2003 Saab 9-3 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 32about this part
- Share
- 15%of 212 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 35,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Saab 9-3, 15% of the 212 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,000 miles. 1 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.
“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“Gearbox malfunction, intermittent shifting or sudden deceleration we bought the car in april 2006. The car ran fine until august 2006 when the first gearbox malfunction light was indicated with an inability for the automatic transmission to downshift. Since the first gearbox malfunction the 2003 93 Saab has been in the garage (under warranty) six times for a total of 49 days. I have asked for GM/Saab to take/buy the car back. My car was in the authorized Saab service garage (portland Saab) for the entire month of december 2006 where the entire transaxle was replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10182532, filed 2007-02, 31,000 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“Sudden acceleration. I have a 2003 Saab 9-3 arc, bought on 9/03, around 13,000 miles, yesterday I went to office and stopped in the right position to park in front of the wall, I stepped on brake, push the gear to p , all of a sudden the engine started howling , and accelerated to hit the wall, Im pretty sure that's not the human error, 'cause the gear's in park, and my foot stepped on brake( I have more than 20 years driving experience, to park a car is like normal reaction), I walk out the car, there're two short tire burn mark( if Im not stepped on brake, why does it have the burn…”
NHTSA complaint #10082973, filed 2004-07, 13,000 miles“Gear box malfunction . After owning a pre-owned 2003 9-3 Saab for not even three weeks, the transmission in the vehicle went out. Now that the vehicle is out of warranty, at 55k it is costing well over $7,000.00!! The transmission skips every gear except for 2nd and 5th. Very nice car, but won't ever own another.”
NHTSA complaint #10167925, filed 2006-09, 5,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 10201098Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10190503Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10012050Nov 1, 2004General fault diagnosis for automatic transmission.
- 10011995Jan 1, 2004Automatic transmission sprintiness in drive and jerkiness with shift up.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 10 | 5% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 7 | 4% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 32 | 15% |
| 2002 | 5 | 14% |
| 2001 | 1 | 2% |
| 2000 | 1 | 2% |
| 1999 | 3 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2003 Saab 9-3
46 complaintsSuspension
42 complaintsEngine cooling
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