2003 Saab 9-3 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 42about this part
- Share
- 20%of 212 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 42 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Saab 9-3, 20% of the 212 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 2 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.
“Driving on local city street, when right front tire blows out. Blow happened because right front coil spring sheered into two pieces and cut into right front tire causing blowout. Right front tire replaced and new coil spring installed on right front suspension. Yes, I have the failed coil spring in my possession.”
NHTSA complaint #10224234, filed 2008-04, 34,527 miles“Left front coil spring failure on 2003 Saab 9-3 ss linear. I have read that there is a defect investigation on this issue, and that the NHTSA has reviewed warranty claims. My car is out of warranty, so it would not be included in this data.”
NHTSA complaint #10277435, filed 2009-07, 76,000 miles“I have also been having issues with the front passenger side suspension. I would have to check my records, but I believe it started when the car had about 25k miles on it. The springs are still in tact, but I would notice a very loud creaking noise going over speed bumps in parking lots, especially in cold temperatures. I brought it to the attention of the dealership while it was still under warranty and they did not offer any resolution. After reading the large number of complaints of broken springs, I now know why I am afraid to drive this car on the freeway. …”
NHTSA complaint #10597760, filed 2014-06, 60,000 miles“Another front suspension coil spring failure on a Saab 9-3. On returning from a 2 week vacation I started the car in the airport parking lot and heard a clicking / rubbing noise from the front left wheel. I stopped and inspected the wheel and noted rust on the brake rotor and assumed that this was the cause of the noise and would wear off when the brakes were applied. Drove ~1/4 mile and stopped at a light before turning on to the interstate when I saw smoke coming from the wheel. …”
NHTSA complaint #10253903, filed 2009-01, 70,000 miles“Both front suspension springs on my 2003 Saab 9-3 broke. A front tire was punctured while the car was in motion due to the break. No accident occurred, but could have been deadly if it was on the freeway. There seems to be a pattern of this. My car only has 36,000 miles on it. Something like this should not be happening on this type of car. It was taken to the nearest dealer that wants to charge $1100 for the fix because I am out of warranty by 6,000 miles. I am also in the process of contacting Saab USA.”
NHTSA complaint #10232407, filed 2008-06, 36,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10190337Oct 1, 2017Information Regarding the Differences Between Fluid Leakage and Seepage This bulletin is intended to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak and…
- 10034466Jan 1, 2010Saab service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. On certain vehicles, particles of gravel or stones may collect between the coil spring and the lower spring…
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 10 | 5% |
| 2007 | 24 | 15% |
| 2006 | 7 | 4% |
| 2005 | 29 | 31% |
| 2004 | 52 | 25% |
| 2003 | 42 | 20% |
| 2002 | 1 | 3% |
| 2001 | 1 | 2% |
| 1999 | 5 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2003 Saab 9-3
46 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 29, 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