2002 Saab 9-3 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 14%of 37 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,304miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Saab 9-3, 14% of the 37 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,304 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.
“Transmission failed at 45 MPH. Consumer stated transmission locked up. Consumer but managed to pull vehicle to the side of the road. No accident occurred. This incident occurred several times before. Consumer had vehicle towed to a dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10118876, filed 2005-04, 36,000 miles“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, filed 2007-08, 50,609 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Saab 9-3. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle began to hesitate as if the emergency brake was engaged. The contact also heard a grinding noise coming from the vehicle. She was unable to drive more than 20 MPH. When the mechanic attempted to test drive the vehicle, it failed to shift into gear. The mechanic stated that the gears inside the transmission exploded into little pieces. For three weeks, the mechanic attempted to repair the transmission, however, the transmission was diagnosed and repaired by another transmission specialist. …”
NHTSA complaint #10197352, filed 2007-07, 60,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 10 | 5% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 7 | 4% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 32 | 15% |
| 2002 | 5 | 14% |
| 2001 | 1 | 2% |
| 2000 | 1 | 2% |
| 1999 | 3 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2002 Saab 9-3
14 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Saab 9-3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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