IllustrationVEHICLE COMPUTER BEGAN TO MALFUNCTION. VEHICLE COMPUTER NO LONGER WORKS. SHOWS ODD DATA ON DISPLAY SCREEN LOCKS MAY NOT WORK. WINDOW MAY NOT WORK CAUSING A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM. UNABLE TO TELL WHETHER AIRBAGS WOULD BE AFFECTED. *NM
2003 Saab 9-3
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most 9-3 years
Owner complaints for the 2003 Saab 9-3 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 61.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all 9-3 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
530–25K
3225–50K
4050–75K
2475–100K
12100–150K
6150K+
167 reports with mileage · 45 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Suspension. Review the 42 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
12 crash reports6 fire reports13 injury reports
Electrical System complaints
46 reportsTHE DAY PRIOR I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE IMMEDIATELY. THE NEXT DAY MY WIFE WAS DRIVING WITH OUR NEWBORN AND NEPHEW TO THE MALL WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE ON A BUSY STREET. THE FASTEST IT WOULD GO WAS 20-25 MPH. THERE IS ONLY HAVE 37K MILES ON IT AND TAKE GOOD CARE OF IT. THIS HAD HAPP…
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THE DAY PRIOR I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE IMMEDIATELY. THE NEXT DAY MY WIFE WAS DRIVING WITH OUR NEWBORN AND NEPHEW TO THE MALL WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE ON A BUSY STREET. THE FASTEST IT WOULD GO WAS 20-25 MPH. THERE IS ONLY HAVE 37K MILES ON IT AND TAKE GOOD CARE OF IT. THIS HAD HAPPENED ALSO ON MAY 1 AND THE CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENT SAID THAT THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE HAD A ERROR AND THAT THEY WERE DOWNLOADING NEW SOFTWARE. HE SAID HE WAS FAMILIAR WITH THIS PROBLEM AND THAT IT HAS HAPPENED A COUPLE TIMES TO OTHER DRIVERS. THIS SEEMS LIKE IT WOULD BE A CASE FOR RECALLS. THIS INCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN MORE SEVERE IF THE CAR HAD BEEN REAR-ENDED. *NM
DT*: THE CALLER STATED, THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD NOT START THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, NOTHING WAS DONE ABOUT THE RUSTED WIRING TO THE IGNITION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY A LETTER. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS LOCKED AND WOULD NOT RELEASE, THE HORN DID NOT WO…
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DT*: THE CALLER STATED, THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD NOT START THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, NOTHING WAS DONE ABOUT THE RUSTED WIRING TO THE IGNITION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY A LETTER. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS LOCKED AND WOULD NOT RELEASE, THE HORN DID NOT WORK, THE LOW HEAD BEAM FAILED. THE TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE, THE ALARM WOULD SOUND WITHOUT WARNING. UPDATED 07/25/06. *JB
2003 9-3 LINEAR. REQUESTING FOLLOW UP STATUS ON MEMO, DATED 3-26-06. *TS THE VEHICLE ENGINE WOULD NOT SHUT OFF ALTHOUGH THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE HAD SEVERAL BRAKE PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE HESITATED SLIGHTLY WHEN MOVING. WHEN BRAKING THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK AND SKID. THE BRAKES GRABBED WHICH CAUSED TH…
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2003 9-3 LINEAR. REQUESTING FOLLOW UP STATUS ON MEMO, DATED 3-26-06. *TS THE VEHICLE ENGINE WOULD NOT SHUT OFF ALTHOUGH THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE HAD SEVERAL BRAKE PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE HESITATED SLIGHTLY WHEN MOVING. WHEN BRAKING THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK AND SKID. THE BRAKES GRABBED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STOP QUICKLY. THE ALARM WAS VERY SENSITIVE. EVERYTIME A BUS OR TRUCK PASSED THE VEHICLE WITH THE ALARM ENGAGED IT WOULD SOUND. THE DEALER SAID THERE WAS NOT WAY TO ADJUST THE SENSITIVITY OF THE ALARM. THE WINDOWS WERE OFF TRACK. THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. *NM ***NAR***
THE AUTOMOBILE THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO INFORM YOU ABOUT IS A 2003 SAAB 9-3 ARC. WE HAVE OWNED THIS CAR FOR 2 1/2 YEARS AND HAVE DRIVEN IT OVER 63,000 MILES. CURRENTLY THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE OPERABLE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS. THE WIRING ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT HAS BURNT THROUGH AND IS NEARLY SO ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE …
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THE AUTOMOBILE THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO INFORM YOU ABOUT IS A 2003 SAAB 9-3 ARC. WE HAVE OWNED THIS CAR FOR 2 1/2 YEARS AND HAVE DRIVEN IT OVER 63,000 MILES. CURRENTLY THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE OPERABLE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS. THE WIRING ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT HAS BURNT THROUGH AND IS NEARLY SO ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT. IN ADDITION THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TURN SIGNAL HAS STOPPED WORKING. IN THE TIME WE HAVE OWNED THIS CAR WE HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS REPLACED APPROXIMATELY 7 TIMES. I NOTICED THE WIRING TO THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS BECOMING DISCOLORED LAST YEAR, AT THAT TIME OUR DEALER WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY TSBS CONCERNING THE HEADLIGHTS FOR OUR CAR. THUS FAR NO DAMAGE HAS OCCURRED TO THE VEHICLE EXCEPT FOR THE BURNT WIRING ON THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS. WE WILL BE REPORTING THIS TO OUR DEALER AGAIN AND WILL HAVE TO HAVE THEM FIX THIS PROBLEM. HOWEVER, SHOULD SAAB NOT HAVE UPGRADED THE WIRING TO THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT THIS PROBLEM WILL REPEAT. ALSO, AT NO TIME HAVE WE HAD LIGHTS PUT IN THE CAR THAT WERE ABOVE THE WATTAGE SPECIFIED BY SAAB IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. *NM
BRAKE PADS & ROTORS, SEAT BELT, BATTERY REPLACEMENT, TIRE, TRANSMISSION, SUNROOF MALFUNCTION. *NM
THE LEASE ON THIS VEHICLE BEGAN ON OCTOBER 6, 2003. IT HAS HAD MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL ISSUES STARTING LESS THAN 30 DAYS AFTER DELIVERY. MOST RECENTLY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2005. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED THREE TIMES AND HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TWICE. EACH TIME THE ONSTAR DID NOT WORK BECAUSE OF ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS. WE NO LONGER HAVE…
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THE LEASE ON THIS VEHICLE BEGAN ON OCTOBER 6, 2003. IT HAS HAD MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL ISSUES STARTING LESS THAN 30 DAYS AFTER DELIVERY. MOST RECENTLY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2005. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED THREE TIMES AND HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TWICE. EACH TIME THE ONSTAR DID NOT WORK BECAUSE OF ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS. WE NO LONGER HAVE ANY CONFIDENCE IN THIS VEHICLE AND IF WE OWNED IT WE WOULD SELL IT. PROBLEMS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: * CD PLAYER STOPPED WORKING AND WAS REPLACED WITHIN FIRST 30 DAYS OF LEASE. * BRAKES REPLACED WITHIN FIRST 60 DAYS OF LEASE. * ONSTAR COMPUTER REPLACED WITHIN FIRST 60 DAYS OF LEASE. * VEHICLE COMPUTER UPDATED WITHIN FIRST YEAR OF LEASE. THIS LEFT ME STRANDED AND ALMOST REQUIRED A TOW DUE TO INOPERATIVE TRANSMISSION BUT, THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY SHIFTED INTO LIMP MODE BEFORE THE TOW TRUCK ARRIVED ALLOWING US TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. * VEHICLE COMPUTER UPDATED AGAIN WITHIN FIRST YEAR OF LEASE. * ONSTAR COMPUTER REPAIRED AGAIN WITHIN FIRST YEAR OF LEASE. * DOOR HANDLES FADED AND REPLACED WITHIN SECOND YEAR * PARKING BREAK STUCK AND VEHICLE REQUIRED A TOW WITHIN SECOND YEAR OF LEASE. * ENGINE IMMOBILIZER MALFUNCTION REQUIRING ANOTHER TOW OF THE VEHICLE WITHIN SECOND YEAR OF LEASE. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE BATTERY ABRUPTLY DIED. * TRIP COMPUTER MUST BE RESET AFTER GAS IS ADDED IN ORDER TO SHOW CORRECT DISTANCE TO EMPTY. * MILES BETWEEN OIL CHANGES SEEM INCORRECT. WE ARE AT 27000 MILES AND HAVE ONLY HAD ONE OIL CHANGE. THE DEALERSHIP CONTINUES TO TELL US TO WAIT UNTIL THE COMPUTER REQUESTS THE SERVICE. *NM
MY SAAB HAS HAD A LITANY OF PROBLEMS SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE CAR. IT ALL STARTED WITH LITTLE ITEMS. IGNITION WOULDN'T START THE CAR. HEAD LIGHTS BURNT OUT. DASH PEELING, DOOR HANDLES DISCOLORING, EMERGENCY BRAKE GETTING STUCK AND BEING ABLE TO OPERATE MY CAR. ENGINE WARNING LIGHT BECAUSE MY GAS CAP WASN'T ON CORRECT. STEERI…
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MY SAAB HAS HAD A LITANY OF PROBLEMS SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE CAR. IT ALL STARTED WITH LITTLE ITEMS. IGNITION WOULDN'T START THE CAR. HEAD LIGHTS BURNT OUT. DASH PEELING, DOOR HANDLES DISCOLORING, EMERGENCY BRAKE GETTING STUCK AND BEING ABLE TO OPERATE MY CAR. ENGINE WARNING LIGHT BECAUSE MY GAS CAP WASN'T ON CORRECT. STEERING WHEEL LOCKING WHILE I WAS DRIVING. WHEEL LOCK LIGHT REMAINING ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING. BRAKES REPLACED DUE TO FACTORY RETRO FIT. SEAT BELTS BEING RECALLED. COMPUTER CONSTANTLY NEEDING TO BE REPLACED SO THE CAR WOULD FUNCTION. ELECTRONIC KEY FAILING SO I COULDN'T START MY CAR. MY CAR IS A 5 SPEED AND THE SHIFTER HANDLE HAS AN CONTINUES TO COME OFF IN MY HAND. A MINIMUM OF 3 FUSES NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE DASH BOARD GOES BLANK AT TIMES SHOWING NO FUNCTIONS OF THE CAR. WINDOW WOULDN'T GO UP OR DOWN AND REQUIRED THE REGULATOR TO BE REPLACED. ERRACTIC IDLE. SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON BUT, DEALER DOESN'T KNOW WHY. BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT 30,000 MILES AND ROTORS TOO.
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.OWNER WAS IN THE STORE FOR APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES. WHEN THE OWNER RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE FIRE TRUCKS WERE OUTSIDE EXTINGUISHING THE FLAMES. IT APPEARED THAT THE FIRE STARTE…
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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.OWNER WAS IN THE STORE FOR APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES. 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. *AK
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 …
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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. *AK
Official recalls
407V087000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Mar 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.
05V236000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
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.
04V540000 · Engine And Engine Cooling
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.
04V226000 · Seat Belts:front:retractor
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.