1999 Saab 9-3 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 8%of 64 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1999 Saab 9-3, 8% of the 64 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Heater box froze up upone turning the control dial to defrost windshield...internet discussion boards say Saab knows of this problem. Very expensive repair to fix properly and permanently...probably taking this to small claims based upon what I've read...”
NHTSA complaint #10070043, filed 2004-01, 60,000 miles“The consumer had just filled the gas tank with fuel and was driving away when the vehicle stalled for no reason. The consumer managed to restart the vehicle and drove to the dealership. The mechanic could not locate the cause of the stalling problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10040562, filed 2003-09, 8,600 miles“I wanted to alert you to a potentially dangerous situation in the '99 Saab 9-3. They have a climate control system problem that can cause the ventilation system controls to become so stiff that it causes the knob to snap off rendering the system useless. Saab is fully aware of this problem and requires the consumer to pay for the repairs that in their terms may solve the problem for a short time. These include replacing the knob ($10.00), the shaft ($200.00), and the ventilation control box ($600.00). …”
NHTSA complaint #10043249, filed 2003-10, 35,000 miles“The contact stated the vehicle stalled while driving 45-50 MPH on a snow covered highway. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined the recognition cassette module failed. The dealership was not notified. There were no prior problems with the vehicle. The check engine light illuminated at the time of the incident. Updated 11/3/2006 - on 11/24/05 the vehicle's direct ignition cassette failed without warning which caused the vehicle to stall while being driven in the snow. …”
NHTSA complaint #10168364, filed 2006-09, 100,788 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10020715Oct 1, 2006Noise from the timing chain and oil sludge in the engine.
- 10012036Nov 1, 2004Reduced performance and diagnostic trouble codes for the turbo control valve.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 6 | 4% |
| 2006 | 11 | 6% |
| 2005 | 4 | 4% |
| 2004 | 9 | 4% |
| 2003 | 32 | 15% |
| 2002 | 6 | 16% |
| 2001 | 14 | 24% |
| 2000 | 13 | 26% |
| 1999 | 5 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1999 Saab 9-3
22 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Saab 9-3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology