2004 Saab 9-3 Saab 9-3 2004

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2004 Saab 9-3 repairs by problem area

Engine (29%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (2%)

Brakes and Traction Control (4%)

Suspension and Steering (19%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (32%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (6%)

Other (8%)

Chart based on 218 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2004 Saab 9-3.

2004 Saab 9-3 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (1%)

$1000 - $2499 (9%)

$500 - $999 (11%)

$100 - $499 (30%)

< $100 (49%)

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

Chart based on 166 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2004 Saab 9-3

Engine not specified

Saab 9-3 in Texas, United States
Nov 2007 - Jul 2008
Dec 2007

35000 mi
the smart key stopped working stranding me at walmart. then went to shop and they reset the key. 

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2004 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Louisiana, United States
Jun 2016 - Oct 2016
Oct 2016

99000 mi

US $65
changed out the expansion tank. now no longer losing coolant. 
Saab 9-3 in Indiana, United States
Feb 2008 - May 2015
Jan 2008

45000 mi
Amp replaced Oil changed 
Mar 2008

47000 mi
Gas Cap replaced 
Oct 2009

75000 mi

US $340
Ignition Control Module replaced 
May 2010

85500 mi

US $1600
Turbo replaced. Clogged oil return line. Turbo replaced. Clogged oil return line. 
Jul 2010

89000 mi

US $225
Air Recirculation motor needed replaced, $160. Driver side mirror glass fell out. Replaced just mirror glass, $65. 
Mar 2012

121000 mi

US $30
One door wouldn't lock/unlock electronically. The door lock actuator needed to be replaced. 
May 2012

124200 mi

US $350
The struts and shocks were the original on the car and were worn out. Expected at that mileage 
Sep 2012

130000 mi

US $90
Wheel bearing needed replaced on the drivers front tire. 
Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Mar 2011 - May 2014
Oct 2012

53000 mi

US $113
vibration felt through steering wheel. source not found 
Nov 2012

53300 mi

US $800
failed balance shaft chain tensioner and guide 
Dec 2012

54000 mi

US $800
replaced CIM 
Saab 9-3 in New Jersey, United States
Jun 2010 - Jun 2011
Jul 2010

102000 mi

US $185
Window regulator broke 
Saab 9-3 in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2010 - Apr 2018
Feb 2018

259780 mi
Struts 

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2004 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

Saab 9-3 in Massachusetts, United States
Nov 2007 - Jun 2011
Oct 2008

45000 mi
Tightened loose brake caliper. Replaced cracked windshield fluid reservoir. 
Saab 9-3 in Texas, United States
Aug 2008 - Mar 2010
Sep 2008

79000 mi

US $3000
Water pump failed, engine coolant leaked. Air conditioning failed. 
Saab 9-3 in Arizona, United States
Nov 2010 - Jan 2011
Dec 2010

88200 mi

US $220
replaced coolant resevoir and put in new coolant. no big deal. Changed coils and spark plugs. also oil change 
Saab 9-3 in New Jersey, United States
May 2011 - Jul 2011
Jul 2011

106000 mi

US $215
VACUUM PUMP REPLACES TIME IT TOOK ME WAS AROUND 40 MINUTES, 10 DAYS TO RECEIVE THE PART 
Saab 9-3 in Connecticut, United States
Aug 2007 - Dec 2010
Nov 2007

83000 mi

US $75
Information symbol stating "lock system failure" Rear passenger door lock was sticking door couldn't be opened from the outside as well as triggering the alarm when I pressed unlock button to access vehicle. Information symbol disappeared and the shop wa 
Mar 2008

88000 mi

US $1100
System lock failure displayed. Right rear door lock sticking, part replaced. Mechanic noticed excessive engine vibration/noise while driving vehicle. Belt tensioner needed to be replaced. 
Sep 2009

108000 mi

US $140
Gearbox Malfunction Limited Performance Contact Dealer I was unable to shift car into reverse. Car was towed to dealership that was unable to duplicate problem. Computer resetting eliminated the warning display and problem hasn't reoccured. Driver's side and passenger side windows would automatically roll down 2 inches after rolling up. Dealer made tension adjustment, reset anti-pinch feature. 
Apr 2010

112500 mi

US $170
Saab issued a safety bulletin for broken front springs and I brought the car to the dealer to be inspected. No problems, right front spring broke 2 wks later. While apart they replaced rt front control arm and other misc wear items. 
Nov 2010

119000 mi
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. ABS failure half mile after picking car up from shop; decided to sell car. 
Dec 2010

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.  
Saab 9-3 in Texas, United States
Feb 2007 - Jan 2008
Feb 2007

56000 mi
dealer paid to replace blower motor and blower relay that was not functioning properly. 
Jun 2007

64000 mi
Sunroof behaving erratically; replaced switch. 
Jul 2007

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. 
Saab 9-3 in Georgia, United States
Dec 2004 - May 2007
Nov 2004

2052 mi
- 1000 mile/30 day service - improperly installed sunroof repaired - software update for rough shifting - software update for non-functional fog lamps 
Apr 2005

9411 mi

US $74
- passenger seat belt sensor dysfunctional, replaced by dealer under warranty - oil & filter 
Jul 2005

13615 mi
dealer attempts to fix loud rattles in all doors, 2 slow leaking tires patched, in-dash cd changer non-functional - replaced 
Dec 2005

19731 mi

US $79
oil & filter, both remote keys replaced under warranty due to dysfunction, sunroof software updated due to dysfunction 
May 2006

24730 mi

US $86
brake booster valve replaced under recall, software updates for continuing sunroof dysfunction, four exterior door handles replaced due to excessive fading, peeling hood emblem replaced, front door speakers replaced due to excessive rattling, oil & filter 
Aug 2006

29193 mi
30000 mile free service (oil/oil filter/air filter/etc), tensioner pulley and belt replaced due to premature wear and excessive noise, front struts replaced due to excessive noise and play due to strut failure 
Sep 2006

29210 mi
Car flat-bedded to dealer due to failed ECU - car wouldn't start - ECU replaced, reprogrammed. 
Oct 2006

31654 mi
Trouble starting car - reads "Immobilizer failure - Restart car - Contact dealer" - dealer finds nothing wrong. 
Nov 2006

32930 mi
"Immobilizer failure - Restart Car - Contact Dealer" reoccurs. Unable to remove key from ignition and car will not crank. Eventually find slamming driver door resets computer and key is removeable. 3 tries and car starts. Delivered to dealer with erro 

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2004 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Ohio, United States
Oct 2007 - Jun 2018
Feb 2008

40000 mi
Worn front strut thrust supports and bushings, both sides. Lubed noisy rear sway bar bushings. False tire pressure sensor failure message with winter wheels installed. Required relearning of monitor system. 
May 2008

43000 mi
Broken right front suspension spring. 
Aug 2010

59000 mi
Head gasket. 
Saab 9-3 in Washington, United States
Jul 2008 - Jun 2011
Aug 2008

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. 
Saab 9-3 in British Columbia, Canada
Apr 2012 - Sep 2013
Jan 2013

89280 mi

C $2000
ABS lights, traction control lights came on. speed sensor. Water pump leaking - replaced it. Had to replace struts and springs. 
Jul 2013

97960 mi

C $1500
wheel bearing had to be replaced 
Saab 9-3 in Ohio, United States
Feb 2007 - Jan 2013
Sep 2012

106000 mi

US $300
Wheel bearing replaced. 

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2004 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

Saab 9-3 in Indiana, United States
Feb 2009 - Jun 2011
Aug 2009

85000 mi

US $390
had code indicating vapors leaking from tank, smoke test indicated leak in top of tank, dropped tank and repaired, tech stated looked like fuel pump was installed and did not seal correctly 
Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Sep 2007 - Jun 2011
Sep 2007

55000 mi

US $85
New front hub bearing replaced under warranty. Had the dealer perform an intermediate service while the car was there (oil change and multipoint inspection). 
Feb 2010

125000 mi

US $700
New front strut springs installed. Also had them replace the serpentine belt and perform an intermediate service (oil change and multipoint inspection) 
Saab 9-3 in Rhode Island, United States
Dec 2008 - May 2011
May 2009

121000 mi

US $500
Passenger side window stopped working. Replaced the regulator motor. 
Jan 2010

129000 mi

US $350
Crank Position Sensor went bad. Car wouldn't start. 
Sep 2010

126000 mi

US $100
A warming light came on telling me that I had a gearbox error. They updated the computer and the problem resolved. 
May 2011

135000 mi

US $363
Check engine light came on. Was faulty Crank Position Sensor and Faulty Gas Cap. Rear driver door was missing water barrier. Shop replaced water barrier. 
Saab 9-3 in Illinois, United States
Dec 2010 - Dec 2011
Mar 2010

122000 mi

US $924
Replaced steering column CIM module.  
May 2010

122000 mi

US $210
Replaced right front headlight housing and bulbs. 
Saab 9-3 in Massachusetts, United States
Mar 2008 - Mar 2010
Dec 2008

60000 mi

US $100
CEL was coming on intermittently so they changed a gasket on the gas cap, since the fault code was emission related. They also gave me a new gas cap in case the old gas cap was the actual problem. 
Saab 9-3 in Massachusetts, United States
May 2008 - Aug 2010
Jun 2008

51000 mi
Fan motor switch only work at one stage and would not shut off even after engine turned off. 
Jun 2010

93000 mi

US $600
Heating and cooling fan motor stopped working. No motor was found in the USA at this time because of change of company filling orders. Car still in shop. 
Jul 2010

94000 mi

US $600
Electric modulator burned out and one could not be found. Spyker's parts held up in customs. 
Aug 2010

94000 mi
Keys worn out when sold, needed to be replaced. The rubber coating wore out, cracked and eventually separated from the electronics inside making the key impossible to use for opening the trunk although it still started the car.  
Saab 9-3 in Wisconsin, United States
Jan 2015 - May 2016
Feb 2015

169200 mi

US $750
Fuel pump died while on highway. Had towed to mechanic. 
Jul 2015

175500 mi

US $980
Replaced both upper and lower control arms. Replaced outer tie rods. 
Jan 2016

US $900
4 brake pads and rotors replaced. Back right caliper seazed and replaced. 
Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
May 2012 - Nov 2017
Mar 2013

107000 mi

US $1452
Water Pump leaking. Replaced water pump and coolant. Also replaced serpentine belt and tensor and thermostat while water pump was replaced. 
Jul 2013

108200 mi

US $190
Owner replaced tie rod ends both left and right as right end had worn and torn boot Front sway bar end boot torn and noisy. Replaced sway bar ends on both sides. Windshield wipers would not park properly, washers did not work properly. Replaced wiper motor and linkage 
Aug 2013

109000 mi

US $1400
Replaced front struts, strut mounts and strut bearings. Replaced both rear upper control arms and 4 wheel alignment. 
Jul 2017

130000 mi

US $120
Right rear electric lock replaced. 
Saab 9-3 in Texas, United States
Jan 2013 - Feb 2013
Feb 2013

119000 mi

US $120
AC compressor won't come on no electrical current or power to ac 
Saab 9-3 in Minnesota, United States
Aug 2010 - Mar 2013
Nov 2011

101000 mi
Replaced winshield wiper motor as the wipers stopped 4 inches up on the windshield after a complete cycle. 
Jun 2012

107000 mi

US $170
Re-charged AC system 
Saab 9-3 in Ohio, United States
Feb 2004 - Dec 2012
Aug 2004

15125 mi
Under warranty CD player replaced 
Dec 2004

19915 mi
replaced Idler pulley and stepper motor 
Jul 2005

28712 mi
30k scheduled.. Also, replaced belt tensioner, ACC belt, and all rusted lug nuts 
Mar 2008

74000 mi

US $150
Mass air flow tube broke away from its anchor causing a hole in the tube creating an engine code and lack of driveability. 
Jul 2011

121000 mi

US $85
Clunking noise from right side front suspension. Replaced strut mount and strut bearing. 
Dec 2011

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. 
Nov 2012

141300 mi

US $40
Had to replace the washer pump. 
Dec 2012

143000 mi

US $26
Brake fluid reservoir tank cap had cracked. 
Saab 9-3 in Maryland, United States
Nov 2007 - Mar 2010
Dec 2007

40000 mi
The ash tray would not open or retract properly. 
Saab 9-3 in Oregon, United States
May 2013 - Dec 2014
Jun 2013

34000 mi
New battery, old one was 9 years old. 
Sep 2013

35000 mi
Rear calipers siezed 
Aug 2014

40000 mi

US $45
Power steering reservoir was leaking. This is a sign of a failed power steering pump seal. It is driven directly from the crank and engine oil seeps into the PS fluid. Part was $5 and 1 hour of labor. Power steering reservoir was leaking. This is a sign of a failed power steering pump seal. It is driven directly from the crank and engine oil seeps into the PS fluid. Part was $5 and 1 hour of labor. 

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2004 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Utah, United States
Jul 2012 - Feb 2016
Sep 2012

111000 mi

US $900
After purchase, recvd message "steering lock malfunction". Took to mechanic and had CIM replaced. Also replaced leaking steering pump. 
Sep 2014

150000 mi

US $350
Replaced ball joint, end link. 
Mar 2015

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. 
Feb 2016

175000 mi
Clutch went, simply worn out due to miles. Sold car to dealer instead of repairing. 
Saab 9-3 in Arizona, United States
Jul 2010 - Nov 2010
Sep 2010

60000 mi

US $180
Faulty temperature blend stepping motor in A/C Replaced broken glove box 
Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Sep 2010 - Mar 2014
Oct 2012

96700 mi

US $258
Replaced Expansion Tank due to leaky 'nipple' that connects to hose. 
Sep 2013

110000 mi

US $400
Leaking coolant hose replaced. 
Saab 9-3 in Alberta, Canada
Jan 2010 - Apr 2010
Mar 2010

43400 mi

C $150
Oil was leaking from the cam shaft. A seal was replaced 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... 
Saab 9-3 in New Jersey, United States
Jan 2007 - Aug 2015
Mar 2010

51000 mi

US $1000
Broken spring, known issue under warranty. Column interface module faulty causing left signal to remain on. 
Aug 2011

58000 mi

US $1200
Fuel pump failed, was replaced. 
Saab 9-3 in Arkansas, United States
Feb 2007 - Jun 2018
Jul 2007

19000 mi

US $15
Gearshift knob kept popping off the stick. This made it difficult to shift the car into reverse. Factory garage ordered the part after phone conservation. About a week later I drove to Tulsa (about 120 miles) and it was installed. I am satisifed with Off side dipped headlight burned out. Replaced with H7 bulb. No problems. 
Aug 2009

32000 mi

US $8
Passenger side low beam headlight burned out. Replaced H7 bulb. 
Sep 2010

35000 mi
Right turn signal working intermittently. Local shop could not replicate problem. 
Oct 2010

35000 mi

US $1049
Right turn signal working intermittently. Dealer replaced column integration module. 
Jul 2013

38200 mi

US $108
Replaced battery 
Nov 2013

39000 mi

US $5
Replaced left side headlamp 
Saab 9-3 in Virginia, United States
Dec 2006 - Aug 2014
Jan 2006

31509 mi
Stability failure message intermitently alerts visit dealer, ESP- CIM C0544-00 Angle Sensor internal fault, R and R no charge last month of factory warranty 
May 2008

34000 mi
Noisy front suspension on small speed bumps, replaced sway bar droplinks and strut tower bearings each side. Left front turn signal inop, bulb anf fuse ok. Headlight assembly replaced. 
Feb 2009

47000 mi
Engine cranks with no run, replaced crankshaft sensor. Passed on scam replacement of spark plugs. Told they were fouled from no run cranking. What BS! 
Mar 2012

81000 mi

US $106
when temp above 80F, warm engine will crank but not run. Changed crank sensor. Problem NOT fixed! 
Apr 2012

81000 mi
car continues to crank but not run every other week. wait 10 min to one hour then it starts. 
Aug 2014

90000 mi
The problem was never fixed to as new status, The dealer was able to program a used(2005) ECU to run and start reliably but the turbo boost was never as new. No dealer wants to maintain an orphaned car. It got great gas mileage in limp mode though. 
Saab 9-3 in Michigan, United States
Jan 2007 - Jun 2012
Feb 2007

32000 mi
Noisy front suspension. Sway bars needed lubrication 
Jan 2012

US $1000
Broken spring 
Saab 9-3 in Washington, United States
Feb 2010 - Dec 2011
Mar 2010

50000 mi

US $125
left headlamp needed replacing 
Dec 2011

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. 
Saab 9-3 in Iowa, United States
Aug 2008 - Jan 2013
Oct 2008

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 
Feb 2009

43000 mi
Shifter knob for 5 speed came off shifter.  
Sep 2009

49000 mi
Alternator made strange sound - replaced.  Key required replacement - had problems with remote entry. 
Sep 2012

89000 mi
Springs had rusted through because of a manufacturing defect and were in danger of shearing off while driving. 
Saab 9-3 in Ohio, United States
Aug 2007 - Jan 2009
May 2007

39600 mi
Driver's side front spring replaced 
Aug 2007

44000 mi
Power steering pump replaced; SID Display replaced 
Oct 2007

47000 mi
Leaking crankshaft seal, repaired under warranty. Pulley and serpentine belt also replaced as they were saturated with oil. 
Dec 2007

48000 mi
Car stalled and would not start. Dealer replaced engine management computer under warranty. 
Apr 2008

52000 mi
Broken front passenger-side spring. Rear door latch replaced. 

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2004 Saab 9-3 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Jan 2007 - Mar 2010
Apr 2007

45000 mi

US $300
windows not rolling up correctly. burnt wire harness in headlamp. Squeaking belt from faulty belt tensioner. 
Saab 9-3 in Michigan, United States
Apr 2007 - Dec 2008
Jul 2007

47000 mi
Slight click on right hand turns 
Aug 2008

62000 mi
Power steering overfilled by dealer during a routine maintnance. Local GMC dealer diagnosed and solved problem free of charge while doing my oil change. 

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2004 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Massachusetts, United States
Oct 2013 - Mar 2018
Jun 2015

120000 mi

US $20
strut bearing replacement two coils replaced 
Nov 2015

123100 mi

US $120
Replaced another coil 
Jun 2016

128000 mi

US $30
Strut mount bearing. 
Mar 2017

145000 mi

US $360
Noisy bushing in rear 
Nov 2017

158000 mi

US $30
Replaced all four engine mounts Replaced worn tie rod end Replaced a prematurely worn strut bearing that was only lasted 20,000 miles 
Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Jun 2012 - May 2013
Jul 2012

169000 mi

US $500
engine sensor (not able to start the car) stabilizer bars making a lot of noise 
Mar 2013

172000 mi
One of the hydraulic hose of my convertible top is broken. The part has been back ordered for months. I recently found a UK website selling the hose so I just ordered it yesterday. 
May 2013

172000 mi
AC compressor is not working. Apparently there is coolant leak somewhere but both my mechanic and dealer couldn't find out what is wrong. I have to refill the coolant everyweek. The fuel gauge is not working. The entire fuel pump (fuel level sensor) has to be replaced to fix that. 
Saab 9-3 in Texas, United States
Apr 2008 - Jun 2022
May 2008

25000 mi

US $80
Windshield washer failed to work. 
Sep 2008

27000 mi

US $150
Windshield washer pump relay replaced. 
Jul 2011

39000 mi

US $100
Both headliner hydralic valves for the convertible topped needed replacing (leaking). 
Apr 2014

47200 mi

US $1400
Replaced convertible top hydraulic motors. Replaced rear brakes. 
Nov 2014

48300 mi

US $90
Clutch return spring clip broke; entire assembly had to be replaced. 
Dec 2015

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

Saab 9-3 in Illinois, United States
Mar 2015 - Apr 2016
Apr 2016

115000 mi

US $4
Driver door control switches all failing due to convertible top leaks. This causes the car alarm to go off intermittently and is SUPER annoying. 
Saab 9-3 in Massachusetts, United States
Aug 2009 - Mar 2010
Sep 2009

35000 mi
windshield wipers stopped working. replaced parts (?) and alls fine now 
Saab 9-3 in Ontario, Canada
Mar 2016 - Jul 2016
Jun 2016

94860 mi

C $800
Change CIM and steering wheel lock and ignition switch 
Saab 9-3 in Ohio, United States
May 2016 - Jun 2022
Jan 2017

US $40
leaking valve cover gasket 
May 2017

95000 mi
seat belt retractor failed, found out it was covered by a recall.  
Jan 2018

99000 mi

US $145
Seat Heater drivers side failed, coil burnt. Not worth cost to fix it. 
Aug 2021

105000 mi

US $680
ECU Failure, No start condition Throttle Body Position sensor Fail 
Saab 9-3 in Massachusetts, United States
Sep 2010 - Jan 2013
Oct 2010

57000 mi

US $1297
Couldn't start. Replaced Column Interation Module that controls alarm and steering.  Also Ignition Switch Module that controls remote activity and monitors ignition position, also 2 remote transmitters.  Also yaw rate sensor. What an ordeal. Fortunately Saab paid half of total cost. 
May 2011

62800 mi

US $500
Replaced passenger door window motor.  
Saab 9-3 in Illinois, United States
Sep 2010 - Mar 2011
Mar 2011

45000 mi
Power windows stopped working and door locks! I paid 90 dollars for the window switch and installed the part myself.  
Saab 9-3 in Georgia, United States
Jul 2011 - Oct 2015
Aug 2012

129700 mi

US $150
Hydraulic convertible roof failure 
Jun 2014

145000 mi

US $950
AC compressor failed and needed to be replaced 
Saab 9-3 in British Columbia, Canada
Aug 2014 - Jun 2018
Dec 2014

59520 mi

C $30
Vacuum pump was leaking oil. Replaced the vacuum pump gasket and put silicone on the one inside the pump housing. A bit messy but a cheap fix. 
Jun 2017

65720 mi

C $200
Car had noise from uneven pavement cause by loose brake pads. Re-fitted the pads. Replaced front sway bars. Replaced exhaust brackets. 
Saab 9-3 in Nevada, United States
Apr 2011 - Jan 2014
May 2011

51300 mi
changed burned out low beams changed burned out low beams 
Oct 2013

68000 mi
The driver's seat belt is kaput. It can be used butrnnot as originally intended. Can't get a new belt. 
Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Feb 2012 - Sep 2013
Jan 2013

US $300
Left front wheel hub replaced. 
May 2013

73200 mi

US $380
Front passenger side power window motor replaced 
Saab 9-3 in Wisconsin, United States
May 2010 - Feb 2011
Jun 2010

168000 mi

US $300
Car would shutter upon full boost, gas gauge inop. Replaced fuel pump and spark plugs at approx $300 
Sep 2010

178000 mi

US $270
Heard louder noises coming from the front end. Found it needed two wheel bearings. Purchased a pair from Rock Auto @ 269 with shipping. Installed myself in my garage in approx 3 hours. Problem solved. 
Oct 2010

179300 mi

US $45
Check Engine light came on, and car lacked power. Pulled a code for Boost Controller Malfunction. Replaced Boost Controller, issue solved. 
Saab 9-3 in Rhode Island, United States
Oct 2007 - Jun 2011
Nov 2007

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

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2004 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Virginia, United States
Aug 2007 - Mar 2012
May 2010

61000 mi

US $400
Fuel sending unit failed, fuel gauge not working due to that. 
Oct 2010

63300 mi

US $950
Water pump was noticed by oil change mechanic over a year ago to have a small leak. Car suddenly and frequently required more anti-freeze. Took in to dealer for water pump replacement. 
Nov 2010

64000 mi
Low coolant level light came back on and coolant level had dropped since water pump replacement. Dealer pressure tested it overnight and could not find leak. Said if it happens again they will dig deeper. 
Mar 2011

65000 mi
Same problem - low coolant level. Dealer can't find where the slow leak is coming from. Did another pressure test on cooling system. 
Saab 9-3 in New Jersey, United States
Jan 2015 - Jun 2022
Jun 2018

94000 mi

US $100
the driver door handle is broken again, 3rd time in 18 months or about 200 pulls per repair :) 

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2004 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

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

Saab 9-3 in Ohio, United States
Feb 2012 - Feb 2018
May 2012

43500 mi

US $500
Broken front spring 
Oct 2017

57000 mi
Driver's side door would not close; door latch was in the LOCKED position even though the door was open. Remote control did not work on either driver or passenger door. The passenger door manual lock could be operated but the driver side would not work manually. A youtube video was located and the solution was to move the door latch with a screwdriver while holding the outer door handle in the open position. The door now opens and closes just fine. 
Saab 9-3 in New South Wales, Australia
Jan 2008 - Aug 2014
Mar 2008

22320 mi

A $87
Recirc air vent motor was rattly. Roof needed lube. 
Aug 2008

28520 mi

A $1600
1. Gearbox malfunction light came on. 2. Seats wouldn't slide horizontally when the handle to let the rear seat passanger in was used. 
Mar 2009

34100 mi

A $120
Front passenger seat would no longer recline forward to allow passengers to enter to the back seats. 
May 2011

63860 mi

A $270
problem 1: gearbox clunky. Could not replicate problem. No error codes found. Oil OK. 
Jan 2012

62000 mi

A $4500
Gearbox overhaul 
Jun 2014

92380 mi

A $150
Diagnose coolant leak. They said it was most likely an internal leak. They wanted more time to check it out, I said no since it would probs be expesnsive. 
Aug 2014

92380 mi
I discovered that water leaked into the spare tire area of the boot, when it rained heavily. From when I got it (2.5y old) I would hear water drops when raining, but never knew where. Until the last day i owned it. Coolant leak never found. 

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2004 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in South Africa
Nov 2013 - Jan 2022
Nov 2014

43600 mi

R 10
Replaced outside air temperature sensor 
Sep 2021

51460 mi

R 70
Replace battery 

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2003.5 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 150hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Great Britain
Dec 2013 - Nov 2015
Jan 2014

157000 mi

£200
EGR Solenoid 
Jul 2014

144800 mi

£250
Inter-cooler fail, required replacement 
Sep 2014

149000 mi

£100
Replacement of rods 
Mar 2015

166000 mi

£250
Suspension rod bearing fail. Replaced 

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

2004 Saab 9-3 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 2004 Saab 9-3 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.