2005 Saab 9-3 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 3%of 95 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Saab 9-3, 3% of the 95 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,000 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.
“In april 2011, when I started my car my engine light came on. I had very little power on acceleration until my car hit 2000 RPM. A diagnostic showed it was a throttle position sensor. First occurrence was six months ago, it has happened at least 20 times since. The car will act like this for 2 days then work normal again. I have to proceed with extreme caution pulling out in traffic. I also take off extremely slow from any full stops I make. It is hit or miss every time I start my car.”
NHTSA complaint #10438728, filed 2011-12, 69,000 miles“While shifting from stop the plastic shift knob fell off ejecting itself into the rear seat. Dealer cleaned old glue off and reassembled shift lever mechanism. Reinstalled shift knob with two step epoxy.”
NHTSA complaint #10301901, filed 2010-01, 41,700 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Saab 9-3. While driving at various speeds and changing gears, the plastic shift knob fell off into the contact's hand. The dealer advised him to file a complaint with NHTSA. The current mileage was 61,000 and failure mileage was 54,000. Updated 09/17/08. Updated 09/25/08.”
NHTSA complaint #10239169, filed 2008-08, 54,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 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…
- 10234619Apr 6, 2023This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 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
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 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 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 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