2003 Saab 9-3 problems
Owners have filed 323 complaints about the 2003 Saab 9-3 with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 15.8% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of suspension at 13.9%.
Complaints323
Crashes19
Fires6
Injuries25
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 15.8% · 51
Suspension 13.9% · 45
Engine and engine cooling 9.9% · 32
Power train 9.9% · 32
Steering 6.2% · 20
Fuel system, gasoline 5.0% · 16
Air bags 4.6% · 15
Service brakes, hydraulic 4.3% · 14
Severity
Of those complaints, 19 describe a crash, 6 describe a fire and 25 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 6 model years of the Saab 9-3 in this data, 2003 draws the most complaints of any of them.
Filings have fallen off, 3 in the last three years against 18 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 43,347 miles.
In owners' own words
While driving owner smelled something burning and thought it was coming from outside. Owner parked the vehicle and went into the department store to shop. When the owner returned to the vehicle fire trucks were outside extinguishing the flames. It appeared that the fire started under the hood. Owner had the vehicle towed to the dealer, and they could not determine the cause. Electrical system · reported at 34,500 miles
Since purchasing my 2003 Saab 9-3 in june the car has stalled 4 times while either at stop lights or sitting in traffic. Once the car stalled while going 40 mph. I've taken the car to the dealership several times to have the problem corrected. Each time a software upgrade is performed. And every time I contact the service dept they are surprised as to this occurrence. Electrical system · reported at 450 miles
Consumer was driving at approximately 25-30 mph and the vehicle lost steering and brake power. Consumer looked at the dashboard and saw the engine check light illuminated. Consumer took the vehicle back to the dealer, and was advised by the manufacturer to update the computer. However, the dealer could not diagnose the defect which occurred. Electrical system · reported at 18,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…