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Electrical systemPart report

2003 Saab 9-3 Electrical system Problems

Complaints
46about this part
Share
22%of 212 total for the year
Median mileage
60,600miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 46 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Saab 9-3, 22% of the 212 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,600 miles. 5 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I was driving and the car shut down 2 times while driving. I did some research and it is a know problem that the ignition switch on the 2003 Saab 9-3 causes stalling and lock system failures. If fact at one point the ignition switches were back ordered for this problem. This is a sporadic problem and comes and goes.”

NHTSA complaint #10575747, filed 2014-03, 102,545 miles

“As I was driving in the middle lane of the 3 northbound lanes of u.s. 23, the engine suddenly stalled. I was going about 62 MPH. I activated my emergency flashers, shifted the automatic transmission to neutral, and shut off the ignition key. I then turned the ignition key to restart the engine and it restarted. This is about the 5th time this has happened in the past 5 months. This vehicle should be included in gms ignition recall!!!”

NHTSA complaint #10629628, filed 2014-08, 109,560 miles

“Passenger and I were driving and activated both front heated seats on the highest setting. Soon after, both of us detected a burning smell and immediately shut off both heated seats. Upon arrival, we exited and visually observed a small burn mark where the passenger's left shoulder would be. It burned through the leather and singed the hair of the passenger. The burn mark is about the size of a nickel and we can no longer use the heated seat function.”

NHTSA complaint #10380857, filed 2011-02, 131,000 miles

“Driving steady pace, sid fades out, radio shuts off, gauges turn off, and engine shut off. Pulled over and white smoke came out from engine bay. It was from the solenoid on the starter. I got a new starter and the battery was dead. I then bought a new battery and the same issue occurred. I had to charge the battery up to 100% to get the car started. The alternator was fine so my belief is there is an open circuit somewhere in the car. Just recently the same situation happened again, starter motor burned up and battery drained.”

NHTSA complaint #10637082, filed 2014-09, 132,000 miles

“Since purchasing my 2003 Saab 9-3 in june the car has stalled 4 times while either at stop lights or sitting in traffic. Once the car stalled while going 40 MPH. I've taken the car to the dealership several times to have the problem corrected. Each time a software upgrade is performed. And every time I contact the service dept they are surprised as to this occurrence.”

NHTSA complaint #10049155, filed 2003-12, 450 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201013%
200912%
2008116%
2007128%
2006137%
200599%
2004136%
20034622%
20021438%
20012339%
20002346%
19992234%

Other parts of the 2003 Saab 9-3

Suspension
42 complaintsEngine cooling
32 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
32 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsBrakes
19 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 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