2006 Saab 9-3 Problems and Repair Histories

2006 Saab 9-3 problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys

See what people are saying about 2006 Saab 9-3 problems

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Saab 9-3

2006 Saab 9-3s for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2006 Saab 9-3 problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.

For 2006 Saab 9-3 problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2006 Saab 9-3 problems and repair histories that follow it.

Year	Make/Model	Trips/Year/100 Cars	Compared to all models for the same year
2006	Saab 9-3	41 9-3s, 8.7 months of data per 9-3, average 74300 miles54	Fewest Trips Most Trips	see reported repairs

Saab 9-3 in Texas, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Sep	2009	33000		First odometer entry
Jan	2010	38000	0	Driver's lumbar support failed.
Oct	2010			Most recent odometer entry.

Saab 9-3 in Wisconsin, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2010	46000		First odometer entry
Dec	2010	46000	60	New starter, new flywheel. Completely new transmission. I paid for the lube/oil change.
Jun	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

Saab 9-3 in Florida, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2006	0		First odometer entry
Jul	2009	36000	0	Battery and cables replaced.
Dec	2009	41000	0	Antenna cracking.
Jan	2010	42300	0	Windshield fluid nozzle.
Jun	2010	49000	600	SID unit (trip computer) after resetting trip info would randomly go back to previous distance/MPG numbers after turning off engine (then back on). After multiple attempts including software updates, SID was replaced and finally fixed. (both) rear door's upper interior window sill would sag down showing metal frame. This is due to the weak 2-way tape holding it up against the frame. Florida heat may have something to do with it but should be addressed. Dealer replaced. SAAB emblem peels off. This is the third time (between front and back). Dealer replaced. I am not sure Saab has yet addressed. interior front door handle (covers) show slight wear discoloration. Dealer replaced under warranty. I hadn't even noticed. rattle coming from dashboard (around front speaker). Speaker harness was loose. Mechanic attached, added insulation and rattle disappeared. Fixed rear pads were at the end of their life and dealer suggested replacing. 49000 miles. Cost for rear pad replacement at dealer $200 US dollars
Aug	2011	63700	310	AC stopped working--- no parts replaced, just computer reset. Unfortunately troubleshooting took a long time hence the expensive repair.
Jan	2012	69300	220	Ingniter on one of the spark plugs required maintenance
Jan	2013	80000		Most recent odometer entry.

Saab 9-3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2008	23000		First odometer entry
Dec	2010	38000	0	Took the vehicle in before warranty expired. Dealership notified that brake pads & rotors were low and need to be replaced.
Feb	2011	38000	0	Front left spring broke
Aug	2012	56000		Most recent odometer entry.

Saab 9-3 in California, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
May	2008	18000		First odometer entry
Jun	2008	19000	0	Malfunctioning passenger airbag sensor.
Jul	2008	20000	0	Hood emblem peeled off.
Feb	2009	27000	0	Lumbar support in driver's seat broke.
May	2010	40000	0	Door hinge element came loose in driver and passenger front doors.
Jan	2011	48700	0	Peeling soft touch finish on glovebox decor.
Sep	2011	54000	0	Coolant expansion tank cap replaced.
Mar	2012			Most recent odometer entry.

Saab 9-3 in New Mexico, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2006	0		First odometer entry
Mar	2007	4000	0	Rattle in the sunroof. Trimpiece had come loose. Reattached, issue fixed.
Jun	2008			Most recent odometer entry.

Saab 9-3 in Washington, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2006	7000		First odometer entry
Jul	2007	21000	0	Check engine light came on, vehicle continued to operate normally. Dealer diagnosed problem as faulty seal on gas cap. Replaced gas cap during the same appointment and successfully resolved issue.
Feb	2008	31000	0	Rattle from vehicle headliner when going over rough roads. Vehicle has required low beam headlight replacement three times in 30,000 miles of ownership - twice on left side, once on right. Dealer checked electrical system, found no problems, replaced both headlight bulbs. Time will tell whether or not ...
May	2009	47000	0	Slow coolant leak that required refill ~every month. Problem diagnosed as leaking banjo fitting, part ordered. Broken console cupholder. Parts ordered under warranty.
Jun	2009	48000	0	Parts received, broken console cupholder replaced.
Mar	2010	59000	400	Noticed slight grinding noise from rear passenger side brakes. Brakes were worn out - pads and rotors replaced. This is second time in <60k miles that rear brakes have needed replacement. Front brakes still >70% life and have never been replaced.
Jun	2011	72000	640	Fuel gauge would go to zero when tank filled. After 100 miles of driving, gauge would come on scale and work normally until next fillup. Happened consistently. Mechanic replaced fuel pump assembly which resolved problem.
Mar	2013	93000		Most recent odometer entry.

Saab 9-3 in Illinois, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jan	2011	33000		First odometer entry
Feb	2011	33000	200	Knocking noise from front passenger side. Dealer found broken coil spring. Replaced under warranty and recall campaign for this MY
Feb	2012			Most recent odometer entry.

Saab 9-3 in Ontario, Canada
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jan	2011	50840		First odometer entry
Jun	2012	65100	900	front brakes, pads and rotors tie-rod end

Saab 9-3 in Indiana, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2006	12000		First odometer entry
Aug	2008	35000	0	Rattle, RPM dependent. Rattle, RPM dependent.
Sep	2011	80000		Most recent odometer entry.

Saab 9-3 in Texas, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jan	2007	0		First odometer entry
Apr	2007	2000	0	When I tried to put the passenger window up, it would sometimes automatically go back down. Bad sensor.
Oct	2007	8000	0	My coolant container had cracked, leaking coolant out. I noticed it because the "Low Coolant" light came on. They replaced the container and all is well.
Jan	2008	11000	0	There was a leak in the heater core. The dealership ordered in a new one and replaced it.
May	2008	15000	0	Part of the trim around the door was sagging. (And had been since delivery.) They fixed it. The engine revs a little too high on cold start. It returns to a regular rev when in gear. They replaced... something... but it didn't fix the problem. I'll take it in again at some point again. The front passenger window does not always return to its upright position when I try to close it -- it goes up, then down again. They replaced something and fixed it.
Jul	2008	16000	0	The driver window wouldn't go all the way up. The door's electronics need to be rebooted.
Jul	2009	30000	0	The car makes a noise when the wheel is turned sharply while moving. The shop thinks it's one of two things -- they tried the first, and now I need to bring it back so they can try the second.
Aug	2009	31000	0	The car makes a noise when the wheel is turned sharply while moving. Still.
Oct	2009	34000	0	I ran out of gas one day, even though the gauge showed that I still had 1-2 gallons. When I brought it in to the shop, they said that running it that low on fuel caused the fuel pump to go. They replaced it, and my gauge is now registering correctly.
Jun	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

Saab 9-3 in Missouri, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jun	2007	13000		First odometer entry
Oct	2007	19000	0	Puddle of pink fluid on garage floor several days after scheduled maint. No fluids low, shop found no leaks.
Sep	2008	35000	0	Once again, small coolant leak noticed. Given some B.S. explanation that it was normal. Topped off coolant.
Nov	2008	40000	0	Coolant still leaking. Decided to replace the coolant tank and cap.
Dec	2008	42000	0	Cooling fan stuck on high, even when car was shut off. Fan would run until low voltage safety shut it off, killing the battery. Replaced battery and made software change for fan. This is the third battery in two years.
Feb	2009	44000	0	Intermittent rough idle, to the point that it has died a few times. Not consistent, difficult to predict, and not repaired. Dealer indicates several other aeros with similar symptoms. GM Tech Assistance engaged with no result.
Mar	2009	45000	0	Rough idle continues. Dealer still cannot duplicate. Opened TAC case with GM.
Apr	2009	45000	0	New coolant reservoir. Also new spark plugs.

Saab 9-3 in Massachusetts, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2006	9000		First odometer entry
Apr	2011	69000	0	Right-front spring broke near bottom coil. Saab has extended the warranty on the springs for 10 years/120,000 miles as this is a known issue in the "snow-belt" states where salt is used on the roads. Dealer replaced both front springs.
May	2011	71000	105	Right-rear caliper was sticking causing excessive drag. Replaced caliper with a remanufactured one.
Jul	2011	74000	183	Front tilt on drivers power seat stopped working. Replaced tilt motor.
Mar	2013	100000		Most recent odometer entry.

Saab 9-3 in Michigan, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2006	12000		First odometer entry
Apr	2007	16000	0	Front strut bushings were bad, made light clunking noise. Not a safety issue, just an annoyance, not sure if/when they would have failed.
May	2007	17000	0	Front strut bushings replaced.
Jun	2008	29000	0	The driver's side seat manual lumbar adjustment stopped working. The knob spun freely without adjusting lumbar which was stuck in the pushed in position. Driver's power window pinch protection was causing the window to go back down at the top when the express-up feature was used.
Mar	2009			Most recent odometer entry.

Saab 9-3 in Northern Ireland
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jan	2007	2000		First odometer entry
Oct	2008	20000	0	Alternator failed, successfully replaced at dealer.
Dec	2008			Most recent odometer entry.

Saab 9-3 in Virginia, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jan	2009	27000		First odometer entry
Feb	2009	28000	0	SAAB trunk emblem was pealed. Dealer repaired under warranty. Dealer did a great job!
Jun	2010			Most recent odometer entry.

Saab 9-3 in Colorado, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jan	2010		0	Dealer replaced front struts, front emblem, glove box button was pealing, replaced coolant tank with larger one (recall)
Mar	2011	58000	5	I have read other complaints and the heat from the engine could have caused the brake fluid cap to crack. Replaced cap for around $5.
Dec	2012	89000		Most recent odometer entry.

Saab 9-3 in Kuwait
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
May	2010	53320		First odometer entry
Jun	2010	57040	0	Check engine light came on, dealer said there is a problem in fuel pump, fuel pressure is low.
Sep	2010	58280	0	coolant tank
Mar	2011	62000	600	radiator cap leaks from time to time
Jul	2011	65720	700	steering column lock (electronic lock) is indicating that steering is locked when its not, unable to start the engine,
Jul	2012	75020	600	A/C not cooling, one vent gives cold air, all the rest give hot air Smell of coolant appear after shutting the engine,
Aug	2012	75020	0	engine take long time to start after refulling, fuel pump pressure is weak.

Saab 9-3 in Maryland, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jul	2009	59000		First odometer entry
Mar	2010	71000	0	The transmission linkage for the wiper system broke. Part ordered from Saab and installed by owner for $112.
Feb	2012	100000	0	Front springs broke and repaired under GM warranty campaign. Damaged tire and towing not covered.
Mar	2013	119000		Most recent odometer entry.

Saab 9-3 in New York, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2006	8000		First odometer entry
Sep	2008	26000	0	SEAL ON LEFTHEADLIGHT DEFECTIVE, LEADING TO FOGGING INSIDE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. Trim/bezel surround on dash replaced. Had come loose on drivers side.
Dec	2008	29000	0	Front right spring broke, replaced both front springs and bearings under warranty. From discussion board seems to be common problem
Jan	2009	30000	0	Light clunking noise from left from suspension was determined to be left front strut and was replaced.
Sep	2009	36000	0	replace worn right front inner tie rod
Nov	2010	44000	0	replaced cracked coolant reservoir bottle
Mar	2013	65000	0	front right spring cracked

Saab 9-3 in North Carolina, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Apr	2007	6000		First odometer entry
Aug	2007	9000	0	coolant expansion bottle was leaking when coolant expanded, dealer replaced expansion bottle
Oct	2007	10000	0	coolant expansion bottle leaked when engine heats up replaced by dealer
Jun	2008	19000	0	coolant expansion bottle was leaking when coolant expanded, dealer replaced expansion bottle. Successful repair.
Jun	2009	31000	0	radiator coolant expansion bottle cracked and leaking, repeat problem
Sep	2010	47000	14000	compressor for AC unit failed and needed to be replaced
Oct	2010			Most recent odometer entry.

Saab 9-3 in British Columbia, Canada
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jul	2010	23560		First odometer entry
May	2011	32860	200	Mass Airflow sensor cleaned
Nov	2012	48320	50	Window washer hose came off fitting
Mar	2013	52700		Most recent odometer entry.

2006 Saab 9-3 Problems and Repair Histories

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Expert 2006 Saab 9-3 Repair Advice

What People Are Saying about Problems with the 2006 Saab 9-3

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Saab 9-3

Saab 9-3 in New Jersey, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jan	2013	90000		First odometer entry
Mar	2013	91000	900	Needed Tie-rods Replaced steering pump
Apr	2013	91000		Most recent odometer entry.

Saab 9-3 in Victoria, Australia
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
May	2008	17980		First odometer entry
Jun	2008	18600	0	Knocking front suspension and/or rattly steering rack.
Aug	2008	18600	0	Front suspensiuon knocking due to faulty suspension arms and bushes. Known problem fixed by repalcing parts to a later (2008 model year) design.
Jun	2009			Most recent odometer entry.

Saab 9-3 in Puerto Rico
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jun	2007	14000		First odometer entry
Jul	2007	15000	0	This car has a lot of noises coming from the window seals oh the driver side and in the sunroof.
Sep	2009			Most recent odometer entry.

Saab 9-3 in Ohio, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2008	34000		First odometer entry
Feb	2009	36000	0	Developed popping noise when going over small road irregularities. Dealer replaced front struts and strut bearings - problem solved, car feels like new. Cost = 0.
Apr	2010	58000	1110	Replaced failed A/C compressor.
Aug	2010			Most recent odometer entry.

Saab 9-3 in Alberta, Canada
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Apr	2007	14880		First odometer entry
May	2007	17360	0	Rattles and creaks in door panels and roof. Rattles still not repaired, I have since done light repairs myself and have eleminated most of the rattles, but some persist. Such a shame in a luxury car, just not acceptable. My dealer rating in service is 2/10...
Jun	2007	19840	2500	Door rattles, blown speaker
Nov	2007	29760	0	Door rattles are substaintially better, but sunroof rattles still persist. From the three visits to the dealer to have this resolved, this is by far the best fix they have done yet. I could live with it now.
Jun	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

Saab 9-3 in Denmark
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Oct	2011	114080		First odometer entry
Dec	2011	118420	0	Service: Changed oil, filter and sparkplugs.
Oct	2012			Most recent odometer entry.

Saab 9-3 in Great Britain
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2006		0	battery flat on delivery - replaced
Aug	2007		0	wiring issue on engine - repaired on warranty
Aug	2009		300	egr valve faulty - replaced
Aug	2010		500	inlet manifold replaced - known issue but still had to pay - replaced
Mar	2011	36000		Most recent odometer entry.

Saab 9-3 in Alabama, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Oct	2007	4000		First odometer entry
Sep	2008	12000	0	Replaced expansion tank and coolant.
Sep	2009	22000	0	Reprogrammed auto-up windows so they would close appropriately.
Jun	2010	30000	0	vacuum hose replaced
Sep	2010	33000	0	Low coolant light appeared. Coolant tank replaced. Key became hard to remove from ignition. Ignition switch replaced. Driver's seat stitching came loose. Seat cover replaced.
Jan	2012	45300	200	Headlamp washer unit missing and had to be replaced.
May	2012			Most recent odometer entry.

Saab 9-3 in Germany
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Dec	2006	25420		First odometer entry
Nov	2007	39060	0	in-dash cd-changer sometimes not working
Dec	2007	40300	0	damaged pneumatic piston for bootlid-opener replaced under warranty Replaced sun blind passenger seat which had a small defect.
May	2008	46500	0	Pinch protection fault re-set.
Jun	2008	46500	0	Finally managed to replace in-dash CD-changer which was ordered earlier. Fully paid by manufacturer. Also fixed rattling a-pillar which occured after front-pane was replaced.
Sep	2008			Most recent odometer entry.