| 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
2008 Saab 9-3 repairs by problem area
Engine (36%)
Transmission and Drivetrain (2%)
Brakes and Traction Control (8%)
Suspension and Steering (12%)
Electrical and Air Conditioning (26%)
Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (8%)
Other (9%)
Chart based on 249 repairs.
2008 Saab 9-3 repair cost distribution
$2500+ (1%)
$1000 - $2499 (9%)
$500 - $999 (19%)
$100 - $499 (36%)
< $100 (35%)
Chart based on 205 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
2008 Saab 9-3
Engine not specified
| Saab 9-3 in Alberta, Canada Apr 2011 - May 2011 | |||
| May 201121080 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. | ||
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 201222000 mi | Alarm system malfunction. Entire rear window required replacement under warranty. | ||
| Nov 201432900 miUS $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 201644700 miUS $15 | windshield washer nozzle broken | ||
| Apr 201749000 miUS $670 | Four wheel brake job including rotors and pads. | ||
| Aug 202175000 miUS $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 2018157000 miUS $1200 | replace drive shaft | ||
| Nov 2018165000 miUS $200 | replace coolant hoses | ||
2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual AWD
| Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States Oct 2012 - Jul 2022 | |||
| Dec 201341000 miUS $45 | Coolant leak. Mechanic tightened banjo clamp on coolant line into turbocharger. | ||
| Oct 201451500 miUS $100 | Miss, check engine code showed misfire in cylinder 5. Mechanic replaced spark plugs. | ||
| Aug 201558700 miUS $550 | Engine miss, various ignition related CELs. Replaced ignition coil packs and spark plugs. A known problem with SAABs with this engine. | ||
| Feb 201777000 miUS $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 Florida, United States Jan 2013 - Dec 2015 | |||
| Feb 201540900 miUS $300 | Back right LED circuit board went bad. Replaced circuit board inside back right taillight assembly, which corrected issue. | ||
| Saab 9-3 in Rhode Island, United States Feb 2010 - Jun 2018 | |||
| Jun 201015000 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 201122000 mi | Moon roof chatters when opened to vent position. | ||
| Jun 201127000 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 201127500 mi | Steering rack replaced, four-wheel alignment performed. Warranty repair. | ||
| Sep 201130000 mi | Replaced seal at rear of transfer case. Leaking oil onto downpipe causing burning oil smell. | ||
| Apr 201347500 mi | Replaced fuel pump under warranty, in response to Check Engine light. No driveability problems. | ||
| Jul 201350300 miUS $250 | Windshield washer nozzle and headlight washer nozzle needed replacement. | ||
| Jan 201649300 miUS $530 | Misfires. Replaced 3 coil packs & all 6 plugs. | ||
| Jan 201775000 miUS $182 | Replaced Xenon (HID) headlight Three of four windshield washer nozzles broken. Replaced 2nd time for this car. Too hot under hood. | ||
| May 201778000 miUS $480 | New rear brake rotors and pads. | ||
| May 201884000 miUS $800 | Replaced fuel pump after eliminating fuel pressure sensor and computer. (Three trips.) Replaced self-leveling shock absorber | ||
2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Saab 9-3 in Minnesota, United States Jan 2010 - Jun 2018 | |||
| Mar 201241000 mi | Battery died. | ||
| Aug 201672300 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 201315810 miC $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 201319220 miC $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 201320460 miC $30 | Wind shield nozzles leaked, replaced all three with new ones. Wind shield washer nozzles leaked, replaced all three by myself. | ||
| Apr 201427900 miC $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 201532980 miC $110 | Driver side door handle bracket broke. Could not open door. Ordered part and replaced. | ||
| Dec 201533480 miC $80 | Faulty ignition coil caused engine to misfire. Replaced the faulty coil by myself. | ||
| Aug 201745260 miC $156 | Front sway bar links were making noise. Parts replaced and fixed. | ||
| Mar 201847120 miC $40 | wiper arm linkage broke after a big snow. Bought part and replaced it myself. | ||
| Saab 9-3 in Nova Scotia, Canada May 2014 - Mar 2017 | |||
| Oct 2014125240 miC $250 | Hose to coolant expansion tank split. Had to be towed home. Replaced both hoses, coolant tank and tank cap. | ||
| Feb 2015129580 miC $130 | Engine running rough, one coil needed replacing. Replaced spark plug also. | ||
| Jun 2015134540 miC $10 | ABS/TCS/TC lights on dash. Wiring to hub was frayed. Spliced. Reconnected and insulated wires. Lights went out. | ||
| Sep 2015140740 miC $300 | Sway bar links and strut mounts and bearings replaced due to wear. Upper heater hose warn and leaking coolant. Part replaced. | ||
| Aug 2016150660 miC $1 | CEL triggered by two faulty ignition coils. Replaced all three rear coils myself. | ||
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 2018117000 miUS $65 | Changed a bad Coilpack | ||
| Jun 2021251000 miUS $600 | Front control arms, sway bar bushings, wheel bearings. Rear control arms, sway bar bushings and wheel bearings Rear brakes | ||
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 201028000 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 2015112840 miC $201 | Main thottle body, near butterfly, major clean-up | ||
| Nov 2015124620 miC $1200 | Front suspension: Broken front springs-replaced, top plates jammed-replaced, lower suspension arm, bad joints-replaced. tie-rod end worn-replaced. | ||
| Feb 2016127720 miC $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 2018167400 miC $290 | Parking brake cable replaced, was stiff/getting stuck because of rust | ||
| Saab 9-3 in Minnesota, United States Oct 2012 - Apr 2013 | |||
| Aug 201246000 mi | Chimes | ||
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 201453000 miUS $175 | Left front Tire Pressure Sensor | ||
| Saab 9-3 in Quebec, Canada Oct 2012 - Jun 2019 | |||
| Nov 201271780 mi | Weak battery. Replaced with a new one. | ||
| Dec 201273780 mi | Door module failure. Driver side. | ||
| Jul 201385020 miC $250 | Fuel level sending unit failed. Mechanic broke the fuel pump while replacing the unit, so he changed the fuel pump too. | ||
| Nov 201388660 miC $225 | Intermittent hesitation on idle when starting the car (hot starts only) Replaced Crankshaft position sensor. Oil Change.(regular maintenance) | ||
| Dec 201391140 mi | Winshield washer leak.Replaced tubes and nozzles. | ||
| Mar 201496100 miC $350 | Faulty ignition coils, replaced #1 and # 2. | ||
| Jul 2014100220 miC $592 | Rear brakes. New calipers, rotors and pads. | ||
| Jun 2015110360 miC $950 | Alternator replaced with a new one.rnNew brake rotors ands pads-front. | ||
| Oct 2015113860 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 2016120900 miC $950 | A/c compressor shot. Replaced with a new one. Recharge and maintenance of a/c. | ||
| Sep 2017135160 miC $200 | Link kit replacement, passenger side. | ||
| Dec 2017137640 miC $200 | Rear brake job, normal wear. Replacement of rotors and pads. | ||
| Apr 2018138880 mi | Replaced two front quarters. Rust removal on four doors and gas door. | ||
2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| Saab 9-3 in Quebec, Canada May 2014 - Sep 2015 | |||
| Sep 201437200 miC $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 201542040 miC $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 201543400 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. | ||
| Saab 9-3 in Alberta, Canada Sep 2012 - Apr 2017 | |||
| Dec 201571300 miC $800 | Rear shock was leaking, replaced shocks and springs | ||
| Saab 9-3 in Maryland, United States Jan 2010 - Feb 2014 | |||
| Jun 201018000 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 201236000 miUS $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 201337900 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 201342600 miUS $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 201444000 mi | Lack of vacuum on brakes at start - very intermittent. Could not duplicate problem for last 5 months. Perhaps problem resolved itself. | ||
2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual AWD
| Saab 9-3 in California, United States Mar 2015 - Feb 2021 | |||
| Aug 201553500 miUS $970 | Battery kept on dying and after diagnosis of entire electrical no leach was found and alternator was not charging the battery | ||
| Feb 201663000 miUS $118 | Replaced engine torque rod bushing (P#-12777977) also added Powerflex insert for upgraded stability (Powerflex P#-PFF80-1220) | ||
| Mar 201664000 miUS $700 | Replaced leaking water pump and worn belt tensioner, belt was replaced as well. | ||
| Sep 201678000 miUS $15 | small coolant leak at coolant outlet reservoir (P#-12574373). Replaced with new gaskets, no more leak. | ||
| Mar 2018118000 miUS $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 2018124000 miUS $250 | Replaced rear transmission mount. | ||
| Jul 2018124000 miUS $250 | Replaced water pump | ||
| Saab 9-3 in Ohio, United States Jan 2011 - Oct 2012 | |||
| Feb 201134700 mi | Power steering fluid level low. | ||
| Aug 201137700 mi | Coolant leaking from damaged turbo coolant return hose, hose replaced. Coolant leaking from damaged return hose, hose replaced. | ||
| Oct 201138000 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 201334000 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 201123560 mi | Windshield water sprayers replaced. | ||
| Nov 201123560 mi | Battery faulty - replaced under warranty. | ||
| Nov 201225200 miC $780 | Power steering pump shot; XWD-specific parts needed to be ordered in from Sweden and installed. | ||
| May 201326660 miC $710 | Replaced one coil. | ||
| May 201735960 miC $6000 | Replaced XWD rear differential due to shavings. | ||
| Saab 9-3 in New Mexico, United States Sep 2010 - Mar 2012 | |||
| Mar 201132300 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. | ||
2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Saab 9-3 in Illinois, United States Jul 2012 - Sep 2013 | |||
| Feb 201365000 miUS $240 | Dirty fuel injector causing cylinder misfire. | ||
| Saab 9-3 in Illinois, United States Oct 2010 - Mar 2016 | |||
| Nov 201017000 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 201465000 miUS $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 201571300 miUS $930 | Replaced all windshield washer nozzles. Driver rear window needs new regulator. | ||
2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD
| Saab 9-3 in New York, United States Nov 2010 - Mar 2016 | |||
| Oct 201234300 miUS $1200 | Replaced dead battery | ||
| Mar 201662000 miUS $80 | Winshield washer nozzle needed replacement | ||
| Saab 9-3 in Minnesota, United States Aug 2015 - Jun 2018 | |||
| Jun 201686000 miUS $400 | Front Springs broke, needed to be replaced. | ||
| Jul 201687000 miUS $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 Massachusetts, United States Sep 2010 - Dec 2011 | |||
| Jan 201140000 mi | Rain sensing wiper module needs replacement. Part is on order for past three weeks. | ||
| May 201149000 miUS $600 | Needed a steering wheel lock mechanism that is related to the ignition. Also did forty thousand mile check. | ||
| Aug 201155800 miUS $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 201165000 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. | ||
2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD
| Saab 9-3 in Ontario, Canada Mar 2015 - Oct 2023 | |||
| Jul 201578820 miC $700 | Rebuilt AC compressor installed | ||
| Nov 201582460 miC $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 201689900 miC $250 | Seals between the head and the power steering pump and the vaccuum pump were changed, due to them leaking oil. | ||
| Jun 201689900 miC $230 | The fuel gauge sender failed, indicating an empty tank when over half full. This is a known common failure in this model. | ||
| Sep 201693000 miC $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 2017102300 miC $50 | Left rear upper shock absorber mount cracked. The part was replaced with a new one. | ||
| Mar 2018108500 miC $100 | Oil Pressure Switch was leaking. Part was replaced. | ||
| May 2018107260 miC $130 | Replace both front springs. They had broken about 4" along from the bottom end. | ||
| Mar 2019114642 miC $220 | Replace flex coupling in exhaust pipe. | ||
| May 2020124514 miC $1345 | Change AC evaporator and expansion valve, leak test and recharge. | ||
| Sep 2020133920 miC $1110 | Leaking front right shock strut. Broken rear springs. | ||
| Oct 2020134540 miC $200 | Replace Oil Feed Pipe to Turbocharger (leaking due to corrosion) | ||
| Nov 2021135780 miC $220 | Radiator was leaking at bottom corner due to corrosion of the crimping strips on the tank. | ||
| May 2022140120 miC $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 California, United States Nov 2014 - Sep 2018 | |||
| Nov 201494000 miUS $650 | Both front coil springs replaced as they had broken. Changed fuel level sensor. | ||
| Apr 2016104200 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 2016109000 miUS $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 2017111000 miUS $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 2017117000 miUS $415 | Spark Plugs, wires, engine and passenger compartment filters. | ||
| May 2018125500 miUS $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 Ohio, United States Sep 2012 - Mar 2016 | |||
| Oct 201573200 miUS $95 | Bose amplifier partially failed. Replaced with a used Bose amp. Less than a 1 hour repair. | ||
| Saab 9-3 in Michigan, United States Jan 2010 - Jun 2011 | |||
| Oct 201018000 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 New Jersey, United States Jan 2010 - Jul 2018 | |||
| Jun 201016000 mi | Shift between 1st and 2nd not smooth when engine/weather cold. Car has 6spd manal transmission. | ||
| Jun 201370000 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 2014107200 miUS $730 | Drivers side power lock module failed | ||
| Feb 2015101000 miUS $1400 | Struts, springs and tie rod ends | ||
| Jun 2015106000 miUS $250 | AC warm | ||
| Sep 2017130000 miUS $700 | Radiator | ||
| Jan 2018130000 miUS $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 Feb 2010 - Mar 2011 | |||
| Jun 201041000 mi | Housing for glovebox light melted by HVAC system | ||
| Dec 201050000 mi | Faulty third brake light. | ||
| Saab 9-3 in California, United States Jan 2010 - Jan 2016 | |||
| Jun 201012000 mi | Sunroof stop operating, it was a software issue with car computer; re-programed and fixed with that. | ||
| Mar 201118000 mi | Brake light malfunction | ||
| Jul 201119000 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 201121300 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 201229000 miUS $400 | Motor and belt for rear window driver side died and window would not come up. Replaced entire mechanism. | ||
| May 201439100 miUS $600 | replaced control unit for windows on drivers door. system was failing and erratic. | ||
| Saab 9-3 in Arizona, United States Apr 2012 - Jul 2014 | |||
| Jul 201232000 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 201456000 miUS $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 201461000 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 201272540 miC $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 Alberta, Canada Jul 2012 - Jun 2018 | |||
| Sep 201247740 miC $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 201355680 miC $650 | struts front clunking on bumps. nothing short of annoying but did not effect driveability. | ||
| Jun 201358280 miC $20 | Power steering was not working. Flushed system. No issues | ||
| Oct 201361680 miC $50 | Sway bar end links and Strut assembly ordered sway bar end links and strut assembly replaced. update: end links failed 5000km after. | ||
2008 Saab 9-3 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Saab 9-3 in District of Columbia, United States Feb 2011 - Sep 2019 | |||
| Apr 201792000 miUS $20 | Intermittent hard starting. Walmart battery replaced under warranty. Self installed. | ||
| Feb 201899000 mi | Fuel tank level sensor in tank is failing. Inoperative when level is > 3/4 full. | ||
| Jun 201899550 miUS $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 Idaho, United States May 2014 - Mar 2017 | |||
| Jun 2016129000 miUS $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. | ||
| Saab 9-3 in New York, United States Jan 2009 - Jun 2022 | |||
| May 20099000 mi | Sun roof stopped working. Motor & control unit had to be replaced - all under warranty. Repair was successful. | ||
| Mar 2017110000 miUS $60 | Left side headlight went out. Bought replacement bulbs, and replaced both left & right side myself. | ||
| Feb 2018117000 miUS $1300 | Front struts & springs replaced along with rear shocks & springs. One original front spring was found to be broken during strut replacement. | ||
| Sep 2021134000 miUS $400 | Front wheel was missing a lug. Shop determined threads inside bearing had rusted away. Bearing replaced to resolve problem. Repair was successful. | ||
| May 2022138500 miUS $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 Michigan, United States Aug 2012 - Jan 2022 | |||
| Aug 201360000 miUS $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 201566300 miUS $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 201583000 miUS $435 | Fuel tank sending unit was failing intermittently. Sending unit was replaced. | ||
| Nov 2021167000 miUS $160 | Replaced rear muffler. | ||
| Saab 9-3 in Colorado, United States Jun 2017 - Jun 2018 | |||
| Jan 2018124000 miUS $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 2018131000 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! | ||
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 201463640 miA $10 | Driver's side window needed calibration | ||
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 201031180 mi | Car was shaking only when I was accelarating strongly. Manufacturer changed parts inside the engine. Problem solved | ||
| Sep 201153940 mi | Broken down alternator, had to be replaced. | ||
| Feb 201390060 mi€200 | exhaust gas recirculation dirty. cleaned it. | ||
| Mar 201389280 mi€500 | problem returned about 10 days later. exhaust gas recirculation changed. | ||
| Sep 2013102300 mi€450 | Turbo pipe failure. Had to be replaced. | ||
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 201326660 miC $125 | Coil malfunction | ||
| May 201739680 miC $588 | Replace rear brake rotors and pads | ||
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 201347500 miUS $2600 | Threw a diagnostic code for intermittent low fuel pressure. Replaced the fuel pump. | ||
| Aug 201355300 miUS $400 | Tire pressure sensor was failing intermittently. Replaced one sensor. | ||
| Jan 2014US $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 201588000 miUS $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 201672700 miUS $100 | Trunk light was inoperative. Bulb was good. Wiring to the bulb had cracked. | ||
| Mar 2016106000 miUS $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 2016116000 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 Florida, United States May 2012 - Jan 2022 | |||
| May 201337600 miUS $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 201442000 miUS $416 | Car started running rough. Display indicated multiple problems. Replaced #4 coil module | ||
| Dec 201648000 miUS $640 | Water pump leaking. | ||
| May 201749000 miUS $700 | Replaced convertible top controller | ||
| Apr 201851000 miUS $151 | Check engine light. Replace vacuum check valve Replace plastic pipes for brake booster feed | ||
| Saab 9-3 in California, United States May 2012 - Jun 2022 | |||
| Dec 201592000 miUS $180 | The connections to two of the three windshield fluid jets were cracked and all three were replaced. | ||
| Nov 2021125500 miUS $600 | Check engine light and other items | ||
| Saab 9-3 in South Carolina, United States May 2010 - Oct 2013 | |||
| Dec 201153000 miUS $300 | driver air bag sensor | ||
| Jun 201260000 miUS $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 201369000 miUS $800 | Elect fuel pump failed. Replaced in 2 hr. $ 590 for pump, $ 210 for labor. | ||
| Apr 201370000 miUS $500 | Cracked expansion tank for coolant. | ||
| Jul 201373800 miUS $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. | ||
2008 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible
turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual FWD
| Saab 9-3 in Texas, United States Mar 2014 - Mar 2016 | |||
| Mar 201472000 miUS $650 | Convertible top not operating correctly. Hall effect position sensor on main ram faulty, replaced. | ||
| Jul 201474300 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 201580000 miUS $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 201580200 miUS $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 201681800 miUS $300 | Replaced fuel pump because of ongoing performance problems with the original. New pump fixed the problem. | ||
| Mar 201686000 miUS $30 | Bad ignition coil | ||
| Saab 9-3 in Quebec, Canada Jul 2014 - Aug 2019 | |||
| Aug 201455160 miC $40 | hoses for overflow of radiator coolant were leaking fluid onto the motor creating smoke when hot. | ||
| Jun 201561380 miC $150 | replaced the battery after 5 years with old one. | ||
| Sep 201563860 miC $30 | Had to replace the cap on the antifreeze overflow container. | ||
| Jan 2016C $350 | engine was running rough. turned out it was a solenoid that needed replacing. | ||
| Jun 201775640 miC $350 | solenoid causing motor to run rough | ||
| Dec 201779360 mi | Front link kit and rear bushings | ||
| Mar 201880600 miC $50 | Replaced both hoses for coolant return to reservoir. | ||
| Sep 201884940 miC $500 | vacuum hose connector leaking | ||
2008 Saab 9-3 2dr Convertible
turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Saab 9-3 in Connecticut, United States Jun 2012 - Mar 2016 | |||
| Nov 201421300 miUS $100 | Lose suspension bolt and oil change | ||
| Saab 9-3 in Utah, United States Jan 2014 - Sep 2017 | |||
| Feb 201477000 miUS $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 201587300 miUS $82 | Security alarm kept going off. Replaced ignition key | ||
| Feb 201689600 mi | The vsecurity alarm has started going off(again) Central locking has stopped working. Not fixed yet | ||
| Jan 201789800 miUS $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 201796000 miUS $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 Michigan, United States Jan 2010 - Feb 2022 | |||
| Oct 201049000 mi | Decklid stopper and spring came loose and rattled upon open/ close. Replacement parts ordered. | ||
| Nov 201049800 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 201165000 miUS $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 2017102225 miUS $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 2017104000 miUS $700 | Replaced original ECM with remanufactured ECM | ||
| Saab 9-3 in Maryland, United States Jan 2016 - Sep 2016 | |||
| Sep 201658000 miUS $1400 | Replaced steering position sensor replaced noisy pulley tensioner | ||
See TrueDelta's information for all Saab models.
