2008 Saab 9-3 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 2%of 184 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2008 Saab 9-3, 2% of the 184 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,000 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.
“The headlights in my vehicle started flickering and shut off while driving in the dark a few days ago. After safely parking the car, I investigated and found that the housings are designed to be unservicable but I was able to investigate and found that nearly all of the internal wiring shielding had cracked and fallen off (please see attached photos, I appologize about the quality). …”
NHTSA complaint #11053416, filed 2017-12, 127,000 miles“The passenger-side taillight bulbs have become so dim that they are visible only upon very close inspection. The taillight bulbs also serve as the brake lights, emitting a brighter light when the brake is depressed. Because of this malfunction, following cars may not have sufficient visual notice that the car in front of them is braking, resulting in a traffic collision. I understand that this is a relatively common problem and was able to have the connector for the malfunctioning taillight replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10615057, filed 2014-07, 65,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Saab 9-3. The contact stated that the rear tail light failed. The dealer was contacted and advised that the failure was common for the year, make and model but unfortunately, the manufacturer was no longer allowing the part to be available in the united states. The VIN was not available. The current mileage was 42,000 and the failure mileage was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #10458286, filed 2012-05Related 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.
- 10200151Jun 21, 2021This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10169354Nov 12, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10155009Dec 13, 2018This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10032900Jun 1, 2009Saab: rear light message with no dtc. Rear position light failure and or brake light failure. A bulb failure indication will be shown in sid/dic (saab information display)…
Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 Saab 9-3
71 complaintsEngine
66 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 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