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%)

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

Saab 9-3 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (2%)

$1000 - $2499 (11%)

$500 - $999 (17%)

$100 - $499 (37%)

< $100 (33%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 1259 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

Saab 9-3 problems by year

before 1999 (3%)

2000 - 2002 (10%)

2003 - 2005 (35%)

2006 - 2006 (20%)

2007 - 2007 (16%)

2008 - 2011 (16%)

Chart based on 1994 repair trips.
See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans, Convertibles, and Wagons.
See TrueDelta's information for all Saab models.

What Our Members Are Saying about the Personal Experiences of the Saab 9-3

Saab 9-3 Personal Experiences: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2010 4dr Wagon turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
I had a 2006 sedan previously which had a few electrical glitches but was very reliable over the 39 months I leased. full 2010 Saab 9-3 review
2009 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
excellent power train and sport sense full 2009 Saab 9-3 review
2008 2dr Convertible turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
This is my second convertible in a row. With the optional screen installed, I drop the top whenever the temperature is above 40. I am more likely to drive on back roads to enjoy the experience. full 2008 Saab 9-3 review
2008 4dr Sedan turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6
6-speed manual AWD
Owned a 2004 9-3 Linear, had serious electrical issues but I still loved the car. The 185 hp engine was lively and had great turbo boost. It was a beautiful car when it first came out. full 2008 Saab 9-3 review
2008 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
I have owned 6 Saabs since 1990 and at one time simultaneously owned a 1989 900 turbo convertible, a 1995 900 SE turbo convertible and a 2008 9-3 SS, all with manual transmissions. I have never had a Saab strand me, although my intimate familiarity with the most common problems encountered with each car led me to be prepared. Accordingly, for example, I always carried a spare direct ignition cassette for my 1995 (and yet never had to use it). I don't know if it the result of an inherent reliability or my strict maintenance practices, but I have had other makes literally leave high and dry in the desert. So, draw your own conlusion. full 2008 Saab 9-3 review
2006 2dr Convertible turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6
6-speed manual FWD
Owned a 1995 Saab 900 convertible for 6 trouble-free years. Around 120,000 miles, it needed a new clutch so I decided to sell and upgrade. full 2006 Saab 9-3 review
Saab 9-3 Personal Experiences: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2006 4dr Sedan turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
1st time Saab buyer full 2006 Saab 9-3 review
 

Saab 9-3 Problems and Repair Histories

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.