| 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
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%)
Select a problem area
- Engine
- Transmission and Drivetrain
- Brakes and Traction Control
- Suspension and Steering
- Electrical and Air Conditioning
- Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim
- Other
Chart based on 249 repairs.
2008 Saab 9-3 brake repair cost distribution
$2500+ (0%)
$1000 - $2499 (10%)
$500 - $999 (29%)
$100 - $499 (33%)
< $100 (29%)
Chart based on 21 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
| 21080 mi | 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. |
2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 49000 mi US $670 |
Four wheel brake job including rotors and pads. |
2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual AWD
| 78000 mi US $480 |
New rear brake rotors and pads. |
2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 134540 mi C $10 |
ABS/TCS/TC lights on dash. Wiring to hub was frayed. Spliced. Reconnected and insulated wires. Lights went out. |
2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD
| 167400 mi C $290 |
Parking brake cable replaced, was stiff/getting stuck because of rust |
2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 100220 mi C $592 |
Rear brakes. New calipers, rotors and pads. |
| 137640 mi C $200 |
Rear brake job, normal wear. Replacement of rotors and pads. |
2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 44000 mi | Lack of vacuum on brakes at start - very intermittent. Could not duplicate problem for last 5 months. Perhaps problem resolved itself. |
2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual AWD
| 34000 mi £310 |
Failed UK MOT test on performance of rear brake callipers requiring replacement. |
2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD
| 70000 mi | Steering lock failed as well as another computer module |
2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 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. |
2008 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible
turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 39680 mi C $588 |
Replace rear brake rotors and pads |
2008 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible
turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 51000 mi US $151 |
Replace plastic pipes for brake booster feed |
| 60000 mi US $275 |
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. |
| 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. |
2008 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible
turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD
| 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. |
2008 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 58000 mi US $1400 |
Replaced steering position sensor |
See TrueDelta's information for all Saab models.
