2005 Saab 9-3 problems
Owners have filed 114 complaints about the 2005 Saab 9-3 with NHTSA. Suspension accounts for 28.1% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of seat belts at 19.3%.
Complaints114
Crashes5
Fires2
Injuries9
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Suspension 28.1% · 32
Seat belts 19.3% · 22
Air bags 10.5% · 12
Electrical system 7.9% · 9
Fuel system, gasoline 4.4% · 5
Fuel/propulsion system 4.4% · 5
Seats 3.5% · 4
Engine and engine cooling 3.5% · 4
Severity
Of those complaints, 5 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire and 9 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 6 model years of the Saab 9-3 in this data, 2005 draws comparatively few complaints; 2003 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 5 in the last three years against 24 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 62,000 miles.
In owners' own words
2005 Saab 93 - front passenger coil broke and dug into tire. No warning indicated such as strange sounds or car handling differently. Just suddenly broke near bottom of coil and the broken end of the coil dug into the tire. The tire has an indentation the goes completely around the inside. Tire is damaged/dangerous now and needs to be replaced also. Was driving slowly at the time so no personal injury. Suspension · reported at 756,464 miles
While driving on the street at 30 mph I hear a bang! I start to lose control of the steering wheel I immediately put my hazard lights on and pulled over safely once I gained control when I get out the car to inspect it my passengers side front spring is broken in two and my passenger side tire is blown. I could have been very badly injured or killed! Saab you need to do a recall this is life threatening! Suspension · reported at 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Saab 9-3. The contact stated that the front passenger side coil spring failed. While driving 45 mph, she heard a noise as her front passenger side tire blew out. The vehicle was pulled to the side of the road and towed to a repair shop. The manufacturer has not been notified. The contact called her insurance company. The failure mileage was 48,000. Suspension · reported at 48,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…