2008 Saab 9-3 Saab 9-3 2008

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2008 Saab 9-3 repairs by problem area

Engine (36%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (2%)

Brakes and Traction Control (8%)

Suspension and Steering (12%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (26%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (8%)

Other (9%)

Chart based on 249 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2008 Saab 9-3.

2008 Saab 9-3 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (1%)

$1000 - $2499 (9%)

$500 - $999 (19%)

$100 - $499 (36%)

< $100 (35%)

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

Chart based on 205 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2008 Saab 9-3

Engine not specified

Saab 9-3 in Alberta, Canada
Apr 2011 - May 2011
May 2011

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 Brakes not engaging on cold start for the first 100 feet or so; would have trouble for a week or so and then disappear for months. After various tests, dealer found booster check valve was not always sealing properly-will be fixed free. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

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

Saab 9-3 in New Hampshire, United States
Jan 2012 - Jan 2022
Dec 2012

22000 mi
Alarm system malfunction. Entire rear window required replacement under warranty. 
Nov 2014

32900 mi

US $125
Right front tire pressure slowly decreasing. Problem found to be a corroded TPMS sensor. Purchased sensor from former SAAB dealer and NTB installed. 
Oct 2016

44700 mi

US $15
windshield washer nozzle broken 
Apr 2017

49000 mi

US $670
Four wheel brake job including rotors and pads. 
Aug 2021

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) Routine maintenance was due on the AWD rear differential. Differential removed from vehicle and fluids and filters replaced. During this maintenance both rear CV joint boots were discovered to be ripped requiring replacement. 
Saab 9-3 in New York, United States
Nov 2017 - Dec 2020
Jul 2018

157000 mi

US $1200
replace drive shaft 
Nov 2018

165000 mi

US $200
replace coolant hoses 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual AWD

Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Oct 2012 - Jul 2022
Dec 2013

41000 mi

US $45
Coolant leak. Mechanic tightened banjo clamp on coolant line into turbocharger. 
Oct 2014

51500 mi

US $100
Miss, check engine code showed misfire in cylinder 5. Mechanic replaced spark plugs. 
Aug 2015

58700 mi

US $550
Engine miss, various ignition related CELs. Replaced ignition coil packs and spark plugs. A known problem with SAABs with this engine. 
Feb 2017

77000 mi

US $121
Engine was intermittently throwing a fuel pressure check engine light. My mechanic checked the fuel pump and the fuel pressure sensor and determined the sensor was the problem. He replaced the sensor and no more check engine light. 
Saab 9-3 in Florida, United States
Jan 2013 - Dec 2015
Feb 2015

40900 mi

US $300
Back right LED circuit board went bad. Replaced circuit board inside back right taillight assembly, which corrected issue. 
Saab 9-3 in Rhode Island, United States
Feb 2010 - Jun 2018
Jun 2010

15000 mi
Plastic trim loose on "b" pillar. Repaired under warranty @ n/c. Moonroof made chattering noise when opening to vent position. Lubricated and adjusted under warranty @ n/c. 
Jan 2011

22000 mi
Moon roof chatters when opened to vent position. 
Jun 2011

27000 mi
Coolant leak from turbo return hose. Tightened clamp. Power steering fluid leaking from steering rack and hitting exhaust manifold causing smell. Rack to be replaced under warranty. Part on order. 
Jul 2011

27500 mi
Steering rack replaced, four-wheel alignment performed. Warranty repair. 
Sep 2011

30000 mi
Replaced seal at rear of transfer case. Leaking oil onto downpipe causing burning oil smell. 
Apr 2013

47500 mi
Replaced fuel pump under warranty, in response to Check Engine light. No driveability problems. 
Jul 2013

50300 mi

US $250
Windshield washer nozzle and headlight washer nozzle needed replacement. 
Jan 2016

49300 mi

US $530
Misfires. Replaced 3 coil packs & all 6 plugs. 
Jan 2017

75000 mi

US $182
Replaced Xenon (HID) headlight Three of four windshield washer nozzles broken. Replaced 2nd time for this car. Too hot under hood. 
May 2017

78000 mi

US $480
New rear brake rotors and pads. 
May 2018

84000 mi

US $800
Replaced fuel pump after eliminating fuel pressure sensor and computer. (Three trips.) Replaced self-leveling shock absorber 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

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

Saab 9-3 in Minnesota, United States
Jan 2010 - Jun 2018
Mar 2012

41000 mi
Battery died. 
Aug 2016

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. 
Saab 9-3 in British Columbia, Canada
Jan 2013 - Jun 2018
Jan 2013

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. Probably added $300 to the sales price. 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. 
Jun 2013

19220 mi

C $500
Vibrations observed at idle speed and also during high speed acceleration. Diagnosed engine misfiring and replaced one of the ignition coils and spark plugs. Repair costs rather expensive but at least problem solved. 
Jul 2013

20460 mi

C $30
Wind shield nozzles leaked, replaced all three with new ones. Wind shield washer nozzles leaked, replaced all three by myself. 
Apr 2014

27900 mi

C $1000
Random low fuel pressure caused misfire and threw a CEL. Dealer ordered and replaced the fuel pump. Problem solved. Low fuel pressure happened on random basis. Dealer ordered and replaced fuel pump. Problem solved. 
Jan 2015

32980 mi

C $110
Driver side door handle bracket broke. Could not open door. Ordered part and replaced. 
Dec 2015

33480 mi

C $80
Faulty ignition coil caused engine to misfire. Replaced the faulty coil by myself. 
Aug 2017

45260 mi

C $156
Front sway bar links were making noise. Parts replaced and fixed. 
Mar 2018

47120 mi

C $40
wiper arm linkage broke after a big snow. Bought part and replaced it myself. 
Saab 9-3 in Nova Scotia, Canada
May 2014 - Mar 2017
Oct 2014

125240 mi

C $250
Hose to coolant expansion tank split. Had to be towed home. Replaced both hoses, coolant tank and tank cap. 
Feb 2015

129580 mi

C $130
Engine running rough, one coil needed replacing. Replaced spark plug also. 
Jun 2015

134540 mi

C $10
ABS/TCS/TC lights on dash. Wiring to hub was frayed. Spliced. Reconnected and insulated wires. Lights went out. 
Sep 2015

140740 mi

C $300
Sway bar links and strut mounts and bearings replaced due to wear. Upper heater hose warn and leaking coolant. Part replaced. 
Aug 2016

150660 mi

C $1
CEL triggered by two faulty ignition coils. Replaced all three rear coils myself. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Dec 2017 - Jan 2022
Mar 2018

117000 mi

US $65
Changed a bad Coilpack 
Jun 2021

251000 mi

US $600
Front control arms, sway bar bushings, wheel bearings. Rear control arms, sway bar bushings and wheel bearings Rear brakes 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Maine, United States
Mar 2010 - May 2011
Dec 2010

28000 mi
Difficult to engage 2nd gear when cold. Found new TSB that said to drain trans oil and replace with 2.0L instead of 2.2L. Greatly reduced the issue. 
Saab 9-3 in Quebec, Canada
Jan 2014 - May 2018
Feb 2015

112840 mi

C $201
Main thottle body, near butterfly, major clean-up 
Nov 2015

124620 mi

C $1200
Front suspension: Broken front springs-replaced, top plates jammed-replaced, lower suspension arm, bad joints-replaced. tie-rod end worn-replaced. 
Feb 2016

127720 mi

C $125
Bad coil,plus others were old. Changed all 4. Worn spark plugs, changed all 4. Buyed the coil packs(mail order)before going to the garage. 
May 2018

167400 mi

C $290
Parking brake cable replaced, was stiff/getting stuck because of rust 
Saab 9-3 in Minnesota, United States
Oct 2012 - Apr 2013
Aug 2012

46000 mi
Chimes 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

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

Saab 9-3 in New Jersey, United States
Nov 2013 - Sep 2015
Sep 2014

53000 mi

US $175
Left front Tire Pressure Sensor 
Saab 9-3 in Quebec, Canada
Oct 2012 - Jun 2019
Nov 2012

71780 mi
Weak battery. Replaced with a new one. 
Dec 2012

73780 mi
Door module failure. Driver side. 
Jul 2013

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. 
Nov 2013

88660 mi

C $225
Intermittent hesitation on idle when starting the car (hot starts only) Replaced Crankshaft position sensor. Oil Change.(regular maintenance) 
Dec 2013

91140 mi
Winshield washer leak.Replaced tubes and nozzles. 
Mar 2014

96100 mi

C $350
Faulty ignition coils, replaced #1 and # 2. 
Jul 2014

100220 mi

C $592
Rear brakes. New calipers, rotors and pads. 
Jun 2015

110360 mi

C $950
Alternator replaced with a new one.rnNew brake rotors ands pads-front. 
Oct 2015

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. 
Jun 2016

120900 mi

C $950
A/c compressor shot. Replaced with a new one. Recharge and maintenance of a/c. 
Sep 2017

135160 mi

C $200
Link kit replacement, passenger side. 
Dec 2017

137640 mi

C $200
Rear brake job, normal wear. Replacement of rotors and pads. 
Apr 2018

138880 mi
Replaced two front quarters. Rust removal on four doors and gas door. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

Saab 9-3 in Quebec, Canada
May 2014 - Sep 2015
Sep 2014

37200 mi

C $1000
Engine would shake and lose power. Scanner reading was Cylinder #2 misfire. Changed Plugs and back 3 ignition coils ... didn't fix it. Finally discovered rusted wiring connectors. Cleaning then + oxygen sensor cleaning solved it. 
May 2015

42040 mi

C $550
Radiator coolant warning on dash. Topped up missing coolant but it would come back know in a few weeks. Noticed coolant stains on driveway. Took to garage to repair leak. Turned out to be a leaky water pump. Replaced pump 
Sep 2015

43400 mi
Abnormal sound coming from the rear. Mechanic diagnosed a broken rear shock (passenger side). Said it needs to be replaced , + other rear shock needed to be changed as well. 
Saab 9-3 in Alberta, Canada
Sep 2012 - Apr 2017
Dec 2015

71300 mi

C $800
Rear shock was leaking, replaced shocks and springs 
Saab 9-3 in Maryland, United States
Jan 2010 - Feb 2014
Jun 2010

18000 mi
Cruise control engaging on its own when driving on highway. Rear right window moved up and down slowly - parts were cleaned and window now operates like normal 
Sep 2012

36000 mi

US $600
Break assist was not working when car was started after no usage for over 8 hours. Pedal was very firm until pressure would return. This would take about 30 - 45 seconds after start of car and pumping of firm break. 
Feb 2013

37900 mi
Same issue I reported in October with braking. Lack of vacuum pressure after starting car leading to a very stiff pedal for 45 seconds. Part was finally available from Dealership - previous fix was temporary part replacement at independent. 
Nov 2013

42600 mi

US $500
Same brake problem as before. Valve for power assist seems to be sticking when car sits in sun and gets hot. Car did not stop and was driven into curb, damaging front fascia. 
Feb 2014

44000 mi
Lack of vacuum on brakes at start - very intermittent. Could not duplicate problem for last 5 months. Perhaps problem resolved itself. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual AWD

Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Mar 2015 - Feb 2021
Aug 2015

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 
Feb 2016

63000 mi

US $118
Replaced engine torque rod bushing (P#-12777977) also added Powerflex insert for upgraded stability (Powerflex P#-PFF80-1220) 
Mar 2016

64000 mi

US $700
Replaced leaking water pump and worn belt tensioner, belt was replaced as well. 
Sep 2016

78000 mi

US $15
small coolant leak at coolant outlet reservoir (P#-12574373). Replaced with new gaskets, no more leak. 
Mar 2018

118000 mi

US $25
Replaced belt and tensioner. Belt shredded half way on the freeway so had both replaced. Replaced EVAP Purge valve. Vehicle showed a code which suggested the valve was leaking. Replaced with AC Delco 214-1685 
May 2018

124000 mi

US $250
Replaced rear transmission mount. 
Jul 2018

124000 mi

US $250
Replaced water pump 
Saab 9-3 in Ohio, United States
Jan 2011 - Oct 2012
Feb 2011

34700 mi
Power steering fluid level low. 
Aug 2011

37700 mi
Coolant leaking from damaged turbo coolant return hose, hose replaced. Coolant leaking from damaged return hose, hose replaced. 
Oct 2011

38000 mi
Coolant leak again after a couple of months, indication that coolant level is low due to leak from coolant tubing. 
Saab 9-3 in Great Britain
Jan 2010 - Sep 2014
May 2013

34000 mi
Failed UK MOT test on performance of rear brake callipers requiring replacement. Misfire under wide-open throttle. Mechanics could not reproduce the issue and no diagnostic codes so nothing done. Problem still present - I can reproduce at will. Same misfire under wide-open throttle. Mechanic still could not reproduce on road test. No diagnostic codes. Nothing done - advised to wait until it gets worse. Update: never went away completely, but later improved on its own. 
Saab 9-3 in Ontario, Canada
Jan 2010 - Jan 2022
Sep 2011

23560 mi
Windshield water sprayers replaced. 
Nov 2011

23560 mi
Battery faulty - replaced under warranty. 
Nov 2012

25200 mi

C $780
Power steering pump shot; XWD-specific parts needed to be ordered in from Sweden and installed. 
May 2013

26660 mi

C $710
Replaced one coil. 
May 2017

35960 mi

C $6000
Replaced XWD rear differential due to shavings. 
Saab 9-3 in New Mexico, United States
Sep 2010 - Mar 2012
Mar 2011

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. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

Saab 9-3 in Illinois, United States
Jul 2012 - Sep 2013
Feb 2013

65000 mi

US $240
Dirty fuel injector causing cylinder misfire. 
Saab 9-3 in Illinois, United States
Oct 2010 - Mar 2016
Nov 2010

17000 mi
This was actually the third time brought in for the same problem, the "low coolant" warning light would come on signifying a leak. At first they replaced a couple of clamps, finally replaced a metal tube along with washers, solved prob. 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. 
Mar 2014

65000 mi

US $150
Rear door handle didn't open door, no new parts, repaired.  2 out of 3 windshield washer nozzles stopped working, new nozzle required, fixed. 
Apr 2015

71300 mi

US $930
Replaced all windshield washer nozzles. 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

Saab 9-3 in New York, United States
Nov 2010 - Mar 2016
Oct 2012

34300 mi

US $1200
Replaced dead battery 
Mar 2016

62000 mi

US $80
Winshield washer nozzle needed replacement 
Saab 9-3 in Minnesota, United States
Aug 2015 - Jun 2018
Jun 2016

86000 mi

US $400
Front Springs broke, needed to be replaced. 
Jul 2016

87000 mi

US $75
Coolant cap for overflow reservoir cracked, needed to be extracted and replaced. Gas gage intermittently goes to empty even when there is fuel in the car. 
Saab 9-3 in Massachusetts, United States
Sep 2010 - Dec 2011
Jan 2011

40000 mi
Rain sensing wiper module needs replacement. Part is on order for past three weeks. 
May 2011

49000 mi

US $600
Needed a steering wheel lock mechanism that is related to the ignition. Also did forty thousand mile check. 
Aug 2011

55800 mi

US $279
Water leaking into car from right rear door. Dealer reported that plastic water shield inside door was malfunctioning and needed to be repaired. Car out of warranty. 
Dec 2011

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. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Ontario, Canada
Mar 2015 - Oct 2023
Jul 2015

78820 mi

C $700
Rebuilt AC compressor installed 
Nov 2015

82460 mi

C $10
The window regulator on the right rear door failed due to the cable coming off the sheave and becoming entangled/kinked. I re-strung the regulator with 1/16" stainless steel cable. 
Mar 2016

89900 mi

C $250
Seals between the head and the power steering pump and the vaccuum pump were changed, due to them leaking oil. 
Jun 2016

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. 
Sep 2016

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. 
Sep 2017

102300 mi

C $50
Left rear upper shock absorber mount cracked. The part was replaced with a new one. 
Mar 2018

108500 mi

C $100
Oil Pressure Switch was leaking. Part was replaced. 
May 2018

107260 mi

C $130
Replace both front springs. They had broken about 4" along from the bottom end. 
Mar 2019

114642 mi

C $220
Replace flex coupling in exhaust pipe. 
May 2020

124514 mi

C $1345
Change AC evaporator and expansion valve, leak test and recharge. 
Sep 2020

133920 mi

C $1110
Leaking front right shock strut. Broken rear springs. 
Oct 2020

134540 mi

C $200
Replace Oil Feed Pipe to Turbocharger (leaking due to corrosion) 
Nov 2021

135780 mi

C $220
Radiator was leaking at bottom corner due to corrosion of the crimping strips on the tank. 
May 2022

140120 mi

C $200
I replaced the clutch. With transmission out, replaced engine rear main seal. Repaired holes created by rust in subframe. One week after finishing the clutch replacement the right front wheel bearing became noisy. I replaced it myself. 
Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Nov 2014 - Sep 2018
Nov 2014

94000 mi

US $650
Both front coil springs replaced as they had broken. Changed fuel level sensor. 
Apr 2016

104200 mi
Glove Box Hinges failed as they are made of plastic. Found used complete unit on eBay for $60. Mechanic charged $25 to install. 
Dec 2016

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. 
May 2017

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. 
Dec 2017

117000 mi

US $415
Spark Plugs, wires, engine and passenger compartment filters. 
May 2018

125500 mi

US $350
Cleaned oil sump and strainer - known Saab issue. Engine was not getting enough oil to top of engine causing missing and lack of power. Car runs great after this repair. 
Saab 9-3 in Ohio, United States
Sep 2012 - Mar 2016
Oct 2015

73200 mi

US $95
Bose amplifier partially failed. Replaced with a used Bose amp. Less than a 1 hour repair. 
Saab 9-3 in Michigan, United States
Jan 2010 - Jun 2011
Oct 2010

18000 mi
Kept loosing coolant. Dealer unable to find leak. Entire engine short block replaced. Heads reworked. I traded the car in after they repaired it 
Saab 9-3 in New Jersey, United States
Jan 2010 - Jul 2018
Jun 2010

16000 mi
Shift between 1st and 2nd not smooth when engine/weather cold. Car has 6spd manal transmission.  
Jun 2013

70000 mi
Balancer chain replaced due to vibration caused from chain jumping and putting the balancer out of sync Steering lock failed as well as another computer module 
Jan 2014

107200 mi

US $730
Drivers side power lock module failed 
Feb 2015

101000 mi

US $1400
Struts, springs and tie rod ends 
Jun 2015

106000 mi

US $250
AC warm 
Sep 2017

130000 mi

US $700
Radiator 
Jan 2018

130000 mi

US $2000
GM manufactured the car with soft intake valves that wear out prematurely. Don’t expect any help from them, you’re on your own for this repair. Thank you GM. 
Saab 9-3 in Michigan, United States
Feb 2010 - Mar 2011
Jun 2010

41000 mi
Housing for glovebox light melted by HVAC system 
Dec 2010

50000 mi
Faulty third brake light. 
Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Jan 2010 - Jan 2016
Jun 2010

12000 mi
Sunroof stop operating, it was a software issue with car computer; re-programed and fixed with that. 
Mar 2011

18000 mi
Brake light malfunction 
Jul 2011

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. 
Oct 2011

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. 
Oct 2012

29000 mi

US $400
Motor and belt for rear window driver side died and window would not come up. Replaced entire mechanism. 
May 2014

39100 mi

US $600
replaced control unit for windows on drivers door. system was failing and erratic. 
Saab 9-3 in Arizona, United States
Apr 2012 - Jul 2014
Jul 2012

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. 
Apr 2014

56000 mi

US $800
The clutch was slipping in the winter, would stop slipping when car was warmed up. Eventually it got to the point where the clutch would slip going uphill. Replaced the flywheel, clutch, pressure plate, and throwout bearing. 
Jul 2014

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. 
Saab 9-3 in Ontario, Canada
Jan 2012 - Feb 2012
Feb 2012

72540 mi

C $3000
Check Engine light was on.Intake valves in 1st cylinder worn and replaced.All other intake valves replaced also since also starting to wear and would cost a lot in labour to gain access again. 
Saab 9-3 in Alberta, Canada
Jul 2012 - Jun 2018
Sep 2012

47740 mi

C $100
Power steering fluid overfilling,gasket to engine leaking and filling power steering resevoir with engine oil.replaced gasket (had to find my own as saab doesnt sell) and replaced steering fluid as well since it was full of engine oil. 
Apr 2013

55680 mi

C $650
struts front clunking on bumps. nothing short of annoying but did not effect driveability. 
Jun 2013

58280 mi

C $20
Power steering was not working. Flushed system. No issues 
Oct 2013

61680 mi

C $50
Sway bar end links and Strut assembly ordered sway bar end links and strut assembly replaced. update: end links failed 5000km after. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

Saab 9-3 in District of Columbia, United States
Feb 2011 - Sep 2019
Apr 2017

92000 mi

US $20
Intermittent hard starting. Walmart battery replaced under warranty. Self installed. 
Feb 2018

99000 mi
Fuel tank level sensor in tank is failing. Inoperative when level is > 3/4 full. 
Jun 2018

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. New fuel pump is very loud, not sure if this is just an annoyance for the aftermarket part or indicates a problem. Also OBD check engine warning multiple times for P0453 OBD-II Trouble Code: Evaporative Emission Control Pressure Sensor High Input. Have not had time to troubleshoot or repair. 
Saab 9-3 in Idaho, United States
May 2014 - Mar 2017
Jun 2016

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. 
Saab 9-3 in New York, United States
Jan 2009 - Jun 2022
May 2009

9000 mi
Sun roof stopped working. Motor & control unit had to be replaced - all under warranty. Repair was successful. 
Mar 2017

110000 mi

US $60
Left side headlight went out. Bought replacement bulbs, and replaced both left & right side myself. 
Feb 2018

117000 mi

US $1300
Front struts & springs replaced along with rear shocks & springs. One original front spring was found to be broken during strut replacement. 
Sep 2021

134000 mi

US $400
Front wheel was missing a lug. Shop determined threads inside bearing had rusted away. Bearing replaced to resolve problem. Repair was successful. 
May 2022

138500 mi

US $15
There was a water leak occurring in the passenger side footwell. Traced to a bad seal around the housing for the cabin air filter. Removed housing and replaced seal. Successful. 
Saab 9-3 in Michigan, United States
Aug 2012 - Jan 2022
Aug 2013

60000 mi

US $195
Power steering pump is driven directly off of the camshaft. The seal in the pump failed allowing engine oil to pump into the rower steering pump reservoir and overflow. The pump was replaced with a remaufactured unit. 
Jan 2015

66300 mi

US $2400
Intake valves had worn excessively due to inferior quality valves used by GM in 2007 - 2009. SAAB nor GM has offered warranty support. Valve guides were also worn and replaced. 
Sep 2015

83000 mi

US $435
Fuel tank sending unit was failing intermittently. Sending unit was replaced. 
Nov 2021

167000 mi

US $160
Replaced rear muffler. 
Saab 9-3 in Colorado, United States
Jun 2017 - Jun 2018
Jan 2018

124000 mi

US $1000
Replace rear left caliper - parking brake was sticking. Do full brake job - rotors, pads, and fluid flush. Max Brakes (maxbrakes.com) has excellent brakes for this car and you can special order their Elite performance rotors and Carbon Metallic pads for amazing stopping power.  Replaced both stabilizer bar links (were making squeeks/groans during turning) - recommend getting the greasable ones from Moog so you can add grease periodically and never have to replace again. Replaced struts - Recommend Bilstein HD, Koni, KYB, maybe Monroe, but not probably not Sachs OEM.  
Jun 2018

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! 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 180hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Saab 9-3 in Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Dec 2012 - Oct 2017
Jul 2014

63640 mi

A $10
Driver's side window needed calibration 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

Saab 9-3 in France
May 2010 - Jul 2014
Nov 2010

31180 mi
Car was shaking only when I was accelarating strongly. Manufacturer changed parts inside the engine. Problem solved 
Sep 2011

53940 mi
Broken down alternator, had to be replaced. 
Feb 2013

90060 mi

€200
exhaust gas recirculation dirty. cleaned it. 
Mar 2013

89280 mi

€500
problem returned about 10 days later. exhaust gas recirculation changed. 
Sep 2013

102300 mi

€450
Turbo pipe failure. Had to be replaced. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

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

Saab 9-3 in Ontario, Canada
Apr 2012 - Jun 2022
Sep 2013

26660 mi

C $125
Coil malfunction 
May 2017

39680 mi

C $588
Replace rear brake rotors and pads 

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2008 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

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

Saab 9-3 in Illinois, United States
Jan 2013 - Oct 2016
May 2013

47500 mi

US $2600
Threw a diagnostic code for intermittent low fuel pressure. Replaced the fuel pump. 
Aug 2013

55300 mi

US $400
Tire pressure sensor was failing intermittently. Replaced one sensor. 
Jan 2014

US $385
One windshield and one headlight washer failed after recent freezing weather. I think there was something wrong with the windshield, it just started cracking. Running the defroster a lot didn’t help. 
Jun 2015

88000 mi

US $1000
Two visits. One to fix a cracked EGR hose then a second trip to replace the EGR valve which failed after the hose was changed out. Low fuel pressure indicated from OBD-II. Replaced fuel pump. 
Jan 2016

72700 mi

US $100
Trunk light was inoperative. Bulb was good. Wiring to the bulb had cracked. 
Mar 2016

106000 mi

US $700
Worn sparkplugs. Engine stuttered on acceleration. Driver side window rolled up then rolled down halfway. Control module was re-flashed and fixed the problem. Replaced cracked coolant expansion tank. 
Oct 2016

116000 mi
Coolant level dropped over and over again. Water pump replaced. Then more coolant level problems. Dealer discovered engine leaking coolant from both cylinder heads. At this point, we ceased work on the car and I traded its remnants. 
Saab 9-3 in Florida, United States
May 2012 - Jan 2022
May 2013

37600 mi

US $20
The pegs holding the driver's side floor mat disengaged and one part fell under the rug. Body shop lifted the rug and fixed. Problem has reoccurred.Not uncommon, according to Saab internet blogs. 
May 2014

42000 mi

US $416
Car started running rough. Display indicated multiple problems. Replaced #4 coil module 
Dec 2016

48000 mi

US $640
Water pump leaking. 
May 2017

49000 mi

US $700
Replaced convertible top controller 
Apr 2018

51000 mi

US $151
Check engine light. Replace vacuum check valve Replace plastic pipes for brake booster feed 
Saab 9-3 in California, United States
May 2012 - Jun 2022
Dec 2015

92000 mi

US $180
The connections to two of the three windshield fluid jets were cracked and all three were replaced. 
Nov 2021

125500 mi

US $600
Check engine light and other items 
Saab 9-3 in South Carolina, United States
May 2010 - Oct 2013
Dec 2011

53000 mi

US $300
driver air bag sensor 
Jun 2012

60000 mi

US $275
Bad coil pack and one bad plug Bad brake vac hose going to vac pump. GM says all 6 cyl saabs 207 and newer will have this hose fail. braking reduced by 40 percent. Took over 3 weeks to find a new one, 300 mi away. 
Jan 2013

69000 mi

US $800
Elect fuel pump failed. Replaced in 2 hr. $ 590 for pump, $ 210 for labor. 
Apr 2013

70000 mi

US $500
Cracked expansion tank for coolant. 
Jul 2013

73800 mi

US $725
Elect vac booster pump. This pump is taken out when the vac line to the pump ( with elect check valves ) fails. GM admitts that all the vac lines will fail with in 4 - 5 yrs. info on web. only on 2007 and later 6 cyl cars. Still love car. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Texas, United States
Mar 2014 - Mar 2016
Mar 2014

72000 mi

US $650
Convertible top not operating correctly. Hall effect position sensor on main ram faulty, replaced. 
Jul 2014

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. 
Sep 2015

80000 mi

US $175
Vacuum booster was leaking vacuum and causing engine to idle poorly when started cold. May or may not be contributing to overall engine performance. Brakes were hard to apply sometimes. Replaced vacuum booster. 
Oct 2015

80200 mi

US $200
Plastic interior trim began to become sticky and attract dirt and fingerprints, in addition to showing any scuff marks. A paint applied at the factory that was two part urethane based separates over time into base chemists. Repainted trim. 
Jan 2016

81800 mi

US $300
Replaced fuel pump because of ongoing performance problems with the original. New pump fixed the problem. 
Mar 2016

86000 mi

US $30
Bad ignition coil 
Saab 9-3 in Quebec, Canada
Jul 2014 - Aug 2019
Aug 2014

55160 mi

C $40
hoses for overflow of radiator coolant were leaking fluid onto the motor creating smoke when hot. 
Jun 2015

61380 mi

C $150
replaced the battery after 5 years with old one. 
Sep 2015

63860 mi

C $30
Had to replace the cap on the antifreeze overflow container. 
Jan 2016

C $350
engine was running rough. turned out it was a solenoid that needed replacing. 
Jun 2017

75640 mi

C $350
solenoid causing motor to run rough 
Dec 2017

79360 mi
Front link kit and rear bushings 
Mar 2018

80600 mi

C $50
Replaced both hoses for coolant return to reservoir. 
Sep 2018

84940 mi

C $500
vacuum hose connector leaking 

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2008 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

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

Saab 9-3 in Connecticut, United States
Jun 2012 - Mar 2016
Nov 2014

21300 mi

US $100
Lose suspension bolt and oil change 
Saab 9-3 in Utah, United States
Jan 2014 - Sep 2017
Feb 2014

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 
Oct 2015

87300 mi

US $82
Security alarm kept going off. Replaced ignition key 
Feb 2016

89600 mi
The vsecurity alarm has started going off(again) Central locking has stopped working. Not fixed yet 
Jan 2017

89800 mi

US $100
Warning light "Steering Lock Malfunction" Changed ignition switch and hot wired starter relay added start button. I can start and drive the car but repair is temporary work around I need a new module 
Aug 2017

96000 mi

US $430
Engine died without warning . I coasted to a stop and could not restart. Called tow truck and took the car to a repair shop. Turns out that there was some electrical short in the ignition system caused by erosion of the insulation of some wiring. The diagnosis was difficult and took the technician several hours to trace. No new components were required. The faulty wire was replaced and clipped back into position 
Saab 9-3 in Michigan, United States
Jan 2010 - Feb 2022
Oct 2010

49000 mi
Decklid stopper and spring came loose and rattled upon open/ close. Replacement parts ordered. 
Nov 2010

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. Dealer car wash caused detachment of the right side park turn lamp from the metal fender, wiring was still attached. New lamp installed in ten minutes. 
Sep 2011

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. Driver's side sunvisor RH clip/ screw was detached from hole in sheet metal. Hole was oversized and metal was fatigued. Longer sheet metal screw uses to re-attach clip. 
Jul 2017

102225 mi

US $1300
Vacuum pump was leaking oil; it was replaced with a new vacuum pump and seal. 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. 
Dec 2017

104000 mi

US $700
Replaced original ECM with remanufactured ECM 
Saab 9-3 in Maryland, United States
Jan 2016 - Sep 2016
Sep 2016

58000 mi

US $1400
Replaced steering position sensor replaced noisy pulley tensioner 

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

2008 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 2008 Saab 9-3 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.