2003 Saab 9-3 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 32about this part
- Share
- 15%of 212 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 10,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Saab 9-3, 15% of the 212 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,000 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.
“I just bought a 2003 Saab 9-3 about a month ago and it has approx. 1800 miles on it. I was driving home from work and suddenly lost power steering followed by complete power. Luckily I was on a back road and pulled over safely. If I had been on the highway there may have been a different outcome. I feel that this is a very big safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10016784, filed 2003-04, 1,800 miles“Brand new 2003 Saab 9-3 arc just stalls. My engine has stalled for no reason numerous times. This problem has been happening since the days after I got the car. I have been to the dealership several times to have this problem corrected, every time they tell me that I am just about making it up. They can never find a problem with the car, and Saab corporation is no help.”
NHTSA complaint #10041666, filed 2003-10, 50 miles“Twice while stopping at a stop light my car has stalled. It has stalled once while driving in traffic at about 35 MPH. It has also gotten stuck in park twice afrter I start it. The sid says gear box malfunctioned. The lights burn out and the interior is falling apart. This car has 17,000 miles in it.”
NHTSA complaint #10059940, filed 2004-02, 17,000 miles“My 2003 Saab 9-3 had intermittent stalling and loss of power issues. Since delivery on 1/09/2003, the car has stalled 4 times and lost power twice. I have been in contact with the dealership and Saab and the problem has not been resolved. On 5/13/03 new engine management firm ware was installed. On 5/17/03 the car again malfunctioned. There appears to be a serious issue with the vehicle that Saab is not able to resolve.”
NHTSA complaint #10018928, filed 2003-05, 4,840 miles“I have experienced intermittent stalling with my 2003 Saab 9-3. After giving the dealership approximately 5 chances to fix the problem, they were unable to. I then called customer service and they denied that there was any problem with the car and tried to say this was the normal function of the vehicle. They have made another attempt to fix the car. I then learned on your website that others had experienced this problem. I hope it is resolved.”
NHTSA complaint #10052905, filed 2004-01, 500 milesRelated recalls
- 04V540000Oct 20, 2004On certain passenger vehicles, the engine management system software may cause engine hesitation or stalling.Covers: Saab 9-3 2003
Related service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10235802Apr 24, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234141Mar 23, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110Mar 17, 2023This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10227056Nov 9, 2022This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 10222796Sep 14, 2022This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
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 2003 Saab 9-3
46 complaintsSuspension
42 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