10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 90,107 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
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« Read the previous 20 complaints
The engine would not turn over when trying to start the engine from a cold start. If the temperatures would lower close to freezing the car will just crank and never turn over. If I were able to get the car started, once it warmed up, it ran just fine. Reading online, it seems to be a known issue with the 2007 & 2008 Saab 9-3's. it's a faulty intake valve and begins happening anywhere between 60,000 to 80,000 miles. I believe Saab should look into this as it seems to be happening to a lot of 2007 & 2008 Saab 9-3's. there should be a recall. The cost to get it fixed is over $2000.
- Warrington, PA, USA
Driving on turnpike and car hesitated very badly at 1/2 throttle in 3rd-5th gear at 50-70mph. Car stuttered so badly I backed off then engine malfunction light comes on for 10 secs, goes off and car then in a driving very poor - almost like its in limp mode. I belive it was limp home mode. Car felt like it was running on 3 cylinders with a hose blown off (not that I know what a hose is !!). I basically couldn't accelerate without the car feeling like it was going to fall apart. You could feel the car vibrating. I drove home very steady at 50 mph, being passed by all other vehicles. There are many problems with this model Saab turbox 9-3 2.8L V6 and faulty ignition coils. I know of scores of others having the same issue, with only 600 of this model produced. Https://www.facebook.com/notes/Saab-turbo-X/defect-of-ignition-coil/104750332952290.
- Pittsburgh, PA, USA
While driving a normal highway speed, the check engine light came on and stayed on. This is the 4th time since November 2012. For the first two times, the dealer replaced the fuel pump. The last time they were not able to diagnose or find a problem. Today, I am told that I need all 6 ignition coils replaced as well as all 6 spark plugs. I don't think this is necessary and that the dealer just wants to make some money. The car shudders and vibrates like crazy, even at idle but this is worse when accelerating. Also, the power is much lower than normal. Has anyone with this model had a similar experience or problem?
- Falls Church, VA, USA
When accelerating up to highway speeds engine will slip, stutter, and misfire reducing power and causing unsafe and unpredictable merging maneuvers. Have had 3 or more visits to dealer concerning this with repairs that never fully resolving issue of bad ignition coils or engine resolve. Vehicle is 2008 Saab 9-3 turbo X, a limited run of 600.
- Apple Valley, MN, USA
My Saab is a 2008 9-3 aero with a 6 speed automatic transmission. Ever since I bought it in October 2010, when I try to accelerate while already at speed (I.e., passing maneuver) the engine/transmission sputters and does not immediately accelerate. The stuttering makes passing in traffic a risky/dangerous move. I have made several trips to the dealer for investigation and am repeatedly told that this is the normal behavior for the automatic transmission. (I have never had an automatic transmission car act like this.) nearly two years later, I still have the same thing occurring.
- Rancho Cordova, CA, USA
- Burnsville, MN, USA