Saab 9-3 Common Problems (2003-2011)

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[Neptune]

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I apologize for the darkness toward the end of the video. I know this was a long video and I probably got some information wrong but I link to some sources and part numbers, as well as where to buy them below and time stamps in the video. This took a while to put together so please if you can show your support by liking the video, sharing the video and subscribing that’s the most I ask for

Anyway here are the part numbers and where you can buy them

⚠️ I’m not affiliated with any of the links below ⚠️


📌Honorable Mention @1:10 - unfortunately there’s no easy fix, you will have to find a shop to to fix rust. However there is something you can buy that works well for rust proofing, link below


📌Coolant Resevoir tank and Battery Issues (v6 only issue ) @2:05 - for the battery you can buy any battery you like, although this problem is primarily for the aero model with the 2.8t v6.


P/N 12842086


These two issues are primarily focused on the B284 motor (v6 aero model) due to the high heat centralized near the turbo and downpipe. This problem isn’t as apparent on the 2.0t of this gen

📌 Clunking / Banging noise when turning or driving over uneven pavement @3:50 -

The most common issue here has to do with the top mount bearing OR a cracked spring near the perch of your shocks and struts. However for most 10+ year old cars (especially those driven in a city or urban environment) the issue could also be a number of other things. Including wheel bearings, control arms, broken or leaking boots on the axle, tie rods among other things. However the first place to check in the Saab would be the two things listed in the beginning.

I’ll link to where you can buy them, however each trim of the Saab has a different part number, the part number (afaik) only fits certain trims so I won’t list them all as there’s to many but here is where you can buy them


📌 Spark plugs / coil packs @5:50 -



P/N - 0221604112

Recommended plugs would be iridium plugs, no need for a p/n as each brand is different, choose any brand you like (oem is Bosch)

📌 Key fob, Ignition module and Steering Lock @6:41 -

Key fob will need a new blade to be cut and fob will need to be programmed. Linked below is an OEM Saab fob and p/n, however you can find the blades all over eBay. Some GM dealers are able to program your ignition module and key fob to communicate with each other to unlock a steering column lock. As for a bypass use google and search for

“steering lock fuse bypass Saab 93” that’s should help you find something


Fob P/N 12783781


Part number is in the link, if you wish to buy a used Ignition switch from eBay, you must get it reprogrammed to your key.




As far I know there are difficult frequencies for the CIM, so you’ll have to verify which one is for your vehicle, linked above is what to look for if you choose to go a cheaper route on eBay. Plenty of options on eBay with Key fobs included, needless to say programming them will be required

📌 Transmission issue @9:00 - sorry no links to provide for you here. A breaking down A/T could be anything from the torque converter itself to bad fluid . This will be for a transmission tech to determine

📌 Fuel Level sensor and Fuel Pump @10:12 -
Fuel leveler will eventually fail and read inappropriate level regardless of if the tank is full or not. This issue can be ignored by using math to determine where you are in regards to fuel (simple mpg math) however it’s very very annoying. This job requires the fuel tank to be dropped and fuel pump to be removed, best course of action would be to replace the whole fuel pump if your vehicle is a high mileage car, otherwise the leveler itself can be replaced if you wish.


2.0T FWD P/N 12805467
2.0T XWD P/N 12845869
V6 P/N 32500530


Level Sensor P/N 19418353

📌Saab Information Display (SID) @11:53 - I couldn’t find a part number for the new gen cars with the same SID that’s in my car. But googling SID repair brings up a lot of information. This will be a rabbit while you may need to explore a little more your self. However it appears that DIY fixes do exist

📌Surging/Hesation when idle @12:59 - I’ve read many things as I’m currently getting this issue occasionally. Cleaning the throttle body ideally will fix the problem however if you wish to replace it all together here are the links.


Part numbers are in the link

📌Clicking Hvac Noise @14:40 - common issue on older cars as well as some newer vehicles. Plastic gear in the recirculating motor tends to break. Very easy fix for a DIY, I may replace mine when my recirculating motor fully fails and I’ll publish a video on it when I do


Recirculating Motor P/N 13192013

📌 Timing Chain Tensioner @15:50 - noted by what sounds like a “slapping” sound, this isn’t an ignorable problem ! THIS COULD LEAD TO CATASTROPHIC AND DANGEROUS FAILURE !

If you have this issue (even though I’m probably wrong in how I described it) you should definitely take care of it quickly although if your vehicle was maintained properly you won’t need to worry. Change your oil regularly and it’ll help keep the chain lubricated and keep it from warping. It’s suggested to just buy a whole kit and iirc there’s also a tension tool you’ll need to buy as well.



V6 (B284 kit) - couldn’t find a link to an OEM kit, although if you have the V6 you’ll need to purchase two kits one for one side of the V6 and one for the other. This is what my Saab Mechanic told me. He also quoted around $500-$600 for the Bosch parts although I can’t find them searching myself

📌Seat belt not Retracting @17:45 - Depending on your make and model there will be plenty of different part numbers, again too many to list but here is a list of all the seat belts and their part numbers if you need them


📌Faded or scratched interior buttons @18:45 - gm coated the Saab buttons with a soft rubber material to give all the black plastic pieces a soft more luxury feel, it also would reduce noise. However over time these buttons start peel. Particularly on the hvac controls. There are replacement parts for cheap on eBay but I’ll link to the oem replacement as eBay links tend to fail over time





This was a long list, you can reach me here on YouTube and on IG.

Here’s another link though with some more common issues and better description of the problems

[WeakestofWeeks]

I'm definitely biased since I own a few Saabs but like any other vehicle on the road issues come up with age and mileage. Maintenance is key and so are the parts used!

[byggs]

As an MOT test center technician in Sweden, whose dad worked for SAAB for 40 years I can give these tips as well. Other SAAB 9-3 9-5 problems too look for: Rust: Wheel wells(all saabs), Top mounts in the engine bay(9-3), rear rub frame(9-3), Outer beam under the doors often covered witch plastic linings(9-3, 9-5), Bracket mounting points for the tail hook(all saabs), Brake pipe by the gas tank(9-5). Body: Rear outer control arm bushings(9-3 and 9-5), The front sub frame rear bushings(9-5).

All cars have their problems, even Volvo's with it's failing front control arm bushings, crank case ventilation and it's cracking refuel pipe.

BMW has it's rusting brake lines and Mercedes just rust....

But all of this is just normal car problems. Saab cars are fricking amazing! You will get so much car for your money if you can get a descent one.

[rodddrake]

Well, I've got a 2006 2.0t and its great. Starts 1st time and drives great. Regular oil change and drive it every day, it just keeps going.

[MassiveTrackHunter]

-You need the battery cover. The battery cover, compartment and that duct leading into it will run cool air over it to help prolong the battery.
-That overflow tank and the two hoses should be replaced every 5yrs since they sit right over the nuclear reactor.
-The plastic vacuum line assembly behind the motor also cracks eventually, but not a bad job to replace. The hesitation and surge are likely due to vacuum leaks, or the purge valve on the rear of the intake.
-The transmission issues are caused by not changing the fluid every 30k. Which is an odd issue, but a real requirement on the aisin warner transmission. Old fluid causes bad performance, and even failure to downshift to first gear at a stoplight. I had the fluid changed out twice over a few month period, then reset the battery and it shifted far better after the relearn period.
-Check fuse 14, I believe, which is for the SID. Might be that simple.
-The tensioner problem is actually pretty specific. One 2.0's you need to change both timing and balance chains around 160k miles, on the 2.8 it will typically last to 300k+, with the exception of the 2006 which had a slightly inferior design and might fail around 250k. With proper oil changes, the V6 really does not break chains, per our local saab repair shop that has been around for 50yrs.
-Enthusiast forums, T8Suite, WIS and EPC are your friends if you own a saab.
The power from Saab engines more than makes up for the little issues.

[guitarlover]

I have a 2005 Aero convertible which I have had for six years - never let me down ! Has had new clutch and timing chains - 4 cylinder 2.0 petrol re mapped to 280Bhp
No rust on it as have it waxoyled every other year
Car has black diamond discs and pads , Bilstein shocks , Maptune exhaust
Common problem is drain hole blocking in scuttle and water soaks carpet on passenger side U.k.
Have had seatbelt issue - cost £150
to recondition
Agree interior plastic is atrocious - had dash trim done in vinyl
wrap and door pulls
Key to these cars is finding an independent Saab specialist who knows what they are doing ! Everything available virtually from
Sweden / had new roof fitted - needed two cables / came to U.K. in two days ! Lots of secondhand parts about
Main reason I bought mine was
1 safety 9.3 convertible immensely strong
2 style - good looking 4 seater convertible
3 Individual not a BMW or Audi clone

Wouldn’t buy a car that didn’t have comprehensive service history - service schedules quoted 18 months way to long - mine done every six months
Parts are surprisingly cheap ! Swedish Govt underwrote parts production
Plugs must be NGK !
Fully synthetic oil
Change coolant every 36k
Brake fluid every 24 k
I change transmission fluid every 4 years
Join owners club ! lots of information and knowledge
Use genuine parts
They are immensely strong 💪 just look at photos on line - I won’t drive anything else !

[cheapswede]

Front subframe rusting out is a huge issue on the newer generation - especially facelift models 2008 and newer. The ECU getting too hot in the 2.0T models. I would put those up top as #1 and 2.

[dennisspors]

for the battery, get the lid and intake. Get some auto insulation that has the silver face. Put a sheet in the battery cover and then surround the battery sides with this insulation also. I have had the same battery for three years. I also installed the metal tank and all silicone hoses

[solarfinder]

For the record, I love your Saab. I had a 06 Saab 9-3 and I am a fan for life, but repairs and such are tough and expensive. Unfortunately, it's good if you do all of the maintenance, however, if you get a neglected car, good luck.

[robflob]

nice calm video with ultra cool green dash lights ..i love the 9-3 convertible

[willemdavison]

Really appreciate this man, it’s handy having all this info in one concise video.

[brobno]

I have owned Saabs for more years than I care to remember... I currently have 2 Aeros, one the same as the car here & one of the last face lifted gens.... I have never come across any of these "common problems" stated here.... have I just been lucky for all these years/cars or what?! I live in the UK & the only issue I have had is the water cooled inlet manifold on a TTiD Aero cracked... as for the rest of the so called common issues shown here.... nope, none! I find myself smiling at these videos : nice wagon anyway!

[MassiveTrackHunter]

Had that exact combi, same color, 06 Aero. Very sexy wagon, lots of fun to use and drive, and really a handy wagon.

[robertdblack]

Great video mate...I have a 2008 9-3Tid and I suffer some of the problems you've recorded. But they're still a stonking motor and above all, ....Beinging a father; safe!

[seanweirdbeard]

The blower motor failing is a common prob too apparently. Dried leaves collect in the engine bay (at the top) and then the multch bungs up the motor. Goot vid, very informative as am just about to purchase one.

[djordjetrifunovic]

Banging or clicking while turning can also usually be a knuckle bushing, it happens to the 9-5's quite often after reaching about

[erikmartens]

As a '08 9-3 2.0T aero estate owner it's nice to see this video. Still love it and it puts a smile on my face and others. It's practical enough with the kids. I have had very few of the issues you mention after 5.5 years and it has been very reliable. First real maintenance was this year with new springs/dampers and a new PCB for the key lock. The car has about 200k kms at this moment, so it has just been run in ;) I hope to get a nice convertible again like the sweet vector I had.

[SuperMcgenius]

You got it, shock tower bearings and engine mounts I would add. 🥲

[lovediecastdetails]

I have 3 06 9 3 Sportcombi for these past 3 yrs all V6 aero and I dont have any the problem you described All 3 are So Cal cars so definitely no rust issues only problem I had was one of them has ICM3 problem

[viratrajgoyal]

Really appreciate the in depth content and solutions! Thanks!