| 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
Saab 9-3 repairs by problem area
Engine (32%)
Transmission and Drivetrain (4%)
Brakes and Traction Control (5%)
Suspension and Steering (16%)
Electrical and Air Conditioning (28%)
Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (9%)
Other (7%)
Chart based on 1972 repairs.
Saab 9-3 other repair cost distribution
$2500+ (0%)
$1000 - $2499 (2%)
$500 - $999 (6%)
$100 - $499 (30%)
< $100 (62%)
Chart based on 125 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
2010 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD
| 4600 mi | Repaired scratches from previous visit. Contractor performed on site air quality test for mold spores due to prior water infiltration. |
2009 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual AWD
| 22940 mi | Washer fluid hose leaking under hood, washer fluid nozzle leaking |
2009 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 13640 mi $152 |
High mounted rear brake light, crack centered at the washer fluid nozzle. P/N 12825344. |
2009 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual AWD
| 64000 mi US $30 |
Leaking TPMS valve on one wheel. |
2009 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD
| 36360 mi C $150 |
Rear left/ driver window regulator cable jamed |
2009 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 26200 mi US $385 |
Broken part to raise and lower the rear driver side window. |
2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 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. |
| 44700 mi US $15 |
windshield washer nozzle broken |
2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual AWD
| 50300 mi US $250 |
Windshield washer nozzle and headlight washer nozzle needed replacement. |
| 75000 mi US $182 |
Three of four windshield washer nozzles broken. Replaced 2nd time for this car. Too hot under hood. |
2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 19220 mi C $30 |
Wind shield nozzles leaked, replaced all three with new ones. |
| 27900 mi C $1000 |
Low fuel pressure happened on random basis. Dealer ordered and replaced fuel pump. Problem solved. |
| 47120 mi C $40 |
wiper arm linkage broke after a big snow. Bought part and replaced it myself. |
2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 91140 mi | Winshield washer leak.Replaced tubes and nozzles. |
2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 18000 mi | Rear right window moved up and down slowly - parts were cleaned and window now operates like normal |
2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual AWD
| 23560 mi | Windshield water sprayers replaced. |
2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 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. |
| 71300 mi US $930 |
Replaced all windshield washer nozzles. |
2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD
| 62000 mi US $80 |
Winshield washer nozzle needed replacement |
| 49000 mi US $600 |
Needed a steering wheel lock mechanism that is related to the ignition. Also did forty thousand mile check. |
2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD
| 29000 mi US $400 |
Motor and belt for rear window driver side died and window would not come up. Replaced entire mechanism. |
| 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. |
2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 180hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 63640 mi A $10 |
Driver's side window needed calibration |
2008 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible
turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 66000 mi 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. |
| 106000 mi US $700 |
Driver side window rolled up then rolled down halfway. Control module was re-flashed and fixed the problem. |
| 92000 mi US $180 |
The connections to two of the three windshield fluid jets were cracked and all three were replaced. |
2008 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 49800 mi | 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. |
2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD
| 54000 mi US $250 |
Driver door locking mechanism replaced |
| 12000 mi | Took car in because one key would not open hatch. Mechanics discovered that driver's side tail light assembly had to be replaced. So now both tail lights on this car have failed in its first 1.5 years. |
2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 5000 mi | Drive and passenger door panels had finish defect. Both were replaced under warranty. |
| 39000 mi | Steering lock failure. Replaced ignition key mechanism. |
2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 147000 mi US $25 |
Left and center windshield washer jets broke. Replaced with new parts. |
| 50000 mi US $5 |
Passenger side mirror |
| 48980 mi | Battery replaced. |
2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD
| 101000 mi US $120 |
Passenger side view mirror glass FELL off. Replaced side view mirror glass with 3rd party item. |
| 7000 mi | Drivers side seat retaining clips. |
| 55680 mi C $300 |
Both rear window regulators were faulty. Both replaced. But if I had checked them at first, I could have put back the wire onto the regulator wheel at nos cost. But since I had the parts in hand (bought 276$) I decided to replace them. |
2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 98000 mi US $400 |
Wiper transmission failed on one side, had to be replaced. |
| 9000 mi | Had difficulties with the ignition key sticking. They replaced the ignition sensor and re-calibrated the key so that it would work. |
| 101000 mi US $300 |
Windshield washer arm would not move. |
| 21300 mi | During test drive, I noticed the driver's window made a horrible screeching sound when going up. The dealer lubricated the regulator prior to the sale. The car also pulled heavily to the right during braking; brakes were repaired for free later. |
| 39000 mi | The windshield wiper nozzles began leaking fluid. Replaced under warranty. |
| 59000 mi US $14 |
A windshield fluid nozzle broke apart. This was the second time a nozzle failed. Part replaced, an easy but annoying thing to fix. |
| 79000 mi US $8 |
The windshield fluid nozzles break every 18 months on this car. I replaced one myself (part, $8). I bought a Chinese aftermarket one, which hopefully lasts longer than the SAAB OEM nozzles that keep failing. |
2007 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| US $255 |
2006 Saab 9-3
Engine not specified
| 38000 mi | Driver's lumbar support failed. |
2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 42200 mi | Windshield fluid nozzle. |
| 84000 mi US $234 |
lumbar support broke |
2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD
| 27000 mi | Lumbar support in driver's seat broke. |
| 40000 mi | Door hinge element came loose in driver and passenger front doors. |
2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 21000 mi | Check engine light came on, vehicle continued to operate normally. Dealer diagnosed problem as faulty seal on gas cap. Replaced gas cap during the same appointment and successfully resolved issue. |
2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 65000 mi | Rear hatch would not latch. Repair estimated at $270. Traded without repair. |
| 179000 mi US $35 |
Inside door release of drivers door was in operable. Replaced broken door release cable. |
2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 23000 mi | a high pitched intermittent noise possible linked to the brakes or throttle is heard but not located and fixed; told to come back and leave the car if it gets worse. |
| 26000 mi US $100 |
dealer test drove the car ~10 miles could not replicate |
| 19000 mi | Puddle of pink fluid on garage floor several days after scheduled maint. No fluids low, shop found no leaks. |
| 26000 mi | Dealer replaced front struts, front emblem, glove box button was pealing, replaced coolant tank with larger one (recall) |
| 71000 mi | The transmission linkage for the wiper system broke. Part ordered from Saab and installed by owner for $112. |
2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD
| 11000 mi | Surge cap replaced replace gearshifter knob - comes off |
| 12000 mi | Installed bushing on gear shifter assembly Surge tank leaking - tank replaced |
| 53000 mi | Window regulator rollers replaced - right front window |
| 90700 mi | rubber cover of key has failed |
| 2000 mi | Light sensing "ball" on the middle of the top of the dash had glue all over it |
| 14000 mi | Manual Shift knob fell off. Peeling rubber from glovebox release button. |
| 60000 mi US $20 |
Hood mounted washer sprayers stopped working. They had come apart under the hood. |
| 10000 mi | coolant expansion bottle leaked when engine heats up replaced by dealer |
| 90000 mi US $550 |
80k maintenance, tire rotation, windshield washer nozzle replacement |
2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 92000 mi US $90 |
Windshield wiper motor failure |
| 96000 mi US $40 |
Wiper transmission. |
| 107800 mi US $160 |
Windshield wiper transmission. Replaced |
| 130000 mi US $300 |
Replace two more failing door lock mechanisms. Parts getting hard to find new. |
| 9000 mi | rear seat belts lock up spuriously. Replacements ordered, installed a month later rear seat belts lock up spuriously. Replacements ordered, installed a month later |
| 10000 mi | defective rear seat belts. new belts had to be ordered. took 4 hours to replace seat belts. Initial dealer response was they could not find the problem. That caused another trip. |
| 83000 mi US $90 |
Drivers side windshield squirter clogged, replaced. |
| 95000 mi US $299 |
Windshield wiper linkage broken. Linkage replaced with new assembly. |
| 48020 mi C $50 |
Window washer hose came off fitting |
| 115800 mi US $55 |
Windshield washer fluid was leaking out through one of the hood jets. Was replaced, resolved issue. |
| 135000 mi US $396 |
The blower motor for the heat/ac I had applied grease to stop squealing two months ago. It returned in October, so had the motor replaced before it failed and left me without heat or ac. |
| 160000 mi US $60 |
Washer jets leaking on hood - removed and replaced with a new set of washer jets. |
2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 15000 mi | Rear seatback latches hard. |
2006 Saab 9-3 4-door
turbocharged 6-cylinder manual 2WD
| 4000 mi | coolant leak |
2006 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 33000 mi | Broken trunk liner clip. |
| 36000 mi | Lt Rear seatbelt would not retract. |
| 140000 mi US $5 |
Passenger side mirror glass came loose from its backing. Was noticed before glass completely detached, so was able to remedy prior to glass falling and breaking on its own. Glass was completely removed, backing cleaned, and re-adhered using RTV silicon adhesive. |
2006 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 24000 mi | Rubber covering over key/remote deteriorated. Dealer replaced the key/remote. |
2006 Saab 9-3 2-door
turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic 2WD
| 60000 mi US $150 |
Seat belt not retracting. Cleaned housing |
2005.5 Saab 9-3 2-door
turbocharged 4-cylinder manual 2WD
| 40300 mi | damaged pneumatic piston for bootlid-opener replaced under warranty Replaced sun blind passenger seat which had a small defect. |
2005 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 72000 mi US $35 |
Underside of windshield washer nozzle broke, which disabled the entire windshield washer fluid system. This is a common failure - ordered 3 new nozzles & replaced. |
| 75000 mi US $9 |
Windshield washer fluid constantly low - discovered it would freely leak out of the nozzles for the headlight washers. Diagnosed as a bad "y-junction" - Saab part #12803975. Replaced this part (behind the bumper cover on driver's side) |
| 44000 mi | Front left side seat belt replaced under warranty. |
2005 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 93000 mi US $200 |
washer fluid would not work |
| 64050 mi US $18 |
The low beam on the passenger's side went out. |
| 67000 mi US $18 |
Again the passenger side low beam light went out. Sounds like a recall problem considering all the repair reports. |
2005 Saab 9-3 4-door
4-cylinder automatic 2WD
| 33000 mi | Rear Defroster system intermittently, dealer unable to daignoses and problem did not occur during visit. |
2004 Saab 9-3
Engine not specified
| 35000 mi | the smart key stopped working stranding me at walmart. then went to shop and they reset the key. |
2004 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD
| 45000 mi | Oil changed |
| 89000 mi US $225 |
Driver side mirror glass fell out. Replaced just mirror glass, $65. |
| 53000 mi US $113 |
vibration felt through steering wheel. source not found |
2004 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 45000 mi | Replaced cracked windshield fluid reservoir. |
| 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 |
| 88000 mi US $1100 |
System lock failure displayed. Right rear door lock sticking, part replaced. |
2004 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 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. |
| 108200 mi US $190 |
Windshield wipers would not park properly, washers did not work properly. Replaced wiper motor and linkage |
| 135000 mi US $363 |
Rear driver door was missing water barrier. Shop replaced water barrier. |
| 40000 mi | The ash tray would not open or retract properly. |
2004 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 19000 mi | 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 |
| 52000 mi | Rear door latch replaced. |
2004 Saab 9-3 4-door
turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic 2WD
| 45000 mi US $300 |
Squeaking belt from faulty belt tensioner. |
2004 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 68000 mi | The driver's seat belt is kaput. It can be used butrnnot as originally intended. Can't get a new belt. |
| 95000 mi | seat belt retractor failed, found out it was covered by a recall. |
2004 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible
turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 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. |
2003 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD
| 89000 mi US $440 |
and windshield wiper transmission. |
| 51000 mi US $827 |
Ignition switch and steering wheel lock failure. Could not start car. Could not turn ignition switch. |
| 44000 mi | Window fell off track. While in car wash! warranty |
2003 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 63011 mi $13 |
antenna cover replacement |
| 72695 mi $70 |
brake vaccum pump oil seal replacement |
2003 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 47900 mi US $260 |
Driver side window regulator replaced. |
| 74000 mi | Driver's seat does not stay up (seat height). Needs to be manually raised each time when getting in the car. A number of parts have been replaced, but the problem still exists. |
| 82000 mi | Same problem with falling driver seat. |
2003 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 42500 mi | window framing came apart in door and dent the door skin outward fortunatly the window was stuck up, new clutch assist spring put in and it broke and was squeaking, replaced window frame and spring. scheduled to get body work fixed. |
| 95000 mi US $350 |
Alternator died; Having mechanic put in but one isn't available from distributor for two weeks! Called Saab dealer and will cost $1100 to repair!! |
2003 Saab 9-3 4-door
turbocharged 4-cylinder manual 2WD
| 56000 mi | Throttle "helper spring" dislodged because the clip that holds it in place broke. I discovered it on the floorboard |
2002 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatch
turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 77680 mi C $150 |
Washer pump not working. Check valve replaced. |
| 97000 mi US $20 |
Replaced 2 rollers in driver door window mechanism after one broke and disabled window operation. |
2002 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatch
turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| 77000 mi US $300 |
Driver side rear window fell into the door |
| 79000 mi US $300 |
Drivers window fell off track |
| 130800 mi | Rear driver side window broke. Hacked something together for a fix, really requires a new part ($180). |
| 74000 mi | when the oil pan was dropped, a subframe bolt snapped and needed to be drilled and tapped |
2002 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible
turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| 192000 mi | check engine, oil alert on oil intake screen full of sludge. Previous repair didn't correct problem. HID lights burnt out, driver window out of alignment, battery bad, electric mirrors not working. Still waiting for appointment. |
2001 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatch
turbocharged 185hp 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| 155000 mi US $150 |
Hatchback did not stay up. Struts had to be replaced. |
2001 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible
turbocharged 185hp 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| 94000 mi US $350 |
Seat belt retractor on drivers side failed and locked closed. Recall issue on other model years. |
2000 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible
turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| 47000 mi US $75 |
Dealer troubleshot soft top failure messages coming in on SID during top raising. Hydraulic fluid level normal. No obvious fluid leaks in hydraulic system. Determined that hydraulic pump was getting "weak". New pump $3K. No repair made. |
1999 Saab 9-3
Engine not specified
| 113000 mi US $700 |
Both rear window mechanisms broke. Pully system was replaced and riveted back in. |
1999 Saab 9-3 4-door
4-cylinder manual 2WD
| 90000 mi US $54 |
window out of track |
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