NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
46 reportsClear category filter131,000 miles · Feb 5, 2011
Electrical SystemSeats
PASSENGER AND I WERE DRIVING AND ACTIVATED BOTH FRONT HEATED SEATS ON THE HIGHEST SETTING. SOON AFTER, BOTH OF US DETECTED A BURNING SMELL AND IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF BOTH HEATED SEATS. UPON ARRIVAL, WE EXITED AND VISUALLY OBSERVED A SMALL BURN MARK WHERE THE PASSENGER'S LEFT SHOULDER WOULD BE. IT BURNED THROUGH THE LEATHER AND SIN…
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PASSENGER AND I WERE DRIVING AND ACTIVATED BOTH FRONT HEATED SEATS ON THE HIGHEST SETTING. SOON AFTER, BOTH OF US DETECTED A BURNING SMELL AND IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF BOTH HEATED SEATS. UPON ARRIVAL, WE EXITED AND VISUALLY OBSERVED A SMALL BURN MARK WHERE THE PASSENGER'S LEFT SHOULDER WOULD BE. IT BURNED THROUGH THE LEATHER AND SINGED THE HAIR OF THE PASSENGER. THE BURN MARK IS ABOUT THE SIZE OF A NICKEL AND WE CAN NO LONGER USE THE HEATED SEAT FUNCTION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10380857
76,000 miles · Dec 7, 2010
Electrical System
1.) ALL THE WIRING ISSUES STARTED OCCURRING SINCE FEB 2009- CURRENTLY. 2.) MY 2003 SAAB 9-3 LINEAR WIRING IS DYSFUNCTIONAL CAUSING MANY WIRING/ELECTRICAL ISSUE FAILURES TO OCCUR THROUGHOUT MY VEHICLE. -MY ALARM WILL GO OFF WHENEVER IT WANTS TO WHILE I AM AT WORK OR AT HOME SO I HAD TO UNPLUG MY HORN (WHICH IS DANGEROUS AND…
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1.) ALL THE WIRING ISSUES STARTED OCCURRING SINCE FEB 2009- CURRENTLY. 2.) MY 2003 SAAB 9-3 LINEAR WIRING IS DYSFUNCTIONAL CAUSING MANY WIRING/ELECTRICAL ISSUE FAILURES TO OCCUR THROUGHOUT MY VEHICLE. -MY ALARM WILL GO OFF WHENEVER IT WANTS TO WHILE I AM AT WORK OR AT HOME SO I HAD TO UNPLUG MY HORN (WHICH IS DANGEROUS AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT SINCE I CAN'T USE MY HORN TO WARN PEOPLE OF AN ACCIDENT.) -ALSO, ON MY DISPLAY UNIT SHOWS "A RED NO PRESSURE" FOR MY PASSENGER SIDE SEAT SEAT WHICH HAS ME ALWAYS HAVING TO LEAVE IT BUCKLED WHEN NO ONE IS IN THE CAR IN ORDER FOR THE DISTRACTING LIGHT TO GO OFF. - MY RADIO WORKED FINE UNTIL MY BACK AMP COMPLETELY QUIT ABOUT 1 MONTH AGO FOR NO REASON. I NEVER PLAY MY MUSIC LOAD AND DO NOT USE BASE AND TO GET THIS FIXED WILL COST ME OVER $900. - THE ELECTRICAL ISSUES HAVE ALSO AFFECTED MY ELECTRICAL WINDOWS AS WELL. I WILL BE DRIVING AND PUT MY WINDOW DOWN AND IT WILL NOT GO BACK UP AND STICK TO WEAR I HAVE TO STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO MANUALLY PULL IT UP WITH MY HANDS. 3.) I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE INTO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS TO HAVE THEM FIND OUT WHAT THE CORE ISSUE OF MY WIRING/ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ARE AND THEY BOTH CAME BACK AND TOLD ME THAT THEY HOOKED MY VEHICLE UP TO THE COMPUTER BUT THEY CAN'T FIND WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT? THIS IS VERY ODD BECAUSE I KNOW IT'S NOT MY IMAGINATION AND IT SEEMS LIKE EACH WEEK, SOMETHING GOES WRONG "ELECTRICAL" AND THE FACT THEY CAN NOT FIND THE SOURCE IS A LITTLE RIDICULOUS CONSIDERING IT'S A SAAB DEALER? THERE IS SOMETHING SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH MY VEHICLES ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN ORDER FOR IT TO BE HAVING THIS MANY ISSUES WITHIN A YEARS TIME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10369444
118,000 miles · May 5, 2010
Electrical System
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-3. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE BRAKE AND AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. SECONDS LATER, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY WERE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-3. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE BRAKE AND AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. SECONDS LATER, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY WERE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 118,000.
NHTSA ODI #10328941
62,000 miles · Oct 14, 2008
Electrical System
WAS ON MY WAY TO REPAIR SHOP FOR AN ONSTAR MALFUNCTION WHICH KNOCKED OUT MY ENTIRE SOUND SYSTEM, INCLUDING WARNING BUZZERS, ETC....WHILE ON THE FREEWAY I THOUGHT I HAD BEEN INVADED BY ALIENS THE CAR COULD BARLEY DRIVE THEN ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS AND MALFUNCTION LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING ON MY COMPUTER SCREEN IM LUCKY IT DIDN'T C…
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WAS ON MY WAY TO REPAIR SHOP FOR AN ONSTAR MALFUNCTION WHICH KNOCKED OUT MY ENTIRE SOUND SYSTEM, INCLUDING WARNING BUZZERS, ETC....WHILE ON THE FREEWAY I THOUGHT I HAD BEEN INVADED BY ALIENS THE CAR COULD BARLEY DRIVE THEN ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS AND MALFUNCTION LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING ON MY COMPUTER SCREEN IM LUCKY IT DIDN'T CAUSE AN ACCIDENT I COULD NOT CONTROL THE CAR I COULD NOT ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW, COULD NOT GET THE CAR FROM DRIVE TO PARK, COULD NOT STEER, SHUT IT OFF AND IT WOULDN'T START AGAIN WITHOUT A JUMP. BATTERY HAD BEEN REPLACED NO MORE THEN 6 MONTHS PRIOR. IT APPARENTLY WAS THE ALTERNATOR. IT IS A HAZARD WHEN IT MALFUNCTIONS DUE TO NO CONTROL OF THE CAR. I HAVE HAD MORE PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR FOR 62,000 IT SHOULDN'T HAVE SO MANY BREAKDOWNS AND MALFUNCTIONS I HAVE OWNED IT FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AND HAVE HAD MANY DIFFERENT MALFUNCTIONS IE. GEAR BOX MALFUNCTION, TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION, TEMP MALFUNCTION, AIRBAG MALFUNCTION AND THE LATEST ONSTAR MALFUNCTION WHICH HAS AFFECTED MY ENTIRE SOUND SYSTEM, THE CD PLAYER HAD TO BE REPLACED THE AMP WENT BAD HAD TO HAVE A NEW THERMOSTAT THE WINDOW ARM HAD TO BE REPLACED (DRIVING AND THE WINDOW JUST FELL INTO THE DOOR I AM SURPRISED IT DIDN'T SHATTER, THE SAAB LOGO ON THE TRUNK LOST ALL THE COLOR, THE DOOR HANDLES ARE PEELING AND FADING AS WELL AS THE INTERIOR PARTS. BATTERY DIED, ASHTRAY BROKE HAD TO HAVE REPLACED BROKE AGAIN BUT NO WARRANTY AND TOO MUCH TO REPLACE. THE BRAKE CALIPER HAD TO BE REPLACED BRAKE PADS WORN OUT TOO SOON, TIRE TREAD WORN BEFORE ITS TIME. EVERYTIME PART WAS NEEDED IT HAD TO BE ORDERED WAY OVERPRICED TOOK OVER A WEEK TO GET PARTS ON TOP OF THAT SHIPPING AND HANDLING CHARGES APPLY. THIS CAR IS UNRELIABLE DEEMING IT UNSAFE AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED STILL OWE 9,000 BUT WITH ALL PROBLEMS NOT WORTH A DIME. I HAVE DISABLED PEOPLE IN CAR ALOT CAN'T BE SURE ABOUT THEIR SAFETY NOT GOOD AND NOW NO ONSTAR NOT UPGRADEABLE, EVEN STILL ONSTAR MALFUNCTION LIGHT IS ON NO SOUND SYSTEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10245338
27,821 miles · Jul 16, 2008
Electrical System
I BROUGHT MY CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE. THE CAR WAS WORKING COMPLETELY FINE BEFORE I BROUGHT IT IN, BUT I FIGURED I SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THIS RECALL ITEM (THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS - RECALL ID# 12866). WHEN I WENT TO PICK UP MY CAR AFTER THEY PERFORMED THE NECESSARY SERVICE, THE CAR W…
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I BROUGHT MY CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE. THE CAR WAS WORKING COMPLETELY FINE BEFORE I BROUGHT IT IN, BUT I FIGURED I SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THIS RECALL ITEM (THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS - RECALL ID# 12866). WHEN I WENT TO PICK UP MY CAR AFTER THEY PERFORMED THE NECESSARY SERVICE, THE CAR WAS MAKING A LOT OF NOISE AND SHAKING SIGNIFICANTLY. THE MECHANIC REASSESSED THE VEHICLE AND TOLD ME THAT MY IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE HAS AN INTERNAL FAULT. THE DEALER HAS OFFERED TO REPAIR THE CAR FOR $996. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10234553
66,000 miles · Jul 31, 2007
Electrical SystemPower Train
2003 SAAB 93 LINEAR - HEATING/AIR CONDITION BLOWER MOTOR COMPONENT FAILURE. POWER DRIVER WINDOW REGULATOR COMPONENT FAILURE. DEALER REPLACING BOTH PARTS. THE TRANSMISSION HAS SLIPPAGE WHEN ACCELERATING AT LOWER SHIFTS AFTER COASTING AT SLOWER SPEEDS 20 TO 30 MPH OR HARD SPRING TO NEXT GEAR FROM STOP, VERY SIMILAR TO COMPLAINTS…
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2003 SAAB 93 LINEAR - HEATING/AIR CONDITION BLOWER MOTOR COMPONENT FAILURE. POWER DRIVER WINDOW REGULATOR COMPONENT FAILURE. DEALER REPLACING BOTH PARTS. THE TRANSMISSION HAS SLIPPAGE WHEN ACCELERATING AT LOWER SHIFTS AFTER COASTING AT SLOWER SPEEDS 20 TO 30 MPH OR HARD SPRING TO NEXT GEAR FROM STOP, VERY SIMILAR TO COMPLAINTS ALREADY RECORDED. DEALER HAS PREVIOUSLY UPDATED THE SOFTWARE TO CORRECT AND NOW SUGGESTS NEW VALUE BODY OR COMPLETE TRANSMISSION. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10197951
57,000 miles · Jul 10, 2007
Electrical System
MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE DISPLAY NOTIFYING ME THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLAMP AND DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL HAD FAILED. I ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE THE BULBS AND FOUND THAT THE WIRING HAD MELTED AND BROKEN AWAY FROM THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10196013
60,200 miles · Jun 11, 2007
Electrical System
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-3. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH UNDER NORMAL DRY CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IGNITION MODULE (RECALL#06V410000). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE RECALL APPLIED TO THE 2002-2003 SAAB 9-5 MODE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-3. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH UNDER NORMAL DRY CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IGNITION MODULE (RECALL#06V410000). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE RECALL APPLIED TO THE 2002-2003 SAAB 9-5 MODEL. THERE WAS A DEFECT INVESTIGATION (NHTSA ACTION # EA04008) FOR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IGNITION MODULE; HOWEVER, IT WAS CLOSED ON OCTOBER 27, 2004. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
NHTSA ODI #10192901
61,000 miles · Mar 13, 2007
Electrical System
WEDNESDAY MARCH 3, 2007, MY 2003 SAAB 9-3 LINEAR SPORTS SEDAN (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) WITH 61,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER WAS AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WAITING TO SWITCH FROM RED TO GREEN. ONCE THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR TO PROCEED ACROSS THE INTERSECTION. THE INITIALLY ACCELERATED TO 20 MPH AND CEASED TO ACCE…
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WEDNESDAY MARCH 3, 2007, MY 2003 SAAB 9-3 LINEAR SPORTS SEDAN (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) WITH 61,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER WAS AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WAITING TO SWITCH FROM RED TO GREEN. ONCE THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR TO PROCEED ACROSS THE INTERSECTION. THE INITIALLY ACCELERATED TO 20 MPH AND CEASED TO ACCELERATE. I NOTICED THAT I WAS SLOWING DOWN AND STEERING HAD BECOME HEAVY, I GLANCED AT THE TACHOMETER AND IT SHOWED THAT THE ENGINE HAD SHUT DOWN BUT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS WERE FUNCTIONING. I COASTED INTO A PARKING LOT AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START FOR OVER 15 MINUTES. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS RUNNING, ONBOARD DIAGNOSTICS SHOWED OK, BUT THE STARTER WOULD NOT ENGAGE. AFTER THE INTERVAL OF NO STARTS, THE CAR STARTED. THE CAR WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND DIAGNOSTIC CODES INDICATED THAT THE ECM NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. DEALER PROVIDED NO REAL EXPLANATION FOR FAILURE. WITHIN 3 WEEK PERIOD, VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN FOR FUEL SYSTEM FAILURE AND REPLACEMENT. PRIOR TO THAT REPAIR THE CAR HAD 60K SERVICE PERFORMED ON 12/13/07. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENT ON ALL REPAIRS REQUIRED BY PRIOR RECALLS. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10184987
60,017 miles · Nov 27, 2006
Electrical SystemPower TrainSteering
UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE GAS GAUGE READ JUST OVER 1 BAR OF FUEL REMAINING WHEN A TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM FAILURE AND GEARBOX MALFUNCTION MESSAGE APPEARED IN THE DISPLAY SCREEN. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE FAILED. NO ONE WAS INJURED AT TH…
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UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE GAS GAUGE READ JUST OVER 1 BAR OF FUEL REMAINING WHEN A TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM FAILURE AND GEARBOX MALFUNCTION MESSAGE APPEARED IN THE DISPLAY SCREEN. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE FAILED. NO ONE WAS INJURED AT THE TIME DUE TO THE LATE HOUR AND THERE BEING NO OTHER TRAFFIC NEAR BY BUT HAD THERE BEEN TRAFFIC AN ACCIDENT WOULD HAVE MOST LIKELY RESULTED FROM THE FAILURES. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10174368
Official recalls
4Mar 7, 2007
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: OVER TIME, THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL LINES TO LOOSEN FROM THE PUMP RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, THE FUEL MAY IGNITE RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL DEVELOP A SECURING BRACKET THAT WILL SECURE THE FUEL LINES TO THE FUEL PUMP EVEN IF THE PLASTIC RETAINING TABS SHOULD BREAK. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 13, 2007. THIS IS AN EXPANSION OF PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGNS - SEE 04V557 AND 06V126. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
May 19, 2005
CERTAIN SPORT SEDAN AND CONVERTIBLE PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH A VACUUM PIPE CHECK VALVE FOR THE BRAKE BOOSTER THAT MAY FAIL FROM EXPOSURE TO ELEVATED TEMPERATURES. THIS COULD RESULT IN SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST, USUALLY WITH LITTLE OR NO WARNING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION WERE TO OCCUR WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE IS REQUIRED, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REDESIGNED CHECK VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 17, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
Oct 20, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE MAY CAUSE ENGINE HESITATION OR STALLING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE VEHICLE STALLS AS A RESULT OF THIS CONDITION, IT CAN BE RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
May 11, 2004
SOME SPORT SEDANS WERE BUILT WITH SEAT BELT RETRACTORS THAT WERE DAMAGED DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. IF DAMAGED, OVER TIME, THE AUTOMATIC TENSIONING SYSTEM (ATS) CABLE IN THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR COULD BREAK CAUSING THE BELT WEBBING TO NOT RETRACT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, A FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT MAY RECEIVE MORE SEVERE INJURIES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 24, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
4EA08026 · Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture
Opened Dec 22, 2008 · Closed Jun 4, 2010
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
To date, ODI is aware of 142 non-duplicative complaints related to the alleged defect.In addition, ODI is aware of 2,626 subject vehicles with one or more warranty claims related to the alleged defect.In total, ODI is aware of 2,714 unique subject vehicles that have experienced one or more front suspension coil spring fractures.ODI is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the alleged defect.The engineering design and testing data supplied by GM, along with the frequency of consumer complaints and warranty claims related to the alleged defect, tends to support the position that, in general, the coil springs that fractured on many subject vehicles did not achieve the expected service life.However, in regard to the subject vehicles, a front suspension coil spring fracture itself has little safety consequence, as evidenced by the minimal impact on vehicle ride and handling and by the number of drivers who were unaware of the failure condition for some time until alerted by service personnel.The ratio of tire punctures to coil spring fractures appears low and there are no reports of crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect. A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will continue to monitor this issue and will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.See the EA08-026 Engineering Analysis Closing Report for more details.
PE08051 · Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture
Opened Aug 28, 2008 · Closed Dec 23, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
ON AUGUST 28, 2008, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE08-051) TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURES IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-2004 SAAB 9-3 VEHICLES SOLD OR REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES.(NOTE: FOR PURPOSES OF THIS INVESTIGATION, THE SALT BELT INCLUDES CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN).SUBSEQUENT ANALYSIS OF DATA PROVIDED BY GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM) HAS LED THE AGENCY TO EXPAND THE SCOPE OF THIS INVESTIGATION TO INCLUDE ALL MY 2003-2006 SAAB 9-3 VEHICLES SOLD OR REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES. TO DATE, ODI IS AWARE OF 53 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS AND/OR FIELD REPORTS THAT ALLEGE COIL SPRING FRACTURE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, INCLUDING 23 ALLEGING THE FRACTURED SPRING DAMAGED A TIRE, WITH 16 OF THOSE INVOLVING A TIRE PUNCTURE.ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY DATA PROVIDED BY GM IDENTIFIED 1,218 CLAIMS PAID TO REPAIR SUBJECT VEHICLES THAT EXPERIENCED THE ALLEGED DEFECT, OF WHICH 138 VEHICLES ALSO SUFFERED DAMAGE TO THE ADJACENT TIRE AND OF THOSE, 79 VEHICLES EXPERIENCED A TIRE PUNCTURE.ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY CRASHES OR INJURIES RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT. GM MADE SEVERAL DESIGN CHANGES TO THE COIL SPRINGS AND/OR MCPHERSON STRUT ASSEMBLIES USED IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IN AN APPARENT EFFORT TO ADDRESS THE ALLEGED DEFECT CONDITION.HOWEVER, GM MAINTAINS THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES REMAIN WELL CONTROLLED IN THE EVENT OF TIRE PUNCTURE, THAT THE RATE OF TIRE PUNCTURE INCIDENTS RELATED TO COIL SPRING FRACTURES IS LOW, AND THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT DOES NOT POSE AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA08-026) TO FURTHER STUDY THE SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.
EA04008 · Engine Stall
Opened Mar 19, 2004 · Closed Oct 27, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:ignition:module; Engine And Engine Cooling
ON DECEMBER 30, 2003, ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-059) TO INVESTIGATE 16 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING ENGINE STALL WHILE DRIVING IN MODEL YEAR 2003 SAAB 9-3 SPORT SEDANS WITH 2.0L TURBOCHARGED ENGINES.ON JANUARY 15, 2004, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) ADVISED ODI THAT GM AND SAAB HAD DECIDED TO CONDUCT A GLOBAL CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN TO CORRECT TWO DISTINCT ENGINE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE CONDITIONS THAT COULD RESULT IN ENGINE STALL IN APPROXIMATELY 12 THOUSAND SAAB 9-3 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.THE REMEDIES FOR BOTH CONDITIONS INVOLVED REPROGRAMMING THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE. GM HAS STATED THAT NEITHER CONDITION CAN OCCUR DURING VEHICLE ACCELERATION AND IN BOTH CASES THE VEHICLE CAN BE SAFELY CONTROLLED AND IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED AFTER ENGINE STALL. FOR THESE REASONS, AMONG OTHERS, GM BELIEVES THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES DO NOT CONTAIN A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT. TO DATE, ODI HAS NOT RECEIVED ANY REPORTS OF CRASHES ALLEGEDLY DUE TO STALLING OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.NEVERTHELESS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES ASSOCIATED WITH THESE STALLING CONDITIONS CAN HAVE A SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE EFFECT ON SAFETY.ODI BELIEVES THAT THE CONDITIONS ADDRESSED BY GM?S CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE APPROPRIATELY TREATED AS A SAFETY RECALL.HOWEVER, BASED ON THE VERY HIGH COMPLETION RATES FOR THAT CAMPAIGN (83.3 PERCENT OVERALL) AND GM?S LETTER DESCRIBING ITS FUTURE APPROACH TO THE CONSIDERATION OF STALLING ISSUES, ODI HAS DECIDED THAT FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES ON THIS INVESTIGATION IS NOT WARRANTED.THEREFORE, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:ignition:module
ON DECEMBER 30, 2003, ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-059) TO INVESTIGATE 16 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING ENGINE STALL WHILE DRIVING IN MODEL YEAR 2003 SAAB 9-3 SPORT SEDANS WITH 2.0L TURBOCHARGED ENGINES.ON JANUARY 15, 2004, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) ADVISED ODI THAT GM AND SAAB HAD DECIDED TO CONDUCT A GLOBAL CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN TO CORRECT TWO DISTINCT ENGINE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE CONDITIONS THAT COULD RESULT IN ENGINE STALL IN APPROXIMATELY 12 THOUSAND SAAB 9-3 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.THE REMEDIES FOR BOTH CONDITIONS INVOLVED REPROGRAMMING THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE. GM HAS STATED THAT NEITHER CONDITION CAN OCCUR DURING VEHICLE ACCELERATION AND IN BOTH CASES THE VEHICLE CAN BE SAFELY CONTROLLED AND IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED AFTER ENGINE STALL. FOR THESE REASONS, AMONG OTHERS, GM BELIEVES THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES DO NOT CONTAIN A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT. TO DATE, ODI HAS NOT RECEIVED ANY REPORTS OF CRASHES ALLEGEDLY DUE TO STALLING OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.NEVERTHELESS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES ASSOCIATED WITH THESE STALLING CONDITIONS CAN HAVE A SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE EFFECT ON SAFETY.ODI BELIEVES THAT THE CONDITIONS ADDRESSED BY GM?S CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE APPROPRIATELY TREATED AS A SAFETY RECALL.HOWEVER, BASED ON THE VERY HIGH COMPLETION RATES FOR THAT CAMPAIGN (83.3 PERCENT OVERALL) AND GM?S LETTER DESCRIBING ITS FUTURE APPROACH TO THE CONSIDERATION OF STALLING ISSUES, ODI HAS DECIDED THAT FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES ON THIS INVESTIGATION IS NOT WARRANTED.THEREFORE, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT.
Engine And Engine Cooling
ON DECEMBER 30, 2003, ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-059) TO INVESTIGATE 16 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING ENGINE STALL WHILE DRIVING IN MODEL YEAR 2003 SAAB 9-3 SPORT SEDANS WITH 2.0L TURBOCHARGED ENGINES.ON JANUARY 15, 2004, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) ADVISED ODI THAT GM AND SAAB HAD DECIDED TO CONDUCT A GLOBAL CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN TO CORRECT TWO DISTINCT ENGINE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE CONDITIONS THAT COULD RESULT IN ENGINE STALL IN APPROXIMATELY 12 THOUSAND SAAB 9-3 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.THE REMEDIES FOR BOTH CONDITIONS INVOLVED REPROGRAMMING THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE. GM HAS STATED THAT NEITHER CONDITION CAN OCCUR DURING VEHICLE ACCELERATION AND IN BOTH CASES THE VEHICLE CAN BE SAFELY CONTROLLED AND IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED AFTER ENGINE STALL. FOR THESE REASONS, AMONG OTHERS, GM BELIEVES THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES DO NOT CONTAIN A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT. TO DATE, ODI HAS NOT RECEIVED ANY REPORTS OF CRASHES ALLEGEDLY DUE TO STALLING OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.NEVERTHELESS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES ASSOCIATED WITH THESE STALLING CONDITIONS CAN HAVE A SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE EFFECT ON SAFETY.ODI BELIEVES THAT THE CONDITIONS ADDRESSED BY GM?S CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE APPROPRIATELY TREATED AS A SAFETY RECALL.HOWEVER, BASED ON THE VERY HIGH COMPLETION RATES FOR THAT CAMPAIGN (83.3 PERCENT OVERALL) AND GM?S LETTER DESCRIBING ITS FUTURE APPROACH TO THE CONSIDERATION OF STALLING ISSUES, ODI HAS DECIDED THAT FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES ON THIS INVESTIGATION IS NOT WARRANTED.THEREFORE, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT.
PE03059 · Engine Stall
Opened Dec 30, 2003 · Closed Mar 19, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:ignition:module; Engine And Engine Cooling
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND TURBOCHARGED ENGINES WITH TWO DIFFERENT POWER OUTPUTS, 175 HP AND 210 HP.SAAB HAS MODIFIED THE ELECTONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) SOFTWARE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TO CORRECT PROBLEMS THAT COULD RESULT IN ENGINE STALL IN BOTH ENGINES. IN JANUARY 2003, SAAB DISABLED THE DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL (DMF) PROTECTION (INTENDED ONLY FOR MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLES) IN SUBJECT VEHICLES WITH 175 HP ENGINES.ACCORDING TO SAAB, DMF PROTECTION IN A VEHICLE WITH AUTOMATIC TRANMSSION MAY CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHEN RELEASING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COASTING. IN AUGUST 2003, SAAB REVISED THE ECM SOFTWARE IN THE 210 HP ENGINES TO ADDRESS A CONCERN WITH ENGINE STALL DURING ABORTED TAKE-OFF MANUEVERS.ACCORDING TO SAAB, ABORTED TAKE-OFF STALLS OCCUR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND IN DRIVE GEAR, THE ENGINE IS IDLING, AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS PULSED (PRESSED QUICKLY AND RELEASED IN LESS THAN 1 SECOND). THERE HAVE BEEN 553 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND SAAB ALLEGING ENGINE STALL IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THERE IS ONE REPORTED CRASH AND NO INJURIES.SAAB INITIATED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM IN EARLY FEBRUARY TO REPROGRAM THE ECM'S.SAAB REPORTED THAT 36% OF THE VEHICLES HAD BEEN SERVICED IN THE PROGRAM AS OF MARCH 9, 2004.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND SAAB'S ACTIONS TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:ignition:module
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND TURBOCHARGED ENGINES WITH TWO DIFFERENT POWER OUTPUTS, 175 HP AND 210 HP.SAAB HAS MODIFIED THE ELECTONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) SOFTWARE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TO CORRECT PROBLEMS THAT COULD RESULT IN ENGINE STALL IN BOTH ENGINES. IN JANUARY 2003, SAAB DISABLED THE DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL (DMF) PROTECTION (INTENDED ONLY FOR MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLES) IN SUBJECT VEHICLES WITH 175 HP ENGINES.ACCORDING TO SAAB, DMF PROTECTION IN A VEHICLE WITH AUTOMATIC TRANMSSION MAY CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHEN RELEASING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COASTING. IN AUGUST 2003, SAAB REVISED THE ECM SOFTWARE IN THE 210 HP ENGINES TO ADDRESS A CONCERN WITH ENGINE STALL DURING ABORTED TAKE-OFF MANUEVERS.ACCORDING TO SAAB, ABORTED TAKE-OFF STALLS OCCUR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND IN DRIVE GEAR, THE ENGINE IS IDLING, AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS PULSED (PRESSED QUICKLY AND RELEASED IN LESS THAN 1 SECOND). THERE HAVE BEEN 553 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND SAAB ALLEGING ENGINE STALL IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THERE IS ONE REPORTED CRASH AND NO INJURIES.SAAB INITIATED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM IN EARLY FEBRUARY TO REPROGRAM THE ECM'S.SAAB REPORTED THAT 36% OF THE VEHICLES HAD BEEN SERVICED IN THE PROGRAM AS OF MARCH 9, 2004.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND SAAB'S ACTIONS TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS.
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND TURBOCHARGED ENGINES WITH TWO DIFFERENT POWER OUTPUTS, 175 HP AND 210 HP.SAAB HAS MODIFIED THE ELECTONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) SOFTWARE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TO CORRECT PROBLEMS THAT COULD RESULT IN ENGINE STALL IN BOTH ENGINES. IN JANUARY 2003, SAAB DISABLED THE DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL (DMF) PROTECTION (INTENDED ONLY FOR MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLES) IN SUBJECT VEHICLES WITH 175 HP ENGINES.ACCORDING TO SAAB, DMF PROTECTION IN A VEHICLE WITH AUTOMATIC TRANMSSION MAY CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHEN RELEASING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COASTING. IN AUGUST 2003, SAAB REVISED THE ECM SOFTWARE IN THE 210 HP ENGINES TO ADDRESS A CONCERN WITH ENGINE STALL DURING ABORTED TAKE-OFF MANUEVERS.ACCORDING TO SAAB, ABORTED TAKE-OFF STALLS OCCUR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND IN DRIVE GEAR, THE ENGINE IS IDLING, AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS PULSED (PRESSED QUICKLY AND RELEASED IN LESS THAN 1 SECOND). THERE HAVE BEEN 553 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND SAAB ALLEGING ENGINE STALL IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THERE IS ONE REPORTED CRASH AND NO INJURIES.SAAB INITIATED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM IN EARLY FEBRUARY TO REPROGRAM THE ECM'S.SAAB REPORTED THAT 36% OF THE VEHICLES HAD BEEN SERVICED IN THE PROGRAM AS OF MARCH 9, 2004.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND SAAB'S ACTIONS TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS.
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