2011 Saab 9-3 Saab 9-3 2011

We are 103,000+ car owners sharing real-world car information.

Join Us

2011 Saab 9-3 repairs by problem area

Engine (0%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (20%)

Brakes and Traction Control (20%)

Suspension and Steering (0%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (20%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (20%)

Other (0%)

Chart based on 5 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2011 Saab 9-3.

2011 Saab 9-3 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (20%)

$500 - $999 (40%)

$100 - $499 (20%)

< $100 (20%)

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

Chart based on 5 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2011 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Saab 9-3 in New Hampshire, United States
Jun 2015 - Jun 2018
Feb 2015

47000 mi

US $1500
Replaced rear drive shaft, bearing was loud 
Saab 9-3 in Michigan, United States
Jun 2017 - Jan 2022
Nov 2021

109000 mi

US $800
Replace AC compressor 

Return to top

2011 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

Saab 9-3 in Tennessee, United States
- Aug 2012
Aug 2012

9800 mi

US $770
Stability Control Failure and Cornering Headlights Malfunction displayed on SID. Took car to dealership. Problem was with Steering Angle Sensor. Had to replace entire Column Integration Module. 
Saab 9-3 in Connecticut, United States
Jun 2017 - Jun 2022
Apr 2018

80000 mi
Sunroof strut fell off mounting. Opted not to replace as cost to makeshift repair far easier and cost effective than full on replacement of mech. 
Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Jun 2021 - Jun 2022
Mar 2021

50000 mi

US $200
Mechanical door lock failure 

Return to top

2010 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in California, United States
- Feb 2018
Mar 2011

1800 mi
Right rear fixed glass was missing 8 inches of sealant. Recent downpour showed active interior dripping. Headliner, seat cushion, c-pillar, and carpeting soaked. Window sealed and interior parts only removed for drying. Mold not addressed 
Jun 2011

4600 mi
Repaired scratches from previous visit. Contractor performed on site air quality test for mold spores due to prior water infiltration.  
Aug 2013

31000 mi

US $135
Replaced rear passenger window regulator. Plastic pulley and gear failed. 
Feb 2018

90000 mi
vacuum pump was leaking 
Saab 9-3 in Delaware, United States
- May 2011
May 2011

1675 mi
Oil seeping through oil level sensor on oil pan. Dealer replaced sensor under warranty. 

Return to top

2010 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

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

Saab 9-3 in Virginia, United States
Jun 2011 - Jun 2022
Oct 2011

10000 mi
Interior carpet slightly coming out of trim panel. Puddle light bulb burned out, replaced.  

Return to top

2010 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

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

Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Jun 2018 - Jun 2022
Jan 2020

26734 mi

US $400
Rust under the tonneau cover. I did take to three auto body shops, all refused to treat. The rust was a mere one-inch line. One said they would only offer to replace the entire side panel. Then the other side started rusting, same area.  

Return to top

2009 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

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

Saab 9-3 in Massachusetts, United States
Jul 2017 - Jan 2018
Mar 2017

76000 mi

US $3400
car running rough, smoke billowing from under hood. Two different problems, coolant tank hose had burst, also, coil had failed, but replacing one coil only made another coil go, had to replace them all before car ran normally. 
Nov 2017

82000 mi

US $100
right front xenon bulb assembly, only high beam was working. Purchased two bulbs only (no ballast) and found video on youtube for removing bulbs from both headlights, put in new bulbs, worked beautifully. 

Return to top

2009 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual AWD

Saab 9-3 in Alberta, Canada
Jun 2011 - Dec 2015
Aug 2011

22940 mi
coil pack replacement, had check engine light and misfires Washer fluid hose leaking under hood, washer fluid nozzle leaking 
Jul 2013

40300 mi

C $350
P0306 Cylinder 6 misfire, rough idle replace coil pack on cyl. 6 again...due to rough idle and misfire causing check engine light. Previously replaced with same crap Delco part at dealer. Used Bosch part, seems to hsve solved issue. replace coil pack on cyl. 6 again...due to rough idle and misfire causing check engine light. Previously replaced with same crap Delco part at dealer. Used Bosch part, seems to hsve solved issue. 
Apr 2014

47120 mi

C $100
Still trying to track down the misfire. 
Sep 2014

50840 mi

C $600
Hesitation & misfires at WOT, coil pack faulty on cylinder 5. Replaced all 3 rear packs while it was apart. 
Mar 2015

55180 mi
Another Bad coil pack on cyl. 6, closest to the turbo. The turbo heat cooks this coil every 6 months. 
Dec 2015

57660 mi
Oil seepage from cold side of turbo charger, repeated check engine light for P0089, suction control valve stuck. 

Return to top

2009 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Saab 9-3 in Norway
May 2014 - Feb 2018
Sep 2014

13640 mi

$152
High mounted rear brake light, crack centered at the washer fluid nozzle. P/N 12825344. 
Nov 2014

14260 mi

$459
"Bonk" noise, front, right, when turning the steering wheel at standstill, or low speed. Ball bearing P/N 13 270 705 replaced, both sides. 
Jul 2015

15180 mi

$1700
A/C compressor did not start. Low on coolant medium, refilled 365 g. 
May 2017

17980 mi

$4232
AC compressor disd not start due to low coolant medium/leak. Replaced 3 gaskets/o-rings and refilled medium and oil. 
Aug 2017

19430 mi

$18000
Both rear shock absobers leaking, replaced. OEM P/N 12848627. A/C system still leaking, replaced two valves and recharged. OEM P/N 3041827 and 13122149 

Return to top

2009 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual AWD

Saab 9-3 in Massachusetts, United States
Jun 2010 - Jul 2019
Mar 2010

2500 mi
alignment 
Jan 2011

8000 mi
replaced power steering hose 
Dec 2013

43000 mi
Exhaust rattle from catalytic converter mechanic found loose tie rod end cold air coming in from outside 
Jun 2014

53000 mi
Needed all 8 intake valves replaced due to defective valves 
Oct 2016

69000 mi

US $300
Leaking shocks 
Jun 2017

76000 mi

US $300
Replaced all 4 coils 
Mar 2018

84900 mi

US $60
Left rear bearing 

Return to top

2009 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

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

Saab 9-3 in Ontario, Canada
Jun 2013 - Jun 2018
Nov 2015

80600 mi
Rear right top strut mount had crack.replaced both left and right mounts. 

Return to top

2009 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual AWD

Saab 9-3 in Virginia, United States
Jun 2013 - Aug 2015
Mar 2014

64000 mi

US $30
Leaking TPMS valve on one wheel. 
Nov 2014

66600 mi

US $1000
Rear Differential displayed a service light. Diff was taken apart and reassembled with new seals and gaskets and all fluids and filters replaced. Any disconnection in power to instrument cluster caused tachometer needle to reset to readings other than zero. Was finally reading 3500 rpm with the engine stopped. Speedometer was also inaccurate, reading ~10mph too low. 
Jun 2015

71000 mi

US $1200
CEL indicated issue with fuel system. Diagnosed as an impending failure in the fuel pump, which was replaced. 

Return to top

2009 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Saab 9-3 in Minnesota, United States
Feb 2016 - Feb 2017
Oct 2016

55500 mi

US $2100
4 of the valves were bent, not sure exhaust or intake, needed to put in new valves and have everything machined for fit and tolerances 
Dec 2016

58000 mi

US $1426
Needed new front springs, were broken so replaced struts at the same time to avoid duplication of future labor. 
Saab 9-3 in New Hampshire, United States
Jul 2016 - Sep 2016
Aug 2016

67000 mi

US $1000
Rear shock leak and failure 

Return to top

2009 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Apr 2015 - Dec 2017
Sep 2017

106000 mi

US $1200
Timing chain guide broke and got into the sump damaging the crank reluctor ring. 
Saab 9-3 in Ontario, Canada
Sep 2013 - Jun 2017
Oct 2014

27900 mi

C $100
Replaced links 
Jul 2016

36360 mi

C $150
Rear left/ driver window regulator cable jamed 
Jun 2017

40920 mi
Ball fell off from shift stick. Not fixed yet 

Return to top

2009 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual AWD

Saab 9-3 in British Columbia, Canada
Jul 2017 - Jul 2018
Jun 2017

41540 mi

C $2000
Fuel pump failure 
Saab 9-3 in Alberta, Canada
Jun 2013 - Apr 2016
Feb 2014

52240 mi

C $1100
Date: 04/04/2013 To: All Saab Service Bulletin Nbr: TA248-1108 Date: March 2011 
Aug 2014

57840 mi

C $1400
Rear shocks were leaking - self leveling units had to order parts from Sweden due to back order in North America 

Return to top

2009 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

Saab 9-3 in Oklahoma, United States
Jun 2013 - Nov 2015
Oct 2013

67000 mi
car making rubbing sound when braking. thought might have been the brake pads, but not. dealer added lubricant to corroded calipers. car still making sound, but have been advised not an issue. should resolve when pads/parts replaced. 
Jul 2014

75300 mi

US $105
New brakes from April had failed due to faulty parts or faulty installation. Caused issues with ride quality and brake line. 
Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Jun 2011 - Jan 2022
Nov 2011

11598 mi
Repaired poor wiring in failed right rear tail light. 
Feb 2014

26200 mi

US $385
Broken part to raise and lower the rear driver side window. 
Dec 2014

33000 mi

US $150
Oil leak 
Sep 2015

37000 mi

US $20
Burned out harness connecting the passenger side headlight. Direct connection made by the mechanic. 
Feb 2017

116000 mi

US $20
Reattached loose vacuum hose Burned out headlight 
May 2017

51000 mi

US $300
Airbag sensor and seat belt sensor stopped working. Mechanic unable to fix it. 
Saab 9-3 in Massachusetts, United States
Sep 2013 - Jun 2017
Apr 2017

93000 mi

US $600
Corroded hood latch in 2015 caused hood to not latch after fluid change. Hood flew up and folded back. Finally got his repaired along with cosmetic repairs to driver side molding and front bumper 

Return to top

2009 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

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

Saab 9-3 in Ohio, United States
Dec 2013 - Oct 2017
Feb 2014

25900 mi

US $3000
Burned valve....While GM owned Saab they eliminated 6 year, 100,000 mile drivetrain warranty on 2009 cars and newer....called and they refused coverage even though very low miles. I've had other "issues" with GM and will not buy their cars. 
May 2015

35100 mi

US $300
One of the spark plugs was bad and was replaced with new one. 

Return to top

2009 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

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

Saab 9-3 in New York, United States
Jun 2013 - Jul 2018
Jun 2015

37000 mi

US $100
Error message regarding ignition on information center. Diagnosed as faulty body module which was reset. Worked for a while but messages returned since. 
Mar 2016

42000 mi

US $600
ignition switch replacement 
Jul 2018

55000 mi

US $2000
Drivers side window motor replaced. 

Return to top

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. 

Return to top

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 

Return to top

2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual AWD

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 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 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 

Return to top

2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

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

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. 
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. 

Return to top

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 

Return to top

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 

Return to top

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. 

Return to top

2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

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. 
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. 

Return to top

2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual AWD

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. 
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. 

Return to top

2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

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

65000 mi

US $240
Dirty fuel injector causing cylinder misfire. 

Return to top

2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD

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. 
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 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 

Return to top

2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

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. 
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 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 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 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 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
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 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. 

Return to top

2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

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 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! 
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 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

84700 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 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. 

Return to top

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 

Return to top

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. 

Return to top

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 

Return to top

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 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. 
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 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 

Return to top

2008 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD

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 
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 

Return to top

2008 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

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

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 Connecticut, United States
Jun 2012 - Mar 2016
Nov 2014

21300 mi

US $100
Lose suspension bolt and oil change 
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 

Return to top

2007 Saab 9-3

Engine not specified

Saab 9-3 in California, United States
May 2010 - Jun 2011
Jul 2010

49000 mi

US $1480
Clutch and slave cyclinder 

Return to top

2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Dec 2006 - Jul 2009
Aug 2008

27000 mi
Coolant reservoir replaced with newly improved tank. 
Saab 9-3 in Ohio, United States
Oct 2007 - Jun 2013
Nov 2007

6000 mi
Right rear turn signal lamp had failed. Rattle in rear interior of vehicle - cargo area. Rattle/vibration in drivers door panel - caused by audio system low frequency sounds. Rattle in rear interior of vehicle - from cargo area. Rattle/vibration in drivers door panel - caused by audio system low frequency (bass) sounds. 
Dec 2008

20000 mi
Radio making buzzing noise after warm. Low coolant lamp on at times. Dealer installed updated cool surge tank hose kit per TSB. 
Jan 2009

21000 mi
Radio replaced for buzzing noise - was diagnosed on prior service visit.  
Jun 2010

41000 mi
Drivers seat had a creak noise in lower seat cushion/frame area. 
Jul 2010

41000 mi
Seat creak from lower seat frame. Dealer tightened seat pivot bolt, but noise still there. Seatbelt pivot squeaking. Attempted to lube, but noise is still there so a new seatbelt needed to be ordered. 
Aug 2010

42200 mi
FINALLY got creaking seat belt replaced after continually trying to lube something that needed to be replaced. Third time would have been a charm, however they forgot to put this part on while fixing the seat and had to go back 4th time! Creaking seat was finally fixed (third visit). Dealer refused to replace seat, but took out and lubed "something." Seems ok, but have totally lost faith in dealers ability to fix anything right the first time. They are horrible. 

Return to top

2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in North Carolina, United States
Feb 2016 - Jun 2022
Mar 2016

53000 mi

US $440
Brake vacuum pump leaking, seals integrated, so pump was replaced 
Apr 2016

54000 mi

US $250
Driver door locking mechanism replaced 
May 2016

55000 mi

US $120
Replaced ignitions switch - steering lock warning +12x 
Sep 2016

64000 mi

US $600
Fault in Wiper controls required replacement of CIM which also control alarm 
Feb 2017

72000 mi

US $620
Replaced strut end bearings (making noise as spring wound-up & unwound). Also replaced front brake pads (wear item) 
May 2017

75000 mi

US $350
Left rear door lock mechanism intermittent failure - replaced unit. 
Mar 2018

97000 mi

US $2400
Valve replacement, New rebuilt head, etc. due to worn valves, hard cold starting RR window regulator replaced 
Aug 2018

109000 mi

US $200
Oil leaking from rear of engine. Shop replaced brake vacuum pump. Still leaking oil - will have to return to shop for next go-round. 
Dec 2020

163000 mi

US $900
replaced steering pump due to leak. also had cracked coolant tank 
Sep 2021

179000 mi

US $125
failed window regulator - left rear 
Dec 2021

184000 mi

US $500
left rear window regulator failed. 
Jan 2022

185000 mi

US $300
failed ignition coil 
Apr 2022

180000 mi

US $140
recharged AC 
Saab 9-3 in Texas, United States
Jan 2008 - Jan 2016
Mar 2012

40000 mi
Replaced ignition switch. 
Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Jun 2008 - Apr 2011
Dec 2010

30000 mi
Warning notice appeared in display notifying of a "Steering Lock Malfunction, Please make a safe stop.' Nothing locked, though, when mentioned this to the Dealer, a scan was run in the computer and the ignition switch had to be replaced. 
Saab 9-3 in Colorado, United States
Jun 2007 - Jul 2016
Jun 2007 Radio control button on steering wheel malfunctioned. Part was ordered June 15 or so. As of August 16, we are still waiting for it. Odometer did not cross 1,000 mile mark til July. 
Aug 2007

3000 mi
Car would not start (cranked but did not catch). Indicator light said that theft was in progress, although it most definitely was not. Apparently start was disabled for this reason. Dealer updated software and problem has not yet recurred. 
Sep 2007

3000 mi
Radio part ordered mid-June finally arrived mid-September. Dealer installed it, and problem is fixed. 
Nov 2007

5000 mi
When the car was in the shop for the recall repair, the mechanics noticed that both tail light relays were bad. They replaced both. Wonder if I was driving around with no tail lights.... 
Nov 2008

11000 mi
Replaced passenger side tail light assembly. Wasn't actually friend or family who noticed the problem but rather a UPS driver who came up beside me and told me about the short in the light. There was no checkbox for that.  
Jan 2009

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. 
May 2009

15000 mi

US $330
Went in for 2nd year annual service (warranty service). Mechanics discovered broken fender liners that needed to be replaced (I paid). I requested new wiper blades as the old ones were worn out (I also paid). 
May 2010

20300 mi
bad fuel level sensor broken shifter assembly and knob falling off, car did not go into reverse 
Oct 2010

21000 mi
Rear window driver's side fell down into door. Replaced window regulator. 
Oct 2011

26000 mi

US $40
Headlight 
Jan 2012

30000 mi

US $60
Another headlight 
Mar 2012

30000 mi
clutch slave cylinder 
May 2012

30300 mi
A/C wss not working. Turns out mechanic failed to reconnect it after March clutch repair. 
May 2013

33600 mi

US $30
Error message about right marker failure. Mechanics did not see that but replaced bulbs with lower wattage ones as they knew original bulbs to be an issue. Message has not come back. 
Saab 9-3 in Ohio, United States
Jan 2012 - Apr 2014
Jul 2012

55000 mi

US $790
Motors in both driver and passenger windows went out 
Mar 2014

81000 mi

US $1700
driver and passenger side springs broke Fuel sensor failed 
Saab 9-3 in Quebec, Canada
Dec 2011 - Oct 2014
Jan 2012

57180 mi

C $500
Broken FR coil spring, not covered under the 2003-06 rust belt extended coil spring warranty on the 9-3 because mine is an '07. 
Apr 2012

51760 mi
Poor running due to failing sensors within the Throttle Body. Replaced part under powertrain warranty. 
Oct 2014

76260 mi

C $1
Front sway bar links needed replacement 

Return to top

2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

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

Saab 9-3 in North Carolina, United States
Aug 2009 - Jun 2011
Sep 2009

20000 mi
Computer/sensor/module replaced to correct lock/alarm malfunction. Battery replaced as well. Replace Alarm/lock sensor 
Jan 2010

24500 mi
Windshield Wipers stopped working. Repaired by dealer at no charge. Covered by warranty. 
Apr 2010

27000 mi
Right low beam headlight failure 
Saab 9-3 in Ontario, Canada
Sep 2007 - Mar 2009
Sep 2008

24800 mi
Interior sunroof trim made of hard plastic and attached to metal rail in roof,resulting in slight creaking noise due to movement as car body flexed going over bumps. The button to open glove box was pealing. 
Saab 9-3 in Georgia, United States
May 2007 - Apr 2012
Nov 2007

5000 mi
Drive and passenger door panels had finish defect. Both were replaced under warranty. 
Dec 2007

8000 mi
Loose piece in the passenger door after door panel replacement. 
Dec 2008

17000 mi
Front light bulb replaced. Side marker bulb replaced. 
Sep 2009

24000 mi
Tail light out. Had to replace entire tail light assembly. 
Feb 2011

39000 mi
Steering lock failure. Replaced ignition key mechanism. 
Saab 9-3 in Quebec, Canada
Mar 2013 - Jun 2016
Mar 2013

81220 mi

C $150
Spring 
Apr 2014

93180 mi

C $150
Spring (second one) 
Jun 2016

127720 mi

C $120
stabilizer bar upper strut mount coils rear spring 
Saab 9-3 in Great Britain
Oct 2007 - Sep 2014
Sep 2008

26000 mi
Two drive belt pulleys replaced before anticipated failure - dealer said they would fail if not replaced. Rattles & creaking in centre console & driver's door cured. Others in dash & roof liner advised incurable. 
Jan 2009

30000 mi
Excess play on front anti-roll bar link arm. 
Oct 2009

37000 mi
inlet manifold replaced 
Jul 2010

40000 mi
Replace EGR valve 
Sep 2010

42000 mi

£452
alternator failed - replace 
Sep 2013

61000 mi

£5
left dipped beam headlamp replaced 
Jun 2014

64000 mi

£966
whistle from engine traced to where egr valve meets exhaust. renew egr radiator assembly from inlet manifold to turbo unit. some delay in parts supply & some faulty parts needed reorder. 
Sep 2014

64000 mi

£510
diesel particulate filter failed 
Saab 9-3 in British Columbia, Canada
Dec 2007 - Sep 2022
Sep 2009

18600 mi
throttle position sensor 
Sep 2012

51460 mi

C $80
Seat belt recliner 
Aug 2018

117800 mi

C $50
Overheated - coolant leak. Flushed + stopleak. 
Mar 2019

127720 mi

C $100
Replaced oil vacuum pump for oil leak. 1hr repair. Replaced front struts and swaybar linkages. Was overdue - brought handling back to like new. 
Nov 2019

130200 mi

C $100
New brake pads all around 
Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Jul 2008 - Jan 2017
Dec 2009

26000 mi
Light bulbs. 
Dec 2016

127000 mi

US $2700
Transmission needed to be replaced. Found a junkyard used replacement to swap in. 
Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Nov 2015 - Dec 2016
Feb 2016

99700 mi

US $500
oil regulator 
Saab 9-3 in Texas, United States
Jan 2017 - Jan 2017
Jan 2017

136000 mi

US $200
Fuel gauge not working. The problem was the fuel level sending unit attached to the pump in the tank. Due to the age of the vehicle the fuel pump assembly was changed. 

Return to top

2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 150hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Tasmania, Australia
Nov 2014 - Jun 2018
Jan 2014

82460 mi

A $600
Alternator was removed, alternator clutch replaced. 
Feb 2015

A $350
Replaced alternator with upgraded unit. Previous repairer ignored service bulletin stating replace and not repair. Electric solenoids in alternator began to fail leading to dash light. Was still drivable. Replaced alternator with upgraded unit. Previous repairer ignored service bulletin stating replace and not repair. Electric solenoids in alternator began to fail leading to dash light. Was still drivable. 
Nov 2015

81840 mi

A $100
EGR valve replacement. Codes showed intake leak, and vehicle was in limp home mode. Removed valve, was full of carbon and non-operative in open position. 
Feb 2017

94240 mi

A $60
Swirled flap valve rod had fallen off. Required replacement with improved part. Was successful EGR valve required cleaning as had blocked due to SWirl flap valves failing 
Apr 2017

96100 mi
Water was being directed directly into the power steering system from rain runoff. This caused the lubricant to disappear from the power steering system on the knuckle that operates it. Required lubricating again as power steering failed several times. Has been fine since. 

Return to top

2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Dec 2007 - Dec 2014
Oct 2008

18000 mi
Left front headlight leveling system/headlight replaced. 
Jan 2009

25000 mi
Coolant tank leak. Replace coolant tank and leaking hose. 
Sep 2009

41000 mi

US $454
turn signal sensor relay had to be replaced tighten a loose door jam or such in the drivers A pillar. replaced rear vents (wouldn't stay up) and a trim piece around a door lock. clunk in rear of car. replaced part of the rear suspension. 
Feb 2010

47000 mi
Replaced Evaporative line that was leaking. Took 20+ days as the part was backordered from Sweden. After repair, it turned out the evap Valve also needed to be replaced. 3-4 more days in the shop. 
Apr 2010

49000 mi
replace radio/navigation unit 
Jan 2011

60000 mi

US $50
engine coil replaced replace one engine coil 
Jun 2012

74000 mi

US $50
Fuel pump 
Apr 2013

89000 mi

US $47
faulty reservoir cap for the coolant. replace ignition coil 
Jun 2014

106000 mi

US $15
leak on coolant hose 
Aug 2014

107700 mi

US $450
replaced coolant tank and hoses due to leak 
Saab 9-3 in Quebec, Canada
Oct 2011 - Jun 2012
Apr 2011

48980 mi
Battery replaced. 
Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Jul 2011 - Jul 2013
Aug 2011

71000 mi

US $160
AC O-Ring deteriorated, was replaced and R134a was recharged. 
Jul 2013

96000 mi

US $2000
Actually repair is not yet completed. My car is still in the shop. They cannot figure out how to regprogram the car to the ECM. ECM was on BO till the apocalypse. Dealer ended up taking it as a trade in. Work was NOT performed as the ECM, which went out while I was driving 70mph on the HWY with family,was on BO for ???. Dealer ended up taking it as a trade in. 
Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Feb 2009 - Dec 2009
Apr 2009

20000 mi
Coolant reservoir was cracked.  
Saab 9-3 in New York, United States
Apr 2009 - Jun 2022
May 2009

12000 mi
Brake pedal was very soft and sank to floor on hard stops, resulting in excessive stopping distances. According to work order the main hydraulic brake unit was replaced.  
Jun 2009

13000 mi
Coolant reservoir was cracked and leaking. This is a known defect. Tank was replaced with updated unit. 
Aug 2011

57000 mi

US $150
Bad ignition coil (cylinder #6) replaced. 
Jul 2013

86200 mi

US $250
Car misfiring under hard acceleration. Ignition coil pack replaced on cylinder 5. 
Oct 2013

90800 mi

US $600
Brake pedal had excessive travel and felt soft. Mechanic replaced front pads and rotors and greased all pistons in calipers to remedy a sticking rear caliper. 
Dec 2014

109000 mi

US $900
Engine occasionally "stuttered" when accelerating. Diagnosed as a failing fuel pump. Fuel pump replaced. 
Apr 2015

114800 mi

US $380
Two ignition coil packs were misfiring and required replacement. Replaced all spark plugs at same time. Left Xenon bulb working intermittently. Replaced bulb and igniter. 
May 2016

139100 mi

US $1500
Replaced leaking / worn out (aftermarket) Koni Sport Shocks 
Sep 2016

147000 mi

US $25
Left and center windshield washer jets broke. Replaced with new parts. 
Jul 2021

192000 mi

US $75
Hoses on coolant tank developed leaks and required replacement 
Saab 9-3 in Hawaii, United States
Sep 2010 - Dec 2012
Jan 2011

37600 mi
Stability Control Failure Message- Replaced CIM Tech noticed Electric Vacuum Pump In-op- Replaced 
Jun 2011

33000 mi
Replace exterior windshield trim fron and back.  Replaced faulty vacuum pipe. 
Saab 9-3 in Missouri, United States
Dec 2011 - Jun 2022
Aug 2012

39900 mi

US $50
Xenon bulb failed 
Jan 2014

50000 mi

US $5
Passenger side mirror 
Aug 2015

62200 mi

US $125
Three year battery failed at three years and one month 
Aug 2016

64000 mi

US $150
small leak from power steering line. replaced fitting 

Return to top

2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Spain
Oct 2008 - Jan 2012
Aug 2009

21080 mi
coolant reservoir tank leaks, replaced by Saab instruction modification 260-2722. 
Saab 9-3 in Virginia, United States
Oct 2007 - Jul 2017
Dec 2008

7000 mi
Left rear window would not close unless helped by pulling up on the window. Fix required replacing the regulator. 
Apr 2009

10000 mi
rattles from dashboard 
Sep 2012

32000 mi

US $290
Ignition switch module failed, was replaced. 
Feb 2015

48000 mi

US $1000
Replaced front coil springs, one was broken, one failing 
Jul 2017

62000 mi

US $800
coils failed 
Saab 9-3 in Alberta, Canada
Dec 2012 - Dec 2017
Jan 2013

C $100
A pinched coolant hose leaked coolant all over the engine bay while driving, requiring the replacement of a hose. 
May 2013

119060 mi

C $600
Coolant tank cracked, replaced with improved oem metal tank Sway bar links loose, replaced with oem 
Oct 2013

125640 mi

C $500
Coil packs and plugs. 
Feb 2014

129120 mi

C $10
License plate body piece came loose. 
Jun 2014

132680 mi

C $1500
Camber bolts had rusted and rotted. New bolts were ordered and installed before alignment Spark plugs, coilpacks replaced Coolant hoses rotted 
Jul 2017

146940 mi

C $1600
Front springs Fuel pump oil pressure sensor 
Saab 9-3 in New Hampshire, United States
Dec 2014 - Jun 2022
Apr 2015

68200 mi

US $340
One failed coil made the engine run rough. 
Sep 2015

77000 mi
Another ignition coil failed, so the remaining five coils that were not replaced in April were replaced this time. 
Jun 2018

121000 mi

US $1250
new clutch 
Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Jan 2008 - Apr 2009
Jul 2008

15000 mi
Transmission cable snapped and couldn't change gears 
Jan 2009

22000 mi
Replaced several light bulbs 

Return to top

2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Quebec, Canada
Jun 2011 - Oct 2014
Sep 2012

39680 mi

C $2
The aluminium heat deflector under the trunk was loose and knocking when hitting road bumps. 
Nov 2013

50200 mi

C $200
The intermediate steering shaft was seized. After adding some lube, it was working good, but the problem came back quickly. The mechanic changed the part. It's fixed. Steering was Noisy when turning at low speed. 
Jul 2014

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. 
Sep 2014

57660 mi

C $500
Upholstery: The driver seat leather cracked on the side. This is apparently related to the seat heater. I bought a new one and installed it. 
Oct 2014

58280 mi

C $225
Rear brake caliper stuck. Changed both sides rear pads and rotor. Also changed the driver side caliper. 
Saab 9-3 in Massachusetts, United States
Sep 2009 - Dec 2017
Jul 2012

76300 mi

US $1000
ac compressor replacement` 
Jan 2014

73800 mi

US $260
replaced rear shocks 
Apr 2014

99700 mi

US $1100
Replace front links, struts, springs (1 spring broken). 
Jun 2016

130000 mi

US $1400
2 front sway bar links recharge AC 
Saab 9-3 in Michigan, United States
Dec 2006 - Mar 2010
Oct 2007

18000 mi
Fixed broken shifter knob and door panel that came loose. 
Saab 9-3 in Michigan, United States
Jul 2008 - May 2009
Sep 2008

18000 mi
Front anti-sway bar was making a clunking sound. 
Saab 9-3 in Texas, United States
Mar 2014 - Mar 2015
Mar 2014

93000 mi

US $1200
Worn intake valves. Valves were not hardened properly from the factory. Caused hard/rough start problem. Intake valves were replaced to correct. 
Jul 2014

94300 mi

US $200
Turbo was leaking boost into the crankcase and causing excessive oil consumption. May have been due to fault in reinstallation of turbo from previous work. 
Oct 2014

96000 mi

US $150
Rear passenger window regulator broke during normal operation of the window. A new regulator was needed to fix the problem. 
Saab 9-3 in Districto Federal, Mexico
Feb 2015 - Mar 2015
Feb 2015

62000 mi

$450
Car took a long time to start, in the mornings or when it was not running for more than 15 mins. I was not able to get it fixed 
Saab 9-3 in Colorado, United States
Aug 2015 - Mar 2017
Jun 2016

101000 mi

US $120
Passenger side view mirror glass FELL off. Replaced side view mirror glass with 3rd party item. Replaced rear center headliner clip 
Aug 2016

102700 mi

US $50
Replaced both R & L low beam headlamps. R side had burnt out. Tried Sylvania H7 Silverstar bulbs this time, hoping for longer service interval. These Saabs seem to go through head lamps at a high rate. 
Sep 2016

103000 mi

US $60
Engine stumbling badly at idle during cold start. Replaced all spark plugs with NGK PFR6T-10G plugs. Added SeaFoam to fuel tank. Problem cleared up over the course of a week. 
Feb 2017

107000 mi

US $565
Replace passenger side (Right) low beam bulb. Remove and replace rear brake pads. Brake fluid flushed. 
Saab 9-3 in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2011 - Jul 2012
Sep 2011

41540 mi

C $660
Front suspension coils broken and replaced. 
Jan 2012

44020 mi

C $200
Windshield fluid pump replaced. 
Jul 2012

50220 mi
Replacement 
Saab 9-3 in New York, United States
Jul 2007 - Mar 2010
Jan 2008

7000 mi
Drivers side seat retaining clips. 
Jul 2009

37000 mi

US $104
 
Saab 9-3 in Ontario, Canada
Jan 2012 - Mar 2016
May 2013

52060 mi

C $600
Fuel sender needed to be replaced (fuel gauge wasn't working) 
Feb 2014

70660 mi

C $300
Thermostat was malfunctioning 
Oct 2015

104880 mi

C $1200
Cracked strut mount. 
Jan 2016

105400 mi
The car was stuttering under any gas. Could not continue to drive. Had to have car towed to mechanic. $600 later it was identified + fixed as spark plug problem. 
Feb 2016

105400 mi

C $1700
The check engine light flashing. Car did not have any power. 3 of the coils had to be replaced. 
Mar 2016

105400 mi
Needs strut mounts & coil spring. The coil spring had completely broke. Did not repair. The car will be headed for salvage. 
Saab 9-3 in New Jersey, United States
Feb 2007 - Jan 2018
Jan 2009

36000 mi
Transmission shifting rough.  
Dec 2009

55000 mi

US $800
Throttle Position Sensor failed 
Jul 2012

100800 mi

US $500
noisy bearing 

Return to top

2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

Saab 9-3 in Texas, United States
Oct 2008 - Dec 2011
Jul 2009

29000 mi
Strange wheel lock malfunction messages for weeks. One day car would not start. Towed car to dealer. Battery replaced. Wheel lock malfunctions start again. Taken back to dealer and ignition is replaced. Problem fixed. 
Jan 2010

58800 mi
Both the front low beam and the rear high mounted brake light malfunctioned. The bulbs were replaced and the problem is fixed. The driver's power seat control mounting was broken and the control panel was hanging off. The panel was replaced. 
Saab 9-3 in Massachusetts, United States
May 2007 - Jun 2011
May 2010

58000 mi

US $500
Ignition Control Module (ICM) died. Needed to be replaced. Electronic Ignition problem 
Saab 9-3 in New Jersey, United States
Aug 2007 - Jul 2015
Dec 2007

9000 mi
Had difficulties with the ignition key sticking. They replaced the ignition sensor and re-calibrated the key so that it would work. 
Jun 2008

17000 mi
Could not unlock the ignition key to start the car. Needed new Electronic key. 
Sep 2008

19000 mi
The seat cover came lose form the seat frame. 
Dec 2008

24000 mi
Seat bottom came unsecured from seat frame 
Feb 2010

43000 mi
Radio Controls would not function 
Mar 2011

59000 mi

US $1800
Error in traction control computer, need to replace cim module, the main module of the car. 
Dec 2013

101000 mi

US $300
Windshield washer arm would not move. 
Aug 2014

112000 mi

US $125
No Airconditioning 
Jun 2015

122000 mi

US $449
Needed oil change, tire rotation and a/c system has small leak. Needed recharge 
Jul 2015

122000 mi
Had a water leak somewhere on the passenger side of the car. The multi-unit Climate Control did not work on the passenger side. The heated Seat on the Drivers Side did not work. It was also consuming a large amount of oil, roughly a Quart per 1,500 miles, and I was told that it was likely the turbo fan seal that was leaking, as the car was not indicating signs of burning oil. 
Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Jun 2007 - Dec 2016
Jul 2009

34000 mi
Auto A/C was dropping into manual mode occasionally during wet weather 
May 2012

67200 mi

US $1005
A/C compressor clutch solenoid failed. The solenoid is not a replaceable part, so the entire compressor+clutch assembly had to be replaced. 
May 2013

77000 mi

US $199
Lower Schrader valve found to be leaking 
Jul 2014

86200 mi

US $161
Dye test indicated Evaporator has a slow leak 
May 2015

87600 mi

US $800
A/C leak. Evaporator replaced. 
Dec 2016

92000 mi

US $25
A/C wasn't working. Added refrigerant using recharge kit 
Saab 9-3 in Minnesota, United States
Dec 2015 - Jun 2018
Mar 2018

98000 mi

US $400
Some kind of leak of oil into the power steering pump, had to change a gasket Wiper transmission failed on one side, had to be replaced. 
Saab 9-3 in Indiana, United States
Sep 2007 - May 2010
Feb 2010

27000 mi
Replaced sway bar ends 
Saab 9-3 in New Jersey, United States
Sep 2007 - Feb 2012
Oct 2007

4000 mi
Faulty window regulator, driver's side front. 
Saab 9-3 in Illinois, United States
Aug 2009 - Mar 2010
Sep 2009

26000 mi

US $500
Pinch sensor on the drivers side of the car fails. Only fix is to re-flash the computer. The repair works for a couple of weeks then fails again. 
Dec 2009

26000 mi

US $1100
Right front spring assempbly broke, causing the spring to run the inside of the right front tire. Car was not operable. Had to be towed to dealer. Per dealer this is a known problem. 
Saab 9-3 in North Carolina, United States
Jan 2010 - Jan 2018
Feb 2010

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. 
Oct 2010

27800 mi
Gaskets around driver's door were replaced to eliminate a persistent water leak into the footwell. 
Mar 2011

33000 mi
Power steering hose has corroded, causing a small leak. 
Sep 2011

39000 mi
The windshield wiper nozzles began leaking fluid. Replaced under warranty. 
Sep 2012

48000 mi

US $370
The front driver's window regulator chewed itself up and failed. 
May 2013

53000 mi

US $220
Front sway bar link went bad, causing clunking sound. Both front links were replaced. 
May 2014

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. 
Dec 2015

70000 mi

US $120
The ignition control module (the key switch) failed, causing the common "steering wheel lock malfunction" error to appear every few minutes. 
Apr 2017

79000 mi

US $400
Slow coolant leak fixed by replacing hoses and fittings Driver's door lock actuator failed and was replaced 
Jul 2017

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. 
Jan 2018

82000 mi

US $95
An ignition coil failed and was replaced while deciding whether to fix the low compression or sell the car. This model is notorious for an "intake valve wear" flaw. This car is slow to start when cold and has a rough idle. A compression test revealed poor cold compression, consistent with failing intake valves. 
Saab 9-3 in Maryland, United States
Dec 2012 - Jan 2014
Nov 2012

93000 mi

US $1600
Car would not start due to CIM failure. Locks and alarm were also affected. Replaced the CIM and keys. Dealer programming was required. 
May 2013

98000 mi

US $140
Loose sway bar link. One ball joint was loose and making noise. Sway bar link was replaced as it is not servicible AC was low on refrigerant following recharge 6 months prior. No leaks found under the hood. Detected refrigerant in the area of the evaporator. Recharged the AC again and system is working again. 
Saab 9-3 in Illinois, United States
Oct 2009 - Mar 2010
Nov 2009

41000 mi

US $70
had the amp replaced once and waiting on another amp forever. hiss coming from rear right speaker most of the time.  
Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Jun 2015 - Jan 2016
Jul 2015

114700 mi

US $5
City light bulbs were out. Use W5W bulbs to replace all two city lights and side markers. 
Jan 2016

US $100
The o-ring in the power steering pump was shot. Engine oil and steering oil was mixing in the steering oil reservoir. 
Saab 9-3 in Quebec, Canada
Sep 2010 - Jun 2018
Jun 2011

34720 mi
Driver seat tear (bottom) which was repaired under Warranty. 
Jan 2012

63820 mi

C $80
Replaced front right position light and socket.  Also, secured muffler heat deflector. 
Apr 2014

50000 mi
Aside from brakes and drums the front Coil springs where replace because of corrosion, all original SAAB parts Replace Catalytic converter under Warranty; appointment canceled 
Sep 2014

55180 mi
Replaced Catalytic converter under Quebec 8 Year Warranty 
Dec 2017

73780 mi

C $100
Back left brake light wires was causing an electronical short and had to be fixed. 
May 2018

78120 mi

C $350
Heat Sensor module defect. 
Saab 9-3 in North Carolina, United States
Dec 2006 - Jun 2011
Dec 2007

17000 mi
cd player would not work 
Saab 9-3 in Alberta, Canada
Mar 2013 - Apr 2013
Apr 2013

42160 mi

C $1500
Car would not start. -30 outside. Battery exploded and key would not unlock. Required a new set a keys and ICM (?) module. Car needed to be towed to a garage. 
Saab 9-3 in Georgia, United States
Nov 2010 - Jan 2011
Dec 2010

72000 mi

US $127
Catalytic converter bolt came loose causing loud ringing sound. Had to pay $127.00 for diagnostics. Also stalling. Needs engine software update and spark plugs and 60k mile service done. I'm the second owner. Love it to death. 
Saab 9-3 in New Jersey, United States
Feb 2010 - Oct 2014
Mar 2010

84000 mi

US $30
Headlight bulbs went out. replaced with new ones. 
Oct 2014

176000 mi

US $100
Starter 
Saab 9-3 in Minnesota, United States
May 2009 - Jan 2012
Sep 2011

50000 mi

US $225
Dead starter. Replaced. 
Saab 9-3 in Illinois, United States
Aug 2016 - Sep 2016
Aug 2016

87000 mi

US $169
drive belt needed to be replaced - it broke when removed it was so dry - it was the original one that had to be replaced - also an oil change 
Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Aug 2009 - Sep 2015
Sep 2009

17000 mi
At the Saab dealer, under warranty, corrected “left front light failure”. I never found a bulb that was out, but they fixed something at the dealer. No charge. In the shop for 3 hours, as I also had an oil change service, also no charge. 
Oct 2009

20000 mi

US $60
Headlights seemed dim, replaced with new brighter 90w bulbs. One of the replaced bulbs was completely shaded/blackened. Still working, but not bright. 
Oct 2011

51000 mi

US $200
Very small coolant leak, radiator was replaced. 
Apr 2014

78700 mi

US $150
Fuel pump and gas gauge sending unit replaced. 
Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Dec 2010 - Mar 2012
Dec 2011

88000 mi
Repaired left front wheel bearing, for the second time, at 87k. First time it failed at 40k. Right bearing is still fine at 88k. 

Return to top

2007 Saab 9-3 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Saab 9-3 in Georgia, United States
Feb 2008 - Mar 2010
Mar 2008

17000 mi
Left low beam failure. 

Return to top

2007 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Saab 9-3 in Colorado, United States
Sep 2016 - Jun 2018
Oct 2016

110200 mi

US $650
Convertible top hydraulic hoses cracked, spraying hydraulic oil on the passenger seat and preventing the top from moving. Required replacement of both full lines. About 6 hours of work + 2 used lines. 
May 2018

118000 mi

US $600
Fuel sender stopped working, resulting in unreliable gas gauge. Needed new fuel sender. 
Jun 2018

120000 mi

US $3000
Transmission damaged beyond repair--issues with valve body, torque converter, 2nd and 3rd gears. Leaking fluid everywhere. However, transmission was not replaced at shop, because this model of transmission apparently wasn't available used in mechanic's parts network. Fix estimated to cost $3000 or more once transmission becomes available. 

Return to top

2007 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Florida, United States
Jan 2010 - Jul 2013
Sep 2010

44000 mi
CD's not being read, replaced CD Player.  Loss of coolant at hose to the Coolant tank, Coolant tank replaced under recall. Floormat catch hook replaced. Gas cap replaced and brake fluid reservoir cap replaced, replaced tires, broken belt. 
Oct 2010

46000 mi
Drivers HID not raising on dark roads, HID assembly was replaced, repair to part or software reload not attempted. 
Saab 9-3 in New York, United States
Nov 2009 - Apr 2012
Apr 2011

38300 mi
no response to FOB, car could not start 
Saab 9-3 in New Jersey, United States
Nov 2017 - Jun 2022
Aug 2021

124000 mi

US $1200
ignition coils replaced 
Saab 9-3 in Illinois, United States
Apr 2010 - Nov 2012
Feb 2012

15000 mi

US $500
Coolant resevoir leaked and needed to be replaced, this was a known problem but with Saab out of bussiness it was on my dime....... 

Return to top

2007 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Tennessee, United States
Aug 2007 - May 2011
Aug 2010

79000 mi

US $125
Replaced the ignition switch module in center console to correct Steering Wheel Lock alert being thrown 
Saab 9-3 in Texas, United States
Oct 2007 - Jul 2018
Sep 2009

36000 mi
Traction control sensor acted up, replaced. 
Jul 2010

44300 mi
Steering lock malfunction. Part replaced. 

Return to top

2007 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

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

Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Nov 2010 - Jun 2018
Jun 2011

36000 mi

US $85
Replaced failing key. 
Dec 2011

42000 mi

US $1900
replaced leaking power steering pump. 
Apr 2012

44700 mi

US $1300
Replace two hydraulic cylinders and sensor in convertible top mechanism. 
May 2014

74400 mi

US $350
Fuel pump failed. 
Jun 2014

75000 mi

US $100
Serpentine belt failed. 
Jun 2016

96000 mi

US $1200
Replaced A/C evaporator. 
Sep 2016

98000 mi

US $350
Faulty door lock was causing security system to fail. Door lock was replaced. 
Apr 2017

104000 mi

US $200
Crankshaft position sensor replaced. 
Sep 2017

108300 mi

US $350
Replace cooling fans and controller. 
Saab 9-3 in Minnesota, United States
Dec 2015 - Jun 2022
Mar 2016

103000 mi

US $1597
Replaced noisy drivers side front wheel bearing Replaced leaky brake vacuum pump Replaced leaky power steering pump Replaced failed PCV valve 
Jan 2017

116395 mi

US $1547
Replaced front sway bar links Replace front struts and springs. One spring broken. 
Jul 2017

124694 mi

US $800
Replace rear brake rotors and pads Replace spark plugs 
Saab 9-3 in Georgia, United States
Mar 2007 - Oct 2019
Oct 2016

88000 mi

US $50
Transmission locked up in park. Would not move out of park in any key position. Took car to independent car repair, where they fixed solenoid. All work's well now. 
Jul 2017

91500 mi

US $250
AC Evaporator leaked. Long process removing everything under dash, until purchased a flexible drive extension (strong spring with 3/8" fitting on each end). Total time 10 hours, could do it now it less than 5 hours with this flexible drive extension (purchased in big box store). Evaporator inlet became loose. Not welded or soldered, held to the body by chemical bonding. Replaced expansion valve, gaskets, etc.. also. 
Saab 9-3 in Kentucky, United States
Jun 2010 - Mar 2014
Jun 2010

US $255
 
Nov 2010

45000 mi
Check engine light 02 sensor replaced right side marker and right fog light replaced right side marker and right fog light replace Check engine light 02 sensor replaced 
Apr 2011

49000 mi
A/C compressor replaced under warranty 
Jul 2012

63000 mi

US $24
Replace tensioner pulley 
Jan 2013

70000 mi

US $160
Routine maintenance, oil change, wiper blades, left front fog light. Billed 1/8 hour for the last. 
Saab 9-3 in Indiana, United States
Oct 2007 - Dec 2021
May 2009

31000 mi
Clunking sound in front right suspension when you hit a bump. Dealer replaced roll bar due to wear. Still clunking sound in certain situations. Back driver window squeaks when putting windows down after putting top down. Happens about every 10 times of putting the top down. Dealer could not replicate so did nothing. Happened later in the day after picking up the car. Auto Transmission hard shifts from 2nd to 3rd when accelerating slowly. Also slightly jerks forward when downshifting/dropping out of gear while coasting. Happens at 50 mph (dropping out of 5th) and 2 times between 35 and 20 mph (downshifting). 

Return to top

2006 Saab 9-3

Engine not specified

Saab 9-3 in Wisconsin, United States
Nov 2010 - Jun 2011
Dec 2010

46000 mi

US $60
New starter, new flywheel. Completely new transmission. I paid for the lube/oil change. 
Saab 9-3 in Virginia, United States
Jan 2014 - Apr 2014
Apr 2014

60000 mi

US $200
Radio and turn signals no sound - amp1 failure suspected. Battery drained over and over until it no longer held a charge. Radio and system sounds later started working. Battery replaced after less than 2 yrs. 
Saab 9-3 in Texas, United States
Sep 2009 - Oct 2010
Jan 2010

38000 mi
Driver's lumbar support failed. 

Return to top

2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Saab 9-3 in Florida, United States
May 2014 - Mar 2015
Jul 2014

79500 mi

US $400
Vacuum leak 
Saab 9-3 in Nebraska, United States
Jan 2014 - Apr 2014
Mar 2014

87000 mi

US $40
Faulty oil pressure sensor was causing the car to report low oil pressure upon start up and when heavy acceleration was called for. Intercooler pipe clamps loosened which caused the car to go into limp home mode and display trac control, elec slip pgm and gearbox malfunction errors. Wipers stopped halfway up the windshield and fluid would not squirt. Replaced windshield motor due to faulty position sensor with a used motor and replaced driver nozzle due to crack in existing nozzle. Replaced existing sway bar links with a beefier part due to subpar OEM life. 
Saab 9-3 in Texas, United States
Jan 2007 - Jun 2011
Apr 2007

2000 mi
When I tried to put the passenger window up, it would sometimes automatically go back down. Bad sensor. 
Oct 2007

8000 mi
My coolant container had cracked, leaking coolant out. I noticed it because the "Low Coolant" light came on. They replaced the container and all is well. 
Jan 2008

11000 mi
There was a leak in the heater core. The dealership ordered in a new one and replaced it. 
May 2008

15000 mi
Part of the trim around the door was sagging. (And had been since delivery.) They fixed it. The engine revs a little too high on cold start. It returns to a regular rev when in gear. They replaced... something... but it didn't fix the problem. I'll take it in again at some point again. The front passenger window does not always return to its upright position when I try to close it -- it goes up, then down again. They replaced something and fixed it. 
Jul 2008

16000 mi
The driver window wouldn't go all the way up. The door's electronics need to be rebooted. 
Jul 2009

30000 mi
The car makes a noise when the wheel is turned sharply while moving. The shop thinks it's one of two things -- they tried the first, and now I need to bring it back so they can try the second. 
Aug 2009

31000 mi
The car makes a noise when the wheel is turned sharply while moving. Still. 
Oct 2009

34000 mi
I ran out of gas one day, even though the gauge showed that I still had 1-2 gallons. When I brought it in to the shop, they said that running it that low on fuel caused the fuel pump to go. They replaced it, and my gauge is now registering correctly. 
Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Nov 2008 - Aug 2018
Feb 2011

38000 mi
Front left spring broke 
Saab 9-3 in Florida, United States
Nov 2006 - May 2023
Jul 2009

36000 mi
Battery and cables replaced. 
Dec 2009

41000 mi
Antenna cracking. 
Jan 2010

85500 mi
Windshield fluid nozzle. 
Jun 2010

49000 mi

US $600
SID unit (trip computer) after resetting trip info would randomly go back to previous distance/MPG numbers after turning off engine (then back on). After multiple attempts including software updates, SID was replaced and finally fixed. (both) rear door's upper interior window sill would sag down showing metal frame. This is due to the weak 2-way tape holding it up against the frame. Florida heat may have something to do with it but should be addressed. Dealer replaced. SAAB emblem peels off. This is the third time (between front and back). Dealer replaced. I am not sure Saab has yet addressed. interior front door handle (covers) show slight wear discoloration. Dealer replaced under warranty. I hadn't even noticed. rattle coming from dashboard (around front speaker). Speaker harness was loose. Mechanic attached, added insulation and rattle disappeared. Fixed 
Aug 2011

63000 mi

US $310
AC stopped working--- no parts replaced, just computer reset. Unfortunately troubleshooting took a long time hence the expensive repair. 
Jan 2012

US $220
Ingniter on one of the spark plugs required maintenance 
May 2013

84000 mi

US $234
lumbar support broke evap purge valve $386 
Jan 2018

125000 mi

US $35
Ballast control unit for right low beam headlight was bad (from water damage). Troubleshooting-- first assumed it was the bulb but using other's side bulb it still didn't work, then assumed it was the ignitor but used the one from the driver's side and confirmed that even with good ignitor it still didn't work, next step was to replace the ballast control unit (again, using the working one from the driver's side) and it DID work. Solution was to replace the bad ballast control unit. I ordered a USED unit (as it was significantly cheaper and came with a warranty). The biggest issue was having to remove the front bumper to get to the ballast control unit. After watching a short youtube video, it was nowhere as difficult as it initially appeared. I read on the forums that others were charged $900 at the dealer to address the same issue (it seems they replaced all three; bulb, ignitor, and ballast). My $35 solution and two hours worth of research, troubleshooting, and performing the repair was certainly worth it 

Return to top

2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Washington, United States
Jan 2017 - Jun 2018
Jul 2017

63000 mi

US $201
replaced worn sway bar end links 
Apr 2018

71000 mi

US $450
Driver window regulator failed 
Saab 9-3 in New Mexico, United States
Nov 2006 - Jun 2008
Mar 2007

4000 mi
Rattle in the sunroof. Trimpiece had come loose. Reattached, issue fixed. 
Saab 9-3 in California, United States
May 2008 - Mar 2012
Jun 2008

19000 mi
Malfunctioning passenger airbag sensor. 
Jul 2008

20000 mi
Hood emblem peeled off. 
Feb 2009

27000 mi
Lumbar support in driver's seat broke. 
May 2010

40000 mi
Door hinge element came loose in driver and passenger front doors. 
Jan 2011

41400 mi
Peeling soft touch finish on glovebox decor. 
Sep 2011

54000 mi
Coolant expansion tank cap replaced. 
Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
May 2008 - Jan 2009
Jul 2008

70000 mi

US $200
Creak in suspension, lubed suspension, will monitor. 

Return to top

2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

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

Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Jun 2009 - Jan 2016
Mar 2012

40000 mi

US $150
Windshield wiper motor regulator and adjustment of lights. 
Saab 9-3 in Illinois, United States
Jan 2011 - Feb 2012
Feb 2011

33000 mi

US $200
Knocking noise from front passenger side. Dealer found broken coil spring. Replaced under warranty and recall campaign for this MY 
Saab 9-3 in Ontario, Canada
Jan 2011 - Jun 2012
Jun 2012

65100 mi

C $900
tie-rod end 
Saab 9-3 in Massachusetts, United States
Oct 2013 - May 2018
Nov 2015

124900 mi

US $130
Replaced shock absorbers 
Sep 2016

135000 mi

US $200
Fuel sender 
Dec 2016

140000 mi

US $200
Brake line failed and replaced Replaced struts 
Dec 2017

150000 mi

US $37
Fuel tank level sender 
Saab 9-3 in Washington, United States
Nov 2006 - May 2015
Jul 2007

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. 
Feb 2008

31000 mi
Rattle from vehicle headliner when going over rough roads. Vehicle has required low beam headlight replacement three times in 30,000 miles of ownership - twice on left side, once on right. Dealer checked electrical system, found no problems, replaced both headlight bulbs. Time will tell whether or not ... 
May 2009

47000 mi
Slow coolant leak that required refill ~every month. Problem diagnosed as leaking banjo fitting, part ordered. Broken console cupholder. Parts ordered under warranty. 
Jun 2009

47000 mi
Parts received, broken console cupholder replaced. 
Jun 2011

72000 mi

US $640
Fuel gauge would go to zero when tank filled. After 100 miles of driving, gauge would come on scale and work normally until next fillup. Happened consistently. Mechanic replaced fuel pump assembly which resolved problem. 
Apr 2013

93800 mi

US $504
Blower motor for circulating air inside the vehicle developed chirping noise, needed to be replaced due to incipient failure. 
Feb 2015

118000 mi

US $1170
Both headlights failed approximately 2 weeks apart. Headlights replaced. Check engine light came on and diagnosed as failed ignition coil. All four ignition coils and spark plugs replaced. 

Return to top

2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
May 2010 - Nov 2011
Jul 2010

53200 mi
Check engine light on but no error message from computer. Told it was a hot weather related problem and light was reset.  
Nov 2011

65000 mi
Bad coil pack caused engine to misfire. Coil pack replaced. Rear hatch would not latch. Repair estimated at $270. Traded without repair. 
Saab 9-3 in Massachusetts, United States
Nov 2011 - Jun 2016
Dec 2011

50000 mi
Brake service - new pads and rotors 
Dec 2012

60000 mi

US $100
Right-front spring broke. This is a known problem and was covered under warranty by GM. I paid for a front end alignment. 
Feb 2014

66900 mi

US $330
Replaced ball joints at end of sway bar 
Saab 9-3 in Michigan, United States
Nov 2006 - Mar 2009
Apr 2007

16000 mi
Front strut bushings were bad, made light clunking noise. Not a safety issue, just an annoyance, not sure if/when they would have failed. 
May 2007

17000 mi
Front strut bushings replaced. 
Jun 2008

29000 mi
The driver's side seat manual lumbar adjustment stopped working. The knob spun freely without adjusting lumbar which was stuck in the pushed in position. Driver's power window pinch protection was causing the window to go back down at the top when the express-up feature was used. 
Saab 9-3 in Colorado, United States
Aug 2015 - Mar 2017
Oct 2015

142700 mi

US $35
Remove Power steering pump assembly, replace O-ring and seal. 
May 2016

152900 mi

US $1100
Rear brake job. Right rear brake caliper found to be defective, causing excessive and uneven wear and was replaced. 
Dec 2016

165000 mi

US $200
Front passenger side wheel well liner was loose and rubbing tire when turning. 
Saab 9-3 in Alabama, United States
Oct 2014 - Jun 2018
Nov 2014

175000 mi

US $200
Worn sway bar end link bushings caused clunk over bumps, especially when one front wheel move up and down independently of the other. A/c fan motor squeezing like a dining cricket. Nursed it for a month before getting it fixed. 
Dec 2015

196000 mi

US $80
OIl leak from valve cover. 
Dec 2016

212000 mi

US $400
Thermostat stuck open. Stalling under heavy acceleration caused by leaking valve cover gasket soaking plugs/wires with oil. 
Oct 2017

225000 mi

US $900
Ignition coils replaced 
Saab 9-3 in Massachusetts, United States
Nov 2006 - Jun 2018
Apr 2011

69000 mi
Right-front spring broke near bottom coil. Saab has extended the warranty on the springs for 10 years/120,000 miles as this is a known issue in the "snow-belt" states where salt is used on the roads. Dealer replaced both front springs. 
May 2011

71000 mi

US $105
Right-rear caliper was sticking causing excessive drag. Replaced caliper with a remanufactured one. 
Jul 2011

74000 mi

US $183
Front tilt on drivers power seat stopped working. Replaced tilt motor. 
Sep 2013

108000 mi

US $118
Water pump was leaking. Replaced water pump. Drained and refilled coolant. 
Jul 2014

121700 mi

US $700
Replaced front struts & sway bar links Replaced rear shocks and fractured upper-shock mounts (cast aluminum) 
Mar 2016

151000 mi

US $66
Toe control adjusting bolt was seized inside of toe control arm on left-rear of vehicle. Replaced eccentric bolt, nut, and toe control arm. 
Jul 2016

156500 mi

US $191
The cabin ventilation fan was squeaking on extremely hot days. Fuel pump failed. Fuel pump replaced. 
Nov 2017

179000 mi

US $35
Inside door release of drivers door was in operable. Replaced broken door release cable. 
Saab 9-3 in Indiana, United States
Nov 2006 - Sep 2011
Aug 2008

35000 mi
Rattle, RPM dependent. Rattle, RPM dependent. 

Return to top

2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 150hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Saab 9-3 in Nova Scotia, Canada
Jul 2013 - Apr 2015
Jun 2014

75020 mi

C $500
Replaced one front and one rear coil spring that had broken 
Jul 2014

75640 mi

C $600
Replaced both front door electric locks 
Nov 2014

82800 mi

C $1200
Replaced passenger front electric window actuator Replaced front brake caliper, passenger side 

Return to top

2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 150hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Northern Ireland
Jan 2007 - Dec 2008
Oct 2008

20000 mi
Alternator failed, successfully replaced at dealer. 

Return to top

2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Saab 9-3 in Maryland, United States
Jul 2009 - Jun 2018
Mar 2010

71000 mi
The transmission linkage for the wiper system broke. Part ordered from Saab and installed by owner for $112. 
Feb 2012

100000 mi
Front springs broke and repaired under GM warranty campaign. Damaged tire and towing not covered. 
Oct 2013

128300 mi

US $55
I replaced leaking coolant hoses from tank that run over top the turbo shield Part# 12842478 & 12842477 and 4 hose clamps. Check engine light for faulty boost control valve. Replaced boost control valve part # 12787706. I bought the kit from the GM dealer at less than Saab sells the valve itself so I got the three vacuum lines with the valve. 
Jan 2017

134200 mi

US $850
Replaced inner and outer tie-rod ends,front sway bar links and rear upper control arm due to expected wear. 
May 2017

155000 mi

US $100
Replaced the hard vacuum line, vacuum noise on start up is quiet. Resolved the check engine code as well. 
Feb 2018

164074 mi

US $1000
Codes P0300, P0202 and P0302 stored/reset. Replaced spark plugs, boost control valve cylinder 2 fuel injector and intake manifold gasket.  Replaced ECU with used unit.  Installed new cabin fan motor, cabin filter seal and cabin filter.  Replaced melted passenger side tail/brake circuit board and 4 pin terminal connector with good used unit. Replaced corroded right front marker socket and bulb. 
Jun 2018

169000 mi

US $600
Replaced fuel computer that I had to source used for $200 because the OEM replacement was not available and is year specific at $925. Replaced all 6 coils. The Indie mechanic let me buy the Bosch coils at a 50% savings to me. 
Saab 9-3 in Virginia, United States
Jan 2009 - Jun 2010
Feb 2009

28000 mi
SAAB trunk emblem was pealed. Dealer repaired under warranty. Dealer did a great job! 
Saab 9-3 in Colorado, United States
Oct 2010 - Aug 2017
Jan 2010

26000 mi
Dealer replaced front struts, front emblem, glove box button was pealing, replaced coolant tank with larger one (recall)  
Mar 2011

58000 mi

US $5
I have read other complaints and the heat from the engine could have caused the brake fluid cap to crack. Replaced cap for around $5. 
Jan 2014

102000 mi

US $250
Replaced purge valve. 
Saab 9-3 in Illinois, United States
Dec 2008 - Jun 2012
Jun 2010

23000 mi
factory security system was not working and was replaced. 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.  
Feb 2011

26000 mi

US $100
dealer test drove the car ~10 miles could not replicate 
Saab 9-3 in Texas, United States
Jan 2009 - Aug 2011
Mar 2009

32000 mi
Stability control error. Rattle in dash. 
Jun 2009

34000 mi
Rear taillight bulb assembly came loose. Taillight bulb rested against fiberoptic wire going to the audio/nav system and melted the insulation. This rendered the audio/nav system inoperable. Fiber optic cable assembly was replaced. 
Saab 9-3 in Missouri, United States
Jun 2007 - Apr 2009
Oct 2007

19000 mi
Puddle of pink fluid on garage floor several days after scheduled maint. No fluids low, shop found no leaks. 
Sep 2008

35000 mi
Once again, small coolant leak noticed. Given some B.S. explanation that it was normal. Topped off coolant. 
Nov 2008

40000 mi
Coolant still leaking. Decided to replace the coolant tank and cap. 
Dec 2008

42000 mi
Cooling fan stuck on high, even when car was shut off. Fan would run until low voltage safety shut it off, killing the battery. Replaced battery and made software change for fan. This is the third battery in two years. 
Feb 2009

44000 mi
Intermittent rough idle, to the point that it has died a few times. Not consistent, difficult to predict, and not repaired. Dealer indicates several other aeros with similar symptoms. GM Tech Assistance engaged with no result. 
Mar 2009

45000 mi
Rough idle continues. Dealer still cannot duplicate. Opened TAC case with GM. 
Apr 2009

45000 mi
New coolant reservoir. Also new spark plugs. 
Saab 9-3 in Kuwait
May 2010 - Aug 2012
Jun 2010

57040 mi
Check engine light came on, dealer said there is a problem in fuel pump, fuel pressure is low. 
Sep 2010

58280 mi
coolant tank 
Mar 2011

62000 mi

$600
radiator cap leaks from time to time 
Jul 2011

65720 mi

$700
steering column lock (electronic lock) is indicating that steering is locked when its not, unable to start the engine, Key fob damaged by dealer, unable to lock or unlock the car, only to start the car. dealer supplied and programmed news key fob. 
Jul 2012

75020 mi
A/C not cooling, one vent gives cold air, all the rest give hot air Smell of coolant appear after shutting the engine, 
Aug 2012

75020 mi
engine take long time to start after refulling, fuel pump pressure is weak. 
Saab 9-3 in Indiana, United States
Oct 2014 - Jan 2019
Dec 2016

120000 mi

US $1000
Broken front springs required replacement 

Return to top

2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in New York, United States
Nov 2006 - May 2016
Sep 2008

26000 mi
SEAL ON LEFTHEADLIGHT DEFECTIVE, LEADING TO FOGGING INSIDE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. Trim/bezel surround on dash replaced. Had come loose on drivers side. 
Dec 2008

26600 mi
Right front spring broke due to corrosion. Both front springs were replaced. Front right spring broke, replaced both front springs and bearings under warranty. From discussion board seems to be common problem 
Jan 2009

30000 mi
Light clunking noise from left from suspension was determined to be left front strut and was replaced. 
Sep 2009

36000 mi
replace worn right front inner tie rod 
Nov 2010

44000 mi
replaced cracked coolant reservoir bottle 
Mar 2013

65000 mi
front right spring cracked 
Dec 2014

83000 mi

US $50
Sway bar link 
Jun 2015

87000 mi

US $300
Left rear caliper was seized requiring replacement 
Saab 9-3 in Texas, United States
Oct 2007 - Dec 2013
Feb 2008

23000 mi
Brake light blown. 
Dec 2013

90000 mi

US $550
80k maintenance, tire rotation, windshield washer nozzle replacement 
Saab 9-3 in Connecticut, United States
Apr 2011 - Jan 2015
Aug 2013

140900 mi

US $700
Had to replace Front Spring due to it failing and breaking. Replaced both front Springs and Struts. 
Jan 2015

US $20
Coolant Cap broke. Had to order a new one and replace. 
Saab 9-3 in Michigan, United States
Feb 2016 - Jan 2022
Oct 2016

132800 mi
Radiator cooling fans not operating properly, very difficult to work on. 
Jun 2017

145000 mi

US $100
replaced broken shock absorbers and mounts 
Aug 2017

147000 mi

US $800
Fuel pump non operational, fuel pressure sensor non operational system replaced. 
Saab 9-3 in New York, United States
Aug 2016 - Jun 2018
Sep 2016

98000 mi

US $25
ACC cabin blower motor was noisy and sometimes did not work unless set to full blast. Sounded like motor was seizing, also triggered a code in tech2 diagnostics. Followed repair advice per http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165760 - removed and maintained motor, drilled hole in base to prevent future corrosion. Replaced headights. Had to remove parts of front bumper shroud to access bulbs. 
Sep 2017

101000 mi

US $50
Engine was displaying multiple codes P2300, P2303, P2306, P2309, P2312, and P2315, indicating "ignition coil short to ground" for each cylinders 1 - 6. Attempted the following repairs: - Replace spark plugs and ignition coils - Replace main relay - Cleaned and soldered all splices in wiring harness on '+' side to ignition coils. - Cleaned and soldered ground and +12V splices throughout the wiring harness from the battery/fusebox to ignition coils - Cleaned ground connections G7F and G7R, and verified low resistance to battery terminal from each - Used a micro-ohmeter to test resistance from ground to pins 3 and 4 of each coil connector. Found 3 that were suspect (20+ m? vs 10m? for other pins) and replaced the coil connectors. None of these things corrected any of the codes, although I'm sure they didn't hurt. Ended up getting a stage 0 tune from Vermont Tuning, which I HIGHLY recommend. Before applying the tune we logged data and there was no data to suggest that the codes were 'real'. The codes came back after the tune was applied (and data logged and observed again), so a custom tune was made to block them out since all voltages and data look good. 
Saab 9-3 in Florida, United States
Nov 2006 - Dec 2017
Jan 2007

2000 mi
Rattle in the passenger door ; also was in for a Tech II personalization Door seal not flat Light sensing "ball" on the middle of the top of the dash had glue all over it 
Apr 2007

7000 mi
Replaced airvent due to rattle. Also tried to "tighten" up B pillar rattle. Rattles less noticable but still very present. Window seal was defective and bending away from the window. The seal was replaced a second time. 
Sep 2007

14000 mi
Rattles in dash and door buzzing on rough roads. Manual Shift knob fell off. Fading door panels. Peeling rubber from glovebox release button. 
May 2009

29000 mi
Rear-Driver's side window made clunking noise when moving. The problem was diagnosed as an issue with the regulator. Part had to be ordered. Ordered regulator again. New window regulator installed. Rear window interior felt/seal bent/malformed during regulator repair. Part ordered. 
Jun 2009

30000 mi
Rear window interior felt/seal bent/malformed during regulator repair was replaced. 
Apr 2010

40000 mi
Noticed electrical smoke smell and speakers popping after heavy rain and car wash. Problem was found that after window regulator had been replaced door had not been properly sealed. Water intrusion damaged stereo amplifier under driver seat (wet). 
Dec 2010

48000 mi
Passenger window clicking while going up. Window regulator found faulty and replaced. 
Feb 2012

60000 mi

US $20
Hood mounted washer sprayers stopped working. They had come apart under the hood. 
Jan 2013

68000 mi

US $70
Hard start condition after fuel fill threw CEL. Replaced EVAP fuel purge valve. 
May 2014

79000 mi

US $365
Fuel gauge was "jumping" and would read empty after fill-up. Fuel sender was replace (fuel pump was not replaced). 
Dec 2017

92000 mi

US $50
Rear driver side lock actuator failed (would only lock/unlock) sometimes. Replaced with pulled part 
Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Mar 2007 - May 2014
Jul 2007

11000 mi
Surge cap replaced reprogramed pinch control on front diver side window replace gearshifter knob - comes off 
Sep 2007

12000 mi
Installed bushing on gear shifter assembly Surge tank leaking - tank replaced 
Feb 2008

20000 mi
Replaced expansion tank - second time. 
Jun 2008

25000 mi
Coolant tank replaced (third time). 
Sep 2008

25000 mi
Coolant tank replaced (fourth time). 
Dec 2009

53000 mi
Window regulator rollers replaced - right front window 
Jul 2010

67000 mi

US $720
Replaced a/c fan speed controller 
Sep 2010

70000 mi
ECM ordered. ECM installed, didn't fix problem. Ignition coils, vacuum line and spark plugs replaced - no cost under certified warranty. 
Jan 2011

73000 mi
Replaced fuel pressure sensor One touch did not work. Reprogrammed window module 
Mar 2011

75000 mi
Car would not start; positive switch replaced. Battery also replaced cost pro-rated 
Sep 2011

82000 mi
Clutch return spring broke -replaced 
Feb 2012

89800 mi
Replace fuel pump 
Apr 2012

90700 mi
rubber cover of key has failed 
May 2012

91700 mi
Transmission stick shift boot coming apart 
Jun 2012

94000 mi
a/c needs to be replaced 
Jul 2012

94500 mi
Battery's positive circuit breaker is failing. Reset, but dealer ordered a replacement part. Easy to reset if one knew that such a part existed. Rear Window Regulator Replaced Replaced a/c compressor Replaced shifter knob Coolant leak - replaced coolant tank 
Dec 2012

99000 mi

US $304
replaced one Xenon head lamp bulb 
Jan 2013

100000 mi

US $70
CEL came on - code ME9 P0089-00. Checked fuel pressure regulator - no problem Adjust parking brake 
Feb 2013

100800 mi

US $332
replace canister purge valve 
May 2013

103000 mi

US $420
Replaced coolant tank Positive cable shut off switch. There is a question about warranty liability. 
Jan 2014

101800 mi

US $300
Replaced xenon head lamp bulb 
Saab 9-3 in North Carolina, United States
Apr 2007 - Oct 2010
Aug 2007

9000 mi
coolant expansion bottle was leaking when coolant expanded, dealer replaced expansion bottle 
Oct 2007

10000 mi
coolant expansion bottle leaked when engine heats up replaced by dealer 
Jun 2008

19000 mi
coolant expansion bottle was leaking when coolant expanded, dealer replaced expansion bottle. Successful repair. 
Jun 2009

31000 mi
radiator coolant expansion bottle cracked and leaking, repeat problem 
Sep 2010

47000 mi

US $14000
compressor for AC unit failed and needed to be replaced 

Return to top

2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

Saab 9-3 in California, United States
May 2008 - Sep 2013
Apr 2010

68000 mi

US $36
one of the Lowbeam HID lamps needed replacing, so I replaced both with after market lamps for $36.00 Saab parts were very expensive 
Saab 9-3 in Victoria, Australia
May 2008 - Jun 2009
Jun 2008

18600 mi
Knocking front suspension and/or rattly steering rack. 
Aug 2008

18600 mi
Front suspensiuon knocking due to faulty suspension arms and bushes. Known problem fixed by repalcing parts to a later (2008 model year) design. 
Saab 9-3 in Puerto Rico
Jun 2007 - Sep 2009
Jul 2007

15000 mi
This car has a lot of noises coming from the window seals oh the driver side and in the sunroof. 
Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Mar 2007 - Dec 2021
Apr 2007

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. 
Sep 2010

66000 mi

US $158
Driver's window had to be reprogrammed to stop returning to half way after being given a rollup command 
Aug 2011

72200 mi

US $20
passenger window would not go all the way up. Random stops. Dealer reprogrammed safety stopping points 
Jun 2013

83000 mi

US $90
Drivers side windshield squirter clogged, replaced. 
Apr 2014

87000 mi

US $140
Front right window erratic roll-up. Had to be reprogrammed for anti-pinch setting. This happened to the left front 2 years ago. 
Mar 2016

95000 mi

US $299
Windshield wiper linkage broken. Linkage replaced with new assembly. 
Apr 2017

98000 mi
GM recall of takata airbag on driver's side 
Sep 2017

100000 mi

US $120
Fuel level system errors diagnosed. Tank sensor bad. Replacement will cost abt $440 
Saab 9-3 in Michigan, United States
Sep 2012 - Sep 2014
Mar 2013

68000 mi

US $254
Power mirrors performing erractically. Tried changing mirror switch, no result. Had to change the drivers door window control module. Published service bulitien on this issue. 
Jan 2014

77000 mi

US $194
SID showing braked system failure and speedometer stopped functioning. Dealer found a service bulletin requiring re-flash of ECM. Successfully corrected problem. SID showing braked system failure and speedometer stopped functioning. Dealer found a service bulletin requiring re-flash of ECM. Successfully corrected problem. 
Mar 2014

79000 mi

US $25
Sway bar links were worn out and rattling over bumps. Replaced them. 
Apr 2014

79500 mi

US $300
Power steering pump seal failed, allowed engine oil to be pumped into steering system (this is a common issue) 
Saab 9-3 in Colorado, United States
Nov 2011 - Jun 2018
May 2015

70100 mi

US $130
Crankshaft Position Sensor failed. Car limped to a nearby garage. 
Apr 2018

91000 mi

US $800
Fuel level sensor replacement. Worked properly half-tank and below; above a half-tank, it read empty. Preventative replacement of fuel pump as well. 
Saab 9-3 in Illinois, United States
Jun 2011 - Jun 2022
Sep 2011

49000 mi
Second time a front coil spring has broken. This is a crappy Saab part. 
Jun 2015

92000 mi

US $90
Windshield wiper motor failure 
Sep 2015

96000 mi

US $40
Wiper transmission. 
Oct 2016

107800 mi

US $160
Xenon headlights replaced Windshield wiper transmission. Replaced Front spring broke both replaced with aftermarket parts 
Dec 2016

112000 mi

US $75
The left rear taillight cover fell off. The whole assembly was replaced with a used part. 
Mar 2018

125000 mi

US $125
I had to replace the passenger door lock. The actuator had failed. It was an easy job. 
Jul 2018

130000 mi

US $30
Replace two more failing door lock mechanisms. Parts getting hard to find new. Replaced trunk seal. 
Oct 2021

170000 mi

US $1200
ECU went bad. Saab mounted these on top of the exhaust manifold. Not a great place. Many people have dead cars and need an ECU 
Saab 9-3 in New Jersey, United States
Jan 2013 - Jan 2014
Mar 2013

91000 mi

US $900
Needed Tie-rods Replaced steering pump 
Saab 9-3 in Illinois, United States
Mar 2013 - Apr 2015
Feb 2015

88000 mi
struts and shocks needed replacement after 20k miles since previous repair. Also was told this causes misalignment, needed new tires as a result 
Saab 9-3 in Maryland, United States
Feb 2016 - Oct 2017
Jun 2016

122222 mi

US $1700
ECU wiring bad Headlight reflector delaminated - had to replace both front headlight assembly. Had to replace defective seat position sensor 
Saab 9-3 in Maryland, United States
Aug 2006 - Apr 2008
Jul 2006

13000 mi
Window sensor replaced 
Saab 9-3 in Kansas, United States
Apr 2016 - May 2017
Dec 2016

207000 mi
New spark plugs 
May 2017

207000 mi

US $15
Replaced engine gasket on short block 
Saab 9-3 in New York, United States
May 2012 - Jun 2018
Jun 2018

161000 mi

US $100
Ecu replacement 
Saab 9-3 in British Columbia, Canada
Jul 2010 - Sep 2014
May 2011

32860 mi

C $200
Mass Airflow sensor cleaned 
Nov 2012

48020 mi

C $50
Window washer hose came off fitting 
Saab 9-3 in New Jersey, United States
Nov 2006 - Apr 2018
Nov 2009

46000 mi
Minor repair. Loose fly bar in suspension caused knocks on bumps. Tightened for no charge - repair took 45 minutes. 
Nov 2011

81000 mi

US $10
Car was losing coolant. The leak was determined to be a faulty radiator cap. The cap had to be ordered and delivered the next day, but the repair took $10. ID'ing the problem took less than an hour with a pressurization check. 
Feb 2012

85000 mi

US $98
Driver's side headlight bulb burned out. Total cost for replacement was $98, and took 5 minutes to replace. 
Jul 2012

90200 mi

US $212
One of the two horns failed in the car, so when hitting the car horn sounded like a clown car. Fixed in 1.25 hours. 
Sep 2013

111000 mi

US $200
Driver's left bolster ripped. Needed to be replaced. Was replaced and looks like new. 
Feb 2014

115800 mi

US $55
Windshield washer fluid was leaking out through one of the hood jets. Was replaced, resolved issue. 
Apr 2014

117500 mi

US $1500
Struts in front replaced. One spring in the front broken and replaced. Upper control arms in back replaced. All of my cars need this repair around 120,000 miles as the road in CT beat up suspensions on all brands. 
May 2014

119000 mi

US $300
Vacuum pump had a small oil leak the last 10,000 miles. Replaced it for $300 and resolved the problem. Car ran fine with the repair needed, risk of bad smell of oil burning was only concern. 
Nov 2014

123400 mi

US $80
Oil consumption was slightly elevated. Shop took care of it by blowing carbon off of the cylinders and valves. Consumption was resolved. 
Jun 2015

130000 mi

US $300
Blower motor needed replacement. Just age of car and use. Greased it to put off replacement for a few months. 
Oct 2015

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. 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. 
Mar 2016

141000 mi

US $200
Power steering was seeping oil. Time to replace at 140,000. 
Jan 2017

129700 mi

US $150
Oil leak around oil level monitor. Oil sensor rubber seal replaced. Check engine light came on. Shop reset it. My guess was correct about an engine misfire. Solved it with $28 fuel spark plug cleaner and a full tank of premium fuel. 
Aug 2017

160000 mi

US $60
Washer jets leaking on hood - removed and replaced with a new set of washer jets. 
Jan 2018

166000 mi

US $40
Multiple light bulbs burnt out, replaced them all. One headlight, right front turn signal left brake light, one of two license plate lights. 20 minutes for all four. 
Mar 2018

168000 mi

US $166
AC Blower Control unit replaced Battery was failing and needed replacement 
Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Nov 2006 - Mar 2010
Mar 2007

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 
Saab 9-3 in Illinois, United States
Sep 2009 - Jun 2011
Oct 2009

41000 mi
One headlamp bulb replaced but it's still under warranty, took about 15 min. 
Saab 9-3 in Ohio, United States
Nov 2008 - Aug 2010
Feb 2009

36000 mi
Developed popping noise when going over small road irregularities. Dealer replaced front struts and strut bearings - problem solved, car feels like new. Cost = 0. 
Apr 2010

58000 mi

US $1110
Replaced failed A/C compressor. 

Return to top

2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Maryland, United States
Nov 2006 - Oct 2008
Feb 2007

10000 mi
Knocking sound coming from front suspension when cold. 
Mar 2007

11000 mi
Rattling from front end due to defective front suspension bushings. 
Saab 9-3 in New York, United States
Nov 2006 - Jul 2020
Jul 2007

12000 mi
Auto door lock feature malfunction, they go up and down several times before finally locking. Waiting for a future software update to resolve issue. Electronic steering wheel lock sometimes does not release steering wheel when key is inserted in ignition; dealer could not duplicate problem. Audio system "froze" - no response to any controls for volume, tuning, etc.; dealer ordered new amplifier. Dealer installed replacement amplifier. A loaner car was provided for this trip as well as the earlier trip (for diagnosis). 
Nov 2007

15000 mi
Rear seatback latches hard. 
Feb 2009

27000 mi
SAAB emblem on hood need replacement, the insert with the logo fell out. Drivers door window would not close fully (stayed open about 1/4"). 
Mar 2010

36000 mi
Bad strut bearing (drivers side, front). Dealer replaced both front strut bearings as a precaution. 
Jun 2010

39000 mi

US $76
One touch close on drivers window malfunctioned. When window raised, it would then go back down about 1/3rd. Dealer said it is a software problem with the "pinch protection" that is common with this model. No permanent fix is available. 
Apr 2011

44300 mi
A loud "sproing" noise was heard just after driving out of our garage, steering wheel then jumped to the left. Car was towed to dealership and was found to have a broken spring. Both front springs were replaced under Saab's hidden warranty. 
Oct 2011

47500 mi
For several months, there has been a problem with the auto up windows not closing properly. The dealer has not been able to solve the problem. On a hunch, I removed and re-installed the fuse - problem solved! (works for other problems to. much like re-booting a computer). "Infotainment System" (audio/trip computer) froze when I cleared the system after a fill-up. I solved the problem by re-booting the system (I pulled the fuse and re-installed it a few seconds later). Works for many simple problems on cars. 
Jun 2017

88854 mi

US $127
Replaced front sway bar links which solved the problem of creaking and groaning over bumps and on turns. After 11 years and almost 90,000 miles, this car has required very little in the way of repairs most of which have been related to quirky electronics. So far, all of the electronic issues (power widows, sunroof, infotainment system) have been resolved by simply "re-booting" the affected system (remove the fuse and re-install after 30 seconds). Mechanically, this car has been great! 
Apr 2018

95000 mi

US $208
While having my summer tires put back on, the mechanic noticed that the rear upper shock mount on the drivers side was partially corroded. We had both replaced as a precaution. 
May 2018

96000 mi
One of the sway bar links which had been replaced in June of 2017 failed and was replaced under warranty. 
Saab 9-3 in Michigan, United States
Nov 2013 - Jan 2019
Dec 2013

129000 mi

US $20
Thermostat stuck partially open (was replaced 6 mo prior) and I replaced it in 30 min at my apt complex 
Nov 2014

146000 mi

US $75
Ignition coil failed, causing misfire. Repair was $75 for the coil, 5 min to replace 
May 2015

159600 mi

US $1100
Replaced struts, strut mounts, front LCAs (bushings & ball joints included), and rear suspension bushings. Struts had become very loose when rallycrossing, which probably affected other bushings & ball joints. Repair was done before an HPDE. 
Aug 2016

187000 mi

US $180
Radiator developed a leak, needed to be replaced 
Mar 2017

196000 mi

US $200
One of the soft hydraulic lines began to bubble, necessitating replacement. I opted to replace all four soft brake lines as a precaution. 
Mar 2018

213000 mi

US $95
Parking brake actuator in pass side rear caliper failed, rendering parking brake inoperative. Normal hydraulic brakes were fully functional 
Jun 2018

217000 mi

US $110
Driver's side lower control arm containing the lower ball joint was loose and had play. This was replaced 
Saab 9-3 in Virginia, United States
Nov 2006 - Oct 2016
Jun 2008

21000 mi
Remote keyfob transmitter replaced due to deterioration of rubber around the buttons. Turned soft and gummy. For what it's worth I've had this same issue with the rubber eraserhead pointers on laptops. 
Nov 2008

26000 mi

US $10
Replaced driver's side headlight. Took about 5 minutes to change.  
Dec 2008

27000 mi
I noticed coolant loss (but did not see where it was going--a very small leak), took it to the dealer and they added UV dye to the coolant. They told me to bring it back later to have them check to see if they can find where it is leaking. The headlight bulb I replaced myself in November blew again so I took it to the dealer. They replaced both headlight bulbs per standard proc. and updated BCM software to reduce voltage to bulbs for longer life. 
May 2009

33000 mi
Saab directed the dealer to replace the shortblock to resolve the coolant loss issue. Got a stability control failure message twice that went away an hour later each time. Dealership scanned for codes and determined that ABS hydraulic unit needed to be replaced due to a "pressure sensor rationality error". 
Jun 2009

33000 mi
Dealer replaced seat cover due to split/crack in side bolster. 
Jul 2009

34000 mi
Oil leak from engine. Shop sprayed leak detection powder on engine to isolate source on Friday, then told me to bring it in on Monday. 
Aug 2009

36000 mi
Dealer determined that turbocharger oil pipe is leaking. Replaced turbocharger oil delivery pipe which fixed the oil leak. 
Sep 2010

50000 mi
Dealer replaced worn-out keyfob and also replaced battery under factory warranty. 
Oct 2016

103000 mi
Replaced fuel cap to correct P0456 code 
Saab 9-3 in Alberta, Canada
Apr 2007 - Jun 2011
May 2007

17360 mi
Rattles and creaks in door panels and roof. Rattles still not repaired, I have since done light repairs myself and have eleminated most of the rattles, but some persist. Such a shame in a luxury car, just not acceptable. My dealer rating in service is 2/10... 
Jun 2007

19840 mi

C $2500
Door rattles, blown speaker 
Nov 2007

29760 mi
Door rattles are substaintially better, but sunroof rattles still persist. From the three visits to the dealer to have this resolved, this is by far the best fix they have done yet. I could live with it now. 
Saab 9-3 in Ohio, United States
Apr 2010 - Dec 2013
Oct 2010

69000 mi

US $30
Windshield wiper motor needed replacing 
Aug 2012

93000 mi

US $50
Sway bar end links replaced 
Sep 2013

107000 mi

US $16
Replaced windshield washer pump 

Return to top

2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 150hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Great Britain
Jan 2006 - Mar 2011
Nov 2006 battery flat on delivery - replaced 
Aug 2007 wiring issue on engine - repaired on warranty 
Aug 2009

£300
egr valve faulty - replaced 
Aug 2010

£500
inlet manifold replaced - known issue but still had to pay - replaced 

Return to top

2006 Saab 9-3 4-door

turbocharged 6-cylinder manual 2WD

Saab 9-3 in New Mexico, United States
Jan 2007 - Mar 2010
Jun 2007

4000 mi
coolant leak 

Return to top

2006 Saab 9-3 4-door

turbocharged 6-cylinder automatic 2WD

Saab 9-3 in Michigan, United States
Apr 2007 - Mar 2010
Jul 2007

27000 mi
Electrical system problem. Radio and other controls wouldn't turn off. 

Return to top

2006 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Feb 2013 - Oct 2021
Mar 2013

86000 mi

US $300
Blower Motor 
May 2014

104700 mi

US $100
Oil sensor leak 
Jul 2018

117000 mi

US $120
Replace ICM 
Saab 9-3 in Massachusetts, United States
Jan 2014 - Aug 2015
Apr 2014

59300 mi
Expansion tank hoses needed to be replaced. known issue, 
Jul 2014

61500 mi

US $2600
Check engine light code indicated fuel pressure out of spec. Replace sensor and pump. $1600 for both Rough shift third to fourth. Replace trans fluid twice 
Dec 2014

67000 mi

US $1300
Since July 2014 car had been missing at idle. No problems under load. Problem not reproducible when brought into shop during Sept 2014. Problem set CEL Dec 2014. Codes P0300, 0301,0303,0305,0306. Misfires. Replaced all ignition coils. 

Return to top

2006 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Washington, United States
Jul 2013 - Jun 2018
Mar 2014

30000 mi

US $585
Fuel pump delivering inconsistent output pressure triggering CEL and stuttering at idle. Replaced fuel pump. 
Jul 2017

41000 mi
Takata airbag replacement recall 
Saab 9-3 in Alabama, United States
Oct 2007 - May 2012
Sep 2008

12000 mi
Replaced expansion tank and coolant. 
Sep 2009

22000 mi
Reprogrammed auto-up windows so they would close appropriately. 
Jun 2010

30000 mi
vacuum hose replaced 
Sep 2010

33000 mi
Low coolant light appeared. Coolant tank replaced. Key became hard to remove from ignition. Ignition switch replaced. Driver's seat stitching came loose. Seat cover replaced. 
Jan 2012

38800 mi

US $200
Headlamp washer unit missing and had to be replaced. 
Saab 9-3 in Great Britain
Sep 2014 - Sep 2018
Oct 2015

82300 mi

£230
radiator hose burst 
Mar 2016

85000 mi

£88
Car no start battery leaking only 18months old,new battery installed 
Apr 2017

97000 mi

£165
Rear brake cylinder leaking 
Dec 2017

107000 mi

£20
Burst radiator hose 

Return to top

2006 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

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

Saab 9-3 in New York, United States
Nov 2013 - Jul 2018
Jul 2018

114000 mi

US $140
Rear shocks 
Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Feb 2008 - Jun 2022
Apr 2008

33000 mi
Broken trunk liner clip. 
May 2008

34000 mi
Anti pinch feature not working properly on Pass. front window. A/C did not get cold. Second key fob not recognized by computer. 
Jul 2008

36000 mi
Lt Rear seatbelt would not retract. 
Jan 2009

40000 mi
AC compressor making unusual noise. Anti-pinch on passenger window malfunctioning. 
Feb 2009

41000 mi
Replaced AC Compressor. Replaced passenger window module. 
Jun 2009

45000 mi
Faulty ignition coil. Ordered and installed replacement. 
Sep 2009

50000 mi
Passenger window anti-pinch mal-function. 
Jun 2010

59000 mi

US $150
Electric mirror switch was found faulty and replaced 
Jul 2011

80000 mi

US $600
Uneven wear pattern on right rear tire indicated worn shock absorber. Decided to replace all 4 shocks and struts. Also replaced front brake pads and rotors while front end was apart. New tires and alignment the following week. 
Nov 2011

86000 mi

US $15
In Dash CD changer would not play CDs. "disk error." R&R CD spindle motor. 
Sep 2012

104000 mi

US $55
Stability control failure message on dash display. Took to independent mechanic for diagnosis. Mechanic identified TSB suggesting need to reprogram traction control module, but does not have required equipment to perform said update. 
Apr 2013

111200 mi

US $1750
Traction control warning displayed on dash. Dealer diagnosed as faulty ABS module. Replaced module with new. 
Jul 2015

130000 mi

US $30
Power Steering Reservoir leaking at power steering pump. Removed PS pump, removed reservoir from pump. replaced seal, reassembled. Driver side mirror fell off. Removed mirror backing, replaced mirror glass, reinstalled mirror. 
Aug 2015

130700 mi
Engine oil leak. Removed subframe brace and cleaned lower end of engine to determine source of leak. Faulty seal at oil pan to engine block. 
Dec 2015

134000 mi

US $270
Knocking in front suspension when going over bumps. Problem diagnosed as worn ball joints in front lower control arms. Removed and replaced both front lower control arms. Problem persists. 
Feb 2016

135300 mi

US $50
Sway bar links worn. Removed and replaced sway bar links. Knocking when going over bumps resolved. 
Feb 2017

139000 mi

US $25
Temp and Fuel gauges read about 1/4 gauge high. Would not return to correct zero point when vehicle turned off. Reset gauge cluster by removing fuse F4. Problem resolved. Water soaks into convertible top fabric, then migrates to inside of weatherstripping over door. When door is opened (driver or passenger) water pours out of weatherstrip onto seats. Cleaned and treated top with 303 Convertible Top Care Kit 
Mar 2017

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. 
Dec 2017

143000 mi

US $75
Oil leak at sump gasket surface. Removed oil sump, cleaned surfaces, reinstalled. 
May 2018

146000 mi

US $150
Driver seat upholstery was worn and tearing at the seams. Replaced upholstery with OEM. 
Jan 2022

180000 mi

US $600
Audio would randomly cutout while driving. Suspected fault in optical bus. Replaced Amp1, problem persists. Replaced Amp2, problem persists. Replaced Infotainment Control Module, problem persists. Replaced radio unit, problem resolved. 
Jun 2022

180000 mi

US $300
Convertible top hydraulic cylinder was leaking at seal. Replaced with rebuilt unit. 

Return to top

2006 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Ohio, United States
May 2008 - Apr 2012
Dec 2008

15000 mi
"Snapping" sound from front when turning tight circles. Diagnosed as a bad CV joint. This "problem" has been present for a while - maybe always. With the state of GM, I decided to have it looked at now rather than closer to warranty expiration. 
Jan 2009

16000 mi
Vehicle was inspected in the shop in December and the necessary part for the repair was ordered. The part arrived very late in the month. A day in January was scheduled for the repair, which was performed on schedule.  
Jun 2010

24000 mi
Rubber covering over key/remote deteriorated. Dealer replaced the key/remote. 

Return to top

2006 Saab 9-3 2-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Saab 9-3 in New Jersey, United States
Sep 2011 - Aug 2014
Jan 2014

60000 mi

US $150
Alarm trunk goes off when doors r locked. Can't seem to correct I found an online solution & forwarded to dealer.  Heat not working. They replaced the thermostat. Turns out after they replaced insulation was blocking floor vent.  Seat belt not retracting. Cleaned housing 

Return to top

2005.5 Saab 9-3 2-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder manual 2WD

Saab 9-3 in Germany
Dec 2006 - Sep 2008
Nov 2007

39060 mi
in-dash cd-changer sometimes not working 
Dec 2007

40300 mi
damaged pneumatic piston for bootlid-opener replaced under warranty  Replaced sun blind passenger seat which had a small defect. 
May 2008

46500 mi
Pinch protection fault re-set. 
Jun 2008

46500 mi
Finally managed to replace in-dash CD-changer which was ordered earlier. Fully paid by manufacturer.  Also fixed rattling a-pillar which occured after front-pane was replaced. 

Return to top

2005 Saab 9-3

Engine not specified

Saab 9-3 in Norway
Apr 2011 - Jun 2011
Jun 2011

117800 mi
Wire from ECU to main fuse box broke, causing alarms to come up. ECU is in bad place, under the front wing, water is getting in to it very easy. 
Saab 9-3 in Washington, United States
Feb 2011 - Feb 2012
Apr 2011

86500 mi
window regulator 
Feb 2012

95000 mi

US $450
amplifier under driver seat. replaced with refurb. 
Saab 9-3 in Nuevo Leon, Mexico
Feb 2010 - Jun 2011
Apr 2010

65100 mi

$2000
gear box failure 

Return to top

2005 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Jun 2011 - Jan 2014
Oct 2011

56000 mi

US $35
CEL leaving car in Limp Home mode randomly. MAF sensor code. Cleaned sensor = good for a few days but came back. Replaced air cleaner and cleaned sensor cured problem for good. 
Feb 2013

84800 mi
Passenger side front spring snapped. Covered under extended warranty. 
May 2013

87000 mi

US $120
Car was going into limp mode randomly with CEL. Read code for MAF sensor. Replaced sensor. 
Oct 2013

93300 mi

US $225
Replaced front struts 
Saab 9-3 in Texas, United States
Dec 2010 - Aug 2013
May 2010

53196 mi

US $4000
Broke a ring on a piston,removed engine and installed engine out of a 2006 saab 9-3 with 10,000 less miles than original engine. 
Jan 2013

US $200
The REC fuse block in the trunk #17 block for the auto dim mirror/compass and Intermittent wiper control failed. I had to replace the entire Rear electrical center and have it reprogrammed to match the car's options. 
Feb 2013

74100 mi

US $300
The A/C blower motor failed. 
Saab 9-3 in Sweden
Mar 2011 - Apr 2017
Feb 2014

91140 mi

$80
Annual test / car was perfect but that was after a 400 euro service. Mostly bulbs. the AC is not 100% . But we manage with it. Not sure at this pont but believe it may be more than a simple gas refill. front left half bulb changed & it cost approx 80 euro + 30mins time - approx 120 euro. 
Mar 2015

107260 mi

$800
It was a pump that needed to be replaced 
Saab 9-3 in Ireland
Mar 2011 - May 2011
May 2011

94860 mi

€1000
Car was stuttering for a while till it failed to start or started after a few hours. Diagnosed an EGU Valve replacement. Shortly after,within two weeks, the cars electrics stopped. Diagnosed an Alternator failure and replaced one. 

Return to top

2005 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Texas, United States
- Jan 2007
Jan 2006

15000 mi
Driver Window pinched wouldnt roll up 
Jan 2007

25000 mi
Driver window pinched wouldnt roll up 
Saab 9-3 in New Hampshire, United States
Mar 2013 - Jun 2019
Mar 2013

81000 mi
Replaced Thermostat and Engine temp sending unit, due to irregular readings and no heat. driver seat heater stopped working. Element cover wore through from contact w/ metal strap in seat, causing a short which eventually caused element to break. removed seat cover, resoldiered element & added add'l cover to prevent reoccurance 
Mar 2014

92000 mi
HVAC blower motor bearing started to sieze due to rust which developes from moisture in the air. Removed motor, oiled bearing to free it, then caked on heavy duty grease on outside of bearing surfaces to keep moisture from forming again. 
Jun 2014

95000 mi
Broken front coil spring 
Aug 2014

96400 mi

US $100
flex joint cracked, replaced exhaust with performance exhaust 
Mar 2016

112000 mi
Caliper piston stuck 
Aug 2016

115100 mi

US $160
changed driver and passenger axle shaft due to torn boots 
Dec 2016

118000 mi

US $15
replaced sway bar end links due to damage when removing them for axle replacement earlier 
Apr 2017

120000 mi

US $25
Rear upper control arm bushings worn (both sides). Replaced complete arm with bushings Replaced Driver side front Window Regulator 
Jul 2017

124000 mi

US $90
Replacement Window Regulator broke. had to replace again with better quality part 
Jun 2018

134800 mi

US $175
Replaced Boost bypass Control solenoid and Boost bypass Valve 
Apr 2019

144900 mi

US $20
replaced rotted out gas tank strap 
Saab 9-3 in Colorado, United States
Jun 2016 - Nov 2017
Sep 2016

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. 
Dec 2016

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) 
Jan 2017

US $202
Check Engine Light - Code P0172 (fuel trim too rich) and P0300 (random misfire). Tried cleaning throttle body, MAF/MAP sensors, and fuel system treatment with no success. Shop diagnosed as bad fuel pressure regulator - replaced. 
Mar 2017

79000 mi

US $35
Fuel pressure regulator had gone bad. This price included diagnosing the issue, new OEM replacement part, and installation. ECM failed. Symptom was a recurring check engine light (P0687) that would reappear immediately after being cleared. Purchased new ECM from eeuroparts.com, and had local Saab independent shop install. Price includes core charge credit. Car wouldn't start. Battery is almost brand new (4 months old). Seems to be a parasitic drain on the battery when shut off, but couldn't find any source - no lights left on, etc. Jump-started the car, everything has been fine (as of 4/6/17). Adhesive holding the side mirror glass failed and mirror fell and shattered. Had to replace mirror glass with new adhesive. 
Saab 9-3 in New York, United States
Mar 2007 - Mar 2012
Feb 2007

27760 mi
Internal fault in right rear caliper. Replaced rotor, caliper and pads under warranty. 
Nov 2007

44488 mi
Front left side seat belt replaced under warranty. Front left side seat belt replaced under warranty. 
Dec 2007

44470 mi
Low Beam headlight failure. Replaced both headlights under warranty. Low Beam headlight failure. Replaced both headlights under warranty 
Apr 2008

48734 mi
Front swaybar bushings and upper front strut bearings. Left front door opening molding replaced under warranty. Front swaybar bushings and upper front strut bearings, and left front door opening molding replaced under warranty 
Sep 2008

57000 mi

US $122
Seat Belt Adjuster. Missed this repair. Parts ordered but not installed Seat belt adjuster (pillar trim) replaced. 
Oct 2008

62000 mi

US $30
Left Low beam headlight. replaced. 
Nov 2008

63000 mi

US $410
Windshield Wiper motor malfunction. Motor replaced. 
Jul 2010

101300 mi

US $500
Power window regulator, driver's side. 
Apr 2011

119000 mi

US $120
Front Coil Spring Broken. Replaced both front coil springs. Front stabilizer bar links loose, upper strut bearings also replaced. 

Return to top

2005 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Saab 9-3 in Texas, United States
Oct 2007 - Mar 2010
May 2008

50000 mi
Noise from driver's front door. Door panel was loose and re-tightened. 
Jun 2008

50000 mi
Trim piece on glove box was replaced, and rattle in door and seat fixed. 
Saab 9-3 in Connecticut, United States
Aug 2008 - Apr 2020
Jun 2014

149000 mi

US $680
Broken spring 
Sep 2016

196000 mi

US $200
bad tie rod 
Jun 2017

212000 mi

US $250
Replace condenser and recharge system. Diagnosed by shop, I replaced the part myself 
Sep 2018

234000 mi

US $5
Heater fan was squeaking. Removed the fan to lubricate it 
Saab 9-3 in Michigan, United States
Aug 2009 - Nov 2011
Dec 2009

72000 mi

US $1110
hub bearing passenger front headlight bulb burned out and the wire harness also bad stabilizer bar bushing replaced 
May 2010

81000 mi

US $380
Broken spring covered under warranty.  strut bushings replaced that I paid for. 
Sep 2010

83000 mi

US $20
drivers side mirror came unglued 
Jun 2011

90000 mi

US $600
left front wheel speed sensor failed triggering abs, stability and traction control failure. Hit a minor bump in road 
Saab 9-3 in Tennessee, United States
Jun 2010 - Jun 2012
Aug 2010

105000 mi

US $741
Water pump was leaking so it was replaced. 
Saab 9-3 in Georgia, United States
Oct 2010 - Jun 2011
Dec 2010

65000 mi
Cabin fan failure. Cabin fan failure - Warranty 
Saab 9-3 in New York, United States
Jan 2009 - Jul 2018
Feb 2009

57000 mi

US $90
Wipers wouldn't operate on intermittent, wouldn't go to home when off. The windshield washer fluid wasn't functioning at all. The wiper motor was replaced, by me, correcting all problems existing. This is common prob. w/ owners, wiper motor is the solutio 
Mar 2010

68000 mi

US $60
springs, struts, seats and bearings. extended warranty. notified before problem by saab that this would be covered if experienced. experienced soon thereafter. great experience. perfectly fixed. 
May 2013

104200 mi

US $25
had to access cabin fan to lubricate it, also replaced cabin air filter. fan had stopped working after squeeling for a while. 
Aug 2013

104300 mi

US $180
Had to replace amplifier for radio 
Sep 2013

105000 mi

US $180
Replaced cabin air fan. Bitch if a job. Did it myself 
Feb 2016

126400 mi

US $400
Rust spot on tight rear quarter panel. Rust has already returned. 
Nov 2016

134100 mi

US $250
Driver side back caliper and pads/rotor all around 
Jan 2017

134200 mi

US $40
Power steering pump needed new gasket/ washer on bearing. It was letting engine oil into system and overflowing power steering reservoir. Fairly easy fix. Myself. 
Apr 2017

143000 mi

US $55
Personally replaced expansion valve Rotors and pads replaced 
May 2017

145000 mi

US $600
Rear spring broke 
Sep 2017

149000 mi

US $75
Power steering pump gasket was leaking 
Saab 9-3 in Minnesota, United States
Jan 2011 - Mar 2015
Oct 2011

48000 mi

US $300
Driver window actuator replaced Heating/ac fan making noise intermittently, dealer replaced under extended warranty. Issue with sway bars. Dealer noticed and replaced under warranty/recall. 
Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Sep 2008 - Dec 2012
Oct 2008

53000 mi
Dealer incorrectly installed weatherstripping after window motor repair, which caused rain water to leak into the front seat. Took dealer three visits to fix. 
Nov 2012

90000 mi

US $20
Air mix stepper motor Headlight lens cleaning 
Saab 9-3 in New York, United States
Jun 2015 - Jan 2018
Jan 2016

US $190
Amp shorted out. Needed new amp. 
Jan 2017

91300 mi

US $200
washer fluid would not work 
Feb 2017

103000 mi

US $800
had to get new front shocks 
Dec 2017

112000 mi

US $825
Wheel bearing needed replacement as well as a few other suspension bits associated with the bearing 
Saab 9-3 in Texas, United States
Jun 2011 - Jul 2016
Nov 2011

64050 mi

US $18
The low beam on the passenger's side went out. 
Mar 2013

67000 mi

US $18
Again the passenger side low beam light went out. Sounds like a recall problem considering all the repair reports. 
Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Mar 2011 - Apr 2019
Aug 2013

67000 mi

US $1225
Replaced water pump and thermostat 
Nov 2013

67300 mi
Front spring broken and both front springs replaced under warranty. 
Saab 9-3 in Oklahoma, United States
Jul 2012 - Aug 2012
Aug 2012

99000 mi

US $2400
ac only blowing hot air. Replacement of cooling fan module, compressor, drier, orings, orifice tube, lines, condensor flush with freon refill. still not working correctly. 
Saab 9-3 in New York, United States
Jan 2012 - Jun 2012
Feb 2012

76200 mi
Coolant leak apparently because of a manufacturing flaw in all-aluminum engine. Kept refilling but then low coolant warning would come back. Engine block was replaced with an aluminum and steel block. 

Return to top

2005 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in New Hampshire, United States
May 2013 - Jun 2015
Jan 2014

US $150
One of the ABS speed sensor wiring harnesses had failed. Easy fix, pricey part (for a bundle of wires). 
Jul 2014

88300 mi

US $55
Blower motor resistor failed due to corrosion on blower fan. Cleaned and lubed motor and replaced resistor. 
Nov 2014

95000 mi

US $140
Rear muffler rusted out, replaced everything from the catalytic converter back. NH uses too much salt on the roads. 
Saab 9-3 in New York, United States
Aug 2011 - Jan 2012
Jan 2012

121000 mi

US $600
Wheel hub wiring problem. Should have cost 20 dollars but the incompitant mech told me it was the wheel hub 
Saab 9-3 in Florida, United States
Nov 2006 - Jun 2013
Sep 2006

14210 mi
unlatched exhaust clip reattached. 
Jul 2011

39000 mi

US $64
turbo bracket bolt missing 
Sep 2011

41000 mi
Above door trim slowly moved forward creating a gap and potential water leak. New clips for trim installed. Saab provided part free to customer. Dealer installed it free without charge to Saab or customer. 
Saab 9-3 in Great Britain
Mar 2013 - Aug 2014
Jan 2014

120000 mi
power steering pump leaking - replaced noisy wheel bearing - replaced 
Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Mar 2012 - Apr 2017
Jun 2012

94000 mi

US $242
Left rear upper control arm worn out causing poor rear-end control 
Apr 2013

98700 mi

US $464
Cracked left rear shock absorber mount. Replaced mount, both rear shocks. 
Nov 2013

108400 mi

US $1100
Radiator slow leak, due to rust on lower radiator body where side frame joins aluminum fins. 
Feb 2014

112100 mi

US $40
Water pump showing signs of leaking. Added stop-leak treatment to coolant, hoping this will buy some time before pump needs to be replaced. 
Jun 2015

129000 mi

US $120
Left front stabilizer bar worn, making "clunking" sound, replaced 
Sep 2015

134000 mi

US $1500
Steering became extremely heavy. Replaced power steering pump, which did not correct the problem. Then replaced rack and pinion. Steering now normal. 
Oct 2015

134300 mi

US $80
Serpentine belt that powers alternator worn. Belt was original equipment. 
Nov 2015

135000 mi
Water leaking into left rear floor. Up to 1/2 inch standing after heavy rain. Gasket sealing cabin air filter housing from firewall disintegrated. Removed, replaced with silicon sealant. 
Saab 9-3 in Colorado, United States
May 2011 - Jan 2013
Oct 2011

75000 mi

US $780
Serepentine belt replacement. Front crankcase seal replacement. 
Saab 9-3 in Ontario, Canada
Dec 2008 - Sep 2014
Sep 2010

67580 mi

C $1900
hvac recirc motor & blower 
Mar 2012

71300 mi

C $1500
Broken springs, sway bars, replaced struts 

Return to top

2005 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 150hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Saab 9-3 in Ireland
Oct 2010 - Aug 2011
Nov 2010

55180 mi
Jerky engagement when car put in drive. Gearbox oil changed which has greatly improved the situation but it has not remedied the situation. Took the car to an auto trans shop who advised that this was a fault in this box and advised an... 
Feb 2011

56600 mi
Routine Intermediate service carried out in accordance with Maintenance Schedule set out in Owners Handbook 
Aug 2011

60760 mi
The transmission was still jerky. A new gearbox would have cost €5,000! 

Return to top

2005 Saab 9-3 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder manual 2WD

Saab 9-3 in Great Britain
Jan 2008 - Apr 2008
Mar 2008

50000 mi
Corroded and broken coil spring. 
Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Mar 2007 - Mar 2010
Nov 2007

20000 mi
Dash display occasionally showed "Steering lock malfunction - see dealer." Faulty ignition switch module was diagnosed and ISM was replaced. 

Return to top

2005 Saab 9-3 4-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Saab 9-3 in New Jersey, United States
Mar 2007 - Sep 2007
Apr 2007

33000 mi
Rear Defroster system intermittently, dealer unable to daignoses and problem did not occur during visit. 
Aug 2007

38000 mi
No heat, air would be produced but, the air was not hot 
Sep 2007

38000 mi
No heat from the heater 

Return to top

2005 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

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

Saab 9-3 in Virginia, United States
Apr 2014 - Jul 2018
Apr 2014

114000 mi

US $20
Welded loose heat shield. 
Apr 2015

127300 mi
Oil leaking into power steering reservoir due to a failed seal 
Mar 2017

146000 mi

US $1300
No start when cold. ECU replaced 
May 2018

163000 mi

US $250
Replaced front struts 
Saab 9-3 in Indiana, United States
Jun 2010 - Jun 2011
Jul 2010

105000 mi

US $375
replaced blower motor 
Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Jun 2009 - Mar 2015
Apr 2010

66000 mi
car lost some power, TEC II detected vac leak in gas cap, dealer replaced cap at no cost.  
Saab 9-3 in Utah, United States
Dec 2008 - Mar 2010
Jan 2009

75485 mi

US $10
High center light bulb out and synthetic oil/filter change. low beam bulb replaced. Runs great. 50 in-town miles and 900 high-speed interstate miles per week (long commute). 
Saab 9-3 in California, United States
May 2010 - Jun 2011
Jun 2010

29000 mi

US $1000
draining battery, source could not be found. tried replacing acc resistor and checked all fuses and starter system 
Saab 9-3 in New York, United States
Mar 2011 - Apr 2017
Nov 2011

108900 mi

US $100
replace worn link rod 
Jun 2014

161000 mi

US $350
replaced leaking intermediate pipe along with gasket and clamp 
Jan 2015

121000 mi

US $149
Brake booster oil seal was leaking. I had the area cleaned and a new seal installed. 
Mar 2016

188000 mi

US $1500
stuck caliper-left rear, replaced caliper, new rear pads and rotors-left and right broken front spring, leaking front strut replaced front springs and struts 
Saab 9-3 in Florida, United States
Oct 2014 - Jul 2017
Oct 2016

32200 mi
Hydraulic piston fail for convertible top. To expense to repair. Top will no longer go down. 
Jun 2017

35000 mi

US $800
replaced hydraulic pistons for convertible top 
Saab 9-3 in Wisconsin, United States
May 2014 - Jun 2015
Jun 2014

106000 mi

US $174
Thermostat required replacement. Replaced the air filter while it was in the shop ($44 of the total $174 for this repair). 
Saab 9-3 in Illinois, United States
Apr 2009 - Mar 2012
Sep 2009

56000 mi

US $238
Anti-pinch window feature kept driver-side window from rolling up completely without driver intervention. Window module was reprogrammed. 
Aug 2010

71000 mi

US $1050
Small rust spot developed under the convertible hatch. No perforation occurred so manufacturer did not cover the repair. 
Sep 2010

73000 mi

US $200
Sway bar linkage rubber bushings worn out. Replaced. 
Oct 2010

74000 mi

US $60
Balance knob broke on the radio. 
Jun 2011

87000 mi

US $100
Car was blowing its low-beam headlight at least once/every two months on the left-hand side and had started blowing the right-hand side low-beam about once every six months. Dealer replaced the bulb connectors on both sides. 

Return to top

2005 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Great Britain
Apr 2017 - Mar 2022
Jun 2017

87000 mi
Any or all of the Turbo boost gauge, Fuel Gauge, Temperature Gauge show that the engine has self destructed with the temperature off the top of the scale, the turbo boost showing that the turbo has just blown itself up, and that there is very nearly a full tank of petrol, when the tank is almost empty. This is a known problem. The previous owner was told that its an earthing [grounding] problem and that the cost of diagnosis and repair would be £2000+. This is a car worth about £1000! The answer is to remove the fourth fuse down (red 10A) in the fuse box, wait for about 20 seconds, and then replace it. This solves the problem for between 1 week and 3 months. 
Jul 2018

98000 mi

£650
Aircon compressor screamed and then stopped compressing. Result - no cooling. Compressor replaced along with some pipes in the cooling system. Initially the system leaked, and so the car had to be returned to the repair shop for a gland to be replaced prior to a second regassing of the system 
Saab 9-3 in Nova Scotia, Canada
Mar 2007 - Jun 2018
Jan 2007

29760 mi
sid warning- low washer fluid when full 
Apr 2013

76560 mi

C $200
throttle cleaning 
Mar 2015

97340 mi

C $300
replaced one front rotor and both front brake hoses 
Jun 2016

100440 mi

C $800
new rear caliper, pads, and rotors 
Apr 2017

101060 mi

C $50
Tail pipe replacement 
Dec 2017

101680 mi

C $260
Flex pipe replacement 
Jun 2018

103540 mi

C $325
Replacement of muffler and exhaust tips 
Saab 9-3 in Quebec, Canada
Mar 2012 - Apr 2012
Apr 2012

74400 mi

C $120
Changing the suspention bearing Electrical connection 

Return to top

2005 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Saab 9-3 in Alabama, United States
Jul 2015 - Jul 2015
Jul 2015

98000 mi

US $3000
Transmission failed during driving. Encountered a flat tire at that time. Car wouldn't start due to steering wheel malfunction had CNM reprogrammed During the replacement of the tranny the motor mount was done. During the replacement of the tranny we did a modification to the air cabin filter area that had a part missing and all other parts aren't correct. During the replacement of the tranny we did a modification to the air cabin filter area that had a part missing and the part number corresponding to that part isn't correct. During the replacement of the tranny we found the radiator busted and needed replacement 

Return to top

2005 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Great Britain
Sep 2007 - Mar 2010
Nov 2007

48000 mi
Worn bushing on rear suspension arm. Suspension arm replaced. Passenger side wing mirror replaced because of cosmetic issue with wing mirror supporting bracket ~ couple of lumps appeared on surface. Motor was faulty (for mirror tilt option) so was replaced with a new motor when identified. 
Mar 2008

58000 mi
Broken front suspension spring 
Jan 2009

80000 mi

£330
Steering control module failed and key transponder failed~ both replaced and keys reprogrammed. 

Return to top

2004.5 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 150hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Great Britain
Apr 2011 - Apr 2013
Jan 2013

84000 mi

£80
two new front anti roll bars 

Return to top

2004 Saab 9-3

Engine not specified

Saab 9-3 in Texas, United States
Nov 2007 - Jul 2008
Dec 2007

35000 mi
the smart key stopped working stranding me at walmart. then went to shop and they reset the key. 

Return to top

2004 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Louisiana, United States
Jun 2016 - Oct 2016
Oct 2016

99000 mi

US $65
changed out the expansion tank. now no longer losing coolant. 
Saab 9-3 in Indiana, United States
Feb 2008 - May 2015
Jan 2008

45000 mi
Amp replaced Oil changed 
Mar 2008

47000 mi
Gas Cap replaced 
Oct 2009

75000 mi

US $340
Ignition Control Module replaced 
May 2010

85500 mi

US $1600
Turbo replaced. Clogged oil return line. Turbo replaced. Clogged oil return line. 
Jul 2010

89000 mi

US $225
Air Recirculation motor needed replaced, $160. Driver side mirror glass fell out. Replaced just mirror glass, $65. 
Mar 2012

121000 mi

US $30
One door wouldn't lock/unlock electronically. The door lock actuator needed to be replaced. 
May 2012

124200 mi

US $350
The struts and shocks were the original on the car and were worn out. Expected at that mileage 
Sep 2012

130000 mi

US $90
Wheel bearing needed replaced on the drivers front tire. 
Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Mar 2011 - May 2014
Oct 2012

53000 mi

US $113
vibration felt through steering wheel. source not found 
Nov 2012

53300 mi

US $800
failed balance shaft chain tensioner and guide 
Dec 2012

54000 mi

US $800
replaced CIM 
Saab 9-3 in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2010 - Apr 2018
Feb 2018

259780 mi
Struts 
Saab 9-3 in New Jersey, United States
Jun 2010 - Jun 2011
Jul 2010

102000 mi

US $185
Window regulator broke 

Return to top

2004 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

Saab 9-3 in Connecticut, United States
Aug 2007 - Dec 2010
Nov 2007

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 
Mar 2008

88000 mi

US $1100
System lock failure displayed. Right rear door lock sticking, part replaced. Mechanic noticed excessive engine vibration/noise while driving vehicle. Belt tensioner needed to be replaced. 
Sep 2009

108000 mi

US $140
Gearbox Malfunction Limited Performance Contact Dealer I was unable to shift car into reverse. Car was towed to dealership that was unable to duplicate problem. Computer resetting eliminated the warning display and problem hasn't reoccured. Driver's side and passenger side windows would automatically roll down 2 inches after rolling up. Dealer made tension adjustment, reset anti-pinch feature. 
Apr 2010

112500 mi

US $170
Saab issued a safety bulletin for broken front springs and I brought the car to the dealer to be inspected. No problems, right front spring broke 2 wks later. While apart they replaced rt front control arm and other misc wear items. 
Nov 2010

119000 mi
Driver's side window would not roll down. Motor replaced; however first window setting not operable, was told I would need another $400 part. The window intermmittently works while holding down the button to open window fully. Key fob would not lock or unlock car, had to manually use key which most of the time would then trigger the car alarm. ABS failure half mile after picking car up from shop; decided to sell car. 
Dec 2010

119000 mi
Driver window control only partially worked when sold. Blown passenger dash speaker and broken CD player when sold. Non-functioning driver heated seat and malfunctioning door locks when sold. Latter problem, "system lock failure," repaired once before.  
Saab 9-3 in Arizona, United States
Nov 2010 - Jan 2011
Dec 2010

88200 mi

US $220
replaced coolant resevoir and put in new coolant. no big deal. Changed coils and spark plugs. also oil change 
Saab 9-3 in New Jersey, United States
May 2011 - Jul 2011
Jul 2011

106000 mi

US $215
VACUUM PUMP REPLACES TIME IT TOOK ME WAS AROUND 40 MINUTES, 10 DAYS TO RECEIVE THE PART 
Saab 9-3 in Texas, United States
Feb 2007 - Jan 2008
Feb 2007

56000 mi
dealer paid to replace blower motor and blower relay that was not functioning properly. 
Jun 2007

64000 mi
Sunroof behaving erratically; replaced switch. 
Jul 2007

68000 mi

US $100
Sunroof was acting erratically. They replaced the switch during my June visit, but the problem persisted. The second time in, they also replaced the sunroof wind deflector as they think that was messing up the pinch protection. 
Saab 9-3 in Georgia, United States
Dec 2004 - May 2007
Nov 2004

2052 mi
- 1000 mile/30 day service - improperly installed sunroof repaired - software update for rough shifting - software update for non-functional fog lamps 
Apr 2005

9411 mi

US $74
- passenger seat belt sensor dysfunctional, replaced by dealer under warranty - oil & filter 
Jul 2005

13615 mi
dealer attempts to fix loud rattles in all doors, 2 slow leaking tires patched, in-dash cd changer non-functional - replaced 
Dec 2005

19731 mi

US $79
oil & filter, both remote keys replaced under warranty due to dysfunction, sunroof software updated due to dysfunction 
May 2006

24730 mi

US $86
brake booster valve replaced under recall, software updates for continuing sunroof dysfunction, four exterior door handles replaced due to excessive fading, peeling hood emblem replaced, front door speakers replaced due to excessive rattling, oil & filter 
Aug 2006

29193 mi
30000 mile free service (oil/oil filter/air filter/etc), tensioner pulley and belt replaced due to premature wear and excessive noise, front struts replaced due to excessive noise and play due to strut failure 
Sep 2006

29210 mi
Car flat-bedded to dealer due to failed ECU - car wouldn't start - ECU replaced, reprogrammed. 
Oct 2006

31654 mi
Trouble starting car - reads "Immobilizer failure - Restart car - Contact dealer" - dealer finds nothing wrong. 
Nov 2006

32930 mi
"Immobilizer failure - Restart Car - Contact Dealer" reoccurs. Unable to remove key from ignition and car will not crank. Eventually find slamming driver door resets computer and key is removeable. 3 tries and car starts. Delivered to dealer with erro 
Saab 9-3 in Texas, United States
Aug 2008 - Mar 2010
Sep 2008

79000 mi

US $3000
Water pump failed, engine coolant leaked. Air conditioning failed. 
Saab 9-3 in Massachusetts, United States
Nov 2007 - Jun 2011
Oct 2008

45000 mi
Tightened loose brake caliper. Replaced cracked windshield fluid reservoir. 

Return to top

2004 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in British Columbia, Canada
Apr 2012 - Sep 2013
Jan 2013

89280 mi

C $2000
ABS lights, traction control lights came on. speed sensor. Water pump leaking - replaced it. Had to replace struts and springs. 
Jul 2013

97960 mi

C $1500
wheel bearing had to be replaced 
Saab 9-3 in Ohio, United States
Feb 2007 - Jan 2013
Sep 2012

106000 mi

US $300
Wheel bearing replaced. 
Saab 9-3 in Washington, United States
Jul 2008 - Jun 2011
Aug 2008

23000 mi
My electronic key broke and would not open my car. The dealer replaced my key after I was told my warranty just had expired, they replaced it for free. 
Saab 9-3 in Ohio, United States
Oct 2007 - Jun 2018
Feb 2008

40000 mi
Worn front strut thrust supports and bushings, both sides. Lubed noisy rear sway bar bushings. False tire pressure sensor failure message with winter wheels installed. Required relearning of monitor system. 
May 2008

43000 mi
Broken right front suspension spring. 
Aug 2010

59000 mi
Head gasket. 

Return to top

2004 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Saab 9-3 in Massachusetts, United States
Mar 2008 - Mar 2010
Dec 2008

60000 mi

US $100
CEL was coming on intermittently so they changed a gasket on the gas cap, since the fault code was emission related. They also gave me a new gas cap in case the old gas cap was the actual problem. 
Saab 9-3 in Massachusetts, United States
May 2008 - Aug 2010
Jun 2008

51000 mi
Fan motor switch only work at one stage and would not shut off even after engine turned off. 
Jun 2010

93000 mi

US $600
Heating and cooling fan motor stopped working. No motor was found in the USA at this time because of change of company filling orders. Car still in shop. 
Jul 2010

94000 mi

US $600
Electric modulator burned out and one could not be found. Spyker's parts held up in customs. 
Aug 2010

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.  
Saab 9-3 in Minnesota, United States
Aug 2010 - Mar 2013
Nov 2011

101000 mi
Replaced winshield wiper motor as the wipers stopped 4 inches up on the windshield after a complete cycle. 
Jun 2012

107000 mi

US $170
Re-charged AC system 
Saab 9-3 in Rhode Island, United States
Dec 2008 - May 2011
May 2009

121000 mi

US $500
Passenger side window stopped working. Replaced the regulator motor. 
Jan 2010

123200 mi

US $350
Crank Position Sensor went bad. Car wouldn't start. 
Sep 2010

126000 mi

US $100
A warming light came on telling me that I had a gearbox error. They updated the computer and the problem resolved. 
May 2011

135000 mi

US $363
Check engine light came on. Was faulty Crank Position Sensor and Faulty Gas Cap. Rear driver door was missing water barrier. Shop replaced water barrier. 
Saab 9-3 in Maryland, United States
Nov 2007 - Mar 2010
Dec 2007

40000 mi
The ash tray would not open or retract properly. 
Saab 9-3 in Indiana, United States
Feb 2009 - Jun 2011
Aug 2009

85000 mi

US $390
had code indicating vapors leaking from tank, smoke test indicated leak in top of tank, dropped tank and repaired, tech stated looked like fuel pump was installed and did not seal correctly 
Saab 9-3 in Texas, United States
Jan 2013 - Feb 2013
Feb 2013

119000 mi

US $120
AC compressor won't come on no electrical current or power to ac 
Saab 9-3 in Oregon, United States
May 2013 - Dec 2014
Jun 2013

34000 mi
New battery, old one was 9 years old. 
Sep 2013

35000 mi
Rear calipers siezed 
Aug 2014

40000 mi

US $45
Power steering reservoir was leaking. This is a sign of a failed power steering pump seal. It is driven directly from the crank and engine oil seeps into the PS fluid. Part was $5 and 1 hour of labor. Power steering reservoir was leaking. This is a sign of a failed power steering pump seal. It is driven directly from the crank and engine oil seeps into the PS fluid. Part was $5 and 1 hour of labor. 
Saab 9-3 in Wisconsin, United States
Jan 2015 - May 2016
Feb 2015

169200 mi

US $750
Fuel pump died while on highway. Had towed to mechanic. 
Jul 2015

175500 mi

US $980
Replaced both upper and lower control arms. Replaced outer tie rods. 
Jan 2016

US $900
4 brake pads and rotors replaced. Back right caliper seazed and replaced. 
Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
May 2012 - Nov 2017
Mar 2013

107000 mi

US $1452
Water Pump leaking. Replaced water pump and coolant. Also replaced serpentine belt and tensor and thermostat while water pump was replaced. 
Jul 2013

108200 mi

US $190
Owner replaced tie rod ends both left and right as right end had worn and torn boot Front sway bar end boot torn and noisy. Replaced sway bar ends on both sides. Windshield wipers would not park properly, washers did not work properly. Replaced wiper motor and linkage 
Aug 2013

109000 mi

US $1400
Replaced front struts, strut mounts and strut bearings. Replaced both rear upper control arms and 4 wheel alignment. 
Jul 2017

130000 mi

US $120
Right rear electric lock replaced. 
Saab 9-3 in Illinois, United States
Dec 2010 - Dec 2011
Mar 2010

122000 mi

US $924
Replaced steering column CIM module.  
May 2010

122000 mi

US $210
Replaced right front headlight housing and bulbs. 
Saab 9-3 in Ohio, United States
Feb 2004 - Dec 2012
Aug 2004

15125 mi
Under warranty CD player replaced 
Dec 2004

19915 mi
replaced Idler pulley and stepper motor 
Jul 2005

28712 mi
30k scheduled.. Also, replaced belt tensioner, ACC belt, and all rusted lug nuts 
Mar 2008

74000 mi

US $150
Mass air flow tube broke away from its anchor causing a hole in the tube creating an engine code and lack of driveability. 
Jul 2011

121000 mi

US $85
Clunking noise from right side front suspension. Replaced strut mount and strut bearing. 
Dec 2011

129000 mi

US $60
Left rear brake light went out. Discovered it was another fried wire. This also caused the right front headlight to burn out. Cleaned wire, soldered back together and all works. Parts are on back order. 
Nov 2012

141300 mi

US $40
Had to replace the washer pump. 
Dec 2012

143000 mi

US $26
Brake fluid reservoir tank cap had cracked. 
Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Sep 2007 - Jun 2011
Sep 2007

55000 mi

US $85
New front hub bearing replaced under warranty. Had the dealer perform an intermediate service while the car was there (oil change and multipoint inspection). 
Feb 2010

125000 mi

US $700
New front strut springs installed. Also had them replace the serpentine belt and perform an intermediate service (oil change and multipoint inspection) 

Return to top

2004 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Iowa, United States
Aug 2008 - Jan 2013
Oct 2008

40000 mi
The light inside the glove box would only come on if i tapped on it so i took it in because I wanted to make sure it wasn't indicative of a larger problem. The sensor apparently just needed to be re-seated on the glovebox door and it is now perfectly fine 
Feb 2009

43000 mi
Shifter knob for 5 speed came off shifter.  
Sep 2009

49000 mi
Alternator made strange sound - replaced.  Key required replacement - had problems with remote entry. 
Sep 2012

89000 mi
Springs had rusted through because of a manufacturing defect and were in danger of shearing off while driving. 
Saab 9-3 in Virginia, United States
Dec 2006 - Aug 2014
Jan 2006

31509 mi
Stability failure message intermitently alerts visit dealer, ESP- CIM C0544-00 Angle Sensor internal fault, R and R no charge last month of factory warranty 
May 2008

34000 mi
Noisy front suspension on small speed bumps, replaced sway bar droplinks and strut tower bearings each side. Left front turn signal inop, bulb anf fuse ok. Headlight assembly replaced. 
Feb 2009

47000 mi
Engine cranks with no run, replaced crankshaft sensor. Passed on scam replacement of spark plugs. Told they were fouled from no run cranking. What BS! 
Mar 2012

81000 mi

US $106
when temp above 80F, warm engine will crank but not run. Changed crank sensor. Problem NOT fixed! 
Apr 2012

81000 mi
car continues to crank but not run every other week. wait 10 min to one hour then it starts. 
Aug 2014

90000 mi
The problem was never fixed to as new status, The dealer was able to program a used(2005) ECU to run and start reliably but the turbo boost was never as new. No dealer wants to maintain an orphaned car. It got great gas mileage in limp mode though. 
Saab 9-3 in Michigan, United States
Jan 2007 - Jun 2012
Feb 2007

32000 mi
Noisy front suspension. Sway bars needed lubrication 
Jan 2012

US $1000
Broken spring 
Saab 9-3 in Washington, United States
Feb 2010 - Dec 2011
Mar 2010

50000 mi

US $125
left headlamp needed replacing 
Dec 2011

67000 mi
Computer shows service needed, fluid out etc but it doesn't need it. dealer reset, but message still shows Also gas gage indicates tank is empty - opted to not repair it. 
Saab 9-3 in Arkansas, United States
Feb 2007 - Jun 2018
Jul 2007

19000 mi

US $15
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 Off side dipped headlight burned out. Replaced with H7 bulb. No problems. 
Aug 2009

32000 mi

US $8
Passenger side low beam headlight burned out. Replaced H7 bulb. 
Sep 2010

35000 mi
Right turn signal working intermittently. Local shop could not replicate problem. 
Oct 2010

35000 mi

US $1049
Right turn signal working intermittently. Dealer replaced column integration module. 
Jul 2013

38200 mi

US $108
Replaced battery 
Nov 2013

39000 mi

US $5
Replaced left side headlamp 
Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Sep 2010 - Mar 2014
Oct 2012

96700 mi

US $258
Replaced Expansion Tank due to leaky 'nipple' that connects to hose. 
Sep 2013

110000 mi

US $400
Leaking coolant hose replaced. 
Saab 9-3 in Utah, United States
Jul 2012 - Feb 2016
Sep 2012

111000 mi

US $900
After purchase, recvd message "steering lock malfunction". Took to mechanic and had CIM replaced. Also replaced leaking steering pump. 
Sep 2014

150000 mi

US $350
Replaced ball joint, end link. 
Mar 2015

162000 mi

US $10
Replaced headlight bulb for the 7th or 8th time. They burn out about every 6 months. I'm sure there is an underlying issue, but at $10 a bulb, it's cheaper to just replace the bulb than to have a tech look into the root cause. 
Feb 2016

175000 mi
Clutch went, simply worn out due to miles. Sold car to dealer instead of repairing. 
Saab 9-3 in Arizona, United States
Jul 2010 - Nov 2010
Sep 2010

60000 mi

US $180
Faulty temperature blend stepping motor in A/C Replaced broken glove box 
Saab 9-3 in Ohio, United States
Aug 2007 - Jan 2009
May 2007

39600 mi
Driver's side front spring replaced 
Aug 2007

44000 mi
Power steering pump replaced; SID Display replaced 
Oct 2007

47000 mi
Leaking crankshaft seal, repaired under warranty. Pulley and serpentine belt also replaced as they were saturated with oil. 
Dec 2007

48000 mi
Car stalled and would not start. Dealer replaced engine management computer under warranty. 
Apr 2008

52000 mi
Broken front passenger-side spring. Rear door latch replaced. 
Saab 9-3 in New Jersey, United States
Jan 2007 - Aug 2015
Mar 2010

51000 mi

US $1000
Broken spring, known issue under warranty. Column interface module faulty causing left signal to remain on. 
Aug 2011

58000 mi

US $1200
Fuel pump failed, was replaced. 
Saab 9-3 in Alberta, Canada
Jan 2010 - Apr 2010
Mar 2010

43400 mi

C $150
Oil was leaking from the cam shaft. A seal was replaced The SID or Saab information display went blank. I had to take it to two different shops to get it fixed. The first one wasn't "authorized" by GM so they sent me to the second. They said it was just fluky, lucky me... 

Return to top

2004 Saab 9-3 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Saab 9-3 in Michigan, United States
Apr 2007 - Dec 2008
Jul 2007

47000 mi
Slight click on right hand turns 
Aug 2008

62000 mi
Power steering overfilled by dealer during a routine maintnance. Local GMC dealer diagnosed and solved problem free of charge while doing my oil change. 
Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Jan 2007 - Mar 2010
Apr 2007

45000 mi

US $300
windows not rolling up correctly. burnt wire harness in headlamp. Squeaking belt from faulty belt tensioner. 

Return to top

2004 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Texas, United States
Apr 2008 - Jun 2022
May 2008

25000 mi

US $80
Windshield washer failed to work. 
Sep 2008

27000 mi

US $150
Windshield washer pump relay replaced. 
Jul 2011

39000 mi

US $100
Both headliner hydralic valves for the convertible topped needed replacing (leaking). 
Apr 2014

47200 mi

US $1400
Replaced convertible top hydraulic motors. Replaced rear brakes. 
Nov 2014

48300 mi

US $90
Clutch return spring clip broke; entire assembly had to be replaced. 
Dec 2015

49000 mi

US $300
Hear/ac blower motor and resistor replaced. 
Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Jun 2012 - May 2013
Jul 2012

169000 mi

US $500
engine sensor (not able to start the car) stabilizer bars making a lot of noise 
Mar 2013

172000 mi
One of the hydraulic hose of my convertible top is broken. The part has been back ordered for months. I recently found a UK website selling the hose so I just ordered it yesterday. 
May 2013

172000 mi
AC compressor is not working. Apparently there is coolant leak somewhere but both my mechanic and dealer couldn't find out what is wrong. I have to refill the coolant everyweek. The fuel gauge is not working. The entire fuel pump (fuel level sensor) has to be replaced to fix that. 
Saab 9-3 in Massachusetts, United States
Oct 2013 - Mar 2018
Jun 2015

120000 mi

US $20
strut bearing replacement two coils replaced 
Nov 2015

123100 mi

US $120
Replaced another coil 
Jun 2016

128000 mi

US $30
Strut mount bearing. 
Mar 2017

145000 mi

US $360
Noisy bushing in rear 
Nov 2017

158000 mi

US $30
Replaced all four engine mounts Replaced worn tie rod end Replaced a prematurely worn strut bearing that was only lasted 20,000 miles 

Return to top

2004 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

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

Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Feb 2012 - Sep 2013
Jan 2013

70200 mi

US $300
Left front wheel hub replaced. 
May 2013

73200 mi

US $380
Front passenger side power window motor replaced 
Saab 9-3 in Ontario, Canada
Mar 2016 - Jul 2016
Jun 2016

94860 mi

C $800
Change CIM and steering wheel lock and ignition switch 
Saab 9-3 in British Columbia, Canada
Aug 2014 - Jun 2018
Dec 2014

59520 mi

C $30
Vacuum pump was leaking oil. Replaced the vacuum pump gasket and put silicone on the one inside the pump housing. A bit messy but a cheap fix. 
Jun 2017

65720 mi

C $200
Car had noise from uneven pavement cause by loose brake pads. Re-fitted the pads. Replaced front sway bars. Replaced exhaust brackets. 
Saab 9-3 in Nevada, United States
Apr 2011 - Jan 2014
May 2011

51300 mi
changed burned out low beams changed burned out low beams 
Oct 2013

68000 mi
The driver's seat belt is kaput. It can be used butrnnot as originally intended. Can't get a new belt. 
Saab 9-3 in Illinois, United States
Mar 2015 - Apr 2016
Apr 2016

115000 mi

US $4
Driver door control switches all failing due to convertible top leaks. This causes the car alarm to go off intermittently and is SUPER annoying. 
Saab 9-3 in Ohio, United States
May 2016 - Jun 2022
Jan 2017

US $40
leaking valve cover gasket 
May 2017

95000 mi
seat belt retractor failed, found out it was covered by a recall.  
Jan 2018

99000 mi

US $145
Seat Heater drivers side failed, coil burnt. Not worth cost to fix it. 
Aug 2021

105000 mi

US $680
ECU Failure, No start condition Throttle Body Position sensor Fail 
Saab 9-3 in Wisconsin, United States
May 2010 - Feb 2011
Jun 2010

168000 mi

US $300
Car would shutter upon full boost, gas gauge inop. Replaced fuel pump and spark plugs at approx $300 
Sep 2010

178000 mi

US $270
Heard louder noises coming from the front end. Found it needed two wheel bearings. Purchased a pair from Rock Auto @ 269 with shipping. Installed myself in my garage in approx 3 hours. Problem solved. 
Oct 2010

179300 mi

US $45
Check Engine light came on, and car lacked power. Pulled a code for Boost Controller Malfunction. Replaced Boost Controller, issue solved. 
Saab 9-3 in Massachusetts, United States
Aug 2009 - Mar 2010
Sep 2009

35000 mi
windshield wipers stopped working. replaced parts (?) and alls fine now 
Saab 9-3 in Rhode Island, United States
Oct 2007 - Jun 2011
Nov 2007

45000 mi
Fog Lamp electrical short due to defective plastic lamp cover 
Saab 9-3 in Georgia, United States
Jul 2011 - Oct 2015
Aug 2012

129700 mi

US $150
Hydraulic convertible roof failure 
Jun 2014

145000 mi

US $950
AC compressor failed and needed to be replaced 
Saab 9-3 in Massachusetts, United States
Sep 2010 - Jan 2013
Oct 2010

57000 mi

US $1297
Couldn't start. Replaced Column Interation Module that controls alarm and steering.  Also Ignition Switch Module that controls remote activity and monitors ignition position, also 2 remote transmitters.  Also yaw rate sensor. What an ordeal. Fortunately Saab paid half of total cost. 
May 2011

62800 mi

US $500
Replaced passenger door window motor.  
Saab 9-3 in Illinois, United States
Sep 2010 - Mar 2011
Mar 2011

45000 mi
Power windows stopped working and door locks! I paid 90 dollars for the window switch and installed the part myself.  

Return to top

2004 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in New Jersey, United States
Jan 2015 - Jun 2022
Jun 2018

94000 mi

US $100
the driver door handle is broken again, 3rd time in 18 months or about 200 pulls per repair :) 
Saab 9-3 in Virginia, United States
Aug 2007 - Mar 2012
May 2010

61000 mi

US $400
Fuel sending unit failed, fuel gauge not working due to that. 
Oct 2010

63300 mi

US $950
Water pump was noticed by oil change mechanic over a year ago to have a small leak. Car suddenly and frequently required more anti-freeze. Took in to dealer for water pump replacement. 
Nov 2010

64000 mi
Low coolant level light came back on and coolant level had dropped since water pump replacement. Dealer pressure tested it overnight and could not find leak. Said if it happens again they will dig deeper. 
Mar 2011

65000 mi
Same problem - low coolant level. Dealer can't find where the slow leak is coming from. Did another pressure test on cooling system. 

Return to top

2004 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Saab 9-3 in New South Wales, Australia
Jan 2008 - Aug 2014
Mar 2008

22320 mi

A $87
Recirc air vent motor was rattly. Roof needed lube. 
Aug 2008

28520 mi

A $1600
1. Gearbox malfunction light came on. 2. Seats wouldn't slide horizontally when the handle to let the rear seat passanger in was used. 
Mar 2009

34100 mi

A $120
Front passenger seat would no longer recline forward to allow passengers to enter to the back seats. 
May 2011

63860 mi

A $270
problem 1: gearbox clunky. Could not replicate problem. No error codes found. Oil OK. 
Jan 2012

62000 mi

A $4500
Gearbox overhaul 
Jun 2014

92380 mi

A $150
Diagnose coolant leak. They said it was most likely an internal leak. They wanted more time to check it out, I said no since it would probs be expesnsive. 
Aug 2014

92380 mi
I discovered that water leaked into the spare tire area of the boot, when it rained heavily. From when I got it (2.5y old) I would hear water drops when raining, but never knew where. Until the last day i owned it. Coolant leak never found. 
Saab 9-3 in Ohio, United States
Feb 2012 - Feb 2018
May 2012

43500 mi

US $500
Broken front spring 
Oct 2017

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. 

Return to top

2004 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in South Africa
Nov 2013 - Jan 2022
Nov 2014

43600 mi

R 10
Replaced outside air temperature sensor 
Sep 2021

51460 mi

R 70
Replace battery 

Return to top

2003.5 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 150hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Great Britain
Dec 2013 - Nov 2015
Jan 2014

157000 mi

£200
EGR Solenoid 
Jul 2014

144800 mi

£250
Inter-cooler fail, required replacement 
Sep 2014

149000 mi

£100
Replacement of rods 
Mar 2015

166000 mi

£250
Suspension rod bearing fail. Replaced 

Return to top

2003 Saab 9-3

Engine not specified

Saab 9-3 in Connecticut, United States
Jun 2010 - Jul 2011
Jan 2011

153300 mi

US $950
right front wheel bearing, 450 replaced radiator, 500 
Jul 2011

166000 mi
clutch master cylinder Secondary air injection pump Right front shock/strut Exhaust mounts rusted out and was barely hanging on. Autolocking door cylinder, Trunk latch not working Fuel pump sending unit not working (gas gauge doesn't work) 
Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Aug 2010 - Jun 2011
Sep 2010

50000 mi

US $10
Told I needed to replace the Head light connectors. Cost $300.00. Bought connectors myself and repaired myself. Cost $10 
Saab 9-3 in Utah, United States
Dec 2007 - Mar 2010
Jan 2008

51000 mi

US $73
Changed Exhaust parts and reset ECU program by Tech II machine. Check engine light comes up again. I don't know do I pay for it again or not. I will pick up my car tomorrow. Dealer told me that if those problem relate with previous, they will not charge it to me. But, if it is not related with same problem, they will 

Return to top

2003 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Massachusetts, United States
May 2009 - Jul 2009
Jul 2009

97000 mi
When sold, sunroof motor needed to be replaced as it would not work during hot summer days (this was already replaced 1 other time in 2007). When sold an air intake problem caused the car to severely shudder (and almost stall out) during heavy acceleration. 
Saab 9-3 in New York, United States
Nov 2012 - Dec 2012
Dec 2012

75000 mi

US $1100
emissions air pump 
Saab 9-3 in Connecticut, United States
Oct 2012 - Nov 2012
Nov 2012

117000 mi

US $100
SAI Cutoff valve 
Saab 9-3 in Illinois, United States
Nov 2011 - Jun 2016
Dec 2011

97000 mi

US $100
Drivers side rear door actuator fault. 
Jul 2013

122700 mi

US $200
Bad caliper 
Dec 2014

141000 mi

US $150
Power steering pump replacement, bad seal 
Saab 9-3 in Greece
Jun 2010 - Mar 2023
Dec 2011

66960 mi

€80
Replaced boost control valve 
Jun 2013

73160 mi

€150
Engine mount 
Jul 2014

76360 mi

€15
I had to replace myself the broken reverse lock plastic piece under the gear lever. Cost 15 euro. I did it myself. 
Mar 2023

93620 mi

€100
Intake hose from M A F to turbo was broken 
Saab 9-3 in Delaware, United States
Apr 2010 - Jun 2011
May 2010

109000 mi

US $250
The headlights were unusually dim. One of the light bulbs was incorrectly installed and the wiring was discolored. The dealer replaced the wiring and bulbs. The lights are much better; although, I still wish that they were brighter. 
Saab 9-3 in New Jersey, United States
Dec 2012 - Jan 2013
Jan 2013

US $150
Coil Pack replacement 
Saab 9-3 in New Hampshire, United States
Feb 2006 - Jul 2012
Jan 2006

24272 mi
OnStar amp replaced 
Feb 2006

24714 mi
Emergency brake handle replaced 
Dec 2006

30972 mi
OnStar box replaced 
Aug 2007

37000 mi

US $25
Loose heat shield. 
Mar 2010

51000 mi
Front coil springs broken, replaced. Front struts and steering links replaced 
Jan 2012

55100 mi

US $788
Secondary Air Injection pump and check valve had failed. They were replaced. 
Feb 2012

63000 mi

US $500
Fuel tank level sender replaced 
Saab 9-3 in Massachusetts, United States
Aug 2010 - Sep 2012
Sep 2010

68000 mi

US $968
Cabin fan did not work Control unit was also burnt out. Replaced cabin fan motor, control unit, and air filter. Check operation everything was ok when done 
Mar 2011

71000 mi

US $247
Replaced LH front upper strut mount and bearing. Replaced LH front sway bar link. 
Jun 2011

72000 mi

US $288
Fixed driver’s side window(recalibrated) Replaced both rear upper strut mounts. No A/C from center or right side. Turned out it needed a refrigerant dye and a recharge system. Right side front side marker out. Socket rotted. Replaced socket and bulb. Fixed passenger’s side window(recalibrated) 
Dec 2011

78000 mi

US $45
hooting noise from turbo when letting off accelerator. Due to a valve on the turbo. Put stock air filter back in(took out K&N) and it helped reduce hooting(pssst) noise when presure is released. Also have a squeeky AC fan. 
Mar 2012

80000 mi

US $175
One of the A/C fans was making a noise as if a bearing was going unit. Then the A/C stopped blowing cold. Took it in quick fix was a re-charge. May need the whole A/C system to be replaced down the road, but works for now. 
Jun 2012

81000 mi

US $1426
Problem with A/C. Had Dye stick and Freon done to get a base line. New Expansion valve, AC evaporator, and seal ring. Also Dye Stick and Freon. Note there was a metal OEM piece part of the fire wall that rusted. Others will have the same issue. We still have water leaking in the car during a rain. 
Saab 9-3 in New York, United States
Aug 2010 - Mar 2011
Sep 2010

112000 mi

US $60
The ball joint was bad on the left front and replaced with a used part. 
Saab 9-3 in Michigan, United States
Mar 2011 - Mar 2014
Nov 2011

198000 mi

US $600
oil leak. Noticed oil on driveway after parking car. Shop said it was a common problem on my car. said oil was actually leaking into power steering fluid.. which made sense since my steering had also been "off" during leak. 
Mar 2014

258000 mi

US $500
water pump broke 
Saab 9-3 in Missouri, United States
Sep 2010 - May 2011
Oct 2010

77800 mi

US $200
Window regulator was broken Head Lights, Fog Lights Window regulator was broken 
May 2011

89000 mi

US $440
Replaced amp under the drivers seat  and windshield wiper transmission. 
Saab 9-3 in Missouri, United States
Dec 2006 - Apr 2007
Feb 2007

56000 mi
Throttle "helper spring" dislodged because the clip that holds it in place broke. I discovered it on the floorboard 
Saab 9-3 in New York, United States
- Aug 2006
Jan 2006

40000 mi
Replaced front end suspension. under warranty 
Aug 2006

44000 mi
Window fell off track. While in car wash! warranty 
Saab 9-3 in Colorado, United States
Aug 2015 - Mar 2017
Jun 2016

171000 mi

US $30
Radio signal very weak, no stations being received clearly, FM or AM. Replace antenna amplifier with a used unit purchased on eBay. Repair not successful. 
Feb 2017

173000 mi

US $16
Passenger side low-beam bulb replaced. 
Saab 9-3 in New York, United States
Dec 2006 - Jun 2011
Aug 2008

67000 mi

US $480
The check valve for the SAI pump did not work. The fuel pump sensor had to be replaced. 
Dec 2008

69000 mi

US $310
Driver side window regulator did not work. 
May 2010

80000 mi
The front left spring was broken. 
Dec 2010

84000 mi

US $100
One of the ignition coils stopped working and had to be replaced.  
Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Dec 2006 - Mar 2010
Feb 2008

51000 mi

US $827
Ignition switch and steering wheel lock failure. Could not start car. Could not turn ignition switch. 

Return to top

2003 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

Saab 9-3 in Florida, United States
Jan 2006 - Mar 2010
Apr 2006

38500 mi
Saab Hood Emblem replaced ACC trim panel replaced due to peeling finish on button 
Jun 2006

42000 mi
Drivers side door handle replaced due to fading OnStar shark fin antenna replaced due to fading 
Feb 2007

54000 mi
headlight assembly failure cd player failure 
May 2007

60000 mi

US $661
Headlight bulb shorted out. Transmission cooler line came loose. 
Jun 2008

81000 mi
Main seal leaking 
Saab 9-3 in Arizona, United States
Jun 2016 - Jun 2016
Jun 2016

119000 mi
radiator/hoses leak. headlight went out. 
Saab 9-3 in New York, United States
Oct 2008 - Sep 2012
Dec 2008

55150 mi
Column Integration Module (Saab Part No. 12805196) replaced. 
Jun 2009

63000 mi
A/C blower motor was replaced Both front springs were replaced 
Feb 2010

73000 mi

US $300
passenger side, rear caliper seized, locking that wheel 
Feb 2011

89300 mi

US $340
Tie-rod end replaced. 
May 2011

91000 mi

US $130
Sway bar link was broken 
Aug 2011

93300 mi

US $120
loose exhaust heat shield 
Sep 2012

112000 mi

US $180
replace one rear caliper and rotor. replace pads, both sides, rear. 
Saab 9-3 in Ontario, Canada
Nov 2007 - Mar 2010
Dec 2007

52700 mi

C $161
Strut mount worn, replaced both and included water guard. Alignment required and paid for by customer. Xenon light flickering. Headlamp module and socket repair may be needed. Module repaired unsuccessful in fixing issue Headlamp Socket was repaired subsequent to headlamp module being repaired. Problem seems to have been fixed at this point. 
Feb 2008

55180 mi

C $100
Parking brake would not release. Wheels would not move, car needed to be towed to dealer. Dealer was able to release parking brake. There is a TSB on the parking brake release issue, dealer did not offer repair, said "try not to use it". 
Aug 2008

62000 mi

C $300
Visited shop for spark plug change, routine. Since then, engine rough idle. Apparently cylinder/valve damage after spark plug routine change. Vehicle at shop ever since, 2.5 weeks. Due to cost, adjustor has to authorize repairs. 
Sep 2008

63240 mi

C $100
Replaced engine w/ used one. due to cylinder 3 & 4 damage. cylinder 3 was damaged in shop, cylinder 4 was damaged during a previous visit.  
Feb 2009

69440 mi
CD changer skips in cold weather. Known issue with Clarion cd changer, dealer refuses to fix because could not replicate in warm shop. Also, only occurs during driving, and dealer did not test drive.  Replaced rusty wheel bolts. (known issue, to rust). 
Mar 2009

70680 mi
Coolant level dropped twice in 2 weeks to warning level. Shop not able to find leak, used dye in coolant and returned 1 week later, still no evidence of leak. Told to keep eye on levels. No repair, no cost. 
Saab 9-3 in Connecticut, United States
Oct 2015 - Nov 2015
Oct 2015

108000 mi

US $900
Replaced coils. 
Nov 2015

108000 mi

US $600
Vacuum intake, fuel pump, system flush 
Saab 9-3 in Taiwan
Jul 2010 - Sep 2011
Jun 2010

62125 mi

$1450
Steering and suspension, repair 
Jul 2010

63011 mi

$13
antenna cover replacement 
Aug 2010

64187 mi

$60
intake pressure sensor 
Dec 2010

66654 mi

$70
cd player parts 
May 2011

72736 mi

$300
brake vaccum pump oil seal replacement preheating oxygen sensor replacement 
Jul 2011

74957 mi

$175
water temp. regulator coolant coolant reservior  
Aug 2011

75956 mi

$170
rear right window motor rear oxygen sensor replacement 
Sep 2011

78120 mi

$7172
check engine light on due to oxygen sensor voltage low check engine light on due to front oxygen sensor reading low voltage check engine light on due to front oxygen sensor reading low voltage. could caused by catalytic converter leak 
Saab 9-3 in New Jersey, United States
Jan 2006 - Jun 2011
Aug 2006

49000 mi
Rear Main Engine Seal 
Aug 2009

49500 mi
Door Gasket Leaking, replaced 
Jan 2010

102500 mi

US $630
Replace Alternator 
Mar 2010

105000 mi

US $60
Gearbox Malfunction, Limp home. Problem resolved but reappeared 1 hr after leaving shop. 
Dec 2010

113000 mi

US $35
All Warning Lights coming on, Radio/Dash not Lighting..... Battery was disconnected for a time.... problem never returned. Saab Gremlins 
Saab 9-3 in Connecticut, United States
Feb 2008 - Mar 2010
Saab 9-3 in Massachusetts, United States
Aug 2013 - Jun 2015
Aug 2014

109300 mi

US $250
Bad coil 
May 2015

120700 mi

US $90
Recharge A/C. No leak found? 
Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Jan 2008 - Mar 2010
Feb 2008

90000 mi

US $849
Car wouldn't shift right. 
Mar 2008

92000 mi

US $876
Gearbox malfunction light came on not even 24 hours after getting it back from 23 days in the shop. 
Saab 9-3 in Tennessee, United States
Mar 2012 - Mar 2015
Apr 2012

139800 mi

US $150
Weeping radiator from plastic fins on both driver and passenger sides. Ordered replacement radiator, installed by self. 
Aug 2012

149000 mi

US $40
Rubber seal between engine and power steering pump had deteriorated, allowing oil to flow unilaterally into the power steering pump and reservoir. Removed power steering pump, replaced seal with viton aftermarket seal. Reassembled. 
Jan 2013

US $45
Exterior "shark fin" dummy antenna showed severe signs of rotting. Rear parcel shelf, C-Pillar trim, and top brake light cover removed. Unscrewed antenna bolt, severed old, nonfunctional OnStar wires. Installed new antenna, reassembled. 
Jun 2013

155000 mi

US $55
Lower oxygen sensor failed 
Nov 2013

158600 mi

US $240
Alternator went bad. Replaced alternator and (still good) serpentine belt. 
Jan 2015

163000 mi

US $42
Brake booster vacuum line had rotted away from power steering pump leak. Replaced part with new part supplied by dealer. 
Feb 2015

176600 mi

US $200
Outer tie rod ends and sway bar links worn causing sloppy steering and uneven tire wear. Replaced at home. 
Saab 9-3 in Ohio, United States
Sep 2012 - Sep 2013
Sep 2013

41000 mi

US $140
Sway bar linkages replaced, bilaterally 
Saab 9-3 in New South Wales, Australia
Oct 2009 - Aug 2010
Mar 2009

37200 mi

A $6300
Brand new automatic transmission!! Original price for transmission $14,000. Haggle haggle haggle and get the price down. Saab are trying to recover costs by charging customers on spare parts - not good Saab!! 
Aug 2010

39680 mi
Many ongoing problems when sold. Ignition control unit (ICU)... radio... interior trim, rattles, the car continued to rattle, squeak, and fall apart. 
Saab 9-3 in Illinois, United States
Aug 2011 - Jan 2013
Sep 2011

91000 mi
passenger side door has no power. window, lock and mirror not working. disconnected and reconnected battery to clear error. also cleared immobilizer failure error. 
Saab 9-3 in New Hampshire, United States
Apr 2010 - Jun 2011
May 2010

70000 mi

US $100
Rough shifts (automatic transmission) going from Reverse to Drive where the whole car would rattle and a metallic noise would sound from under the hood. Also had rough shifts from first to second. Replaced transmission. 

Return to top

2003 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Saab 9-3 in Maryland, United States
Nov 2008 - Mar 2010
Mar 2009

92000 mi

US $1079
Oil Cooler had a leak and needed to be replaced. 

Return to top

2003 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Saab 9-3 in Illinois, United States
Sep 2008 - Dec 2010
Oct 2008

60000 mi

US $1000
Replace secondary air injection pump, check valve, and associated hoses, as pump was ruined because of previously "stuck open" check valve, allowing exhaust gas condensate to enter the pump and freeze during winter months. 
Aug 2009

71000 mi

US $950
Replace front and rear main seals to correct an engine oil leak. 
Jul 2010

81000 mi

US $566
Replacement O2 sensor and ECU reflash to latest version. Replacement front coil suspension. I was made aware of this by a letter from Saab NA. I was told the warranty for this part had been extended to 10 years. Coils replaced free of charge as expected. 
Saab 9-3 in Oklahoma, United States
Sep 2009 - Jun 2011
Jan 2010

78850 mi

US $144
Car did not start. Had it towed to a mechanic, the fuel pump went out. Last April(less than a year and 12000 miles ago) the Saab dealer replaced it but it went out again. I am trying to get my money back from the dealer but they don't want refund. Faulty O-ring between the radiator and transmission. It was leaking coolant so I got it fixed, fortunately did not need to replace the radiator. 
Jun 2010

82000 mi

US $600
The vehicle was leaking coolant. Waterpump had to be replaced. 
Saab 9-3 in Komi Rep., Russia
Nov 2007 - Jun 2010
Sep 2007

55800 mi

$200
1. Thrust bearing, PartNo 9191181 2. Support bearing, PartNo 24435884 
Jun 2008

59520 mi
Replaced in Rear axel: 1. Cross stay upper 2. Cross stay 3. Links for the anti-roll bar 4. Almost bushings  
Dec 2008

69440 mi
Driver's window stopped go up & down. Because of frost it freezed and broked the plastic "piece" which is holding the rope... 
Saab 9-3 in Connecticut, United States
Dec 2008 - Sep 2014
May 2009

64000 mi

US $550
ABS Bearing on PF wheel went bad. Covered by warranty.  Also, leak in A/C caused minor water damage in PF footwell. Covered by owner. 
Sep 2009

71000 mi

US $100
A/C not working, so it was taken in. Vacuum Pump faulty, replaced. Rear Main Seal leaking. Warranty company would not validate RMS, so I drove the car for 2 weeks til RMS leaked more oil. 
Oct 2009

73000 mi

US $168
Rear Main Seal continued a slow oil leak, as Dealership foretold. Returned to Dealer, where problem was successfully repaired. 
Nov 2009

73000 mi

US $400
Neutral Safety Switch, leaving the car thinking it was in 2nd gear (incapable of being in Park, so I left in a level parking lot with the e-brake on). Could not be restarted, as it was in gear. Towed to shop. Repaired. 
Mar 2010

78000 mi

US $150
Tranny. Had to be replaced. Fitted with factory-rebuilt. Also had a vacuum hose crack during service, which had to be replaced. 
Aug 2010

83000 mi

US $100
Fuel Sensor and Fuel Sender replaced. 
Sep 2010

84000 mi

US $550
oil leak in gasket behind timing belt. water leak in cowl drain. cowl and drainage system replaced. 
Dec 2011

100000 mi

US $1000
Loose front right tie rod was discovered during an end of warranty inspection. Replaced under warranty. Leaky power steering pump round during end of warranty inspection. Replaced under warranty. 
May 2014

126300 mi

US $1200
Water pump replaced. 
Sep 2014

127000 mi
Clutch is going. Transmission needs replacing. No cost because I am not repairing it. 
Saab 9-3 in New Jersey, United States
Jan 2009 - Jul 2009
Jul 2009

90000 mi

US $880
O2 sensor. O2 sensor wiring harness compromised, allowing moisture in. Took three repair trips to resolve. Shocks. 
Saab 9-3 in New Jersey, United States
Nov 2008 - Mar 2010
Dec 2008

54000 mi
The blower on the heater stopped working so no air was coming out of the vents. My wife was borrowing the car that day and had the worst drive of her life in an unbearably cold car. Dealer installed new blower. 
Saab 9-3 in New Hampshire, United States
Feb 2010 - Jun 2011
Mar 2010

94000 mi
Anti-vibration shaft chain tensioner needs to be replaced. Spring mounts need to be replaced. Auxiliary air pump needs to be replaced. 
Saab 9-3 in Maine, United States
Jul 2012 - Apr 2015
Oct 2012

135800 mi
Had to replace rear brake pads and calipers, and turn the front rotors. 
Jul 2014

156700 mi

US $1400
Soft steering --,dangerous, required major part and pulling motor. Side and brake light; now, two months later, same problem. Air bag warning lights come on, off . Hood and top of cab has paint peeling, fading badly. 
Nov 2014

160500 mi

US $120
A new (one month old) tire blew out while I was Driving; had to be towed to have it replaced. It later turned out it was because a piece of the rear passenger side broken spring, not identified or repaired until March, pierced it. 
Mar 2015

163000 mi

US $2500
Bar was replaced, along with three springs. front light again went out -- cost $200! 
Saab 9-3 in Illinois, United States
Oct 2014 - Mar 2016
Jan 2015

127000 mi

US $230
Replace alternator and serpentine belt 
Mar 2016

141000 mi

US $1100
Replaced entire exhaust system 
Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Jan 2014 - Sep 2014
Apr 2014

151800 mi

US $235
Tensioner broke, snapping the belt rendering the car inoperable. 
May 2014

156000 mi

US $500
Alternator went. 
Saab 9-3 in Quebec, Canada
- Jan 2008
Jan 2008 front strut mount bearings, both sides Airbag system failure 
Saab 9-3 in Georgia, United States
- Apr 2011
Mar 2010

US $2400
AC motor replaced, because it was locking up and the belt was slipping as it is connected to the AC motor. 
Apr 2010

60000 mi

US $200
Coolant leak tube replaced. 
May 2010

62000 mi
Coolant leak fixed again. 
Mar 2011

75000 mi

US $650
Interior A/C Vent Motor Failed 
Apr 2011

78000 mi

US $500
Replaced oil gasket. Car had a major oil leak underneath, and was drenched in oil that was smoking from under the car. 
Saab 9-3 in Georgia, United States
Dec 2002 - Feb 2008
Dec 2002

2000 mi
Car failed to start. Towed and repaired under warranty. 
May 2004

35000 mi
onstar unit failed. Replaced under warranty 
Oct 2004

48000 mi
pass door and window inoperative. Replaced under warranty 
Mar 2005

60000 mi
pass door and window relay inoperative. Replaced free under Saab "program" 
Oct 2006

64500 mi

US $1008
Rear crank seal leaking, replaced 
Nov 2006

65000 mi

US $400
inoperative climate control system. Electronic fault. 
Jul 2007

68000 mi

US $650
Drivers side front and rear window regulators malfunctioned same week. Motors ok, regulator lifts only replaced. 
Saab 9-3 in Ohio, United States
Apr 2013 - Jun 2018
Jun 2018

240000 mi
Car sold - Still ran great engine and transmission-wise! Has oil leak (moderate),  trans leak (minor), no other major problems! 
Saab 9-3 in Georgia, United States
May 2007 - Feb 2012
Apr 2007

65000 mi
Replaced solar sensor and the display unit. Covered under extended warranty. 
Aug 2007

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. 
Sep 2007

76000 mi
Under warranty. Same ongoing problem with the drivers seat. They replaced the frame. Still same problem exists. Front passenger window failed while going down. Made a loud noise and then stopped working. Repaired under warranty. 
Oct 2007

76000 mi
Passenger window stopped working. 
Jan 2008

82000 mi
Same problem with falling driver seat. Engine light came on. Dealer replaced some kind of vacuum part. Rear windshield rubber molding disintegrating. Replaced. 
Jul 2008

84000 mi
Engine light caused by faulty engine "back flow(?)" valve. Replaced under CPO warranty. 
Sep 2008

86000 mi
Immobilizer malfunction. Had to replace ignition key module. 
Mar 2011

104000 mi

US $220
Transmission revving when slowing down. Flushed and replaced fluid. 
Feb 2012

110000 mi

US $300
Clogged drain resulting in wet interior. 
Saab 9-3 in Washington, United States
Mar 2012 - Sep 2018
Aug 2015

166000 mi

US $600
The electronic steering look system was malfunctioning. The repair shop took the ignition control module apart and cleaned all contacts on the circuitry. 
Jan 2018

178000 mi

US $500
Blower fan was seized. Mechanic replaced blower fan and resitor. 
Feb 2018

178000 mi

US $400
Left rear tail light circut board was shorting. Tail lights break light and turn signals would work intermintly. Replaced tail light circut board,wiring harness and conector. 
Saab 9-3 in California, United States
May 2004 - Mar 2013
Mar 2004

6200 mi
Gearbox malfunction. Reprogrammed SPS. Covered by warranty. 
Nov 2004

12600 mi
Water pump bolts leaking, reseal bolts. Covered by warranty. Onstar unit replaced. 
Feb 2005

15300 mi
Door handles replaced under warranty. 
Nov 2005

21300 mi
Remote keys replaced under warranty 
Jan 2006

23000 mi
Transmission slips between 2nd and 3rd. No problem found. 
Mar 2006

23900 mi
Steering wheel lock malfunction. 
Apr 2006

25500 mi
Brake booster vacuum recall. Low coolant. Radiator leak on driver side seam. Replaced under warranty. Gearbox malfunction light. Short to ground SLM. Readd SLM under warranty. 
Jul 2006

27600 mi
Transmission replaced under warranty 
Nov 2006

31000 mi
Performed oil cooler quick coupling reprogramming under warranty 
Mar 2007

21300 mi
Battery failure, replaced under warranty. 
Apr 2008

43800 mi
Gearbox malfunction. P0826-06 fault code. Readjust SLM. No charge. 
Nov 2008

47900 mi

US $260
Driver side window regulator replaced. 
Jun 2010

63000 mi

US $460
Window regulator replaced in front passenger side 
Oct 2011

74000 mi

US $60
Gearbox malfunction on display. Repair shop said they could not duplicate, probably intermittent problem. 
Saab 9-3 in Rhode Island, United States
Jun 2010 - Jul 2013
Jul 2010

86000 mi
Ignition switch went bad Front upper strut mount broken 
Aug 2010

88000 mi

US $400
Fixed original strut mount problem 
Feb 2011

93000 mi

US $750
Steering lock solenoid seized causing the car immobilizer to not allow startup. 
Saab 9-3 in Massachusetts, United States
Jan 2007 - Mar 2010
Mar 2007

36000 mi
Fuel gauge 
Apr 2007

37000 mi
fuel pump 
Jun 2007

37000 mi
charcoal canister for fuel system 
Saab 9-3 in New Mexico, United States
Jul 2011 - Oct 2011
Sep 2011

99000 mi

US $800
Replacement of alternator assembly. 
Saab 9-3 in Ontario, Canada
Jan 2007 - Aug 2008
Mar 2007

46500 mi
"Gearbox Malfunction - Limited Performance - Contact Saab Dealer" error message displayed on SID. Cleared by dealer. 
Apr 2007

48360 mi

C $100
Power steering pump replacement. 
Apr 2008

62000 mi

C $100
6-disc changer replaced. 
May 2008

62620 mi
Replaced 6 disc in-dash changer due to constant skipping. 
Aug 2008

63860 mi

C $600
Replaced the AC fan and amplifier a few weeks before I sold it, it had moisture build-up and had stopped working. 

Return to top

2003 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in Wisconsin, United States
Jul 2007 - Nov 2008
Oct 2007

69000 mi

US $250
FRONT WHEEL BEARING-UNDER WARRANTY OIL CHANGE, ROTATE TIRES, REPLACE SOME BULBS & AIR FILTERS, REAR BRAKES-GENERAL MAINTENANCE 
Saab 9-3 in New York, United States
Feb 2006 - Mar 2010
Jan 2006

26000 mi
traction control problem, front end noise, and saab emblems looked to be coming apart 
Apr 2006

32000 mi
passenger side seatbelt warning light came on with no one in seat and front end noise from suspension. fixed the seat sensor, and still no fix for the front end noise. 
May 2006

34000 mi
fog lamp went out, rear seat release broke, driver side lumbar cable snapped, traction control issue again, and sunroof would close then go back open, staying in the open position. software fix for sunroof, replaced the lamp and fixed the lumbar in seat. 
Jul 2006

36000 mi

US $556
replaced front rotors and brakes, front end noise continues - no fix, interior knobs peeling, door handles faded, and alarm going off for no reason inside of garage. software for alarm, replace knobs, door handles, and lug nuts 
Oct 2006

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. 
Dec 2006

51000 mi
front end noise still and issue - nothing. replace all control arms and still didn't fix the noise, had gotten really bad and now (jan 6 2007) still there. shift knob came apart and front passenger side door close sensor is bad saying the door is staying  
Mar 2007

55000 mi

US $350
this car sucks goat balls. I had every light up front out when i took it to the shop. Every drive light the only thing that worked was on fog light i had replace one month ago. I did hire a lawyer and he got me three thosand dollars from saab because this 
Saab 9-3 in Colorado, United States
Jan 2011 - Mar 2011
Feb 2011

96000 mi

US $325
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!! Left headlight went out. It cost me $300 for a new one!! I think they called it a Zion light (Xenon) which is more expensive. This car is costing me an arm and leg to repair. Great car BUT will cost you to fix!! 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!!  Left headlight went out. It cost me $300 for a new one!! I think they called it a Zion light which is more expensive. This car is costing me an arm and leg to repair. Great car BUT will cost you to fix!! 
Saab 9-3 in Wisconsin, United States
Jan 2013 - Aug 2013
Mar 2013

88000 mi
Strut bearings and struts replaced. 
Jun 2013

89000 mi

US $581
Engine and transmission mounts replaced to solve buzzing/rattling and rough engine. Problem not solved. 
Jul 2013

89000 mi

US $961
The problem ended up being a balance shaft tensioner. 
Saab 9-3 in New York, United States
Apr 2015 - Sep 2018
Dec 2015

105000 mi

US $340
replaced SAI pump/or smog pump, and the SAI check valve. Bought both from eEuroparts.com 
May 2018

128000 mi

US $80
Replaced rusted out flex pipe 
Saab 9-3 in Washington, United States
Jun 2014 - Jun 2015
Apr 2015

126000 mi

US $450
Engine stall and missfire. Fix was replacement of ignition. Liquid was spilled into it. It would turn off the engine while running or missfire. 
Saab 9-3 in Quebec, Canada
Oct 2010 - Dec 2011
Nov 2010

117800 mi

C $500
While getting winter tires mounted, mechanic noted right rear brake caliper was frozen and had caused excessive wear to rotor. Had to replace both. 
Jul 2011

123160 mi

C $240
Replaced leaking oil pressure switch. Also had the serpentine drive belt replaced. Car had 199954km at the time. 
Sep 2011

125240 mi

C $1300
cable for the power driver's side window kinked and the whole regulator had to be replaced. Car suddenly refused to start. Towed to mechanic who after MUCH frustration found numerous intermittent electrical connections under the fuse box. Also found loose starter motor and fixed but that was not the cause of the problem. 
Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Jul 2010 - Jan 2016
Nov 2010

72000 mi

US $150
Steering wheel mounted switch for audio volume control failed. Replacement part was ordered, but not yet installed.  
Saab 9-3 in Ohio, United States
Oct 2008 - Mar 2011
Mar 2009

78000 mi

US $16
Left low beam headlight burned out. Took an hour to get the bulb from a parts store and replace it myself. 
May 2010

104000 mi

US $750
Fuel pump needed replacement. 

Return to top

2003 Saab 9-3 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder manual 2WD

Saab in Pennsylvania, United States
Dec 2006 - Mar 2010
Apr 2007

37000 mi
CD Changer jammed while attempting to change from one disk to another. Unable to remove any disks; needed a new disk changer. install cd changer water leak in right rear footwell. Not sure if caused by what appeared to be an improperly installed doorseal or not, dealer tested integrity of door seal & repositioned. 

Return to top

2003 Saab 9-3 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Saab 9-3 in Washington, United States
Feb 2007 - Mar 2010
Jul 2007

43000 mi
Oil pump leaking fluid. 
Saab 9-3 in Georgia, United States
Feb 2007 - Mar 2010
Mar 2007

62000 mi

US $1200
After replacing the fuel system module with its sensor and having a subsequent engine stoppage, the dealer reinstalled the ECM software. A week later the car stalled in traffic again and would not restart. Towed to dealer, dealer had to install another After fuel system module replacement, the car stalled on the road, had car towed to the dealership. The reflashed ECM based on diagonistics. Eventually in a later visit the ECM was replaced. Fuel gauge failed to report fuel level. Dealer reported fuel pump and module had to be replaced. 

Return to top

2003 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

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

Saab 9-3 in Great Britain
Mar 2013 - Jun 2016
Jul 2013

76500 mi

£155
altenator burnt out ignition system failed 
Saab 9-3 in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2008 - Mar 2010
Sep 2008

63240 mi

C $1500
Engine sludge & PCV fix from latest TSB. The engine thus needed to drop sump,remove valve cover,secondary oil lines and clean. Replace timing chain and serpentine belt. Email: ultimately replaced engine. 
Dec 2008

63240 mi

C $360
This was a TSB for PCV valve retrofit to avoid possible sludge build up. 
Jan 2009

65100 mi

C $560
Water pump replaced. 

Return to top

2003 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Jun 2011 - Jul 2018
Jul 2011

98000 mi

US $1000
Car brought in for 90k maintenance, returned twice in two weeks - 1st for pressure hoses for power steering system,  then again for failing AC compressor. 
Oct 2011

100000 mi

US $110
convertible gasket seal is allowing water in via flange (capillary action drawing it inside the window) - water drips down the interior of the window/door when it rains heavily. 
Jan 2012

105800 mi

US $1140
temp sensor for coolant 
Jan 2013

105000 mi
intermittent engine temp sensor failure grinding noise from passenger side mid-engine (around drive belts) 
Jun 2017

132000 mi

US $3500
Valve seals blew - installed new old stock crate engine 

Return to top

2003 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Saab 9-3 in Illinois, United States
Feb 2011 - Sep 2016
Jul 2016

156000 mi

US $300
Exhaust system...muffler 
Saab 9-3 in New Hampshire, United States
Oct 2010 - Oct 2018
Jun 2011

95000 mi
Plastic piece on driver seat replaced 4 times (varies from $40-$60 each time) -- very cheap plastic. This time collision shop found a way to bolt it down and did not replace it -- so far, so good. 
Aug 2011

98000 mi

US $1500
replace ac compressor for 2nd time in 2 yrs, now the hose is broken too 
Sep 2011

99000 mi
AC hose replaced 
Apr 2012

111800 mi

US $500
transmission supports giving out 
Jul 2012

116000 mi

US $333
CV joint or something like that. Need to repair plastic side piece on driver's seat AGAIN - #6 I think. 
Oct 2012

121700 mi

US $500
Axle and some other part on right front side, hard to get the parts. 
Nov 2012

124100 mi

US $600
right front axle finally found ordered and replaced 
Jan 2013

126200 mi

US $80
left front headlight not working on high beams; upon checking it is noted by owner that light is not working at all 
Mar 2013

132000 mi

US $40
The light was actually fixed this time. 
Sep 2013

142000 mi

US $200
Alternator needed to be replaced; also battery as alternator had damaged it. 02 sensor, about a week after the alternator 
Apr 2014

153000 mi

US $950
I had a transmission mount and one motor mount replaced for about $800. Also had an oil leak and had a gasket replaced for approximately $150. I will need the other motor mount replaced for about 300 $ and also brakes for about 500 $ when I return to the States in June. 
Mar 2016

184000 mi

US $1500
not sure 
Jun 2016

187000 mi

US $800
compressor third time 
Sep 2016

204000 mi

US $1000
5th AC Compressor. Are you sure this car has never been recalled for AC Compressor issues? AC just went out again - it is July of 2017, less than one year since work was done. 
Sep 2018

219000 mi

US $425
I needed the ignition module replaced;  also I had a left bright headlight that kept burning out; both were fixed and care is running well (a different shop replaced this part with a defective part)....  
Oct 2018

219000 mi
Bringing it back next week for left transmission mount repair and tire rotation - to the new shop in NH, not the shop in Maine 
Saab 9-3 in Michigan, United States
Apr 2009 - Sep 2018
Sep 2010

95000 mi

US $250
Pulley and bearing on alternator failed, serpentine belt destroyed. Alternator replaced, serpentine replaced. 
Sep 2011

106000 mi

US $200
Alternator replaced 
Oct 2011

106300 mi

US $100
Replaced oil drain box and hose according to technical service bulletin. Parts purchased online and installed myself. Engine had sludge problem and this fixed it over next two oil changes. 
Mar 2016

127000 mi

US $185
Flex pipe rusted out (second time in two years) and needed to be replaced. Muffler has small holes, but still consider it serviceable. 
Saab 9-3 in Alabama, United States
Jul 2014 - May 2018
Aug 2014

114500 mi

US $200
Replaced DIC with proper unit. Red (Trionic 5) on a car that needed a black (Trionic 7). Car ran fine with the red - but the knock sensor on a T5 DIC is far more sensitive subsequently pulling the timing back a bit too much. Replaced ACC fan controller with used unit 
Oct 2014

115300 mi
AC compressor/expansion valve/receiver-dryer replacement. Compressor clutch pulley bearing noisy. Update March: Still underway. The replacement compressor wasn't quite correct one, so old one went back on and a short-belt bypass is currently in place. 
May 2015

121000 mi

US $165
Replaced compressor 
Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Mar 2010 - Sep 2015
Apr 2010

57000 mi

US $250
speed sensor for abs was bad 
Dec 2010

63000 mi

US $800
Hole in stainless exhaust flex tube caused by corrosion. 
Mar 2013

83000 mi

US $1200
A seal was leaking somewhere in the system. Brakes wouldn't hold when first driving car. 
Jan 2014

91700 mi
Information center was unreadable. Many bad pixels 
May 2014

90200 mi

US $100
Information center was unreadable. Replaced unit. 
Jun 2015

94000 mi
Stretched timing chain. 
Saab 9-3 in Georgia, United States
Aug 2007 - Mar 2010
Jun 2008

55000 mi
repair/replacement of ignition sensor and replace serpentine belt. 
Mar 2009

64000 mi

US $350
A/C switch went bad also cabin filter replaced. 

Return to top

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

2011 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 2011 Saab 9-3 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.