2006 Saab 9-3 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 179 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2006 Saab 9-3, 3% of the 179 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 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.
“I was driving car on middle lane on highway approaching traffic, when my car completely shut off. This was after getting a complete tune up including oil change, new batteries and tires. Towed car to repair shop and after repair, the engine light remained on and then there was smell of gas and car continued to stall. Took car back to repair shop, where the fuel injector was replaced and gas smell was eliminated. But engine light remained on and car completely shut off again. Took it to repair shop, yet again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10765050, filed 2015-09, 87,000 miles“I have a 2006 Saab 9-3 aero. My engine light has come on. I have tried to get this serviced several times. Each time the dealership/other mechanic resets the codes and tells me there is nothing wrong. Now they tell me it is a evaporator canister purge valve. They tell me that the part costs $425. No labor included. I have found this part for under $45. This is crap!!! I have even found tutorials on how to do it, 1 hour job. I have been trying to get this fixed since it was under warranty two years ago. Now they find the problem? A little suspicious if you ask me!”
NHTSA complaint #10496656, filed 2013-02, 78,000 miles“Was at a stop sign, vehicle suddenly cut off, had plenty of gas. Tried to start, it wouldn't about 10 min. Passed and tried again, it started. Thought it was just a fluke. Went on about my business. About 2 weeks later, I was driving and it cut off, waited about 10 min. Again. It started. This time I took it to the shop and explained the situation. The tested it and nothing came up. Alternator was good, battery was good. This has happened about 6 more times. Took it to another shop, they couldn't find anything wrong with it. Not sure what it could be now. Anyone else having this problem?”
NHTSA complaint #10577985, filed 2014-04, 135,000 miles“The contact owns a 2006 Saab 9-3. While operating the vehicle, the check engine indicator illuminated and the temperature gauge malfunctioned. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer who replaced the fuel cap, but the failure continued. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 120,000. The VIN was invalid.”
NHTSA complaint #11184549, filed 2019-03, 120,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11007091Aug 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service 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 or…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10178949Jul 28, 2020This Bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC…
- 10082869Aug 29, 2016This informational bulletin provides additional information on how to install pistons and suggest what tools to use.
- 10082822Aug 12, 2016This informational bulletin provides information on how to test a battery and what is needed to warranty a battery.
- 10082814Aug 2, 2016This informational bulletin provides information to gm dealers on the correct cleaning methods when cleaning engine gasket sealing surfaces.
- 10082820Aug 1, 2016This informational bulletins provides information on the intake manifold inspection/replacement after servere internal engine damage.
- 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 2006 Saab 9-3
87 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsElectronic stability control
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 28, 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