2006 Saab 9-3 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 6%of 179 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2006 Saab 9-3, 6% of the 179 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,000 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.
“In august 2007, we had to have our 2006 Saab 9-3 sportcombi towed to the dealership, as the coolant expansion tank ruptured while on the highway and all the coolant had leaked from the engine. The coolant expansion tank was replaced under warranty. In october 2008, we again experienced problems with the coolant expansion tank leaking and again had to have it replaced at a cost of $389.32 plus the cost of a rental car, as the parts were not immediately available. …”
NHTSA complaint #10248987, filed 2008-11, 40,742 miles“The coolant reservoir has cracked three times in 16 months on my brand new Saab 9-3 aero 2006. It only has aprx. 12k miles. Saab replaces it for free, but offers not further explanation even upon request by owner. They refuse to issue a recall and this is a widespread problem with car according to service dept. On the first and most recent incident, of three incidents, there was combustion of the coolant reservoir, and resulting smoke. The vehicle is up to date on insurance, scheduled maintenance and lease payments. I have this documented on Saab service dept. Service records. …”
NHTSA complaint #10221580, filed 2008-03, 12,500 miles“1. Normal driving leads to issue. 2. Low oil indicator illuminates when driving for more than 1 hour at highway speed. 3. Nothing done to correct issue, dealership says Saab is aware of the issue, but no corrective action has been taken.”
NHTSA complaint #10362635, filed 2010-10, 30,000 miles“Major leakage from coolant expansion tank. Saab dealer reported the tank had cracked and required replacing. Tank replaced. Service mgr stated that Saab has an issue with these tanks on the 2.8 v6 turbo engines.”
NHTSA complaint #10250556, filed 2008-12, 25,100 miles“The coolant system tank ruptured spraying engine coolant over turbo and engine. The coolant tank has been replaced 2 times in the past 9 months. It is currently at the dealership awaiting a new coolant tank.”
NHTSA complaint #10230225, filed 2008-06, 27,000 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…
- 10244273Oct 6, 2023This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 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…
- 10239101Jun 30, 2023This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 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.
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 2006 Saab 9-3
87 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsElectronic stability control
5 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 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