| 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
2001 Saab 9-3 repairs by problem area
Engine (52%)
Transmission and Drivetrain (12%)
Brakes and Traction Control (8%)
Suspension and Steering (8%)
Electrical and Air Conditioning (10%)
Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (8%)
Other (3%)
Chart based on 77 repairs.
2001 Saab 9-3 engine repair cost distribution
$2500+ (9%)
$1000 - $2499 (3%)
$500 - $999 (32%)
$100 - $499 (24%)
< $100 (32%)
Chart based on 34 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
2001 Saab 9-3
Engine not specified
| 109000 mi | Major: engine would not start. Sometimes letting it cool down would make a difference. Spent $1,500 in January in failed repair attempt. |
2001 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatch
turbocharged 230hp 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 118000 mi | slight oil leak, replaced valve cover gasket to fix the problem |
| 122100 mi US $1300 |
radiator, water pump, heater core |
2001 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatch
turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 160500 mi US $740 |
Massive oil leak and disintegration of crank pulley |
2001 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatch
turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| 158000 mi US $500 |
Heater core replaced. |
| 161000 mi US $700 |
Throttle body replaced |
| 162000 mi | Water pump broke. |
| 93000 mi US $2885 |
Oil leak from timing cover onto alternator, alternator had to be replaced. |
2001 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatch
turbocharged 185hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 122000 mi C $175 |
Exhaust muffler changed |
| 147000 mi US $350 |
Replaced fuel pump |
| 166000 mi | Excessive metal shavings found in oil, billowing smoke, rattling during operation = engine failure. |
| 105400 mi US $400 |
DIC failed |
2001 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatch
turbocharged 185hp 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| 133000 mi US $2560 |
Auto needed a valve job |
| 138000 mi | Vacuum hose developed crack which generated the "check engine" light. |
| 150800 mi US $957 |
Check engine light cam one about 75% of the time. Slight leak of coolant/anti freeze Radiator leak |
| 161000 mi | Check engine light was on. Mechanic could not verify the problem with the diagnostic tools. |
| 146700 mi US $200 |
coolant leak |
| 174000 mi US $750 |
Failed emission test. "Check engine" light was on. |
| 88000 mi US $250 |
Serpentine belt and tensioner pulley replaced |
2001 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible
turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 110000 mi US $300 |
Replaced upper radiator hose; replaced thermostat. |
2001 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible
turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| 202000 mi US $90 |
Output shaft sensor wiring harness failed. tensioner pulley tightened causing belt to be thrown off and shredded Direct Ignition Cassette failed |
| 149000 mi US $50 |
Heater hose from the block to the core burst then replaced. Was able to drive it three miles without overheating. |
| 158000 mi US $974 |
idler arm pulley mount broke which ruined several pulleys and the belt. several hoses and connectors needed replacing |
| 166000 mi US $886 |
replace fuel pump |
2001 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible
turbocharged 185hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 142600 mi | Blowing white smoke out of exhaust, could be blown motor or turbo? Car sitting in garage |
2001 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible
turbocharged 185hp 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| 121000 mi | leaking water pump when sold (already replaced twice!) |
| 100500 mi US $900 |
Coil pack replaced, neutral safety switch replaced |
| 61000 mi US $175 |
crankshaft position sensor |
| 73000 mi US $300 |
Oil pressure sender, and it leaked PC Valve failure |
| 75000 mi US $900 |
New radiator. R&R access is tough, so labor exceeded parts bill |
| 85000 mi US $30 |
vacuum hoses lost their elasticity and no longer "grabbed" t-connectors, resulting in rough engine performance. Replaced 3 lines & 3 plastic joints. |
| 85000 mi US $2500 |
Failed firewall heater hose led to head gasket failure. Had to swap for another engine. |
| 93000 mi US $650 |
Water pump leaked |
| 170000 mi US $500 |
head gasket, oil pan gasket |
See TrueDelta's information for all Saab models.
