2008 Saab 9-3 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 5%of 184 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,250miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the suspension of the 2008 Saab 9-3, 5% of the 184 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,250 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“My 2008 Saab 9-3 2.0t had a similar issue to the Saab's affected by the 2003-2006 warranty extension for the front coil springs. I am in a salt belt state, massachusetts, and my front coil springs failed at 64,500 miles. It was found during a routine inspection. Clearly the design changes made after the 03-06 issue were not enough to stop the front coil spring fractures and the engineering analysis done was not adequate.”
NHTSA complaint #10565113, filed 2014-02, 64,500 miles“Replaced both front coil springs at recommendation of dealer. One spring was broken completely at bottom (on driver's side), and the other was cracked (on passenger side). Spacer leafs were replaced also. I've retained the parts. Expense was not covered under warranty although the car has only 47,500 miles. It is 4 years, 5 months old. I am the original owner. Car has never been in an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10455085, filed 2012-04, 47,583 miles“Noticed a brittle breaking sound and assumed it was my front brakes. Had new brakes put on the car but still had rubbing and rotational ticking sounds coming from the front wheels. Took it to the dealer where I bought the car new and they told me the front coil springs were both broken and needed replaced with the manufacturers recommended repair which was authorized for 2003-2006 model year 9-3 Saab. And that my 2008 Saab (current vehicle) was not covered under this defect repair order from GM. …”
NHTSA complaint #10721864, filed 2015-05, 88,000 miles“Both front coil springs while driving, snapped in half, and dislocated from vehicle, 6 months apart. Was driving at 30 MPH, and the passenger front spring snapped in two. Had no forewarning, before it exploded apart. The passenger-side coil-spring snapped off the vehicle, in two+ places, and was retrieved from the highway. Metal showed a clear snap. The metal appeared corroded and as if the metal was not strong enough to work long-term. …”
NHTSA complaint #11099432, filed 2018-06, 69,030 miles“Both front coil springs while driving, snapped in half, and dislocated from vehicle, 6 months apart. Was driving at 30 MPH, and the passenger front spring snapped in two. Had no forewarning, before it exploded apart. The passenger-side coil-spring snapped off the vehicle, in two+ places, and was retrieved from the highway. Metal showed a clear snap. The metal appeared corroded and as if the metal was not strong enough to work long-term. …”
NHTSA complaint #10937191, filed 2016-12, 45,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11007936Aug 22, 2024This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935Aug 22, 2024This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 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…
- 10242061Aug 7, 2023This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10222777Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10190337Oct 1, 2017Information Regarding the Differences Between Fluid Leakage and Seepage This bulletin is intended to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak and…
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 10 | 5% |
| 2007 | 24 | 15% |
| 2006 | 7 | 4% |
| 2005 | 29 | 31% |
| 2004 | 52 | 25% |
| 2003 | 42 | 20% |
| 2002 | 1 | 3% |
| 2001 | 1 | 2% |
| 1999 | 5 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2008 Saab 9-3
71 complaintsEngine
66 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsSeat belts
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 29, 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