2003 Saab 9-3 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 4%of 212 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 Saab 9-3, 4% of the 212 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,000 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.
“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“The consumer experienced many problems with 2003 Saab 9-3 linear as engine failure light appear and ect. There were repeated problems with the sun roof remaining stuck open, stability control problems, low front head beam, getting air to the gas cap, the mud flap was cracked, and on one occasion when driving up a hill the consumer lost control of the steering.”
NHTSA complaint #10113551, filed 2005-02, 10,000 miles“Door handles and side body molding are fading abnormally. Door handles are pretty much white in color. They were originally black. This shouldn't happen after only 4 years, especially with a car like a Saab (for which you think you are paying for quality).”
NHTSA complaint #10239054, filed 2008-08, 40,000 miles“The consumer was able to remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle was still running. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer replaced the ignition module. The repairs worked fine for two weeks, then the problem recurred. …”
NHTSA complaint #10107432, filed 2005-02, 15,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Saab 9-3. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked when the brake pedal was depressed and stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The failure recurred intermittently. In addition, it took multiple attempts to open the driver side door. The vehicle was taken to an independently mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,171.”
NHTSA complaint #10852905, filed 2016-04, 87,171 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10190934Jan 1, 2014Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more…
- 10190933Jan 1, 2014Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more…
- 10029344Feb 1, 2009Saab service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Under certain circumstances control module's analogue inputs may produce invalid signal. This means the soft…
Body and structure: 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 complaintsSteering
18 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsExterior lighting
13 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsEquipment
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