NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
212 reports33,000 miles · Jul 6, 2006
Electrical SystemExterior LightingParking Brake
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 WO…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10161643
21,500 miles · May 25, 2006
Fuel System, Gasoline
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED FUEL WAS NOTICED LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED ROAD DEBRIS PUNCTURED THE TANK. THE FUEL TANK DOES NOT HAVE ANY PROTECTION FROM DEBRIS. THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 06/15/06 - DEALER DIAGNOSED AND DROPPED GAS T…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED FUEL WAS NOTICED LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED ROAD DEBRIS PUNCTURED THE TANK. THE FUEL TANK DOES NOT HAVE ANY PROTECTION FROM DEBRIS. THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 06/15/06 - DEALER DIAGNOSED AND DROPPED GAS TANK . SWAPPED OVER FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY TO NEW GAS TANK. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10158268
Mileage unknown · May 23, 2006
Electrical SystemService Brakes, HydraulicSteering
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 TH…
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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***
NHTSA ODI #10158414
35,000 miles · May 19, 2006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
THE BRAKE PEDAL ON MY '03 SAAB 9-3 SPORTS SEDAN SINKS TO THE FLOOR WHEN CONSTANT MODERATE PRESSURE IS APPLIED. THE SAAB DEALER ASSURES ME THAT ALL CARS OF THIS TYPE DO THIS. I BELIEVE STRONGLY THAT IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10157871
64,000 miles · Apr 30, 2006
Electrical System
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 …
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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
NHTSA ODI #10156461
Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 2006
Power TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic
2003 SAAB 9-3 BRAKES DOES NOT STOP VEHICLE WHEN DEPRESSED. *TS THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE WHILE BRAKING. THE BRAKES WERE TESTED BUT THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE FINE. THE CONSUMER ALSO EXPERIENCED PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION THAT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LURCH FORWARD WHILE STOPPED. …
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2003 SAAB 9-3 BRAKES DOES NOT STOP VEHICLE WHEN DEPRESSED. *TS THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE WHILE BRAKING. THE BRAKES WERE TESTED BUT THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE FINE. THE CONSUMER ALSO EXPERIENCED PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION THAT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LURCH FORWARD WHILE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10155178
79,000 miles · Mar 26, 2006
Exterior Lighting
I HAD MY HEADLIGHTS CHANGED AT 65K BECAUSE THE BEAM WAS GETTING TO LOW AND IT WAS HARD TO SEE AT NIGHT. WHILE THE LIGHTS WERE GETTING CHANGED THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE WIRES CONNECTING THE LIGHT TO THE CAR WERE MELTING. THREE MONTHS LATER AT 80K THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT LOW BEAM FINALLY DIED. THE SID SAYS LOW BEAM FAILURE, …
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I HAD MY HEADLIGHTS CHANGED AT 65K BECAUSE THE BEAM WAS GETTING TO LOW AND IT WAS HARD TO SEE AT NIGHT. WHILE THE LIGHTS WERE GETTING CHANGED THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE WIRES CONNECTING THE LIGHT TO THE CAR WERE MELTING. THREE MONTHS LATER AT 80K THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT LOW BEAM FINALLY DIED. THE SID SAYS LOW BEAM FAILURE, WHICH IS DUE TO THE MELTING OF THE WIRES. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10153723
Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2006
Power Train
GEARBOX MALFUNCTION HAS OCCURRED TWICE LEAVING ME STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR WILL NOT GO OVER 5 MPH. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS THIS OCCURS UNEXPECTEDLY IN TRAFFIC. DEALER FIXED BOTH TIMES, BUT TRANSMISSION STILL SLIPPED AND I FEARED DRIVING IT. THE DEALER TOOK IT IN AGAIN AND HAD THEIR TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST DRIVE AND …
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GEARBOX MALFUNCTION HAS OCCURRED TWICE LEAVING ME STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR WILL NOT GO OVER 5 MPH. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS THIS OCCURS UNEXPECTEDLY IN TRAFFIC. DEALER FIXED BOTH TIMES, BUT TRANSMISSION STILL SLIPPED AND I FEARED DRIVING IT. THE DEALER TOOK IT IN AGAIN AND HAD THEIR TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST DRIVE AND INSPECT IT. THE DEALER SAYS THAT THERE IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE 2003 9.3 SAABS WITH CONTAMINATION OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID IS COOLED WITHIN A SECTION OF THE RADIATOR. THE BLOCK THAT SEPARATES THE COOLANT FROM THE TRANSMISSION FLUID IS BAD AND CAUSES THE COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. I WAS SCHEDULED FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION, A NEW RADIATOR (UNDER WARRANTY), BUT THE CAR FAILED A 3RD TIME WHEN I WAS TRYING TO DRIVE TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. THEY HAD ANOTHER 9.3 SCHEDULED AT THE SAME TIME FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. ADDITIONALLY, THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT I NEED FRONT AND BACK BRAKES - NOT UNDER WARRANTY - WILL COST ME $1,000. THIS IS THE MOST SERIOUS OF THE PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD WITH THIS CAR, BUT HAVE HAD IT IN THE SHOP 16 DAYS FOR NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH HEADLIGHTS, ON STAR, SID, LOCKS, DOOR ISSUE, WINDOW ISSUE, OIL LEAKS. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT A CAR WITH THIS SAFETY RATING CAN HAVE THIS MANY PROBLEMS AND ESPECIALLY THE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TRANSMISSION ISSUES THAT LEAVE YOU STRANDED IN TRAFFIC. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10147037
Mileage unknown · Nov 22, 2005
Steering
APPROXIMATELY 14 MONTHS AFTER LEASING A NEW 2003 SAAB 9.3 I WAS DRIVING AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP FOR NO REASON. I GOT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS FIXED. APPROXIMATELY 12 MONTHS LATER I AM MERGING ONTO I75 FROM I285 AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS AGAIN AND THANKFULLY I WAS NOT IN AN ACCIDENT. *J…
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APPROXIMATELY 14 MONTHS AFTER LEASING A NEW 2003 SAAB 9.3 I WAS DRIVING AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP FOR NO REASON. I GOT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS FIXED. APPROXIMATELY 12 MONTHS LATER I AM MERGING ONTO I75 FROM I285 AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS AGAIN AND THANKFULLY I WAS NOT IN AN ACCIDENT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10143487
28,000 miles · Oct 7, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 93 LINEAR. APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS AGO THERE WAS COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE WHILE TRYING TO STOP AT A STOP LIGHT ON DRY PAVEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP, AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. THIS WAS THE FIRST TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. BUT SINCE THE PURCHASE OF…
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DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 93 LINEAR. APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS AGO THERE WAS COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE WHILE TRYING TO STOP AT A STOP LIGHT ON DRY PAVEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP, AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. THIS WAS THE FIRST TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. BUT SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE, WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED THERE WAS VIBRATION IN THE PEDAL WHILE IN REVERSE AND WHILE TRYING TO STOP. THIS HAS BEEN A CONSISTENT PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE SINCE THE DAY OF PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS PROBLEM DID NOT OCCUR EVERY TIME THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM . THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO BECAUSE THE SERVICE DEALER SAID THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10138975
Official recalls
4Mar 7, 2007
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: OVER TIME, THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL LINES TO LOOSEN FROM THE PUMP RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, THE FUEL MAY IGNITE RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL DEVELOP A SECURING BRACKET THAT WILL SECURE THE FUEL LINES TO THE FUEL PUMP EVEN IF THE PLASTIC RETAINING TABS SHOULD BREAK. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 13, 2007. THIS IS AN EXPANSION OF PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGNS - SEE 04V557 AND 06V126. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
May 19, 2005
CERTAIN SPORT SEDAN AND CONVERTIBLE PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH A VACUUM PIPE CHECK VALVE FOR THE BRAKE BOOSTER THAT MAY FAIL FROM EXPOSURE TO ELEVATED TEMPERATURES. THIS COULD RESULT IN SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST, USUALLY WITH LITTLE OR NO WARNING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION WERE TO OCCUR WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE IS REQUIRED, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REDESIGNED CHECK VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 17, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
Oct 20, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE MAY CAUSE ENGINE HESITATION OR STALLING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE VEHICLE STALLS AS A RESULT OF THIS CONDITION, IT CAN BE RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
May 11, 2004
SOME SPORT SEDANS WERE BUILT WITH SEAT BELT RETRACTORS THAT WERE DAMAGED DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. IF DAMAGED, OVER TIME, THE AUTOMATIC TENSIONING SYSTEM (ATS) CABLE IN THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR COULD BREAK CAUSING THE BELT WEBBING TO NOT RETRACT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, A FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT MAY RECEIVE MORE SEVERE INJURIES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 24, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
4EA08026 · Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture
Opened Dec 22, 2008 · Closed Jun 4, 2010
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
To date, ODI is aware of 142 non-duplicative complaints related to the alleged defect.In addition, ODI is aware of 2,626 subject vehicles with one or more warranty claims related to the alleged defect.In total, ODI is aware of 2,714 unique subject vehicles that have experienced one or more front suspension coil spring fractures.ODI is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the alleged defect.The engineering design and testing data supplied by GM, along with the frequency of consumer complaints and warranty claims related to the alleged defect, tends to support the position that, in general, the coil springs that fractured on many subject vehicles did not achieve the expected service life.However, in regard to the subject vehicles, a front suspension coil spring fracture itself has little safety consequence, as evidenced by the minimal impact on vehicle ride and handling and by the number of drivers who were unaware of the failure condition for some time until alerted by service personnel.The ratio of tire punctures to coil spring fractures appears low and there are no reports of crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect. A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will continue to monitor this issue and will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.See the EA08-026 Engineering Analysis Closing Report for more details.
PE08051 · Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture
Opened Aug 28, 2008 · Closed Dec 23, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
ON AUGUST 28, 2008, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE08-051) TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURES IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-2004 SAAB 9-3 VEHICLES SOLD OR REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES.(NOTE: FOR PURPOSES OF THIS INVESTIGATION, THE SALT BELT INCLUDES CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN).SUBSEQUENT ANALYSIS OF DATA PROVIDED BY GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM) HAS LED THE AGENCY TO EXPAND THE SCOPE OF THIS INVESTIGATION TO INCLUDE ALL MY 2003-2006 SAAB 9-3 VEHICLES SOLD OR REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES. TO DATE, ODI IS AWARE OF 53 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS AND/OR FIELD REPORTS THAT ALLEGE COIL SPRING FRACTURE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, INCLUDING 23 ALLEGING THE FRACTURED SPRING DAMAGED A TIRE, WITH 16 OF THOSE INVOLVING A TIRE PUNCTURE.ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY DATA PROVIDED BY GM IDENTIFIED 1,218 CLAIMS PAID TO REPAIR SUBJECT VEHICLES THAT EXPERIENCED THE ALLEGED DEFECT, OF WHICH 138 VEHICLES ALSO SUFFERED DAMAGE TO THE ADJACENT TIRE AND OF THOSE, 79 VEHICLES EXPERIENCED A TIRE PUNCTURE.ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY CRASHES OR INJURIES RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT. GM MADE SEVERAL DESIGN CHANGES TO THE COIL SPRINGS AND/OR MCPHERSON STRUT ASSEMBLIES USED IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IN AN APPARENT EFFORT TO ADDRESS THE ALLEGED DEFECT CONDITION.HOWEVER, GM MAINTAINS THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES REMAIN WELL CONTROLLED IN THE EVENT OF TIRE PUNCTURE, THAT THE RATE OF TIRE PUNCTURE INCIDENTS RELATED TO COIL SPRING FRACTURES IS LOW, AND THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT DOES NOT POSE AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA08-026) TO FURTHER STUDY THE SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.
EA04008 · Engine Stall
Opened Mar 19, 2004 · Closed Oct 27, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:ignition:module; Engine And Engine Cooling
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?S CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE APPROPRIATELY TREATED AS A SAFETY RECALL.HOWEVER, BASED ON THE VERY HIGH COMPLETION RATES FOR THAT CAMPAIGN (83.3 PERCENT OVERALL) AND GM?S LETTER DESCRIBING ITS FUTURE APPROACH TO THE CONSIDERATION OF STALLING ISSUES, ODI HAS DECIDED THAT FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES ON THIS INVESTIGATION IS NOT WARRANTED.THEREFORE, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:ignition:module
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?S CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE APPROPRIATELY TREATED AS A SAFETY RECALL.HOWEVER, BASED ON THE VERY HIGH COMPLETION RATES FOR THAT CAMPAIGN (83.3 PERCENT OVERALL) AND GM?S LETTER DESCRIBING ITS FUTURE APPROACH TO THE CONSIDERATION OF STALLING ISSUES, ODI HAS DECIDED THAT FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES ON THIS INVESTIGATION IS NOT WARRANTED.THEREFORE, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT.
Engine And Engine Cooling
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?S CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE APPROPRIATELY TREATED AS A SAFETY RECALL.HOWEVER, BASED ON THE VERY HIGH COMPLETION RATES FOR THAT CAMPAIGN (83.3 PERCENT OVERALL) AND GM?S LETTER DESCRIBING ITS FUTURE APPROACH TO THE CONSIDERATION OF STALLING ISSUES, ODI HAS DECIDED THAT FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES ON THIS INVESTIGATION IS NOT WARRANTED.THEREFORE, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT.
PE03059 · Engine Stall
Opened Dec 30, 2003 · Closed Mar 19, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:ignition:module; Engine And Engine Cooling
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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:ignition:module
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.
Engine And Engine Cooling
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.
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