2003 Saab 9-3 electrical system problems
Owners reported electrical system problems in 51 complaints for the 2003 Saab 9-3, 16% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 51 16% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 59,000 miles 42 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 5
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When electrical system problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 10 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 10 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 1 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 10 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 4 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 4 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 2 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 1 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 42 electrical system complaints that report mileage, the median is about 59,000 miles, and 50% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 5 fires.
What owners wrote
Short in fuse box in engine compartment caused and electrical fire with smoke from the engine bay, engine shut down on the highway causing lost of power steering and braking/ car was able to restart with the lost of the light, turn signals, horn and windscreen wipers.
I picked up my car on february 24, 2003 at night. The next morning I was testing the CD player in the car and it wouldnt work. So I brought back the car for the first time. They said they had to fix something with the computer. About 1 month later my wife was driving my 2 month old son and the car stalled in the middle of the highway. While I was trying to bring it into saab it stalled another 2 times. They said they have to replace some computer.
Other problems reported for the 2003 Saab 9-3
- Suspension 45 complaints
- Engine 38 complaints
- Transmission 25 complaints
- Brakes 23 complaints
- Fuel system 20 complaints
- Steering 20 complaints
- Air bags 15 complaints