2003 Saab 9-3 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 8%of 212 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,008miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Saab 9-3, 8% of the 212 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,008 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Since I bought my car 7/1/06 I have had several steering problems with the car pulling and jerking. I have had 2 alignments done wheels balanced and calipers adjusted. The car pulled on my test drive before purchasing the car and I was promised it would be resolved. When it was not resolved the dealership refused to buy back the car. Two dealerships worked on this problem with no solution this is still a problem and I cannot drive my car strait without a firm grip on the steering wheel. Saab has not been helpful at all and has no solution and has offered no help. …”
NHTSA complaint #10182655, filed 2007-02, 36,000 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“Under normal driving conditions while driving approximately 45 MPH, the gas gauge read just over 1 bar of fuel remaining when a traction control system failure and gearbox malfunction message appeared in the display screen. Immediately following, the engine shut off and all control of the vehicle failed. No one was injured at the time due to the late hour and there being no other traffic near by but had there been traffic an accident would have most likely resulted from the failures.”
NHTSA complaint #10174368, filed 2006-11, 60,017 miles“A reoccurring error will display on the Saab information management display indicating a wheel lock error. This error seems to be happening with increasing frequency. Saab has reviewed the vehicle more than four times, each time replacing parts; these parts have been: a new key, a new steering wheel column, and two new solenoids in the steering column. The Saab delearship has indicated that there is possibly a faulty solenoid but is unable to do anything but to keep replacing parts.”
NHTSA complaint #10098629, filed 2004-11, 35,000 miles“Approximately 14 months after leasing a new 2003 Saab 9.3 I was driving and my steering wheel locked up for no reason. I got the vehicle to the dealership and they said that it was fixed. Approximately 12 months later I am merging onto i75 from i285 and the steering wheel locks again and thankfully I was not in an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10143487, filed 2005-11Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Saab 9-3
46 complaintsSuspension
42 complaintsEngine cooling
32 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
32 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsBrakes
19 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