and sometimes did not work unless set to full blast. Sounded like motor was seizing, also triggered a code in tech2 diagnostics. Followed repair advice per http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165760 - removed and maintained motor, drilled hole in base to prevent future corrosion. Replaced headights. Had to remove parts of front bumper shroud to access bulbs. 
23000 mi Brake light blown. 
11000 mi reprogramed pinch control on front diver side window 
67000 mi

US $720
Replaced a/c fan speed controller 
73000 mi One touch did not work. Reprogrammed window module 
75000 mi Car would not start; positive switch replaced. Battery also replaced cost pro-rated 
94000 mi a/c needs to be replaced 
94500 mi Battery's positive circuit breaker is failing. Reset, but dealer ordered a replacement part. Easy to reset if one knew that such a part existed. Rear Window Regulator Replaced Replaced a/c compressor 
99000 mi

US $304
replaced one Xenon head lamp bulb 
103000 mi

US $420
Positive cable shut off switch. There is a question about warranty liability. 
91800 mi

US $300
Replaced xenon head lamp bulb 
29000 mi Rear-Driver's side window made clunking noise when moving. The problem was diagnosed as an issue with the regulator. Part had to be ordered. Ordered regulator again. New window regulator installed. 
40000 mi Noticed electrical smoke smell and speakers popping after heavy rain and car wash. Problem was found that after window regulator had been replaced door had not been properly sealed. Water intrusion damaged stereo amplifier under driver seat (wet). 
48000 mi Passenger window clicking while going up. Window regulator found faulty and replaced. 
79000 mi

US $365
Fuel gauge was "jumping" and would read empty after fill-up. Fuel sender was replace (fuel pump was not replaced). 
92000 mi

US $50
Rear driver side lock actuator failed (would only lock/unlock) sometimes. Replaced with pulled part 
47000 mi

US $14000
compressor for AC unit failed and needed to be replaced 

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2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

68000 mi

US $36
one of the Lowbeam HID lamps needed replacing, so I replaced both with after market lamps for $36.00 Saab parts were very expensive 
85000 mi

US $98
Driver's side headlight bulb burned out. Total cost for replacement was $98, and took 5 minutes to replace. 
90200 mi

US $212
One of the two horns failed in the car, so when hitting the car horn sounded like a clown car. Fixed in 1.25 hours. 
130000 mi

US $300
Blower motor needed replacement. Just age of car and use. Greased it to put off replacement for a few months. 
134500 mi

US $396
The blower motor for the heat/ac I had applied grease to stop squealing two months ago. It returned in October, so had the motor replaced before it failed and left me without heat or ac. 
166000 mi

US $40
Multiple light bulbs burnt out, replaced them all. One headlight, right front turn signal left brake light, one of two license plate lights. 20 minutes for all four. 
168000 mi

US $166
AC Blower Control unit replaced Battery was failing and needed replacement 
66000 mi

US $158
Driver's window had to be reprogrammed to stop returning to half way after being given a rollup command 
87000 mi

US $140
Front right window erratic roll-up. Had to be reprogrammed for anti-pinch setting. This happened to the left front 2 years ago. 
98000 mi GM recall of takata airbag on driver's side 
100000 mi

US $120
Fuel level system errors diagnosed. Tank sensor bad. Replacement will cost abt $440 
58000 mi

US $1110
Replaced failed A/C compressor. 
68000 mi

US $254
Power mirrors performing erractically. Tried changing mirror switch, no result. Had to change the drivers door window control module. Published service bulitien on this issue. 
77700 mi

US $194
SID showing braked system failure and speedometer stopped functioning. Dealer found a service bulletin requiring re-flash of ECM. Successfully corrected problem. 
91000 mi

US $800
Fuel level sensor replacement. Worked properly half-tank and below; above a half-tank, it read empty. Preventative replacement of fuel pump as well. 
107800 mi

US $160
Xenon headlights replaced 
125000 mi

US $125
I had to replace the passenger door lock. The actuator had failed. It was an easy job. 
13000 mi Window sensor replaced 
41000 mi One headlamp bulb replaced but it's still under warranty, took about 15 min. 
122222 mi

US $1700
ECU wiring bad 

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2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

12000 mi Auto door lock feature malfunction, they go up and down several times before finally locking. Waiting for a future software update to resolve issue. Electronic steering wheel lock sometimes does not release steering wheel when key is inserted in ignition; dealer could not duplicate problem. Audio system "froze" - no response to any controls for volume, tuning, etc.; dealer ordered new amplifier. Dealer installed replacement amplifier. A loaner car was provided for this trip as well as the earlier trip (for diagnosis). 
27000 mi Drivers door window would not close fully (stayed open about 1/4"). 
39000 mi

US $76
One touch close on drivers window malfunctioned. When window raised, it would then go back down about 1/3rd. Dealer said it is a software problem with the "pinch protection" that is common with this model. No permanent fix is available. 
47500 mi For several months, there has been a problem with the auto up windows not closing properly. The dealer has not been able to solve the problem. On a hunch, I removed and re-installed the fuse - problem solved! (works for other problems to. much like re-booting a computer). "Infotainment System" (audio/trip computer) froze when I cleared the system after a fill-up. I solved the problem by re-booting the system (I pulled the fuse and re-installed it a few seconds later). Works for many simple problems on cars. 
69000 mi

US $30
Windshield wiper motor needed replacing 
107000 mi

US $16
Replaced windshield washer pump 
21000 mi Remote keyfob transmitter replaced due to deterioration of rubber around the buttons. Turned soft and gummy. For what it's worth I've had this same issue with the rubber eraserhead pointers on laptops. 
26000 mi

US $10
Replaced driver's side headlight. Took about 5 minutes to change.  
27000 mi The headlight bulb I replaced myself in November blew again so I took it to the dealer. They replaced both headlight bulbs per standard proc. and updated BCM software to reduce voltage to bulbs for longer life. 
50000 mi Dealer replaced worn-out keyfob and also replaced battery under factory warranty. 

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2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 150hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD

battery flat on delivery - replaced 
wiring issue on engine - repaired on warranty 

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2006 Saab 9-3 4-door

turbocharged 6-cylinder automatic 2WD

27000 mi Electrical system problem. Radio and other controls wouldn't turn off. 

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2006 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

86000 mi

US $300
Blower Motor 
117000 mi

US $120
Replace ICM 

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2006 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD

85000 mi

£88
Car no start battery leaking only 18months old,new battery installed 
41000 mi Takata airbag replacement recall 
22000 mi Reprogrammed auto-up windows so they would close appropriately. 

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2006 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

34000 mi Anti pinch feature not working properly on Pass. front window. A/C did not get cold. Second key fob not recognized by computer. 
40000 mi AC compressor making unusual noise. Anti-pinch on passenger window malfunctioning. 
41000 mi Replaced AC Compressor. Replaced passenger window module. 
50000 mi Passenger window anti-pinch mal-function. 
59000 mi

US $150
Electric mirror switch was found faulty and replaced 
86000 mi

US $15
In Dash CD changer would not play CDs. "disk error." R&R CD spindle motor. 
139000 mi Temp and Fuel gauges read about 1/4 gauge high. Would not return to correct zero point when vehicle turned off. Reset gauge cluster by removing fuse F4. Problem resolved. 
180000 mi

US $600
Audio would randomly cutout while driving. Suspected fault in optical bus. Replaced Amp1, problem persists. Replaced Amp2, problem persists. Replaced Infotainment Control Module, problem persists. Replaced radio unit, problem resolved. 

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2006 Saab 9-3 2-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic 2WD

60000 mi

US $150
Alarm trunk goes off when doors r locked. Can't seem to correct I found an online solution & forwarded to dealer.  Heat not working. They replaced the thermostat. Turns out after they replaced insulation was blocking floor vent.  

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2005.5 Saab 9-3 2-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder manual 2WD

39060 mi in-dash cd-changer sometimes not working 
46500 mi Pinch protection fault re-set. 
46500 mi Finally managed to replace in-dash CD-changer which was ordered earlier. Fully paid by manufacturer.  

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2005 Saab 9-3

Engine not specified

105000 mi

US $375
replaced blower motor 
86500 mi window regulator 
95000 mi

US $450
amplifier under driver seat. replaced with refurb. 

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2005 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

91140 mi

$80
Annual test / car was perfect but that was after a 400 euro service. Mostly bulbs. the AC is not 100% . But we manage with it. Not sure at this pont but believe it may be more than a simple gas refill. front left half bulb changed & it cost approx 80 euro + 30mins time - approx 120 euro. 
74000 mi

US $200
The REC fuse block in the trunk #17 block for the auto dim mirror/compass and Intermittent wiper control failed. I had to replace the entire Rear electrical center and have it reprogrammed to match the car's options. 
74100 mi

US $300
The A/C blower motor failed. 

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2005 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

44488 mi Front left side seat belt replaced under warranty. 
44470 mi Low Beam headlight failure. Replaced both headlights under warranty. Low Beam headlight failure. Replaced both headlights under warranty 
62000 mi

US $30
Left Low beam headlight. replaced. 
63000 mi

US $410
Windshield Wiper motor malfunction. Motor replaced. 
101300 mi

US $500
Power window regulator, driver's side. 
15000 mi Driver Window pinched wouldnt roll up 
25000 mi Driver window pinched wouldnt roll up 
81000 mi driver seat heater stopped working. Element cover wore through from contact w/ metal strap in seat, causing a short which eventually caused element to break. removed seat cover, resoldiered element & added add'l cover to prevent reoccurance 
92000 mi HVAC blower motor bearing started to sieze due to rust which developes from moisture in the air. Removed motor, oiled bearing to free it, then caked on heavy duty grease on outside of bearing surfaces to keep moisture from forming again. 
120000 mi

US $25
Replaced Driver side front Window Regulator 
124000 mi

US $90
Replacement Window Regulator broke. had to replace again with better quality part 
79000 mi

US $35
Car wouldn't start. Battery is almost brand new (4 months old). Seems to be a parasitic drain on the battery when shut off, but couldn't find any source - no lights left on, etc. Jump-started the car, everything has been fine (as of 4/6/17). 

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2005 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

72000 mi

US $1110
headlight bulb burned out and the wire harness also bad 
90000 mi

US $50
Air mix stepper motor 
84000 mi

US $190
Amp shorted out. Needed new amp. 
57000 mi

US $90
Wipers wouldn't operate on intermittent, wouldn't go to home when off. The windshield washer fluid wasn't functioning at all. The wiper motor was replaced, by me, correcting all problems existing. This is common prob. w/ owners, wiper motor is the solutio 
104200 mi

US $25
had to access cabin fan to lubricate it, also replaced cabin air filter. fan had stopped working after squeeling for a while. 
104300 mi

US $180
Had to replace amplifier for radio 
105000 mi

US $180
Replaced cabin air fan. Bitch if a job. Did it myself 
143000 mi

US $55
Personally replaced expansion valve 
65000 mi Cabin fan failure. Cabin fan failure - Warranty 
48000 mi

US $300
Driver window actuator replaced Heating/ac fan making noise intermittently, dealer replaced under extended warranty. 
212000 mi

US $250
Replace condenser and recharge system. Diagnosed by shop, I replaced the part myself 
234000 mi

US $5
Heater fan was squeaking. Removed the fan to lubricate it 
99000 mi

US $2400
ac only blowing hot air. Replacement of cooling fan module, compressor, drier, orings, orifice tube, lines, condensor flush with freon refill. still not working correctly. 

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2005 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

88300 mi

US $55
Blower motor resistor failed due to corrosion on blower fan. Cleaned and lubed motor and replaced resistor. 
67580 mi

C $1900
hvac recirc motor & blower 

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2005 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 150hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

56600 mi Routine Intermediate service carried out in accordance with Maintenance Schedule set out in Owners Handbook 

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2005 Saab 9-3 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder manual 2WD

20000 mi Dash display occasionally showed "Steering lock malfunction - see dealer." Faulty ignition switch module was diagnosed and ISM was replaced. 

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2005 Saab 9-3 4-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

38000 mi No heat, air would be produced but, the air was not hot 
38000 mi No heat from the heater 

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2005 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

29000 mi

US $1000
draining battery, source could not be found. tried replacing acc resistor and checked all fuses and starter system 
56000 mi

US $238
Anti-pinch window feature kept driver-side window from rolling up completely without driver intervention. Window module was reprogrammed. 
74000 mi

US $60
Balance knob broke on the radio. 
87000 mi

US $100
Car was blowing its low-beam headlight at least once/every two months on the left-hand side and had started blowing the right-hand side low-beam about once every six months. Dealer replaced the bulb connectors on both sides. 
75485 mi

US $10
High center light bulb out and synthetic oil/filter change. low beam bulb replaced. Runs great. 50 in-town miles and 900 high-speed interstate miles per week (long commute). 

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2005 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

29760 mi sid warning- low washer fluid when full 
74400 mi

C $120
Electrical connection 
87000 mi Any or all of the Turbo boost gauge, Fuel Gauge, Temperature Gauge show that the engine has self destructed with the temperature off the top of the scale, the turbo boost showing that the turbo has just blown itself up, and that there is very nearly a full tank of petrol, when the tank is almost empty. This is a known problem. The previous owner was told that its an earthing [grounding] problem and that the cost of diagnosis and repair would be £2000+. This is a car worth about £1000! The answer is to remove the fourth fuse down (red 10A) in the fuse box, wait for about 20 seconds, and then replace it. This solves the problem for between 1 week and 3 months. 
98000 mi

£650
Aircon compressor screamed and then stopped compressing. Result - no cooling. Compressor replaced along with some pipes in the cooling system. Initially the system leaked, and so the car had to be returned to the repair shop for a gland to be replaced prior to a second regassing of the system 

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2004 Saab 9-3

Engine not specified

119000 mi

US $120
AC compressor won't come on no electrical current or power to ac 

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2004 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

45000 mi Amp replaced 
89000 mi

US $225
Air Recirculation motor needed replaced, $160. 
121000 mi

US $30
One door wouldn't lock/unlock electronically. The door lock actuator needed to be replaced. 
102000 mi

US $185
Window regulator broke 

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2004 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

108000 mi

US $140
Driver's side and passenger side windows would automatically roll down 2 inches after rolling up. Dealer made tension adjustment, reset anti-pinch feature. 
119000 mi

US $1200
Driver's side window would not roll down. Motor replaced; however first window setting not operable, was told I would need another $400 part. The window intermmittently works while holding down the button to open window fully. Key fob would not lock or unlock car, had to manually use key which most of the time would then trigger the car alarm. 
119000 mi Driver window control only partially worked when sold. Blown passenger dash speaker and broken CD player when sold. Non-functioning driver heated seat and malfunctioning door locks when sold. Latter problem, "system lock failure," repaired once before.  
9411 mi

US $74
- passenger seat belt sensor dysfunctional, replaced by dealer under warranty - oil & filter 
13615 mi dealer attempts to fix loud rattles in all doors, 2 slow leaking tires patched, in-dash cd changer non-functional - replaced 
19731 mi

US $79
oil & filter, both remote keys replaced under warranty due to dysfunction, sunroof software updated due to dysfunction 
79000 mi

US $3000
Air conditioning failed. 
56000 mi dealer paid to replace blower motor and blower relay that was not functioning properly. 
64000 mi Sunroof behaving erratically; replaced switch. 
68000 mi

US $100
Sunroof was acting erratically. They replaced the switch during my June visit, but the problem persisted. The second time in, they also replaced the sunroof wind deflector as they think that was messing up the pinch protection. 

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2004 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

23000 mi My electronic key broke and would not open my car. The dealer replaced my key after I was told my warranty just had expired, they replaced it for free. 
40000 mi False tire pressure sensor failure message with winter wheels installed. Required relearning of monitor system. 

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2004 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

15125 mi Under warranty CD player replaced 
129000 mi

US $60
Left rear brake light went out. Discovered it was another fried wire. This also caused the right front headlight to burn out. Cleaned wire, soldered back together and all works. Parts are on back order. 
141300 mi

US $40
Had to replace the washer pump. 
94000 mi

US $600
Electric modulator burned out and one could not be found. Spyker's parts held up in customs. 
122000 mi

US $924
Replaced steering column CIM module.  
122000 mi

US $210
Replaced right front headlight housing and bulbs. 
121000 mi

US $500
Passenger side window stopped working. Replaced the regulator motor. 
101000 mi Replaced winshield wiper motor as the wipers stopped 4 inches up on the windshield after a complete cycle. 
107000 mi

US $170
Re-charged AC system 
34000 mi New battery, old one was 9 years old. 
130000 mi

US $120
Right rear electric lock replaced. 

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2004 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

50000 mi

US $125
left headlamp needed replacing 
67000 mi Computer shows service needed, fluid out etc but it doesn't need it. dealer reset, but message still shows Also gas gage indicates tank is empty - opted to not repair it. 
40000 mi The light inside the glove box would only come on if i tapped on it so i took it in because I wanted to make sure it wasn't indicative of a larger problem. The sensor apparently just needed to be re-seated on the glovebox door and it is now perfectly fine 
49000 mi Alternator made strange sound - replaced.  Key required replacement - had problems with remote entry. 
162000 mi

US $10
Replaced headlight bulb for the 7th or 8th time. They burn out about every 6 months. I'm sure there is an underlying issue, but at $10 a bulb, it's cheaper to just replace the bulb than to have a tech look into the root cause. 
51000 mi

US $1000
Column interface module faulty causing left signal to remain on. 
34000 mi Left front turn signal inop, bulb anf fuse ok. Headlight assembly replaced. 
60000 mi

US $180
Faulty temperature blend stepping motor in A/C 
19000 mi

US $15
Off side dipped headlight burned out. Replaced with H7 bulb. No problems. 
32000 mi

US $8
Passenger side low beam headlight burned out. Replaced H7 bulb. 
35000 mi Right turn signal working intermittently. Local shop could not replicate problem. 
35000 mi

US $1049
Right turn signal working intermittently. Dealer replaced column integration module. 
38200 mi

US $108
Replaced battery 
39000 mi

US $5
Replaced left side headlamp 
43400 mi

C $150
The SID or Saab information display went blank. I had to take it to two different shops to get it fixed. The first one wasn't "authorized" by GM so they sent me to the second. They said it was just fluky, lucky me... 

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2004 Saab 9-3 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic 2WD

45000 mi

US $300
windows not rolling up correctly. burnt wire harness in headlamp. 

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2004 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

172000 mi AC compressor is not working. The fuel gauge is not working. The entire fuel pump (fuel level sensor) has to be replaced to fix that. 
25000 mi

US $80
Windshield washer failed to work. 
27000 mi

US $150
Windshield washer pump relay replaced. 
49000 mi

US $300
Hear/ac blower motor and resistor replaced. 

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2004 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

45000 mi Fog Lamp electrical short due to defective plastic lamp cover 
57000 mi

US $1297
Couldn't start. Replaced Column Interation Module that controls alarm and steering.  
62800 mi

US $500
Replaced passenger door window motor.  
45000 mi Power windows stopped working and door locks! I paid 90 dollars for the window switch and installed the part myself.  
73200 mi

US $380
Front passenger side power window motor replaced 
4000 mi Driver seat power adjust motor (fore/aft) replaced 
99000 mi

US $145
Seat Heater drivers side failed, coil burnt. Not worth cost to fix it. 
51300 mi changed burned out low beams changed burned out low beams 
145000 mi

US $950
AC compressor failed and needed to be replaced 
35000 mi windshield wipers stopped working. replaced parts (?) and alls fine now 

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2004 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

61000 mi

US $400
Fuel sending unit failed, fuel gauge not working due to that. 

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2004 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

22320 mi

A $87
Recirc air vent motor was rattly. Roof needed lube. 

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2004 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

43600 mi

R 10
Replaced outside air temperature sensor 
51460 mi

R 70
Replace battery 

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2003 Saab 9-3

Engine not specified

51000 mi

US $73
Check engine light comes up again. I don't know do I pay for it again or not. I will pick up my car tomorrow. Dealer told me that if those problem relate with previous, they will not charge it to me. But, if it is not related with same problem, they will 
166000 mi Autolocking door cylinder, Trunk latch not working Fuel pump sending unit not working (gas gauge doesn't work) 
50000 mi

US $10
Told I needed to replace the Head light connectors. Cost $300.00. Bought connectors myself and repaired myself. Cost $10 

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2003 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

109000 mi

US $250
The headlights were unusually dim. One of the light bulbs was incorrectly installed and the wiring was discolored. The dealer replaced the wiring and bulbs. The lights are much better; although, I still wish that they were brighter. 
77800 mi

US $200
Window regulator was broken Head Lights, Fog Lights Window regulator was broken 
89000 mi

US $440
Replaced amp under the drivers seat  
68000 mi

US $968
Cabin fan did not work Control unit was also burnt out. Replaced cabin fan motor, control unit, and air filter. Check operation everything was ok when done 
72000 mi

US $288
Fixed driver’s side window(recalibrated) No A/C from center or right side. Turned out it needed a refrigerant dye and a recharge system. Right side front side marker out. Socket rotted. Replaced socket and bulb. Fixed passenger’s side window(recalibrated) 
80000 mi

US $175
One of the A/C fans was making a noise as if a bearing was going unit. Then the A/C stopped blowing cold. Took it in quick fix was a re-charge. May need the whole A/C system to be replaced down the road, but works for now. 
81000 mi

US $1426
Problem with A/C. Had Dye stick and Freon done to get a base line. New Expansion valve, AC evaporator, and seal ring. Also Dye Stick and Freon. Note there was a metal OEM piece part of the fire wall that rusted. Others will have the same issue. We still have water leaking in the car during a rain. 
97000 mi

US $100
Drivers side rear door actuator fault. 
69000 mi

US $310
Driver side window regulator did not work. 
24272 mi OnStar amp replaced 
24714 mi Emergency brake handle replaced 
30972 mi OnStar box replaced 
63000 mi

US $500
Fuel tank level sender replaced 
171000 mi

US $30
Radio signal very weak, no stations being received clearly, FM or AM. Replace antenna amplifier with a used unit purchased on eBay. Repair not successful. 
173000 mi

US $16
Passenger side low-beam bulb replaced. 

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2003 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

54000 mi headlight assembly failure cd player failure 
60000 mi

US $661
Headlight bulb shorted out. 
52700 mi

C $161
Xenon light flickering. Headlamp module and socket repair may be needed. Module repaired unsuccessful in fixing issue Headlamp Socket was repaired subsequent to headlamp module being repaired. Problem seems to have been fixed at this point. 
69440 mi CD changer skips in cold weather. Known issue with Clarion cd changer, dealer refuses to fix because could not replicate in warm shop. Also, only occurs during driving, and dealer did not test drive.  
113000 mi

US $35
All Warning Lights coming on, Radio/Dash not Lighting..... Battery was disconnected for a time.... problem never returned. Saab Gremlins 
55150 mi Column Integration Module (Saab Part No. 12805196) replaced. 
63000 mi A/C blower motor was replaced 
39680 mi radio... 
66654 mi

$70
cd player parts 
76260 mi rear right window motor 
119000 mi headlight went out. 
120700 mi

US $90
Recharge A/C. No leak found? 
91000 mi passenger side door has no power. window, lock and mirror not working. disconnected and reconnected battery to clear error. also cleared immobilizer failure error. 
158600 mi

US $240
Alternator went bad. Replaced alternator and (still good) serpentine belt. 

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2003 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

156000 mi

US $500
Alternator went. 
35000 mi onstar unit failed. Replaced under warranty 
48000 mi pass door and window inoperative. Replaced under warranty 
60000 mi pass door and window relay inoperative. Replaced free under Saab "program" 
65000 mi

US $400
inoperative climate control system. Electronic fault. 
68000 mi

US $650
Drivers side front and rear window regulators malfunctioned same week. Motors ok, regulator lifts only replaced. 
54000 mi The blower on the heater stopped working so no air was coming out of the vents. My wife was borrowing the car that day and had the worst drive of her life in an unbearably cold car. Dealer installed new blower. 
69440 mi Driver's window stopped go up & down. Because of frost it freezed and broked the plastic "piece" which is holding the rope... 
76000 mi Passenger window stopped working. 
62000 mi

C $100
6-disc changer replaced. 
62620 mi Replaced 6 disc in-dash changer due to constant skipping. 
63860 mi

C $600
Replaced the AC fan and amplifier a few weeks before I sold it, it had moisture build-up and had stopped working. 
64000 mi

US $550
Also, leak in A/C caused minor water damage in PF footwell. Covered by owner. 
71000 mi

US $100
A/C not working, so it was taken in. Vacuum Pump faulty, replaced. 
83000 mi

US $100
Fuel Sensor and Fuel Sender replaced. 
127000 mi

US $230
Replace alternator and serpentine belt 
36000 mi Fuel gauge 
US $2400 AC motor replaced, because it was locking up and the belt was slipping as it is connected to the AC motor. 
75000 mi

US $650
Interior A/C Vent Motor Failed 
99000 mi

US $800
Replacement of alternator assembly. 
93000 mi

US $750
Steering lock solenoid seized causing the car immobilizer to not allow startup. 
166000 mi

US $600
The electronic steering look system was malfunctioning. The repair shop took the ignition control module apart and cleaned all contacts on the circuitry. 
178000 mi

US $500
Blower fan was seized. Mechanic replaced blower fan and resitor. 
178000 mi

US $400
Left rear tail light circut board was shorting. Tail lights break light and turn signals would work intermintly. Replaced tail light circut board,wiring harness and conector. 
156700 mi

US $1400
Side and brake light; now, two months later, same problem. Air bag warning lights come on, off . 
163000 mi

US $2500
front light again went out -- cost $200! 
21300 mi Remote keys replaced under warranty 
23900 mi Steering wheel lock malfunction. 
25500 mi Gearbox malfunction light. Short to ground SLM. Readd SLM under warranty. 
21300 mi Battery failure, replaced under warranty. 
43800 mi Gearbox malfunction. P0826-06 fault code. Readjust SLM. No charge. 
63000 mi

US $460
Window regulator replaced in front passenger side 

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2003 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

96000 mi

US $325
Alternator died; Having mechanic put in but one isn't available from distributor for two weeks! Called Saab dealer and will cost $1100 to repair!! Left headlight went out. It cost me $300 for a new one!! I think they called it a Zion light (Xenon) which is more expensive. This car is costing me an arm and leg to repair. Great car BUT will cost you to fix!! Left headlight went out. It cost me $300 for a new one!! I think they called it a Zion light which is more expensive. This car is costing me an arm and leg to repair. Great car BUT will cost you to fix!! 
32000 mi passenger side seatbelt warning light came on with no one in seat and front end noise from suspension. fixed the seat sensor, and still no fix for the front end noise. 
34000 mi fog lamp went out, rear seat release broke, driver side lumbar cable snapped, traction control issue again, and sunroof would close then go back open, staying in the open position. software fix for sunroof, replaced the lamp and fixed the lumbar in seat. 
55000 mi

US $350
this car sucks goat balls. I had every light up front out when i took it to the shop. Every drive light the only thing that worked was on fog light i had replace one month ago. I did hire a lawyer and he got me three thosand dollars from saab because this 
125240 mi

C $1300
cable for the power driver's side window kinked and the whole regulator had to be replaced. Car suddenly refused to start. Towed to mechanic who after MUCH frustration found numerous intermittent electrical connections under the fuse box. Also found loose starter motor and fixed but that was not the cause of the problem. 
72000 mi

US $150
Steering wheel mounted switch for audio volume control failed. Replacement part was ordered, but not yet installed.  
78000 mi

US $16
Left low beam headlight burned out. Took an hour to get the bulb from a parts store and replace it myself. 

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2003 Saab 9-3 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder manual 2WD

37000 mi CD Changer jammed while attempting to change from one disk to another. Unable to remove any disks; needed a new disk changer. install cd changer 

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2003 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

76500 mi

£245
altenator burnt out 

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2003 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

98000 mi

US $1000
then again for failing AC compressor. 

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2003 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

95000 mi

US $250
Pulley and bearing on alternator failed, serpentine belt destroyed. Alternator replaced, serpentine replaced. 
106000 mi

US $200
Alternator replaced 
64000 mi

US $350
A/C switch went bad also cabin filter replaced. 
98000 mi

US $1500
replace ac compressor for 2nd time in 2 yrs, now the hose is broken too 
99000 mi AC hose replaced 
126200 mi

US $80
left front headlight not working on high beams; upon checking it is noted by owner that light is not working at all 
132000 mi

US $40
The light was actually fixed this time. 
142000 mi

US $600
Alternator needed to be replaced; also battery as alternator had damaged it. 
187000 mi

US $800
compressor third time 
204000 mi

US $1000
5th AC Compressor. Are you sure this car has never been recalled for AC Compressor issues? AC just went out again - it is July of 2017, less than one year since work was done. 
219000 mi

US $425
also I had a left bright headlight that kept burning out; both were fixed and care is running well (a different shop replaced this part with a defective part)....  
83300 mi Information center was unreadable. Many bad pixels 
90200 mi

US $100
Information center was unreadable. Replaced unit. 
114500 mi

US $200
Replaced ACC fan controller with used unit 
115300 mi AC compressor/expansion valve/receiver-dryer replacement. Compressor clutch pulley bearing noisy. Update March: Still underway. The replacement compressor wasn't quite correct one, so old one went back on and a short-belt bypass is currently in place. 
121000 mi

US $165
Replaced compressor 

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2002 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

34100 mi

C $170
New antenna. 
35340 mi

C $940
New A/C and muffler repair. 
41540 mi

C $600
New alternator. 
55800 mi

C $600
Scan codes, filters and re-re a/c 
57040 mi

C $791
New A/C 
60760 mi

C $300
Rear window failure. Stays in down position.  
68200 mi

C $300
Another rear window stayed in down position.  Other rear window stayed in down position. 
68820 mi

C $900
New alternator 
77680 mi

C $150
Key fob dead. 
104160 mi

C $50
Flashing lights would not turn off. Issue with alarm. 
156000 mi

US $268
HVAC recirculation flap motor inoperative; replaced.  
176000 mi

US $90
Replaced front windshield wiper motor. Cleaned and lubricated noisy HVAC fan motor. 
197000 mi

US $600
Alternator/charging light came on. Alternator was found to have failed, and was replaced. 
202200 mi HVAC fan not working, or intermittently. De-crudded the electrical contacts for the fan motor, put on some electrical anti-corrosion compound. 
201800 mi

US $42
Passenger side headlight wiper inoperative. Purchased a used motor/headlight wiper assembly and installed. 
210000 mi

US $1400
HVAC blower fan was not working, found to be wiring fault, and wiring connector was replaced. A/C compressor clutch was making noise. A/C compressor replaced, along with drier and expansion valve. 
95000 mi

US $700
bad bearing in alternator 
63000 mi

US $1200
AC compressor replaced 

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2002 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

82000 mi

US $800
A/C compressor clutch failure. Replaced A/C compressor. 
141300 mi

US $1700
Alternator went bad... died. had to be replaced. Since 
184640 mi

C $600
bearing of a/c compressor gone 
76300 mi

US $200
The car developed an intermittent no crank/no start problem. I replaced the starter myself. This was not the problem.  
106000 mi

US $150
replaced alternator, tensioner pulley, belt 
104000 mi

US $1000
New alternator. 

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2002 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

45880 mi

C $1500
Replaced a/c compressor. Still not working, will check coil next. 

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2002 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

112000 mi

US $750
Rear window regulator failing, so window was not reliably working. 
97000 mi

US $150
Ticking sound coming out from center console, further investigation conclude the sound coming from HVAC Auto Temp Sensor. Took auto temp sensor out, cleaned & vac out all the dust & dirt, lubed the propeller inside sensor with WD40. 

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2001 Saab 9-3

Engine not specified

121000 mi A/C compressor has been non-functional for over 2 years 

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2001 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

178900 mi

US $125
Blender/vent control and fan switch inoperative. Replaced fan switch due to worn contacts and blown resistor pack. Replaced blender "plunger" to regain control over air flow in cabin. 

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2001 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 185hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

125860 mi

C $50
starter rebuilt 

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2001 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 185hp 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

131000 mi Air bag next to drivers seat exploded when I started the vehicle. 

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2001 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

149700 mi

US $430
Broken climate control unit, replaced with used.  
160000 mi

US $80
Theft alarm system battery died. Did not change battery used obd2 tool to change from a beep to the horn. 

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2001 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 185hp 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

62000 mi

US $15
halogen headlight out, driver's side 
80000 mi

US $50
LF headlight bulb burned out again. Replaced both sides 

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2000 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 185hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

110000 mi

US $620
Drill out & replace exhaust header bolt, replace antenna mast. 

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1999 Saab 9-3 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder manual 2WD

166000 mi

US $20
rt front linker bulb out. Owner/friend replaced it. It took about 20 minutes. Need to purchase some weather stripping for around the headlight so that water does not go in. Believe garage did not put it back in when last replaced. 

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1999 Saab 9-3 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic 2WD

79000 mi

US $1200
Radio antena replaced/fixed. 

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1999 Saab 9-3 4-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

85000 mi

US $600
replaced air compressor 

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1999 Saab 9-3 2-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder manual 2WD

121500 mi

US $279
A/C compressor pulley bearing noise. Ordered a new compressor from Buyautoparts.com. First they sent wrong compressor then took them 8 days to get me the correct one. 

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1999 Saab 9-3 2-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic 2WD

144000 mi The convertible top started locking up until it finally blew the motor. The computer screen thru the years died little by little. Sold with this problem. The computer screen thru the years died little by little. Sold with this problem. 

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1998.5 Saab 9-3 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder manual 2WD

118820 mi Air conditioning fan did not stop even after engine was turned off. It was necessary to disconect battery to stop it 
121600 mi An electric element which controls road front lights broke down and had to be changed by a new one. A sort of relay.  

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See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans, Convertibles, and Wagons.
See TrueDelta's information for all Saab models.

Saab 9-3 Electrical Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently Saab 9-3 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.