2004 Saab 9-3 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 1%of 207 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 117,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine of the 2004 Saab 9-3, 1% of the 207 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 117,000 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.
“While driving, without any warning the car engine stalls. No warning at all!! Once it stops, ignition key won't work. The only way to restart the car is to disconnect the battery. This is all done in the emergency shoulders, breakdown lanes, its also happened on the highway exit ramps. Luckily each time there was a place to pull over. We could get killed. It has happened numerous times . Sometimes it stalls 2-3 times a day. I am so disappointed in this car. I am afraid to drive it, and how can I sell it knowing that something bad could happen to the new owner.”
NHTSA complaint #10894074, filed 2016-08, 1,855 miles“Approximately 5 minutes after starting, the car stalled on a busy, 6 lane road. The engine was not able to start again, or even attempt to ignite. The check engine light was on. The car spent 2 days in the mechanic, who was able to source a p1605 error code. However, he told us only a licensed Saab technician could extract details from the code. While at the shop, the car was also started by the mechanics and appeared to be working normally, upon which they deleted the error code. Two days after the initial incident, we drove it back approximately 12 miles back home without any issues. …”
NHTSA complaint #10759779, filed 2015-08, 151,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Saab 9-3. The contact stated that while at a stop sign, there was a odor of burning oil inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the valve cover gasket was leaking. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10786664, filed 2015-10, 117,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10082869Aug 29, 2016This informational bulletin provides additional information on how to install pistons and suggest what tools to use.
- 10082814Aug 2, 2016This informational bulletin provides information to gm dealers on the correct cleaning methods when cleaning engine gasket sealing surfaces.
- 10201098Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10190503Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 3% |
| 2010 | 2 | 7% |
| 2009 | 12 | 28% |
| 2008 | 66 | 36% |
| 2007 | 18 | 12% |
| 2006 | 5 | 3% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% |
| 2002 | 1 | 3% |
| 2001 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2004 Saab 9-3
79 complaintsSuspension
52 complaintsAir bags
20 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsTires
4 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