2008 Saab 9-3 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 5%of 184 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,900miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Saab 9-3, 5% of the 184 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,900 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, 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.
“Saab 9-3, 2008, clutch failed at 22,000 miles. Saab said it was not warrantied and it was due to driver. We paid $1,300 for the repair. Clutch failed again at 33,000 miles. This time Saab paid for the repair and dealer said it was due to faulty parts in the entire clutch system. We want reimbursement for the first clutch repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10419542, filed 2011-08, 22,000 miles“My 2008 Saab 93 2.0t has intake valve failures. In the morning it idles rough until it warms up; this has been verified by a Saab specialist. My engine is not molded or altered in anyway other than the consumables over time (belts and such). A quick check for 2008 Saab valve problem leads to forums chalk full of other owners with the same issue. Gm should foot the bill for this $2500+ rebuild of the engine that they poorly manufactured in the first place.”
NHTSA complaint #10703444, filed 2015-04, 103,978 miles“We purchased a 2008 Saab 9-3 in 3/2011 with 34,000 miles. As of 2/2015 the vehicle has 104,000 miles. Last month the vehicle barely started after sitting overnight and would take several minutes to reach a normal idle. It would then start the rest of the day, sometimes after a hard start. The check engine light came on and the mechanic said the code read as a cylinder misfire code. 8 days ago the car would not start and is now sitting in my driveway. I called a Saab specialist about 2 hours away from me who knew exactly what the problem was. …”
NHTSA complaint #10683486, filed 2015-02, 103,000 miles“The engine would not turn over when trying to start the engine from a cold start. If the temperatures would lower close to freezing the car will just crank and never turn over. If I were able to get the car started, once it warmed up, it ran just fine. Reading online, it seems to be a known issue with the 2007 & 2008 Saab 9-3's. It's a faulty intake valve and begins happening anywhere between 60,000 to 80,000 miles. I believe Saab should look into this as it seems to be happening to a lot of 2007 & 2008 Saab 9-3's. There should be a recall. The cost to get it fixed is over $2000.”
NHTSA complaint #10555943, filed 2013-12, 71,900 miles“My Saab is a 2008 9-3 aero with a 6 speed automatic transmission. Ever since I bought it in october 2010, when I try to accelerate while already at speed (I.e., passing maneuver) the engine/transmission sputters and does not immediately accelerate. The stuttering makes passing in traffic a risky/dangerous move. I have made several trips to the dealer for investigation and am repeatedly told that this is the normal behavior for the automatic transmission. (I have never had an automatic transmission car act like this.) nearly two years later, I still have the same thing occurring.”
NHTSA complaint #10458478, filed 2012-05, 42,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 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.
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 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.
- 10237387May 30, 2023This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 10234619Apr 6, 2023This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 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.
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 10 | 5% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 7 | 4% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 32 | 15% |
| 2002 | 5 | 14% |
| 2001 | 1 | 2% |
| 2000 | 1 | 2% |
| 1999 | 3 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2008 Saab 9-3
71 complaintsEngine
66 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsSuspension
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