Investigation PE03059: 2003 Saab 9-3

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Dec 30, 2003

Closed

Mar 19, 2004

Model years

2003

Subject

ENGINE STALL

Component: Electrical system › Ignition › Module

Summary

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.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 2003 Saab 9-3212 complaints