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Fuel systemPart report

2008 Saab 9-3 Fuel system Problems

Complaints
15about this part
Share
8%of 184 total for the year
Median mileage
90,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the fuel system of the 2008 Saab 9-3, 8% of the 184 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Recently, while starting the car it started up very rough. A few weeks ago the check engine light also came on and the mechanic told me there was an issue in cylinder 2. We replaced all spark plugs and coils, and the issue did not go away. In addition, the car has also started stalling randomly. Luckily, I haven't been driving at high speeds when this has happened but it's now shut off about 7 or 8 times in the last month. Been wondering if its intake valves, fuel pump, powertrain control module, camshaft timing... …”

NHTSA complaint #11044367, filed 2017-11, 90,000 miles

“My car wouldn't start so I replaced the battery and the crankshaft sensor. It drove fine and then I parked it and went out a little later and it would jerk and try to stall while I was driving, sputtering like I was running out of gas. If I pressed the accelerator, it wouldn't accelerate and then it would surge forward. I ran some errands and it drove fine. After my final errand, the car struggled to start but did and idled really roughly. I put it into gear and it died. I couldn't get it started again. After reading other posts, this seems like an issue with these years and veey dangerous.”

NHTSA complaint #11337573, filed 2020-07, 101,000 miles

“I first noticed a difference in how my car worked about a year and a half ago. I purchased it certified pre-owed from a certified Saab dealer at the time. When I first noticed the cold-starts I thought it was just normal wear and tear and maybe needed an oil change. I always use premium gasoline and get the vehicle serviced regularly by the dealer. When I took it to the dealer in the beginning of 2014, the technician said he's familiar with the problem that I was having. He says the issue is with the compression valve. …”

NHTSA complaint #10716700, filed 2015-05, 89,000 miles

“I recently bought a 2008 Saab 9-3 and the fuel reader lights up and says it's empty, even when the tank it full. Also, the door locks doesn't work when unlocking or locking them. This happens when trying to lock or unlock with remote key and when your lock or unlock it form the since. You have to lock or unlock it manually by pulling up or pushing down with your hand. I have done some research online and I came across a lot of other Saab 9-3 owners that have came across the same problem. I think it should be recall since I think it should be fair enough for Saab to fix the situation.”

NHTSA complaint #10970394, filed 2017-04, 160,000 miles

“Since december 2012 (6 months ago) my car has been running on a bad fuel pump indicated by cel and diagnostic tests run by an authorized service department. This is for an xwd car which has a different fuel pump assembly than the fwd version. The part has been on back order by Saab parts (under warranty by GM) and has no expected delivery date. Per my knowledge there are over 75 people in front me waiting for the same part. I am concerned the fuel pump will fail during possible dangerous situations such as high speed driving and maneuvering. …”

NHTSA complaint #10511947, filed 2013-05, 49,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Fuel system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2010310%
200949%
2008158%
200764%
2006148%
200599%
200494%
2003209%
2002616%
20011627%
200036%
199912%

Other parts of the 2008 Saab 9-3

Air bags
71 complaints
Engine
66 complaints
Electrical system
11 complaints
Seat belts
10 complaints
Suspension
10 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
10 complaints
Other or unknown
4 complaints
Vehicle speed control
4 complaints
Exterior lighting
3 complaints
Body and structure
3 complaints
Brakes
2 complaints
Engine 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