2005 Saab 9-3 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 9%of 95 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 24,720miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Saab 9-3, 9% of the 95 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 24,720 miles. 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.
“My car won't start and no mechanic can figure out exactly why due to there not being any Saab dealers near the area I'm stuck in... I have been living out of my car for 3 months cuz I don't want anyone to steal my car”
NHTSA complaint #11123274, filed 2018-08, 12,000 miles“The engine in my 2005 Saab 9'3 linear has failed many times within the first 4000 miles. The Saab dealership on each of the three occasions could not find the problem. This appears to be a serious concern to me and to the other drivers around me, I hope that Saab recalls this model!”
NHTSA complaint #10149823, filed 2006-02, 1,827 miles“Ongoing during routine driving: the headlights on my 2005 Saab 9-3 burn out on approximately a monthly basis requiring replacement of the bulb. According to knowledgeable sources this is due to a corrosion issue with the headlight sockets known to the manufacturer and service providers. This is a safety concern due to the fact that when one headlight bulb burns out - the other headlight bulb burns out shortly thereafter exposing me to four occurrences where I have lost illumination in both headlights while driving at night. …”
NHTSA complaint #10318923, filed 2010-03, 1,000 miles“Since I have purchased my Saab 9-3 convertible the digital compass always reads north and calibrated. Went in for service and dealership says they cannot fix it. They advised me the Saab representative is aware of the problem, and all of the convertible are having the same problem, secondary to a magnetic field created during the manufacturing process.”
NHTSA complaint #10118621, filed 2005-04“The contact owns a 2005 Saab 9-3. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced several electrical failures. The air conditionaer, headlights and the motor on the front passenger door all failed. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that a burn out occurred in the electrical sockets for each component. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 37,440.”
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Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 11 | 6% |
| 2007 | 12 | 8% |
| 2006 | 13 | 7% |
| 2005 | 9 | 9% |
| 2004 | 13 | 6% |
| 2003 | 46 | 22% |
| 2002 | 14 | 38% |
| 2001 | 23 | 39% |
| 2000 | 23 | 46% |
| 1999 | 22 | 34% |
Other parts of the 2005 Saab 9-3
29 complaintsSeat belts
22 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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