2003 Saab 9-3 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 9%of 212 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Saab 9-3, 9% of the 212 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The brake pedal on my '03 Saab 9-3 sports sedan sinks to the floor when constant moderate pressure is applied. The Saab dealer assures me that all cars of this type do this. I believe strongly that it is a serious safety defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10157871, filed 2006-05, 35,000 miles“My Saab has had a litany of problems since I have owned the car. It all started with little items. Ignition wouldn't start the car. Head lights burnt out. Dash peeling, door handles discoloring, emergency brake getting stuck and being able to operate my car. Engine warning light because my gas cap wasn't on correct. Steering wheel locking while I was driving. Wheel lock light remaining on while I was driving. Brakes replaced due to factory retro fit. Seat belts being recalled. Computer constantly needing to be replaced so the car would function. …”
NHTSA complaint #10125939, filed 2005-06, 32,000 miles“Dt: front brake rotors and pads wore out completely without warning. The consumer stated that there was a lot of brake dust the last 10,000 miles. The dealer stated that this was normal and that they could not do anything about it. The manufacturer has been called three times and they said this was normal wear. The caller only has 26,000 miles on vehicle and he believes this is not normal.”
NHTSA complaint #10131383, filed 2005-08, 16,000 miles“Dt: the contact owns a 2003 Saab 93 linear. Approximately two weeks ago there was complete brake failure while trying to stop at a stop light on dry pavement. The vehicle was towed to a dealership, and they stated that there was nothing wrong with the brakes. This was the first total brake failure. But since the purchase of the vehicle, when the brake pedal was depressed there was vibration in the pedal while in reverse and while trying to stop. This has been a consistent problem with the vehicle since the day of purchase of the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10138975, filed 2005-10, 28,000 miles“Brake pads wore through and rotors were damaged on the front end. No indication of brake wear from dealer service department at regular service intervals. Saab has a long approximately 15,000 engine service interval. Consequently brakes may only be inspected every 15,000 miles. Neither dealer nor manufacturer can advise customer of when brake pads should be replaced. Customer has no avenue to receive advice regarding brake wear and replacement. Ulitmately pads are worn out completely without warning, and rotors are damaged, creating a safety issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10118515, filed 2005-04, 39,000 milesRelated recalls
- 05V236000May 19, 2005Certain sport sedan and convertible passenger vehicles were produced with a vacuum pipe check valve for the brake booster that may fail from exposure to…Covers: Saab 9-3 2003–2005
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 3 | 7% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 13 | 8% |
| 2006 | 31 | 17% |
| 2005 | 5 | 5% |
| 2004 | 7 | 3% |
| 2003 | 19 | 9% |
| 2002 | 1 | 3% |
| 2001 | 2 | 3% |
| 2000 | 1 | 2% |
| 1999 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2003 Saab 9-3
46 complaintsSuspension
42 complaintsEngine cooling
32 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
32 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsSteering
18 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsExterior lighting
13 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsEquipment
9 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsTires
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Saab 9-3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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