Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||||
| 08089-B | 11/01/2008 | 08089-C | 10027804 | General motors corp: special coverage adjustment; analog onstar deactivation. *pe updated 2/17/09. *pe | 02/09/2009 |
| 03022004 | 03/02/2004 | 10012065 | Onstar malfunction message on sid and dtc u1500 08 set in cu/pu. *eh | 02/10/2005 | |
| 39124092 | 02/01/2004 | 10012001 | Update of onstar english version. *eh | 02/08/2005 | |
| 8312429 | 01/01/2004 | 10012000 | Remote control does not work. *eh | 02/08/2005 | |
| 020604 | 02/06/2004 | 10006073 | Onstar software update and low battery complaints. *tt | 04/15/2004 | |
| 2482423 | 12/01/2003 | 10005830 | Diagnostic trouble code p0638 and/or p1682, disloged pins in h42-2. *tt | 03/16/2004 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY | |||||
| 02062004 | 02/06/2004 | 10012061 | Onstar software update and low battery complaints. *eh | 02/10/2005 | |
| 02042004 | 02/04/2004 | 10012063 | Additional procedure for disconnecting battery power to telematics unit. *eh | 02/10/2005 | |
| 311 | 03/26/2003 | 10002274 | 2003 recommended replacement batteries. *tt | 08/20/2003 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - SOFTWARE | |||||
| 08089-B | 11/01/2008 | 08089-C | 10027804 | General motors corp: special coverage adjustment; analog onstar deactivation. *pe updated 2/17/09. *pe | 02/09/2009 |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE | ||||||
| EA04008 | SAAB CARS USA, INC. | 03/19/2004 | 10/27/2004 | ENGINE STALL | ||
| 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 | ||||||
| PE03059 | SAAB CARS USA, INC. | 12/30/2003 | 03/19/2004 | ENGINE STALL | ||
| 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. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||
| 03/01/2011 | 65300 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saab 9-3. the contact stated that the fuel gauge and message display board was defective. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who refused to make repairs. the manufacturer was not contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 65,300. | |||
| 03/01/2011 | 65300 | ||
| Tl - the contact owns a 2003 saab 93 leniere. the contact stated that the gas gauge and the message display board were defective. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who refused to repaired it. the manufacturer was not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 65,300. pm | |||
| 02/05/2011 | 131000 | ||
| 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. | |||
| 10/01/2010 | 76000 | ||
| 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 wil 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. | |||
| 10/03/2008 | 62000 | 1 | |
| 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 | |||
| 07/27/2007 | 66000 | 1 | |
| 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 | |||
| 03/07/2007 | 61000 | 1 | 04/12/2003 |
| 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 | |||
| 03/19/2005 | 75000 | 100 | 02/01/2005 |
| Vehicle 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 | |||
| 07/17/2006 | 37000 | 2 | 01/01/2003 |
| 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 | |||
| 05/01/2006 | 1 | 04/18/2003 | |
| 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*** | |||
| 09/15/2005 | 8 | 10/31/2003 | |
| Brake pads & rotors, seat belt, battery replacement, tire, transmission, sunroof malfunction. *nm | |||
| 11/06/2003 | 10 | 10/06/2003 | |
| 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 | |||
| 06/17/2005 | 32000 | 25 | |
| 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. | |||
| 02/13/2004 | 15000 | 15 | 07/02/2003 |
| The consumer was able to remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle was still running. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the dealer replaced the ignition module. the repairs worked fine for two weeks, then the problem recurred. *jb the fuel pump was replaced, the fog and head lights would go out once a month, the traction control was not working properly, the seat belts did not recoil to provide security for the passengers, the clutch pedal did not have the proper pressure when applied, the engine would not spin over, there was a blown fuel pump fuse, the driver window was inoperative, the sunroof deflector did not collapse when closing the glass causing the glass to re-open on it's own, the driver door panel did not fit the flush to the door panel, the radio and the onstar feature did not work. *sc *jb | |||
| 11/07/2004 | 18000 | 1 | |
| Consumer was driving at approximately 25-30 mph and the vehicle lost steering and brake power. consumer looked at the dashboard and saw the engine check light illuminated. consumer took the vehicle back to the dealer, and was advised by the manufacturer to update the computer. however, the dealer could not diagnose the defect which occurred. *ak | |||
| 11/15/2003 | 8 | 07/26/2003 | |
| Headlights was too low which caused difficulty in driving at night. *la there was noise in the rear while backing and turning (the dealer could not find the problem), the onstar feature would not work and was intermittent, the seat belt light had come on and would go off intermittently (unable to duplicate), need service soon light would come on (unable to be duplicated), the squeal in the rear, could have also been linked to salt and sand in the rotors, the trunk would not stay open, the head lights were found to be out of adjustment, and the pads had rust on them. *sc *jb | |||
| 15500 | 1 | ||
| Owner had just left the dealer after having the 15,000 mile oil change and check up. while driving, the owner heard a loud popping sound. passing motorist informed the owner that the vehicle was on fire. a fire report was taken at the scene. provide further details. *jb | |||
| 12/30/2003 | 17000 | 2 | 08/04/2003 |
| Twice while stopping at a stop light my car has stalled. it has stalled once while driving in traffic at about 35 mph. it has also gotten stuck in park twice afrter i start it. the sid says gear box malfunctioned. the lights burn out and the interior is falling apart. this car has 17,000 miles in it.*ak | |||
| 01/15/2004 | 11933 | 3 | 02/21/2003 |
| 2003 safe 9-3 2.0t linear, purch new 2/21/03 dies' unexpectedly when being driven. first incident: car 'died' right in the middle of the road completely unexpectedly. assumed it was a 'fluke' and took no action. after second incident: dealer reset fuel adaptation valve. after third incident (dangerous - merging into freeway) dealer reprogrammed t8 and reset fuel adaptation per safe technical hot line all incidents occurred within last two weeks. car restarts with no warning light or side indication of problem upon ignition. *cb | |||
| 06/17/2003 | 450 | 4 | 06/12/2003 |
| Since purchasing my 2003 saab 9-3 in june the car has stalled 4 times while either at stop lights or sitting in traffic. once the car stalled while going 40 mph. i've taken the car to the dealership several times to have the problem corrected. each time a software upgrade is performed. and every time i contact the service dept they are surprised as to this occurrence.*ak | |||
| 11/20/2003 | 1 | ||
| While driving at 70 mph, the vehicle stalled. the driver restarted the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for analysis. the mechanic noticed that electrical system had a shortage. *ph | |||
| 03/01/2003 | 4 | ||
| I received my saab 9-3 back in feb 2003 and have experienced numerous problems with the onstar system as well as the electrical system (radio snd sid). the onstar computer has been rebooted twice, the sid has finally been replaced, however, i still experience problems with the radio. periodically, when you start the car, nothing but static comes out of the speakers and the system needs turned off and back on to correct the problem. one last item i forgot to mention. after the last reboot of the onstar system, i discovered that the steering wheel controls no longer work except for the volumn and channel changer.*ak | |||
| 08/20/2003 | 5000 | 1 | 02/24/2003 |
| 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. about 1 month later i started noticing that i was having serious pickup issues. for example, if i was accelerating after a red light i could hit the gas as hard as possible and i still wouldnt move for a solid 2 seconds. this almost became disastrous when a truck nearly hit me because i couldnt move the car. again i brought the car in and again they replaced some computer. this time they said it was an issue with the fuel injector so they replaced the entire computer. now about 2 weeks later the car seems to be having the first stages of the same problem. im trying to get out of my lease but saab says they believe my car is fixed. *ak | |||
| 05/14/2003 | 1930 | 2 | 03/19/2003 |
| The car stalled on me under normal driving conditions - twice. the first time i was driving home from work and was on a side road going about 30 miles an hour when the gas pedal totally stopped working because the car actually had stalled. the second time was about a week later and unfortunately i was in the middle of the highway during rush hour crawling at about 5 mph and the car totally stalled again. in both instances i turned the car off and turned it on again and the problem was gone. when i called my saab dealer after the second occurrence, the service consultant told me that there was a reprogramming effort that would fix the problem. i was surprised that he offered a solution right away, so i asked if he knew there was a problem and they weren't sending a recall notice to fix it. he said that not all cars were stalling, only about a quarter of them, and if a customer called with a complaint then they would fix it. so i brought it in for service the next day, and they said that they called the hotline, found a problem and were able to reprogram the car so it should be all fixed. *nlm | |||
| 03/26/2003 | 6000 | 1 | 01/01/2003 |
| After slowing down in traffic, my wife attempted to accelerate, but the engine stopped and the engine icon on the dash display was illuminated. the saab information display (sid) did not show any problems. luckily she was able to restart and continue on to work. approximately 25 miles later the engine was sluggish and almost stopped again. in addition the radio has been known to change stations by itself, and the remote mirrors will sometimes move by themselves. the car has been taken to the saab dealer and a software update has supposedly taken care of the mirrors and engine/ignition, but the radio problem is new. it would have been nice if saab had been proactive and sought out owners of this particular model (9-3 linear) sooner and notified them of a necessary software update. an engine dying in traffic, an intersection, a train crossing, etc., can be a danger. also, i'm still waiting for the onstar service to be installed. we purchased the car the first week in january, and now it's may and still no onstar! *jb | |||
| 04/09/2003 | 3000 | 2 | 03/01/2003 |
| I purchased a 2003 saab 9-3 linear w/ launch package (steel grey) approximately 2 months ago. four days after my purchase i was driving using the steptronic shifting and the car lost power. warning lights came on and the dash said to pull over and contact saab. when i attempted to accelerate and pull over, a severe grinding noise was heard and felt under my right foot. i called roadside assistance and they brought it back to the dealership. after several days the dealership said they saw a computer event wheel speed mismatch but was not sure what happened or how this was caused. they said when the car detects a problem it disables portions of the engine and computers and only allows you to go approx 20 mph to make a safe stop. the dealership called this limp home mode they said it was similar to a windows safe mode. as you could imagine i was angry but understand sometimes unexplainable things happen. now less than 2 months later it happened again. this time though i was on the freeway in rush hour traffic. after nearly getting into an accident i managed to call saab roadside and again they had to tow me. all of the symptoms were the same and even the grinding.. i sit here with a loaner waiting for info on the cause. i was wondering if anyone else here has experienced anything similar? or has anyone here heard of anything like this with the saab? any information or insight would be greatly appreciated.*jb | |||
| 01/18/2003 | 8 | 12/07/2003 | |
| My 2003 saab 9-3 with 900 miles has been back to the dealer to be serviced on 3 separate occasions for computer malfunctions. i have leased this car for about a month. the dealer has attempted repairs but has not been successful. the computer problems have been a hazard while driving the car and have also been a nuisance. the locking system on the car has failed to work on more than 3 occasions leaving the car un-lockable and it has triggered the alarm system on many occasions. the dome light will light and stay on when i am driving making it difficult to drive at night. there have been other computer malfunctions that i can discuss in detail if needed. the computer problems make this car unpredictable and in my opinion dangerous to drive. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | |||
| 04/30/2010 | 118000 | ||
| 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. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION | |||
| 06/01/2006 | 33000 | 6 | 07/01/2003 |
| 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 | |||
| 05/01/2006 | 1 | 04/18/2003 | |
| 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*** | |||
| 06/17/2005 | 32000 | 25 | |
| 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. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE | |||
| 05/28/2007 | 60200 | 4 | 06/13/2003 |
| 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. | |||
| 04/16/2004 | 06/30/2003 | ||
| Reoccuring engin stall while driving in traffic (spoke with consumer on 4/5/2005 - said his stall was due to faulty engine management software - car) | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - SWITCH | |||
| 06/17/2005 | 32000 | 25 | |
| 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. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING | |||
| 06/01/2006 | 33000 | 6 | 07/01/2003 |
| 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 | |||
| 02/05/2004 | 78900 | 4 | 11/02/2003 |
| 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. *jb | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - FRONT UNDERHOOD | |||
| 07/06/2007 | 57000 | 1 | 11/07/2003 |
| 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 | |||
| 04/21/2006 | 64000 | 2 | 10/15/2003 |
| 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 | |||
| 03/23/2005 | 34500 | 1 | |
| 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 | |||
| 03/23/2005 | 34500 | 1 | |
| 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 | |||