Saab 9-3 Saab 9-3

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Saab 9-3 repairs by problem area

Engine (32%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (4%)

Brakes and Traction Control (5%)

Suspension and Steering (16%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (28%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (9%)

Other (7%)

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Chart based on 1972 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the Saab 9-3.

Saab 9-3 suspension repair cost distribution

$2500+ (2%)

$1000 - $2499 (15%)

$500 - $999 (14%)

$100 - $499 (33%)

< $100 (35%)

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

Chart based on 271 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2009 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

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

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. 
19430 mi

$18000
Both rear shock absobers leaking, replaced. OEM P/N 12848627. 

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2009 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual AWD

2500 mi alignment 
43000 mi mechanic found loose tie rod end 
69000 mi

US $300
Leaking shocks 
84900 mi

US $60
Left rear bearing 

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2009 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

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

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

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2009 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

58000 mi

US $1426
Needed new front springs, were broken so replaced struts at the same time to avoid duplication of future labor. 
67000 mi

US $1000
Rear shock leak and failure 

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2009 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

30100 mi

C $100
Replaced links 

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2009 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual AWD

57840 mi

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

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual AWD

27000 mi Power steering fluid leaking from steering rack and hitting exhaust manifold causing smell. Rack to be replaced under warranty. Part on order. 
27500 mi Steering rack replaced, four-wheel alignment performed. Warranty repair. 
84000 mi

US $800
Replaced self-leveling shock absorber 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

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

45260 mi

C $156
Front sway bar links were making noise. Parts replaced and fixed. 
140740 mi

C $1000
Sway bar links and strut mounts and bearings replaced due to wear. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD

251000 mi

US $600
Front control arms, sway bar bushings, wheel bearings. Rear control arms, sway bar bushings and wheel bearings Rear brakes 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

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. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

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

135160 mi

C $200
Link kit replacement, passenger side. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

71300 mi

C $800
Rear shock was leaking, replaced shocks and springs 
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. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual AWD

25200 mi

C $780
Power steering pump shot; XWD-specific parts needed to be ordered in from Sweden and installed. 
34700 mi Power steering fluid level low. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD

86000 mi

US $400
Front Springs broke, needed to be replaced. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

101000 mi

US $1400
Struts, springs and tie rod ends 
55680 mi

C $650
struts front clunking on bumps. nothing short of annoying but did not effect driveability. 
58280 mi

C $20
Power steering was not working. Flushed system. No issues 
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. 
94000 mi

US $650
Both front coil springs replaced as they had broken. 
102300 mi

C $50
Left rear upper shock absorber mount cracked. The part was replaced with a new one. 
107260 mi

C $130
Replace both front springs. They had broken about 4" along from the bottom end. 
133920 mi

C $1110
Leaking front right shock strut. Broken rear springs. 
140120 mi

C $200
One week after finishing the clutch replacement the right front wheel bearing became noisy. I replaced it myself. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

124000 mi

US $1000
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.  
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. 
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. 
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. 

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2008 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD

79360 mi Front link kit and rear bushings 

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2008 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

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

21300 mi

US $100
Lose suspension bolt and oil change 

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2007 Saab 9-3

Engine not specified

81000 mi

US $1700
driver and passenger side springs broke 

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2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

50500 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. 
76260 mi

C $1
Front sway bar links needed replacement 
72000 mi

US $620
Replaced strut end bearings (making noise as spring wound-up & unwound). Also replaced front brake pads (wear item) 
163000 mi

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

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2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

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

127720 mi

C $100
Replaced front struts and swaybar linkages. Was overdue - brought handling back to like new. 
81220 mi

C $150
Spring 
93180 mi

C $150
Spring (second one) 
127720 mi

C $120
stabilizer bar upper strut mount rear spring 
30000 mi Excess play on front anti-roll bar link arm. 

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2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

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

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. 

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2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

64000 mi

US $150
small leak from power steering line. replaced fitting 
139100 mi

US $1500
Replaced leaking / worn out (aftermarket) Koni Sport Shocks 
41000 mi

US $454
clunk in rear of car. replaced part of the rear suspension. 

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2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD

48000 mi

US $1000
Replaced front coil springs, one was broken, one failing 
119060 mi

C $600
Sway bar links loose, replaced with oem 
132680 mi

C $1500
Camber bolts had rusted and rotted. New bolts were ordered and installed before alignment 
146940 mi

C $600
Front springs 

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2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

18000 mi Front anti-sway bar was making a clunking sound. 
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. 
41540 mi

C $660
Front suspension coils broken and replaced. 
50220 mi Replacement 
100800 mi

US $500
noisy bearing 
73800 mi

US $260
replaced rear shocks 
99700 mi

US $1100
Replace front links, struts, springs (1 spring broken). 
130000 mi

US $1400
2 front sway bar links 
105380 mi

C $1200
Cracked strut mount. 
108500 mi Needs strut mounts & coil spring. The coil spring had completely broke. Did not repair. The car will be headed for salvage. 

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2007 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

98000 mi

US $400
Some kind of leak of oil into the power steering pump, had to change a gasket 
122000 mi

US $100
The o-ring in the power steering pump was shot. Engine oil and steering oil was mixing in the steering oil reservoir. 
27000 mi Replaced sway bar ends 
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 
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. 
50000 mi

C $2000
Aside from brakes and drums the front Coil springs where replace because of corrosion, all original SAAB parts 
33000 mi Power steering hose has corroded, causing a small leak. 
53000 mi

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

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2007 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

44300 mi Steering lock malfunction. Part replaced. 

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2007 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

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

42000 mi

US $1900
replaced leaking power steering pump. 
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. 
103000 mi

US $1597
Replaced noisy drivers side front wheel bearing Replaced leaky power steering pump 
116395 mi

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

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2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

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

38000 mi Front left spring broke 
87000 mi

US $40
Replaced existing sway bar links with a beefier part due to subpar OEM life. 
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. 
31000 mi The car makes a noise when the wheel is turned sharply while moving. Still. 

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2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD

63000 mi

US $201
replaced worn sway bar end links 
70000 mi

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

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2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

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

124900 mi

US $130
Replaced shock absorbers 
140000 mi

US $200
Replaced struts 
65100 mi

C $900
tie-rod end 
33000 mi

US $200
Knocking noise from front passenger side. Dealer found broken coil spring. Replaced under warranty and recall campaign for this MY 

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2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

50000 mi Brake service - new pads and rotors 
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. 
66900 mi

US $330
Replaced ball joints at end of sway bar 
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. 
17000 mi Front strut bushings replaced. 
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. 
142700 mi

US $35
Remove Power steering pump assembly, replace O-ring and seal. 
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. 
121700 mi

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

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2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon

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

75020 mi

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

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2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

65720 mi

$700
steering column lock (electronic lock) is indicating that steering is locked when its not, unable to start the engine, 
120000 mi

US $1000
Broken front springs required replacement 
100000 mi Front springs broke and repaired under GM warranty campaign. Damaged tire and towing not covered. 
133800 mi

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

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2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD

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 
30000 mi Light clunking noise from left from suspension was determined to be left front strut and was replaced. 
36000 mi replace worn right front inner tie rod 
65000 mi front right spring cracked 
83000 mi

US $50
Sway bar link 
145000 mi

US $100
replaced broken shock absorbers and mounts 
140900 mi

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

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2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

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. 
18600 mi Knocking front suspension and/or rattly steering rack. 
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. 
46000 mi Minor repair. Loose fly bar in suspension caused knocks on bumps. Tightened for no charge - repair took 45 minutes. 
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. 
141000 mi

US $200
Power steering was seeping oil. Time to replace at 140,000. 
91000 mi

US $900
Needed Tie-rods Replaced steering pump 
79000 mi

US $25
Sway bar links were worn out and rattling over bumps. Replaced them. 
79500 mi

US $300
Power steering pump seal failed, allowed engine oil to be pumped into steering system (this is a common issue) 
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 
49000 mi Second time a front coil spring has broken. This is a crappy Saab part. 
107800 mi

US $160
Front spring broke both replaced with aftermarket parts 
122222 mi

US $1700
Had to replace defective seat position sensor 

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2006 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

10000 mi Knocking sound coming from front suspension when cold. 
11000 mi Rattling from front end due to defective front suspension bushings. 
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. 
217000 mi

US $110
Driver's side lower control arm containing the lower ball joint was loose and had play. This was replaced 
93000 mi

US $50
Sway bar end links replaced 
36000 mi Bad strut bearing (drivers side, front). Dealer replaced both front strut bearings as a precaution. 
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. 
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! 
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. 
96000 mi One of the sway bar links which had been replaced in June of 2017 failed and was replaced under warranty. 

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2006 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

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

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. 
130000 mi

US $30
Power Steering Reservoir leaking at power steering pump. Removed PS pump, removed reservoir from pump. replaced seal, reassembled. 
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. 
135300 mi

US $50
Sway bar links worn. Removed and replaced sway bar links. Knocking when going over bumps resolved. 
114000 mi

US $140
Rear shocks 

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2005 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

84800 mi Passenger side front spring snapped. Covered under extended warranty. 
93300 mi

US $225
Replaced front struts 

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2005 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

95000 mi Broken front coil spring 
118000 mi

US $15
replaced sway bar end links due to damage when removing them for axle replacement earlier 
122000 mi Rear upper control arm bushings worn (both sides). Replaced complete arm with bushings 
48734 mi Front swaybar bushings and upper front strut bearings. Front swaybar bushings and upper front strut bearings, and left front door opening molding replaced under warranty 
119000 mi

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

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2005 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

72000 mi

US $1110
hub bearing passenger front stabilizer bar bushing replaced 
81000 mi

US $380
Broken spring covered under warranty.  strut bushings replaced that I paid for. 
149000 mi

US $680
Broken spring 
196000 mi

US $200
bad tie rod 
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. 
111700 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. 
145000 mi

US $600
Rear spring broke 
149000 mi

US $75
Power steering pump gasket was leaking 
48000 mi

US $300
Issue with sway bars. Dealer noticed and replaced under warranty/recall. 
67300 mi Front spring broken and both front springs replaced under warranty. 
103000 mi

US $800
had to get new front shocks 
112000 mi

US $825
Wheel bearing needed replacement as well as a few other suspension bits associated with the bearing 

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2005 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

120000 mi power steering pump leaking - replaced noisy wheel bearing - replaced 
94000 mi

US $242
Left rear upper control arm worn out causing poor rear-end control 
98700 mi

US $464
Cracked left rear shock absorber mount. Replaced mount, both rear shocks. 
129000 mi

US $120
Left front stabilizer bar worn, making "clunking" sound, replaced 
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. 
71300 mi

C $1500
Broken springs, sway bars, replaced struts 

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2005 Saab 9-3 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder manual 2WD

50000 mi Corroded and broken coil spring. 

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2005 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

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

127300 mi Oil leaking into power steering reservoir due to a failed seal 
163000 mi

US $250
Replaced front struts 
108900 mi

US $100
replace worn link rod 
188000 mi

US $1500
broken front spring, leaking front strut replaced front springs and struts 
73000 mi

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

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2005 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

74400 mi

C $120
Changing the suspention bearing 

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2005 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

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

98000 mi

US $3000
Car wouldn't start due to steering wheel malfunction had CNM reprogrammed 

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2005 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

48000 mi Worn bushing on rear suspension arm. Suspension arm replaced. 
58000 mi Broken front suspension spring 
80000 mi

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

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2004.5 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 150hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

84000 mi

£80
two new front anti roll bars 

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2004 Saab 9-3

Engine not specified

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) 

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2004 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

124200 mi

US $350
The struts and shocks were the original on the car and were worn out. Expected at that mileage 
130000 mi

US $90
Wheel bearing needed replaced on the drivers front tire. 
259780 mi Struts 

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2004 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

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 
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. 

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2004 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

106000 mi

US $300
Wheel bearing replaced. 
40000 mi Worn front strut thrust supports and bushings, both sides. Lubed noisy rear sway bar bushings. 
43000 mi Broken right front suspension spring. 
89280 mi

C $2000
Had to replace struts and springs. 
97960 mi

C $1500
wheel bearing had to be replaced 

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2004 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

40800 mi

US $5
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. 
175500 mi

US $980
Replaced both upper and lower control arms. Replaced outer tie rods. 
108200 mi

US $75
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. 
109000 mi

US $1400
Replaced front struts, strut mounts and strut bearings. Replaced both rear upper control arms and 4 wheel alignment. 
121000 mi

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

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2004 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

32000 mi Noisy front suspension. Sway bars needed lubrication 
68000 mi

US $1000
Broken spring 
39600 mi Driver's side front spring replaced 
44000 mi Power steering pump replaced; SID Display replaced 
52000 mi Broken front passenger-side spring. 
34000 mi Noisy front suspension on small speed bumps, replaced sway bar droplinks and strut tower bearings each side. 
89000 mi Springs had rusted through because of a manufacturing defect and were in danger of shearing off while driving. 
51000 mi

US $1000
Broken spring, known issue under warranty. 
111000 mi

US $900
After purchase, recvd message "steering lock malfunction". Took to mechanic and had CIM replaced. Also replaced leaking steering pump. 
150000 mi

US $350
Replaced ball joint, end link. 

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2004 Saab 9-3 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic 2WD

47000 mi Slight click on right hand turns 
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. 

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2004 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

169000 mi

US $500
stabilizer bars making a lot of noise 
120000 mi

US $20
strut bearing replacement 
128000 mi

US $30
Strut mount bearing. 
145000 mi

US $360
Noisy bushing in rear 
158000 mi

US $30
Replaced worn tie rod end Replaced a prematurely worn strut bearing that was only lasted 20,000 miles 

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2004 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

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

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. 
65720 mi

C $200
Replaced front sway bars. 
68500 mi

US $300
Left front wheel hub replaced. 

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2004 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

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

43500 mi

US $500
Broken front spring 

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2003.5 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 150hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

149000 mi

£100
Replacement of rods 
166000 mi

£250
Suspension rod bearing fail. Replaced 

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2003 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

40000 mi Replaced front end suspension. under warranty 
112000 mi

US $60
The ball joint was bad on the left front and replaced with a used part. 
80000 mi The front left spring was broken. 
141000 mi

US $150
Power steering pump replacement, bad seal 
51000 mi Front coil springs broken, replaced. Front struts and steering links replaced 
71000 mi

US $247
Replaced LH front upper strut mount and bearing. Replaced LH front sway bar link. 
72000 mi

US $323
Replaced both rear upper strut mounts. 

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2003 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

52700 mi

C $640
Strut mount worn, replaced both and included water guard. Alignment required and paid for by customer. 
63000 mi Both front springs were replaced 
89300 mi

US $340
Tie-rod end replaced. 
91000 mi

US $130
Sway bar link was broken 
155000 mi

US $950
right front wheel bearing, 450 
166000 mi Right front shock/strut 
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. 
176600 mi

US $200
Outer tie rod ends and sway bar links worn causing sloppy steering and uneven tire wear. Replaced at home. 
62125 mi

$1450
Steering and suspension, repair 
41000 mi

US $140
Sway bar linkages replaced, bilaterally 

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2003 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

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

90000 mi

US $880
Shocks. 
64000 mi

US $550
ABS Bearing on PF wheel went bad. Covered by warranty.  
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. 
55800 mi

$200
1. Thrust bearing, PartNo 9191181 2. Support bearing, PartNo 24435884 
59520 mi Replaced in Rear axel: 1. Cross stay upper 2. Cross stay 3. Links for the anti-roll bar 4. Almost bushings  
81000 mi

US $566
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. 
94000 mi Spring mounts need to be replaced. 
48360 mi

C $100
Power steering pump replacement. 
156700 mi

US $1400
Soft steering --,dangerous, required major part and pulling motor. 
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. 
163000 mi

US $2500
Bar was replaced, along with three springs. 
86000 mi Front upper strut mount broken 
88000 mi

US $400
Fixed original strut mount problem 
front strut mount bearings, both sides Airbag system failure 

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2003 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 175hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

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  
69000 mi

US $250
FRONT WHEEL BEARING-UNDER WARRANTY OIL CHANGE, ROTATE TIRES, REPLACE SOME BULBS & AIR FILTERS, REAR BRAKES-GENERAL MAINTENANCE 
88000 mi Strut bearings and struts replaced. 

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2003 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

98000 mi

US $1750
Car brought in for 90k maintenance, returned twice in two weeks - 1st for pressure hoses for power steering system,  

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2002 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

37200 mi

C $92
Strut Mount 
51150 mi

C $300
New wheel bearing 
60140 mi

C $1800
New stainless steel exhaust, new pads and rotors on all four corners and new ball joint. 
63860 mi

C $500
Front spring and control arm. Change spark plugs.  
92240 mi

C $300
Wheel bearing 
105400 mi

C $250
Strut assembly blew threw the body. 
108500 mi Wheel bearing needs replacement 
76000 mi

US $200
Right rear shock leaking. Harsh ride in rear. Replace both rear shocks with OEM parts from dealer. 
95000 mi

US $200
Power steering pressure hose burst. Replaces both pressure hoses as 2nd line was corroded and split open during repair of 1st line. 
121700 mi

US $720
Replaced both front struts. Also replaced tires (wear items). 

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2002 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

161000 mi

US $200
Worn ball joints, replaced control arm 
89000 mi

US $50
Tie rods frozen, required replacement for alignment 
110000 mi

US $20
Replaced driver side sway bar end. Rust had caused the bolt holding it in place to fail. 

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2002 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Burst into flames. Suspect ruptured PAS hose spraying hydraulic fluid onto exhaust 

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2002 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

121000 mi

US $50
Bushing at inner tie rod wore out and disinegrated, resulting in death-wobble and the destruction of one engine mount as well. Easy, cheap DIY fixes. 

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2001 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 230hp 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD

121000 mi

US $800
front right bearing started to seize. Bearing and assembly replaced. 

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2001 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

93000 mi

US $2885
Tie rod ends worn out, left tie rod end dangerously worn and close to detaching, all tie rods replaced. Front struts and rear shocks worn out, new strut insert and shocks installed. 

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2001 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 185hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

124820 mi

C $150
Tie rod ends changed Steering bushings changed Suspension bushing changed 

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2001 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 185hp 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

162000 mi Front right wheel suspension/steering. Costco said it needed a hub or ball joint. Ended up being something else. 

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2001 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 205hp 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

165000 mi

US $1125
replaced several front end pieces. 

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1999 Saab 9-3

Engine not specified

127000 mi

US $220
Noise when turning steering wheel, empty power steering fluid reservoir every 15-20 miles, failed/broken power steering rack seals. Noise and rattling from front end, especially when driving over bumps. Deteriorating/failing front strut tops/mounts and struts. 
167200 mi

US $565
Power Steering hose had a leak. A new high pressure hose was purchased and installed. Took a long time due to the part not coming in right away. 
192000 mi

US $1500
Steering Rack Replaced with rebuilt unit. Then hose leaks, then more repairs before alignment, ball joints, struts, idler arm, outer tie rod end... 
120260 mi

C $700
A ball joint needed to be replaced. 
117000 mi

£93
My track rods ends were seized and it took the mechanics 2 hours in total to get them out and replace. A common problem i was advised as with the vauxhall. Access was somewhat limited for the mechanics 

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1999 Saab 9-3 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder manual 2WD

167000 mi power steering fluid leaking 
120280 mi

C $250
Replaced worn outer tie rod ends. 
122760 mi

C $300
Replaced worn rear axle bushings for better handling. 

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1999 Saab 9-3 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic 2WD

106000 mi

US $4000
Power steering pump had to be rebuilt. 
106500 mi

US $850
Replaced tie rod ends and strut mounts. 
102000 mi

US $1500
Brakes needed repair as well as struts, shocks and other items as well 

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1999 Saab 9-3 4-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

143000 mi

US $75
Broken spring 

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1999 Saab 9-3 2-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder manual 2WD

136400 mi

C $260
replaced front ball joints 
108500 mi

US $300
Noise upon hitting bumps on right front end. Replaced right front strut mount. 
122700 mi

US $29
Pulling to the right. Bad wheel bearing. R&R right front wheel bearing. Pulling when going over lane indicators. R&R tie rod ends 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans, Convertibles, and Wagons.
See TrueDelta's information for all Saab models.

Saab 9-3 Suspension Problems

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