FaultScore

FaultScore report

2002 Saab 9-3 problems

Owners have filed 52 complaints about the 2002 Saab 9-3 with NHTSA between 2002 and 2023. The largest single group is the electrical system. Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 13 worst.

B

FaultScore 31/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Saab 9-3.

How this is worked out

The numbers

52

Complaints

0

Crashes reported

3

Fires reported

2

Injuries reported

60,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

16%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 20 vs 50 Severity 50 vs 50 Early failure 28 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 20
Against the median year of the Saab 9-3. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 50
9.6% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 28
16% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2002 compares with every other Saab 9-3

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2002 Saab 9-3

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

0 crashes, 3 fires · median 65,081 mi

Engine & Cooling 7 13.5%

Median failure at 45,905 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 6 11.5%

Median failure at 64,000 miles

Transmission & Drivetrain 5 9.6%

Median failure at 55,304 miles

Other & Unspecified 3 5.8%

Median failure at 24,000 miles

Seat Belts 3 5.8%

Median failure at 100,000 miles

Equipment & Accessories 2 3.8%

Median failure at 78,581 miles

Seats 2 3.8%

Median failure at 6,720 miles

Airbags 2 3.8%

Median failure at 6,720 miles

Doors, Latches & Locks 1 1.9%

Median failure at 117,000 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 1 1.9%
Lights 1 1.9%

Median failure at 123,000 miles

Suspension 1 1.9%

Median failure at 59,163 miles

Brakes 1 1.9%

Median failure at 8,700 miles

Steering 1 1.9%

Median failure at 71,000 miles

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

1,000 – 9,999 miles 3 7.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 2 4.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 9 20.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 13 30.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 6 14.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 8 18.6%
150,000+ miles 2 4.7%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Apr 2002 peak 5 Nov 2023

NHTSA investigations into the 2002 Saab 9-3

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

PE05017 Opened 7 Apr 2005 Closed 23 Sep 2005 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE

ENGINE STALL/ ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

ODI OPENED PE05-017 BASED ON 35 REPORTS OF ALLEGED ENGINE STALLING DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE IDM CASSETTE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ALL COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING AND MOST REPORTED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART.IN 3 INCIDENTS, THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED SMOKE AND/OR FIRE RESULTED FROM THE IDM FAILURE.DURING PE05-017, ADDITIONAL FAILURE DATA WAS IDENTIFIED AS NOTED IN THE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY ABOVE.THE COMPLAINT DATA REPRESENTS INCIDENTS WHERE THE COMPLAINANTS ALLEGED A STALL OR FIRE.ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2005, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A...

Recalls on the 2002 Saab 9-3

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2007059 4,033 units in Canada

Fuel System

On certain vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production. 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. Correction: Dealers will install a bracket that will secure the fuel lines to the fuel pump even if the plastic retaining tabs should break.

Recall 2005271 5,133 units in Canada

Electrical

Certain 2000-2002 Saab 9-3 and 9-5 model vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder gasoline engines, and 2001-2003 9-5 models equipped with 6-cylinder gasoline engines may experience overheating and burnout of the Isolated Gated Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) within the Ignition Discharge Module (IDM) due to increased susceptibility to electrical loads. Overheating of the IGBT occurs most often at engine start-up but may also occur while the engine is running. When the IDM fails on a 4-cylinder while it is running, the engine may stall without warning, with no ability to be restarted. When the IDM fails on a 6-cylinder engine while it is running, the driver will initially experience reduced power and rough operation because the engine will only be running on three cylinders. The check engine light will flash. If the driver continues, unburnt fuel in the exhaust can cause thermal damage to the catalytic converter. The engine may stall and not restart. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the IDM.

Recall 2004427 381 units in Canada

Fuel System

On certain Saab 9-3 convertible and 9-3 Viggen vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production. 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. Correction: Dealers will install a bracket that will secure the fuel lines to the fuel pump even if the plastic retaining tabs should break.

Recall 2002095 88 units in Canada

Brakes

On certain vehicles the brake calipers have received the wrong surface treatment. As a result, when the brake caliper becomes hot, hydrogen gas can form, diminishing braking performance. Correction: Dealers will inspect and replace calipers if necessary.

Recall 2001235 15 units in Canada

Steering

Certain passenger vehicles the tie rod end retaining nuts may not have been properly tightened at the factory. The nuts could loosen and fall off resulting in a sudden reduction or loss of steering control. Correction: All vehicles will be inspected and corrected prior to customer delivery . No owner notification will be required.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 48,000 miles Riverdale, NY Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

MY 2002 SAAB 9-3 STALLED IN TRAFFIC AND COULD NOT BE STARTED AGAIN. THE DIRECT IGNITION MODULE HAD BURNT OUT SUDDENLY, AND SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING OUT OF THE CONNECTOR WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR. THE MODULE FAILED WITH NO WARNING AT ALL, AND I WAS LUCKY TO HAVE BEEN IN HEAVY, BUT SLOW TRAFFIC. THE MODULE WAS REPLACED AND THE CAR IS RUNNING. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON IT, SO THE SUDDEN FAILURE OF SUCH A CRITICAL COMPONENT IS SURPRISING AND DISCONCERTING. I HAVE LITTLE FAITH THAT THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN, WITHOUT ANY WARNING.

NHTSA complaint #10116082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 48,000 miles Riverdale, NY Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE

MY 2002 SAAB 9-3 STALLED IN TRAFFIC AND COULD NOT BE STARTED AGAIN. THE DIRECT IGNITION MODULE HAD BURNT OUT SUDDENLY, AND SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING OUT OF THE CONNECTOR WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR. THE MODULE FAILED WITH NO WARNING AT ALL, AND I WAS LUCKY TO HAVE BEEN IN HEAVY, BUT SLOW TRAFFIC. THE MODULE WAS REPLACED AND THE CAR IS RUNNING. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON IT, SO THE SUDDEN FAILURE OF SUCH A CRITICAL COMPONENT IS SURPRISING AND DISCONCERTING. I HAVE LITTLE FAITH THAT THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN, WITHOUT ANY WARNING.

NHTSA complaint #10116082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 48,000 miles Riverdale, NY Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MY 2002 SAAB 9-3 STALLED IN TRAFFIC AND COULD NOT BE STARTED AGAIN. THE DIRECT IGNITION MODULE HAD BURNT OUT SUDDENLY, AND SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING OUT OF THE CONNECTOR WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR. THE MODULE FAILED WITH NO WARNING AT ALL, AND I WAS LUCKY TO HAVE BEEN IN HEAVY, BUT SLOW TRAFFIC. THE MODULE WAS REPLACED AND THE CAR IS RUNNING. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON IT, SO THE SUDDEN FAILURE OF SUCH A CRITICAL COMPONENT IS SURPRISING AND DISCONCERTING. I HAVE LITTLE FAITH THAT THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN, WITHOUT ANY WARNING.

NHTSA complaint #10116082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 6,720 miles NEW Orleans, LA 1 injured

SEATS

THE DRIVER SIDE SIDE-CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT VEHICLE BEING IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS CAUSED INJURIES TO THE DRIVER. MR AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, CONSUMER EXPERIENCED RINGING IN THE EARS AND SOME APPARENT HEARING LOSS WHICH NOW HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO BE PERMANENT. ALSO, THE LUMBAR IN THE DRIVER SEAT SEEMS TO BE TOO HIGH.

NHTSA complaint #8020899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 6,720 miles NEW Orleans, LA 1 injured

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

THE DRIVER SIDE SIDE-CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT VEHICLE BEING IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS CAUSED INJURIES TO THE DRIVER. MR AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, CONSUMER EXPERIENCED RINGING IN THE EARS AND SOME APPARENT HEARING LOSS WHICH NOW HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO BE PERMANENT. ALSO, THE LUMBAR IN THE DRIVER SEAT SEEMS TO BE TOO HIGH.

NHTSA complaint #8020899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Auburn, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The radiator exploded, spewing fluids everywhere, overheating my vehicle without warning when I was driving 45 mph, almost causing a multi-car crash.

NHTSA complaint #11554987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Auburn, CA

ENGINE

The radiator exploded, spewing fluids everywhere, overheating my vehicle without warning when I was driving 45 mph, almost causing a multi-car crash.

NHTSA complaint #11554987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Auburn, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The soft top is faulty and the rear lights are as well.

NHTSA complaint #11507579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Auburn, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The soft top is faulty and the rear lights are as well.

NHTSA complaint #11507579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 184,000 miles Frisco, TX

SEAT BELTS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SAAB 9-3. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO UTILIZE THE SEAT BELT, THE RETRACTOR FAILED AND WOULD NOT OPERATE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL PLACED ON CERTAIN TYPES OF SAAB VEHICLES FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V318000 (SEAT BELTS). THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL WAS ONLY RELATED TO 2004-2011 MODELS. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH MAYORS SAAB (6001 NORTHERN BOULEVARD, WOODSIDE, NY 11377, (718) 274-2300) AND JIM ELLIS AUDI OF MARIETTA (1715 COBB PKWY S, MARIETTA, GA 30060-9253, 770-590-4450) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 184,000.

NHTSA complaint #11282500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 71,000 miles Delray Beach, FL

STEERING

SAAB 9-3 2002 FREQUENTLY WILL NOT START EVEN THOUGH IT HAS NEW BATTERY AND NEWER ALTERNATOR- MAY BE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE.

NHTSA complaint #10838086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 71,000 miles Delray Beach, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SAAB 9-3 2002 FREQUENTLY WILL NOT START EVEN THOUGH IT HAS NEW BATTERY AND NEWER ALTERNATOR- MAY BE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE.

NHTSA complaint #10838086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 71,000 miles Delray Beach, FL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

SAAB 9-3 2002 FREQUENTLY WILL NOT START EVEN THOUGH IT HAS NEW BATTERY AND NEWER ALTERNATOR- MAY BE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE.

NHTSA complaint #10838086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 65,000 miles Mount Airy, NC

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SAAB 9-3. WHILE IN PARK, THERE WERE STRONG FUEL FUMES EMITTING FROM THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS FUEL LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TAB ATTACHED TO THE FUEL PUMP AND THE FUEL LINES FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V087000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

NHTSA complaint #10767290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Marietta, GA

SEAT BELTS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SAAB 9.3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT CABLE SEPARATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #10678241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 95,000 miles Marietta, GA

SEAT BELTS

SEAT BELT RETRACTOR CABLE BROKE. CAN NO LONGER BUCKLE SEAT.

NHTSA complaint #10678242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 92,000 miles Miami Gardens, FL

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

MY 2002 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE STARTS FINE ONCE IT START MOVING GOES OFF,THEN I STARTS IT AGAIN,THEN WHEN I STOP IT GOES OFF AND KEEP ON DOING IT AGAIN AND AGAIN. THE FIRST TIME I HAD THE IDEA IT WAS COLD,BUT I NOTICED IT DOESN'T MATTER IT DO IT EVERY TIME I STOP AT ANY LIGHT OR STOP SIGN,THEN I CALLED THE MANUFACTURER NUMBER 1800-9559007 THEY ASKED ME FOR THE VIN # [XXX] THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THAT VEHICLE DOESN'T HAVE ANY RECALLS THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT,THEN I TOLD HER IF MY VEHICLE IS SUFFERING THE SAME PROBLEMS IN THE RECALL DESCRIPTION IT SHOULD BE REPAIRED BY THE MANUFACTURER,BUT SHE TOLD ME THAT UNLESS YOUR VEHICLE GETS ON FIRE OR ACCIDENT THEY CAN'T INCLUDE IT IN ANY RECALLS. THEY SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT SINCE THIS IS A MANUFACTURER PROBLEM ACCORDING TO THE REST OF VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS,THEN SHE TOLD ME SHE CHECKED MY VEHICLE VIN NUMBER AGAIN AND THAT REPAIR WAS DONE,BUT MY CAR IS JUST GIVING ME THAT PROBLEM CONSTANTLY. WHAT CAN I DO. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #10667622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 169,500 miles Middle Island, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MY DIC FAILED FOR A SECOND TIME! I HEAR ITS AN EXTREMELY COMMON ISSUE WITH THESE VEHICLES.

NHTSA complaint #10598027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 139,702 miles Kelso, WA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I JUST PURCHASED MY 2002 SAAB 9-3 FROM KARZ AND MORE IN LONGVIEW WA. IN NOVEMBER 2012 AND DROVE ABOUT ONE MILE WENT INTO A STORE CAME OUT AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE THERMOSTAT AND THE IGNITION COIL PACK WERE BAD. REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT JUST ONCE AND THE IGNITION COIL PACK TWICE. CAR IS STILL NOT RUNNING I HAVE DIED ON THE FREEWAY, IN TOWN, TOO MANY TIMES TO EVEN COUNT THE CAR WILL START WITH A JUMP BUT WONT RUN FOR VERY LONG BEFORE IT DIES. FRUSTRATED AND AT MY WITTS END! HAD A FULL DIAGNOSTIC....SHOWED NOTHING NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW THE PROBLEM. ITS RAN ABOUT A WEEK SINCE I HAVE HAD THE CAR UGH!

NHTSA complaint #10598054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 117,000 miles Townshend, VT

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SAAB 93. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL OF THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS WOULD ACTIVATE INDEPENDENTLY AS SOON THE DOORS WERE OPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.

NHTSA complaint #10503794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 98,000 miles Roosevelt, NY

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

I HAVE A 2002 SAAB 93 AND THE DIC CASSETTE ON THOSE CAR ALWAYS GOOD BAD. THEY ARE DEFECTIVE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THOSE CARS AND I CALLED THE DEALER AND ASKED THEM AND THEY SAID THERE WASN'T NO SUCH RECALL, THEY DENIED IT BECAUSE THE PARTS IS EXPENSIVE.

NHTSA complaint #10408441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 98,000 miles Roosevelt, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I HAVE A 2002 SAAB 93 AND THE DIC CASSETTE ON THOSE CAR ALWAYS GOOD BAD. THEY ARE DEFECTIVE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THOSE CARS AND I CALLED THE DEALER AND ASKED THEM AND THEY SAID THERE WASN'T NO SUCH RECALL, THEY DENIED IT BECAUSE THE PARTS IS EXPENSIVE.

NHTSA complaint #10408441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 77,199 miles LOS Angeles, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE SAAB 9-3 2002 STALLED SUDDENLY WHILE IDLING ON AN EXIT RAMP ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR FAILED TO RESTART AND HAD TO BE TOWED. THE IGNITION MODULE HAD BEEN REPLACED 4 YEARS EARLY AS PART OF A PRIOR RECALL. THE CAR IS CURRENT AT A GAS STATION AND THE MECHANIC HAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REPLACED IGNITION MODULE HAS AGAIN FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #10361921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 123,000 miles Haverhill, MA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1. USE OF HIGH BEAMS 2. IF I DO NOT USE THE HIGH BEAMS THE LOW BEAM LIGHTS NEVER FAIL 6 MONTH TRIAL JUST FINISHED. 3. REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT FAILURE RELAY AS THIS IS WHAT MY MECHANIC DOES FOR ALL HIS CUSTOMERS WITH NO SATISFACTORY RESULTS. WHEN USING HIGHBEAMS REPLACING 6 BULBS EVERY SIX MONTHS I HAVE REPLACED 14 BULBS SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR LAST JAN. 09 MY WIFE'S 2004 SAAB 9-3 HAS THE SAME PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10324384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 110,000 miles Marquette, MI

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SAAB 9-3. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING AN OIL CHANGE, THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER RUBBED AGAINST THE OIL PAN AND CUT A 1/4 INCH GROOVE IN THE PAN. HE MOVED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER OVER TO AVOID A MAJOR FAILURE AND REPAIRED THE OIL PAN. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, LOCATED THREE HOURS AWAY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 113,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000. UPDATED 03/18/09. *LJ UPDATED 03/18/09.

NHTSA complaint #10260669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 79,900 miles SAN Clemente, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT APPROXIMATELY 79,900 MILES. UPON DIAGNOSIS BY THE SAAB DEALER, THEY SAID THE IGNITION CASSETTE WAS FAILING. REPLACEMENT WAS NECESSARY AS WHEN THE PART CEASED TO FUNCTION THE CAR WOULD NOT RUN. THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME THIS PART HAS BEEN REPLACED. : DATES THE IGNITION CASSETTE WAS REPLACED -- 6/30/08 (82,903 MI), 3/21/07 (56,231 MI.), 12/15/05 (32,671 MI.), 8/17/04 (18,720MI.). THE REPLACED PART IS AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10233062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 121,000 miles Ordell, NJ

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

THIS CAR HAS DIED 3 TIMES WHILE DRIVING AND REQUIRED A TOW. THE FIRST TIME THE IGNITION MODULE WAS REPLACED FOR FREE (RECALL). THE 2ND TIME THE CAR MYSTERIOUSLY RE-STARTED BEFORE THE TOW TRUCK ARRIVED. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT RESULTED IN A TOW TO THE NEAREST DEALER AND THE (DEFECTIVE) THROTTLE BODY BEING REPLACED AT A COST OF $714. ALSO, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS HAD TO BE REPLACED (NON-WARRANTY) AFTER THE IGNITION MODULE (RECALL). AT APPROX. 118,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #10200472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 121,000 miles Ordell, NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE

THIS CAR HAS DIED 3 TIMES WHILE DRIVING AND REQUIRED A TOW. THE FIRST TIME THE IGNITION MODULE WAS REPLACED FOR FREE (RECALL). THE 2ND TIME THE CAR MYSTERIOUSLY RE-STARTED BEFORE THE TOW TRUCK ARRIVED. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT RESULTED IN A TOW TO THE NEAREST DEALER AND THE (DEFECTIVE) THROTTLE BODY BEING REPLACED AT A COST OF $714. ALSO, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS HAD TO BE REPLACED (NON-WARRANTY) AFTER THE IGNITION MODULE (RECALL). AT APPROX. 118,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #10200472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 121,000 miles Ordell, NJ

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

THIS CAR HAS DIED 3 TIMES WHILE DRIVING AND REQUIRED A TOW. THE FIRST TIME THE IGNITION MODULE WAS REPLACED FOR FREE (RECALL). THE 2ND TIME THE CAR MYSTERIOUSLY RE-STARTED BEFORE THE TOW TRUCK ARRIVED. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT RESULTED IN A TOW TO THE NEAREST DEALER AND THE (DEFECTIVE) THROTTLE BODY BEING REPLACED AT A COST OF $714. ALSO, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS HAD TO BE REPLACED (NON-WARRANTY) AFTER THE IGNITION MODULE (RECALL). AT APPROX. 118,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #10200472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50,609 miles Yorktown Heights, NY

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

MALFUNCTION OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ON A CAR WITH 50000 MILES ON. TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST INDICATED MALFUNCTION BEGAN AT LEAST 5000 MILES PRIOR TO THE BREAKDOWN.

NHTSA complaint #10199800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.