2004 Saab 9-3 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 4%of 207 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 17,894miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2004 Saab 9-3, 4% of the 207 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 17,894 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“Cooling system .. Although the car does not over heat the antifreeze is spilling out. This has been happening for a few months and I always considered this to be a problem of other cars since my car is relatively new. The other day the car indicated that the coolant was low.”
NHTSA complaint #10214626, filed 2008-01, 55,000 miles“Engine may stall when cold and car is traveling 30-45mph. Nearly lost control of vehicle on 2 occasions due to loss of steering and ran onto shoulder/lawn of homeowner. We have had the vehicle in 4 times for repairs or modifications in attempts to fix this but Saab will not even admit there is an issue that needs fixing.”
NHTSA complaint #10108508, filed 2005-02, 120 miles“Owner was driving at approximately 65 MPH the check engine light came on and the vehicle stalled. Vehicle b rear ended owner's vehicle while being driven at 70 MPH. Upon impact, the frontal air bags failed to deploy. Owner sustained injuries, was taken to the emergency room and released.”
NHTSA complaint #10115268, filed 2005-03, 15,123 miles“While driving vehicle at normal speed the engine shuts off. This is the third time vehicle has quit while driving. Previous 2 times dealership has checked vehicle and found no problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10171588, filed 2006-10, 33,000 miles“Cabin fan runs although key is no in ignition and unit is on off position. The situation also happens when unit is in off position and car is being driven.”
NHTSA complaint #10204232, filed 2007-09, 70,000 milesRelated 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.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 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.
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 2004 Saab 9-3
79 complaintsSuspension
52 complaintsAir bags
20 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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