2003 Saab 9-3 engine problems
38 complaints about engine have been filed for the 2003 Saab 9-3, which is 12% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the 3rd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 38 12% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 16,000 miles 33 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 2 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 18 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 0 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 4 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 3 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 3 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 4 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 1 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 33 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 16,000 miles, and 67% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 2 crashes.
What owners wrote
This is my second complaint. I had originally filed complaint 10041666 a few weeks ago. Now the problem with my saab stalling has become worse. I was travel in traffic, when the vehicle stalled while in traffic. The engine stalling caused me to rear end the vehicle in front me. Which in turn caused a four car accident. There were no injuries reported, but now my problem is much more severe. I have contacted saab about this problem (much like I did the first time) and noting is being done to help me.
2003 saab 93 fails to accelerate from a stop in a timely manner. Delay can be as long as 5 seconds before reasonable rate of acceleration is achieved with light or heavy application of the gas pedal. Can occur when turning or in straight line acceleration. Only occurs in very hot weather (phoenix, summer). In normal weather, auto exhibits typical, slight turbo lag, but nothing nearly as severe as this condition.
Other problems reported for the 2003 Saab 9-3
- Electrical system 51 complaints
- Suspension 45 complaints
- Transmission 25 complaints
- Brakes 23 complaints
- Fuel system 20 complaints
- Steering 20 complaints
- Air bags 15 complaints