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%)

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

2008 Saab 9-3 body repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (0%)

$500 - $999 (18%)

$100 - $499 (24%)

< $100 (59%)

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

Chart based on 17 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 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual AWD

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

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

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

14880 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. 
20460 mi

C $30
Wind shield washer nozzles leaked, replaced all three by myself. 
22680 mi

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

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

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

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 255hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD

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. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

139500 mi

C $500
Repaired holes created by rust in subframe. 
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. 
12000 mi Sunroof stop operating, it was a software issue with car computer; re-programed and fixed with that. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

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

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2008 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

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

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. 
49000 mi

US $700
Replaced convertible top controller 

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2008 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD

72000 mi

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

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2008 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

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

49000 mi Decklid stopper and spring came loose and rattled upon open/ close. Replacement parts ordered. 
65000 mi

US $60
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. 

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