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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11007095Aug 7, 2024This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles…
- 11004727Jun 29, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 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…
- 10241417Aug 1, 2023This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 10222766Sep 16, 2022This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles…
- 10222765Sep 14, 2022This service bulletin provides the technician with additional information on fuels, fuel additives and fuel management.
- 10222739Sep 13, 2022This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 10037364Nov 27, 2010Gm: there may be a fuel pump failure at low miles. There is a replacement procedure.
- 10025012Apr 1, 2008Fuel pump/fuel gauge diagnosis/replacement.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 3 | 10% |
| 2009 | 4 | 9% |
| 2008 | 15 | 8% |
| 2007 | 6 | 4% |
| 2006 | 14 | 8% |
| 2005 | 9 | 9% |
| 2004 | 9 | 4% |
| 2003 | 20 | 9% |
| 2002 | 6 | 16% |
| 2001 | 16 | 27% |
| 2000 | 3 | 6% |
| 1999 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2008 Saab 9-3
71 complaintsEngine
66 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 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