2005 Saab 9-3 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 2%of 95 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2005 Saab 9-3, 2% of the 95 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,500 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.
“Frequently the car stalls suddenly in traffic, looses power I can't accelerate this is very dangerous potential to get hit. The other problem is the car vibrates and all of sudden a lot of smoke comes out from back and rich gasoline smell comes and the speed turns to 0. I turn it off for five minutes and restart sometimes it starts ok sometimes it vibrates again. This happens very frequently”
NHTSA complaint #10955386, filed 2017-02, 190,000 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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2005 Saab 9-3
29 complaintsSeat belts
22 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 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 30, 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