Saab

I've had constant problems with my 2003 Saab 9-3 Arc - three transmissions, crankshaft sensor, secondary air intake pump, door locks, window motor, radio for crying out load, emergency brake; list goes. The good news is that parts are available - many aftermarket. Also Saab USA Parts (not sure if that's the correct name) is a separate company and not in bankruptcy. But someone has to step up and be the distributor.

I did not see my issue in the posts - car has stopped responding to the remote smartkey when I try to remotely unlock/lock the doors/trunk. Such a nuisance. Be careful if you have to order a new key - you must use one that has never been programmed to another car. You cannot use a used key, according to Saab dealers. If I had wanted a high maintenance car, I would have bought a BMW.

I bought my 2004 9-5 ARC Saab a few years ago and I look at it as a curse! I can't begin to explain the repairs I've put into this car. When I bought it, it only had 22,000 miles and 3 months later, it was in the shop for a sensor. No big deal right? And it was under warranty. Then a year later, I replaced the fuel which was $500, then 6 months later, the hood started to smoke and I had to replace something to do with the oil, only $85 to repair, then I had to replace the water pump twice. And now, at 95,000 miles, I just replaced the body throttle which ran me $687 after parts and labor. I replaced it because the car was jumping and the engine would rev on its own and sometimes the car would die if it was really hot outside. I was told replacing this part will solve the problem. No, it still jumps and knocks like crazy.

I've been reading the other complaints and my guess is I will have to replace some shaft sensor. I'm so sick and tired of this car and it is far from dependable. I wouldn't recommend a Saab to my worst enemy. They should rename it fail! Do not buy a Saab... stay away! I haven't even listed everything I fixed including an engine problem which was over $600! I've probably spent at least $4,000 in repairs on a car that had little miles on it and problems 3 months later. My biggest regret!

Saab declared bankruptcy in December. As a result, they are no longer honoring warranties on any car that was purchased after 2009. I had to pay $80 for my oil change, and if I want to have the 15,000 checkup, I will have to pay a couple of thousand dollars. My car is a Saab 9.3 2010, with only 10,000 miles on it. It is in mint condition, and was supposed to have a 3 year warranty. I was told that since Saab went out of business, the only way that car dealers can find parts, is to look in the internet, and pay cash! They also told me (the dealers) that they will not be able to repair my car after this year, because they are currently out of simple parts like an ignition key.

I think this is totally unfair. I paid for a new car, and now I don't have warranty? And now, no dealer will purchase it from me, because Saab is bankrupt? What do you advise? Can actions be taken?

I have a 2003 Sabb 9-5 and had exactly the same problem. I was told that this could be caused by the coil packs and that some Sabbs were under recall for it. Mine was not and the repair was to be expensive. Yet, I researched further and found that it could be caused by a crankshaft position sensor. I took it in to the dealership and the problem was just this sensor. It was under 250 dollars for parts and labor and now my Sabb runs great. I hope this might help you.

On my 2004 9-3 Saab, all kinds of problems keep coming up on the display. Whoever has a Saab please take it back or trade the car. I had the dealership pay for all the repairs it needs and still no luck, too much money and there are no more Saab Dealers, only repairmen stations. Please do yourself a favor and return it. Sorry to say, those cars suck. You had to experience it to say and believe it. Go test drive one and you will love it, own one, then you will hate it.

I bought a 2010 Saab Convertible in Feb. 2011. The salesperson said it was a GM car. I received a full GM warranty on my vehicle. I brought the vehicle in for service in Sept. 2011, at 1,800 miles. The serviceman, Gary, said bring it in January, when you have more miles, as it was still too new. I told them of an oil smell, and they said it was a minor problem. I went back in December, when the Saab had 3,000 miles, and they told me that they had to wait to recognize the warranty, because Saab declared bankruptcy, and to come back in January 2012. I went back in January, and was told they would not honor the warranty, nor the existing repair needed. I showed them the sales slip said GM Warranty. The engine says GM on it, but they said it is Saab's problem, not theirs.

I got a 2006 9.5 Saab in 2008 while in college. I lived at home and my dad, a mechanic with 30 years experience, performed the routine check-ups and we never had any issues. I can say the first two years were great.

Issues started when I moved away from home. I continued with the scheduled check-ups. Randomly, at a stop light the car completely shuts off. I was able to restart the car. It didn't do this again for a few months and I took it in to have the issue checked out. The mechanic said it could be a spark plug issue, but not to worry if it had only happened twice. He also said I had an actual Saab engine and it should last me about 300,000 miles. He proudly showed me his 1991 Saab that drove just fine.

I haven't had that same issues, but I have had others. While driving, the tachometer started skipping and the engine started stuttering. I took it in and was told the crank shaft position sensor needed to be replaced. Of course the part had to be ordered from some far away land and it ended up costing me $600.

In December I noticed the engine would rev itself slightly at stop lights. The tachometer would jump (not as bad as before). The revving actually sounded like the engine was about to die. I took it in and apparently the throttle position sensor needs to be replaced. This is a major issue because the shop cannot find a replacement part. However, they warned me the car will break down if not fixed. Their advice was to trade in the car. Now my car which I loved so much is sitting in my driveway waiting for the discovery of this elusive part.

I cannot drive a car which makes me sick to stomach because I do not know when the final drive will come.

Unlike most of the other comments on here, I have been very happy with all three Saabs I have owned. Most of the complaints are about 2003 or newer 9-3s or 2005 or newer 9-5s. This is because GM redesigned those models beginning with those years and made the cars into complete garbage.

GM started interfering before that but the issues caused by GM's dumb engineers was more minor. I have owned a 2001 9-5 Aero and currently own a 2002 9-3 SE and a 2003 9-5 Aero. My 9-3 now has over 110,000 miles on it after I bought it with about 70,000 miles. I have had no issues outside of routine maintenance such as changing the oil every 3000 miles and regularly changing coolant, transmission fluid, etc. The same is true of the 9-5s I have owned and do own.

All three have been fantastic cars. I don't look forward to the day when they die of old age and I have to buy a non-Saab product since they no longer exist. Poor Saab, it was destroyed by stupid GM!

In Aug of 2011, I had to bring my car in for repair to Gerry Lane Saab. The head gasket was leaking. I brought the car in and was able to get it repaired under the extended warranty I bought from them (dealership, Silver Plus Plan from Old Republic). It is now Jan 2012. The head gasket is leaking in a new area. I brought it in and was told that because Saab is bankrupt they could not repair the issue under the manufacturer warranty (I was never told there was one in the start when it was first repaired), then I was told the extended warranty would not cover the part and repair as the manufacturer warranty was covering it. I was also told that it may take up to two years before I could get it repaired under warranty (I am pretty sure the part and repair from the manufacturer warranty would be out and the extended warranty would certainly be out as it expires in Aug 2012 or in 6000 miles) .I have never had this issue before and I'm not quite sure if there is anything I can do.

I am feeling frustrated that I bought a used 2008 Saab this past April from a local dealer. I paid more to have it certified as I was hesitant in purchasing a used vehicle. Now that Saab is going under, the dealership will not cover any service expenses.

I am experiencing, for the third time, ignition issues and now I will have to worry how to pay for items that I had hoped would be covered. I have read that some international companies are looking at Saab, is there a chance that if they do take over, would the "certified" Saab cars become covered again?

I own a 2008 Saab with 18 months of warranty remaining on it. Since Saab is insolvent it has refused to honor the warranty but GM has declared it will honor the warranties of Saab's purchase when that company was a Division of GM. My problem is that I have been denied warranty service by every GM dealer within 50 miles of me and Saab dealers are not honoring the warranties.

I have had many issues as stated on this site and have spent thousands of dollars in time and repairs. Saab does not have the answers and continues to put band aids on the reoccurring issues:

f) Car stops accelerating and comes to a complete stop.

I'm a very frustrated consumer as this car puts my family at risk daily and Saab continues to say the car is fine.

I own a 2005 Saab 9-3. I purchased a Saab thinking I was buying a quality vehicle that I would be able to enjoy for many years without the headache of problems. But this has become a very costly purchase. I have had several issues with the car in the past 6 years. This first major issue was when the car was about 60K. The column integration module was faulty and needed to be replaced. This happened outside of the 50K warranty.

At about 99K miles, the throttle body failed and the intake gasket needed to be replaced. Again this was outside of the warranty. Five months later at about 108K miles, the throttle body failed again and once again needed to be replaced as well as the intake gasket. At that time, I also had to replace some wiring that had corrosion on 2 junctions. Seven months after that, at about 120K miles the throttle body failed again it was replaced. Around the same time, the fuel gauge sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vacuum pump needed to be replaced and I also had strut bearings and spark plugs replaced. Also, a fuel induction service was performed.

Two months later I had a leak from the transmission from a faulty seal. I once again took my car in for repair which was very costly as they had to take out the whole transmission in order to fix the problem. I also had a leak from the coolant and that was fixed at that time as well.At about 129K miles, multiple breaks were found in the engine control wiring harness and the cable harness was replaced. These issues do not include the several times I have had to replace my headlights that burn quicker than any other vehicle I've driven.

I have a 2006 Saab 9-3. The car comes with fancy fob keys that are computerized and which cannot deactivate the alarm unless the key is used. The only problem is both keys have fallen apart over 5 years. I cannot use them to open the door. I went to Saab and they told me there are no keys available but I can buy one myself on eBay.

Just as a tonic to the reviews on this site, I bought an eight-year-old 9-3 four years ago. I haven't had one single problem with it. The only money I've spent is the annual cost of the MOT certificates and two new front tires.

I think my Saab was a bargain, a powerful luxury car at a low price, and extremely reliable!

I am writing to express my frustration with some apparent deceptive marketing practices related to the Saab No Charge Scheduled Maintenance Program. I have an active file number at GM for this issue which is **. This is in regard to a 2009 Saab 1993 which I purchased new in January 29, 2010 (when Saab was still a GM product) from Bay Saab at 6970 North Military Hwy, Norfolk, VA.

A key selling point of the car was the no-charge scheduled maintenance program as described in various Saab marketing materials. I, and many others, interpret the language as not having to pay for regularly scheduled maintenance, excluding wear-and-tear items obviously, for 3 years from time of purchase or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, after I had purchased the car and took it in for its first scheduled maintenance, I was informed by the service manager at Bay Saab that I misunderstood the program and that it only covers the first 3 regularly scheduled service visits and after that, I was responsible for paying for the service regardless of whether the 3 year or 36,000 mile milestones had been met.

I was unsuccessful in debating the issue and was very unhappy to hear that the fourth scheduled maintenance call was going to be one of the most expensive. I recently completed my third regularly scheduled maintenance visit and am now facing a hefty service bill for the next visit which has prompted me to address this issue with you. A summary of my attempts to clear this confusion is as follows. I neglected to record dates, times and names but I refer you to the file on record with GM. After the last service visit, I called another Saab dealer in the area, Suttle Saab at 12525 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA, and asked the question to their service department.

The lady at Suttle Saab told me my interpretation of the program was correct. Immediately after that, I called the GM customer service number on the Saab website to inquire about the details of the program. The lady answering the call was not familiar with the details and when I explained the language to her as I read it verbatim from the various booklets and other media, she agreed with my interpretation and I believe she verified it herself with some media she had in hand. She then called both the service managers at Bay Saab and Suttle Saab. The service manager at Bay Saab gave the same answer I had received from them previously by saying that I was misinterpreting the program language.

The Service Manager at Suttle surprisingly gave a different answer from the one I had received in my call to them only moments before. He replied with a similar answer to Bay Saab telling her that the program is confusing and often misinterpreted. It was clear from these conversations that even Saab is confused about the interpretation of its own program, as the lady from your customer service line concluded that the Saab service managers she spoke to must be correct and my interpretation must be wrong. I am pretty well-educated and feel that I have a good command of reading comprehension, but I fail to see how the language as it is written can be interpreted any other way.

I then did some careful verification by reviewing my contract, the 'No Charge Scheduled Maintenance Program' brochure I received with the car purchase, the Saab website, and an Associated Press article from July 28, 2008 describing the details of the program in which Saab spokeswoman Joanne ** was quoted as she likened it to the other "kinds of import brands that Saab competes against" and that "There is no other GM brand that does the three-year, 36,000-mile scheduled maintenance. That's a very nice offering that definitely makes sense for a premium import". The language of these media to which I refer are all included as exhibits in a complaint letter I wrote to GM.

I agreed with Ms. Joanne that the program was a "nice offering" and in fact was a big part of my decision to purchase the car. However, the apparent confusion with respect to how the program is being administered in my area has me very disappointed and dissatisfied with my purchase. I do not know that I would have purchased the car knowing what I know now with regards to this issue. I asked GM that the correct and proper program details be clarified not only for me, but for the other local Saab owners I know who have been paying for service visits beyond the third visit, and especially the local Saab dealers in the area.

My 2001 Saab's engine locked up on the interstate due to sludge build up. Saab has recognized this problem and extended the warranty to 100,000 miles or 8 years. Our car is 9 years 11 months and has 92,000 miles. Saab would not warranty our engine; we feel we are being penalized for not driving enough. Saab customer service turned down any request we made and refused to let me speak to a supervisor. They should replace this engine under warranty. Saab wants $6500 to replace the engine; it should be covered under warranty.

My Saab 9-3 has been in the shop at least 5 times in the last 9 months. It was all major issues. To name a few, when I first got the car I went in, it seemed almost every 5 weeks. The things that were fixed with the warranty are new transmission, lock system, engine light turned on frequently, and oxygen valve.

I have a 2001, SAAB 9-5 with 192,000 miles on it. The car still drives like a jet car, still kicks *** to other super cars. I read the complaints of other owners. My advice to them; (1) never, ever go to a Dealer to fix your car (2) Saab used parts are the cheapest you can pay only on eBay (buy only used parts, including turbos and do not pay more than $150) (3) only put Mobil-1 fully synthetic oil (Wal-Mart sells at $21/5qts. top it 5qts. with synthetic blend, hm3640 oil filter), (4) get platinum spark plugs ($6 for 4 Wal-Mart).

I replaced turbo, bought on eBay for 67$ + $200 paid to a mechanic. I replaced battery (bought it in Sam's club for $60). I changed spark plugs every 20k and change oil every 2500 miles or less. Even with these small problems, this car is damn fun to drive! Also forgot to mention, put premium gas (93 octane from BP, Exxon, Mobile only), others cheat on gas. Be good to your car, it will be good to you!

The engine was burning hot and leaking oil. Dave, the service advisor, told me that it was dangerous to drive. It could catch on fire at any time and needed a PCV update kit. This is common on the 9-3 engine (2003 model). Saab agreed to several complaints against the engine--that it will cause the car to start on fire. I was charged $865. If it's a problem with the engine, then Saab should recall the engine.

I purchased my Saab 93 convertible new in 2002 from Kelly Saab in Lancaster PA. We wrote a big check and thought it was a wonderful vehicle. Within a very short time. the driver seat began to intermittently move while I was driving the vehicle. To make a long story short, Kelly (Mr Kelly, in fact) told me in so many words to get lost.

I went the lemon law route and GM wore me down. They finally replaced a seat module or maybe the whole seat. Now after about 4 years, the seat is doing this again, Last week, it folded me forward toward the steering wheel while I was driving and also started moving backward away from the brakes and controls. I've found a couple of other people online (google Saab front seat movement while driving and you will see). I can't possibly sell this car since I am stuck with it. How could I sell it and let this be someone else's problem and perpetuate the callous irresponsibility of those who sold me this car and never made good? I go back to the Saab dealer tomorrow (10/15/2010) to see what they say now about this Lemon I'm saddled with.

My wife and I bought a 2007 SAAB 9-3 2.0T in November of 2009 with 16,050 miles on it. Since February 8, 2010 the car has been to a SAAB dealership 10 times for the low coolant light coming on. The first two times it went in they just topped off the coolant level. The third time on May 17th the car was in they said they found an internal cylinder head leak and a front crankshaft seal that was leaking. They replaced the cylinder head and crankshaft seal and gave us the car back after 12 days of being in the shop. We were never offered a loaner car and had to rent a vehicle for that 12 day period even though the car is under warranty until 100,000 miles.

I have since then found out that any time a SAAB that is still under warranty if a dealer has your car overnight they are required to give out a loaner vehicle. We picked up the car on May 28th and by June 11th the "Coolant Level Low" light was on again. Contacted the dealership and they said bring it in that it's probably just an air pocket in the coolant system. They topped off the coolant once again. On June 26th the coolant was low again. We called SAAB customer service on 6/28. I took the car to the dealership on 7/2. They found an internal leak in the short block of the engine and said they would order a new short block for the car. They once again topped off the coolant. SAAB customer service called back on 7/5 and said the dealership had no update for them on the car.

On 7/8 we received a call from SAAB again and still with no update. Then on 7/9 another call from SAAB and still no update. 7/16 another call and they said they had no update. 7/21 received yet another call from SAAB and still no update! The customer service rep with SAAB told us we should contact the dealership ourselves to see if we could get an update from them instead. Called the dealer and still no update and found out that they still hadn't even put an order in for the short block yet! They once again topped it off with coolant on 7/30 and the dealership gave me a new bottle of coolant to keep topping off the car myself. 8/9 the low coolant light came on again so i called the dealer so they were aware and added it myself.

8/20 coolant light came on once again! I took the car in to the dealer on 8/23 to finally have the short block replaced. 8/26 we picked up the car and on 9/26 the coolant light came on again. Also on 9/26 I once again contacted SAAB customer service. 9/27 took the car to the dealership again. They said they pressure tested the system and found no leaks, just topped it off with coolant again. They told us to let it go until the light comes on again so they can document the mileage. Also on 9/29 I spoke with a supervisor with SAAB named Miguel and he seemed to be very helpful and sympathized with my situation. He said that he could understand a vehicle being into the dealership one or two times to have the same issue fixed but that any more than that was excessive and reflected very poorly upon SAAB and the dealership.

Miguel gave me another customer service rep name and number Larry **. 10/1 I received a call from Larry ** at SAAB and he just wanted to know what we wanted SAAB to do about the issue. I told him we just want the issue resolved once and for all. He said that he would call back on 10/5 and let me know what they could do. 10/5 got a call from Larry at SAAB. He said that at this time there is nothing SAAB can do for us! Are you kidding me? He said since they cannot find any leak in the car that I just need to keep taking it back to the dealership to have them look at it. He said I could take it to another SAAB dealer if I wanted to try my luck somewhere else.

If anyone looks at the CARFAX they will see how many problems this car has had not to mention when you trade a vehicle in you don't get what its worth anyways so I would be getting screwed with that as well. After 10 trips to the dealership, which is Armando's SAAB in Canfield, Ohio, they cannot tell me anything about why my car is burning/leaking coolant.

I have had to take 2 personal days off of work to take the car in, rent a car for 12 days, and drive to and from this dealership 10 times. This is a lot of my time and money going into this car and no one is doing a damn thing to fix any of it! My wife has owned 6 GM vehicles, her father has worked for a GM dealer for over 30 years, and my small business owns 5 GM work trucks/vans. After going through all of this and being cast aside like I don't matter I can guarantee that by next year all of my business vehicles will be Ford/Dodge/Toyota and my wife and I will never own another GM vehicle for as long as we live.

I'm wondering if GM selling SAAB to Spyker earlier this year has anything to do with GM's ** poor customer service when it comes to SAAB? We are hard working honest people and just want to be treated like we matter. And not that this matters but if any of you out there have seen the new Dominos Pizza commercials it's nice to see that a large company admits its shortcomings and does what's necessary to fix them. GM should hire their CEO as head of their customer service division, at least something might get done then!

I have a 2003 9-3 Saab, and well it kind of sucks. 1st the windows on both sides went out. I have no idea why. Then the sunroof went out. The doors don't lock it seems like it has a mind of its own. So many things have gone wrong with this thing it really sucks. Now for the bigger part that went wrong. I was driving home from school and my car just stopped moving stayed on and everything but when I pressed on the gas nothing happened. I had to tow it home and everything. I could have been in a big car crash if I was on the freeway. If anyone knows how to fix any of these problems that I am having please let me know!

I brought a Saab 2003 Aero 95, in July of 2008. The dealership which I had a contract with a day after I signed it, changing the payment dates which we agreed to. Now only after only two years barely, the car was checked by the dealership to have 5 codes with major work totaling $4,000, and the car was considered to be a certified pre-owned vehicle. The car had only 40,000 miles on it, now with 70,000, it is giving me problems. I believe the car had existing problems not mentioned. The dealership further stated that I couldn't bring the car back to them even a day after I signed the contract, which wasn't written in the first contract. The car is a lemon!

I have a 1999 Saab 9-5 wagon that the passenger side "side" airbag deployed while I was sitting in the bank drive-thru. I did not hit anything, it just went off. GM sent an inspector to look at the vehicle and report back to them. The inspector followed-up with me and said he didn't really see any damage that would cause the airbag to just go off. GM responds 3 weeks later saying they determined the airbag went off due to several gouges in the under carriage of the car and that my service provider should have made me aware of this. Funny that the inspector didn't view this as probable damage.

The service manager at the dealership said that the marks (not deep gouges as GM stated) probably came from the car being put up on a lift for service. GM is obviously trying to escape any responsibility. I'm very thankful that my 3 year old was not in the car at the time or his hearing would have been damaged severely. Throughout this process, GM said more than once that I could pick t he car up and drive it but they would not guarantee another airbag would not deploy.

I will never drive the car again. It's too expensive to fix and I'm stuck with a wreck of a car. So much for the GM director of safety quote We always want to make sure customers can count on the safety and quality of their GM vehicle. Jeff **., Executive Director of Safety. I was so hopeful that they would do the right thing and either fix the problem or buy it back.

1998 SAAB Convertible passenger air bag exploded upon start up in our garage! The vehicle was subject to recall and according to Saab the car was "fixed" with an airbag strap in 2002; however, the plate where the dealer was supposed to inscribe that the car was fixed was blank. Even if the airbag strap was installed it obviously could not have been installed correctly since the car exploded in our garage. I was in the driver side and there was a series of several explosions. I ran out of the garage and damaged the doors of both the Saab and our Honda Element trying to get out as quickly as possible. The noise was horrific! I yelled fire, fire thinking the car was on fire and then once I was safe in the driveway I vomited.

I have never been so scared. I thought I was going to die. As it turns out the entire dashboard was blown to bits and the windshield is cracked into pieces. There still may be electrical damage. We are at a stalemate with SAAB's recall department since they are claiming the car was "fixed". We paid $7200 for the car used and the blue book is about $3500.

I do not have a car to drive for my pet sitting business. It is unlikely that we will get any money for repairs or for a replacement vehicle or even for a loaner from SAAB. Our garage is a mess. We can't even pay someone to take the destroyed car off our hands. I cry every day looking at the car but I am thankful that I am alive and that no one in my family was killed. It was a close call and I hope no one else has to experience this. Do not buy a SAAB. They have no customer service. They do not stand behind their vehicles.

My 1998 Saab had the passenger side airbag deployed while the car was parked. There was a minor (sprained arm) injury to my passenger. I contacted GM and after three different people working my file (the first one was fired) and 30 days since the report to GM, I still am fighting them. I asked for a rental car because the other air bag might deploy. They said no, but they suggest I do not drive my car. I have no choice to drive my car because I can afford to pay for a rental and I have no other means of transportation. There was a recall in 2001 for the deployment of the airbags. GM first offered a repurchase price of $4,119. The Kelly Blue Book value (trade in value) for my car is $5,225.

I asked for more money but they said no. I asked them to repair the car but again, they said no. I asked them to give me a discount on another GM car but they refused. Then, after all the run around, I got a call today saying that we forgot to consider the injury, "So if you want to proceed, we will note that you declined the repurchase and send the file to the claims department, but that may not offer you anything at all." So, Ms. **, do you want me to send your file to them?" I asked Elizabeth to obtain more information so I could make an informed decision; she said she would not. I have two options--take the repurchase or decline the purchase and see if the other department could do anything. I told her to do nothing with my file.

I bought a 2001 Saab 9-5 four months ago for $4,500.00 from Donald's Car Corner. Then, within two months later, I had to replace the motor for $4,800.00 from Hurd (David is the service tech who was assisting me). But I was unable to fix it with Hurd because it was too expensive. So what I did was I shopped around and got it fixed for $3,500.00.

Then, a week later, I lost the only key to my car. So I called Hurd back. Hurd never returned my phone call. I called all of the Saab dealers and they will charge me at least $1,500.00 to have the key replaced. I also called all locksmiths in the area but they were unable to replace the keys. All locksmiths advised me that I needed to call the Saab dealers.

I don't think it's necessary and right for dealers to be charging customers hundreds and thousands of dollars and holding back information from locksmith so that they, too, can have the ability as the dealers to replace Saab keys for customers. It is also great for costumers too because we can have the choice of shopping around for a better price.

I bought a used 2000 Saab 9-5 Wagon in late 2002, and it's been the most reliable car I've ever owned. I've since put more than 100,000 miles on it in New England weather and without a garage. I replaced the DI cassette several years ago, an exhaust pipe around the same time, the battery last year, and the only other work I've ever needed has been regular maintenance and wear items (brakes, tires). It's never once failed to start, handles great in the snow, and gets me where I'm going comfortably and safely

Bought a used 2005 Saab 9-3 Linear (built in 04') in August of 2008 with 42k miles on it. Shortly after I drove it home the problems started. The coolant warning light goes off every few days at the slightest loss of coolant (ounces). Door locks engaging by themselves, left front headlight and side marker light replaced, throttle body replaced ($750), alternator replaced ($700). 4 batteries replaced since purchase a little over a year ago without a resolution to the problem. 5 tows to dealership who have yet to fix the coolant problem or the battery draining issues.

HVAC controls, have to pay to replace entire panel for new knobs instead of just replacing one. I have had more issues with this Saab than all my other cars I have owned since the early 80s combined. More tows with this car in one month than all the cars I have driven since the late 70s. The dealership was incompetent, overpriced, and rude. 2k plus in repairs and the issues remain. Will never buy another Saab or GM product again.

I purchased my used Saab in March 2008 and have since put $4250 in it for repairs. The shocks, struts, air conditioner, transmission service, 2 new transmissions...and now I'm being told that I need to pay $500 for a new radiator. This is the roughest riding car I have ever owned and I couldn't even drive it while I was pregnant for fear of hurting my baby.

The shop replaced the transmission and then insisted that I drive it over 200 miles so the new parts could 'adapt'. I refused because I knew there was still a problem with the transmission. I told them that if it needed to be driven THEY could drive it. The owner AND the tech that worked on the car REFUSED to drive it. After the car was sent to the dealer to check it out, it was determined that the new transmission was bad and that it needed yet another transmission.

THEN the shop insisted that I pay for a new radiator because of debris in it from it being driven when it wasn't supposed to be. THEY are the ones that have had the car the whole time and THEY are the ones that drove it. I will NEVER own another Saab and I think this one should fall under the Lemon Law and my car should be replaced. $4200 in repairs later-I still don't have a drivable car. I have paid over 1/2 of what I paid for the car in repairs in less than a year.

11) Cracked #3 Piston, due to mass flow sensor failing top light up the Check Engine Light due to lean fuel mixture, $6800.

I can say now with confidence that so far buying Saab from GM was the worst decision my husband and I made in our lives! Simply put, the car design is flawed, the car is constantly breaking down and every morning you are praying for your 3-year-old nice-looking car would start, and you can drive to work and hopefully get back without the help of roadside assistance.

GM and their branch, Saab USA, is an additional story -- they do anything they can to not provide service you deserve and count on. You keep bringing your car to the talentless dealerships and GM keeps paying since it is still under warranty. Of course, this keeps the dealerships in business! But when you had enough of all of the hassle you are dealing with and you want a normal customer service -- don't expect it from GM!

On my request to look into the issue with my car I got the case open and closed with negative outcome. The response was "Dealers did what they thought was right and the problem was 'solved'." (And this was after two recent identical cases were addressed by the two largest dealers in the area before! And now, after just one month, the same problem is back.)

When I requested a buyout because the car keeps getting the same issue over, and over, and over again, I was told that the district manager looked into it and they are "not interested"... I was NOT told that they were ready to extend my coverage. I learned it today by chance when I pressed the customer representative to open a new case and connect me to the department that deals with buyouts. So this information was simply withheld from me.

We wrote a very detailed letter first to the customer service department in Detroit and than to the General Manager of Saab USA, Mr. Steve Shannon. Guess what?! They never even bothered to write or call us back! Well, I got news for them -- this is not the first website I am filing a complaint with. I filed with BBB, with FTC and myriads of sites out there so consumers will know that when they buy GM they are pretty much screwed and completely on their own! And all their advertising on TV that they think will help them to get out from bankruptcy will not going to help them. If they will continue building unreliable cars and have the horrible customer service this company is a toast!

I purchasd a used 2002 Saab Turbo Convertible with 55xxx on it, in the first month; Throttle Body Sensor $750. The sid display didn't work, the doors lock go on and off while driving. The key to unlock and lock doesn't work the locks. One of the hydraulic hoses to the convertible blew; just the part over $200.

Then a month later it has happen again, I have no use of convertible. The water pump is not working now and is leaking anti freeze all the time. The heater and cooler just come off an on crazily and to top it off; with many of those problems now I took it in today and over $3,000 to fix something with transmission.

I can't afford anymore and now I don't have a car to drive to work to make money. I have NEVER IN MY ENTIRE LIFE - owned a lemon like this one. GOD HELP US!

I also have a 2003 Saab 9-3 with automatic transmission. I am currently over 100k miles. I would like to state for the record that I have had all of the same issues including Transmission in/out sensors, shift solenoid C malfunction and ignition lockup. The difference is that I have gotten them all fixed at less than $1200 total.

How did I accomplish this miracle? Hint: Never trust the company responsible for the issue to take responsibility. I am astounded that any of you would take your car to the stealership, especially after they have misdiagnosed the problem the first time.

Use your own brain which you know works reliably and do some research online of all people having the same problem, do what they did that finally resolved it for good and go home happy.

Most of these problems are caused by cheap but complex sensors and wiring. Transmission sensors cost $150 and can be installed yourself in minutes (right under battery), if you let them charge you $700 you are shooting yourself here. Ignition lockup is actually caused by the system that recognizes the key being sent the wrong signal due to bad wiring. THey replace the device and the wiring will just build up static and fry the solenoid again. Fix the wiring harness and problem fixed for good.

Translation: Smart cars are only as smart as the people who drive/repair them. Although GM is ultimately at fault for the engineering, they are not going to bail you out of your purchase and throw themselves off a building by way of apology. Get pro-active and educate yourself and you can make the best of a bad situation, otherwise count down the payments 'cause that's all you can do.

May 12, 09 - Check engine light. Result, coil pack is bad.

May 28, 09 - My car is overheating and steaming. Result, replace heater bypass valve, replace thermostat, engine coolant flush, replace upper engine motor mount

July 21, 09 - Check engine and oil light. Result, replace PVC valve, replact throttle body.

Aug 4, 09 - White smoke from the exhaust. Result, replace turbo and clean oil pad.

All of these items will cost me over $5,000 when all is said and done. Not including three towing bills. I believe this is excessive for any vehicle, let alone one that cost as much as this one did when I purchased it NEW.

I bought my SAAB 9 3 in 2007. On Sept 6, 2007 (67,032 miles) I brought my car in due to when hitting bumps, I heard a rattling noise from the front left of my car. I brought my car in to the SAAB Bedford Dealership and they remove and replaced the front stabalizer on my car. Well on December 6, 2007 (72,688) car went back into the shop for the same issue. Again they replaced the front stabalizer. Car went back into the shop again for the same issue - "customer states clunk in front" - once again they replaced for the third time the front stabalizer on June 11 2008 with 84,116. At this time I was pregnant with my daughter who was due in June so safetly concerns were our main issues.

Car went back into the shop on October 17 2008 with 98,508 miles due for the same reason as before. "clunking in front end" this time not nothing was done. They advise that they could not find any issues with the car. Now my daughter is a month old. May 14, 2009 got out to my car that was parked in my garage overnight and my car is leaning towards the front left. The spring has broken on my car while it sat overnight. My car was towed to the SAAB dealership who advise that they will only give me 10% off my bill.

I've put in a call with SAAB USA to go over this issue and for them to fix it since I am now out of warranty. The lady is looking into my problem but on the phone kept stating that the car is now 6 years and over a 100,000 and parts to wear. I do understand that but this is a serious problem. If I had my daughter in my car going 65 miles on the freeway and the spring broke then, who knows what could of happened. Also, Luke's Towing advise my husband that he has towed 4 SAAB for the same issue that I am having (Broken Spring) just this month alone.

I belive that there should be a recall on the Springs since this seems to be contuning to happen. I would like for SAAB USA to pick up the bill since I did my part and brought my car in time and time again for the same issue and still the issue was never fixed.

ihad a heat problem with my 1998 95 saab and the company had my car for a month then told me nothing is wrong,

the second time they changed my radiator and i found out that it wasnt the original one.

now the air conditioning is not working and the car in general is not that good and iam afraid of sending it to the company again

iowened the saab thinking iwill have a life time car, ilove my cars ia buy new ones but i keep old good ones,

actually this way i wont be able to sell it in good price

though it is a beautiful car

Okay finally a site where i can share my saab story to people who actually know why it can sometimes suck owning a saab. just before i begin i would like to say that i tried making a site like this and failed. i got some nasty comments from some people who think saab dont suck and that i do. oh well. my story starts in 1994. i was only a five year old. my father decided that he should get a new car so he went into a mazda dealership but the workers their all ignored him and were more interested in watching the staff tv. so my father decided to try a saab and the wprkers their were nice people. they didnt ignore us. so they won our money and they got a sale and we brought ourselves a 1994 saab 900s non turbo. after the first year the saab had a few breakdowns and a flat tire and a flat battery. the car broke down every couple of years.

now its the year 2004. same thing again car broke down, battery went out, and then the left indicator at the front magically broke itself. so my father got fed up and left the car in our garage for years. in the meantime my father bought himself a nice BMW which i call heaven on wheels. i miss driving that car. it is now 2008 and i decided that i should go get a car and go for my licence. i kinda regrett this but i decided to sacrifice my freetime and get a job and with my earnings i bought the saab from my father. kept pestering him for a while to get the car inspected cos in the years that itwas sitting in the garage it was probably dying cos it wasnt being used. so finally we got someone to jumpstart the car, the car was running fine until we went to put some petrol in it. the car broke down and was blocking traffic and making the fuel delivery late. we had a fight with the petrol station workers and we realised that the battery didnt even charge up at all. it was simply dead. so that cost me 240 bucks just to get a new battery.

anyway we finally got the car serviced and it was running superb again. so i had the chance to master my manual tranmission driving skills and i was ready to take the driving test. where i live there is a horrible testing zone where you have to supply your own vehicle to use for the test. cost me loads of money to book the tests and i failed a few times as they have the strictest testing people in the world. so i went for another test feeling positive and optimistic and i was on my way to the testing office. i said to myself that there is nothing that can stop me from getting my licence and right after that the car's gear lever got stuck in neautral and the car would not get into gear.

i was so close to the testing place but i couldnt supply my own car because this stupid saab's clutch cable broke. this cable costed me 300 bucks to replace but it actually turned out to be a faulty pressure plate which caused the car not getting into gear. so now it's gonna cost me 1640 bucks just to get the car runnig again. so right now things have been pretty bad for me. no car, no licence, and feeling stupid cos we didnt look after the car well even though we were fed up of keeping the damn thing working. now i have to use transit buses where its crowded and rely on my friends to get me around places and play the waiting game of getting a new clutch, saving up for the clutch, getting used to the car's feeling like the pedals and the gearstick, and wait for another test booking. after the car gets fixed i will be poor, exhausted, paranoid everytime i drive the car that it will magically breakdown, and feel stupid cos i didnt look after the car and that i expected it to work after leaving it for so long in the garage while it was dying there.

the saab has put me through alot and i hate how motorists just stare at you and pass by without offering any help when your car breaks down. i didnt realise the harsh reality of owning a car let alone owning such a wonderful car like a saab and that the reality of owning a car is not always the same as the beauty of owning a car. i wish mechanics didnt rip people off and that warranties lasted longer and that the company gave everyone sympathy but i guess i cannot say why we can have these things. no matter how much we want things to be cheap they never happen. money has made greed in the world such a powerful thing and so many people now only do things for money. this is why mechanics are so greedy and that companies can be greedy. but for those who are thinking of getting a saab. i recommend one but expect the car to play up every now and then and make sure that you are a rich ***** cos if you are poor like me, then owning a saab bloody sucks mate.

As I mentioned earlier my father bought a New 9.3 Sportswagon recently but sold it back to the garage after 2 years. It was in and out with problems and he was simply fed up with driving courtesy cars.The garage customer service was superb but it was still highly inconvenient and he said never again. I wish I had taken notice!

My advice to anyone buying a Saab is if it is second hand make sure you have deep pockets. If you buy one new be ready to have to take it in and out of the garage. Also be ready to have to drop huge sums when you have to sell it.Who will want to buy a Saab with a dreadful record of breakdown and expensive repairs. It is rather a shame as its not a bad car to look at. Apart from my fathers experience I have since heard so many woeful tales from Saab owners.

I was surprized and disappointed that Saab would not offer some compensation to prevent me telling all my friends and contacts about my experience and that of my fathers. A free service/parts included would have been sufficient.

After number of visits to the dealership I contacted the Saab USA customer service department back in Dec 2008 and Jan 2009, about my dissatisfaction with the purchase of 2007 Saab 9.7 due to poor performance

Problems:
1) Grinding from rear differential
2) Transmission slipping and the car clunking? in to gear at red lights
3) No initial take-off on the car. Once you press the gas pedal, the car doesnt go? and then all of a sudden, it takes off.
4) Hearing a clunking noise on turns

5) The steering wheel creaks when turning

I leased the vehicle in June 2007, over the course of past year the car has been in for repairs more than 12 times at the Thousand Oaks Location and 3 times at the Sherman Oaks Location for the same problems and I keep getting a same response, that they are unable to find the root cause of the items, that this is a not a major safety issue, and that since they have all the service records and keep bringing the vehicle for additional repairs if the problems continues. The Saab Service advisor response to me has been you shouldnt worry since the car is under manufacturers warranty!

I am seriously concerned because frankly, I dont agree that these issues do NOT pose a security risk to myself, my wife and child. We are now at a point where we are afraid to drive the car over any long distances and only use it for local errands and even then, only if there is no other means of transportation available.

My 2001 Saab 9-5 has something draining the battery. It drives fine once the battery is jumped. The dealership first stated my ignition switch needed cleaning ($384.) I received a telephone call to pick up my car, it was now fixed. Arrived at the dealership, car was dead. Saab calls back and says they must replace the ignition switch they had just cleaned. ($584.00) My car is sitting outside with a dead battery.

Saab also charged over $250 to reprogram my heat they said which needed to be done after the battery dies.. (Not true, my battery has been dead and nothing has happened to the heat.) Saab also gives me a new key for my ignition and another key for the door locks. My theory is that the alarm is draining my battery, however they will not listen to this. Obviously they have no idea what is wrong with my car.

I have spent over $1000 trying to fix a problem which still exists. I am a nursing student and I was forced to miss class. I have three children (ages 4,2,and1) and was unable to pick my child up from preschool because of a dead battery. I was forced to take a taxi on three different occasions. I have spent over $10000.00 on repairs with this Saab dealership over the past 3 years. And they keep charging me for things they are not fixing.

I purchased my 06 saab in Dec. 06 with 7 miles. Since then at 6 months the transmission went and a year later it went again. I have placed 4 sets of tires on this car, when the tires get to 6 months old they make the stabilitrak jerk the car. My headlights go off while driving in the dark, the 4 wheel drive motor had to be replaced, the heater had to be replaced, 2 years and 3 months I have driven this car, it has been in the shop at least 60 days in this time. It is the sport utility so I paid a good amount of money for the worst car I have ever purhcased. Only one dealership in my area can fix the saab and they are not helpful at all, Thompson in springfield missouri.

I am probably the WORST car owner. I have a 1999 Saab 9-3. I rarely buy new tires when I get flats, my oil change history isn't the best, and when something starts making a loud sound, I turn up the radio. This car has had fewer problems than my much more expensive Jetta, but I have still had some scares. My ORIGINAL lug nuts cracked and my wheel wedged under the wheel well in a gas station parking lot. I'd probz be dead if it happened a few minutes later($300 to drill out the cracked ones and replace w/ all new ones).

My A/C compressor died ($700). 3 warped rims = $250 to fix. I notied my side mirror control melted the outside panel of my left mirror (scary). My tape deck stopped working. And I bought a manual on eBay on how to fix the computer display / clock (it involves an iron and improved it by 50%). I've needed brakes for probz a year, but still haven't replaced.

I took my 2005 SAAB to the dealer because paint was peeling off the front and rear bumpers. The body shop manager said paint should not be peeling, and said talk to the business manager about gaetting it fixed under warranty. The car has a 4 year warranty. The manager looked at it and said he would conact SAAB. A week went by with no result, so I called SAAB directly. A week later they finally said that rock chips were making it peel..on the rear bumper too! The rear bumper has no rock chips. Front bumpers get rock chips all the time and don't peel.

The estimate to repaint both bumpers is 995.10. They indicate stripping all the paint is neccessary, because the factory paint is not bonded properly. How can they have it both ways?

I purchased this car used in 2006. It had 21000 miles on it when I purchsed it. Within 6 months I had to replace a window regulator and the traction control failure light was coming on and something was banging underneath the car. These things were covered under warranty and the problem underneath cost over $600. Two months later, another window regulator broke which was no longer under warrenty and cost over $300 and now I have the same problem underneath again and the traction control failure light is coming on again. Also, my car does not start. The immobilization failure light comes on and when I had AAA push start the car, I brought it to Sabb and they told me it could be 100 different things. They seemed to think one of the computers in the car stayed on instead of shutting off and drained the battery. I was told this happens all the time. My car started when I was at the dealership so nothing was fixed. Now the car doesn't start again. The immobilization failure light comes on again.

I have owned 11 cars prior to owning this Sabb. I've owned Honda, Nissans, Accura, Fords, Toyota, Geo, and Chevys. The only problems I've ever had with cars was with the 2 Chevys over 25 years ago and swore I would never own a General Motors car again, which I never did up until this Saab. This car has had the most problems I've had from a car in 25 years. I still have a car payment on the car, I've been laid off from my job and I am stuck with this unreliable piece of junk. If I start a new job, I may not be able to get there due to car problems. I can't even get to the grocery store. This is an unreliable vehicle and I warn everyone that this car is a money pit. I am going to have to let the bank take the car because I cannot afford the repairs. I wish I had that old Geo, not one single problem ever and it had over 170K on it when I sold it.

Now we know why Saab filed for BK. Who wants a car that keeps breaking. I Must have 30 services in years. The info panel was replaced and then when I opened the elec window the radio went off. I am sure you readers believe me.

Both sets of keys to my 1999 Saab 9-3 were stolen. The dealer wants $1,600 plus towing to replace the twice module and make new keys. I'm not even sure if the car is worth $1,600. I know there have been lawsuits filed for this same issue with smart keys and also a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission about these costs. Locksmiths say these dealers make their codes and information dealer restricted so that there is no alternative. Isn't there anything that can be done? At least the successful smart key lawsuits have required some car companies to do a much better job of disclosing this information.

I have been without the use of my car for 3 weeks now while I try to see if insurance will cover (still $500 deductible). I do not have the money for this when my car is already 10 years old and needs plenty of other work. This impacts everything: career, personal, social and financial. Not to mention the stress and hours spent trying to find another answer.

2007 Saab, new brakes needed at 16,000, today with 18,000 new tires, what's next? What I thought would be a very reliable, well designed and built product has turned out to be worse than a chevy vega from the 70's.

In the first 20,000 miles $1000 in repairs and everyone says, oh well normal wear, not under warranty, excuses for what I thought would be a very long term reliable car.

I bought a used 1999 Saab turbo 9-3 in February 2007. Seemed to be in great condition, the girl who owned it before said she performed regular maintenance on it and drove it mostly on the highway.In the not-yet two years that I have owned the car, the battery has died, the fuel injector has failed, the air conditioning and heat have been broken from the get-go, the hazard light button fell out of the dashboard, the engine heat gauge does not function, the brakes have been replaced twice, the rotors have been replaced three times, i have had three bent rims and eight flat tires, various pieces of metal have dropped off the undercarriage, the transmission has been fixed, the automatic locks do not work, the trunk no longer unlocks, the belts have been replaced, all the hoses burst within a month of each other, the lights and displays inside the car do not function, the seatbelts require a struggle to unlock, the car occasionally starts itself when i remove the key, the key locks itself into the ignition, brakes work poorly, the belt-pulleys have literally snapped off, a ball-joint and arm has broken,the windshield fluid tank leaks but it doesn't matter since the fluid sprayers don't spray, and numerous springs, bolts, windows, bulbs, fluids, etc., have been repaired or replaced along the way.

I drive this car at the speed limit, about 30 miles a day. I do not hit things or drive recklessly-admittedly because I am now afraid that my car will crumble under me without my help. I got this car because it was supposedly one of the safest, most reliable vehicles to choose from. Not only is it far from being reliable or safe, only two dealers in my state repair Saabs, and the parts are many times more expensive than those of an equally junky American car.

My Driver-side seat heater malfunctioned twice. It is covereded under the warantee of my Saab 9-3

I suffered 2nd degree burns the first timea and 3rd degree burns the second time. The burned area is about the size of an Eisenhower Dollar and has resulted in permanent scarring ( I take cumadin ).

This is, by far, the worst car I've ever owned! I never expected to have these kinds of problems with a SAAB, not only due to the amount of money I paid, but also because of the supposedly good reputation of SAAB customer service. I will NEVER purchase another SAAB, or GM for that matter due to the very poor level of customer service that I've experienced and the ridiculously poor workmanship.

I purchased a 2004 SAAB 9.3 in July of 2004. First 18 months everything was great. After 18 months the left headlamp burnt out. I live 90 miles from the nearest SAAB dealer. So I replaced the $13.00 bulb. Since that time I have replaced the left headlamp 5 times and the right one 3 times. Now as of 1/20/09 the right headlamp has burnt out yet again. This will be the 11 bulb put in this car. The dealer claims of no issue with the headlamps. But I have talked to several other SAAB owners who have have the same problem. Also had the evaporator in the air conditioning system play out in July of 2008. This car has only 60,000 miles. Needless to say I am not impressed with SAAB.

My Saab with 65000 miles is giving me troubles on an 0n-going-basis. First, my display in the dash board is not working. I can't read any displayed messages. (cost $700) The water cooler broke.(cost $400). The trunk locking mechanism broke (cost $300). Now the car won't stop sometimes! I could drive it for 1/2 hour to the store and come back and it would not start. (cost I don't know yet). I am tired and frustrated and tired.

Amount of time and money wasted. Not getting what I paid for! Dealer won't do anything other than charging me 95$ an hour for the fix plus material. GM said it is not their problem. I did not manufacture the car. So whose problem is it?

I have owned 3 Saab 9-5s of differing years. the first was a 1999 9-5 SE with higher mileage. I had heard that these were great cars and to not be worried about the mileage. This is ABSOLUTELY not the case.

I was the third owner of the car, and although miraculously I was able to find each previous owner, and gather from them that the oil changes were made on time, because there were missing receipts, it was impossible for me to get the warranty coverage for what is again a known issue.

a few months after owning this one, The engine gave out on me while driving on a highway in pittsburgh. I was told that the oil pan was cracked and that (somehow inexplicably on ONLY city roads) I had bottomed out the vehicle. Luckily because of this, my insurance company covered the repair. I owned this car for a year.

Although I do believe that a Saab used to be an impressive and great car brand. they have slowly chipped away at their quality since being puchased by GM. Making the situation worse, the brand is now victim to GM's terrible customer service policy.

I now own a Ford Fusion, and I couldn't be happier to be with a brand that at least backs up it's vehicles.

2003 9-3 Saab is the worst car I have ever owned!

Problem after problem after problem

I will not drive the car again or put my family at risk in a car with a KNOWN, yet undiagnosed safety problem that has already resulted in one accident. I can also not in good conscious sell the car without diclosing that the body damage is due to an unresolved safety issue - who would buy it? I am basically out a brand new car. I won't drive it and I can't sell it. I informed the rep that I am seeking legal assistance to stop all future payments on the car and will be suing SAAB for all damages, rental car fees, damage to other vehicle, my personal time and assoicated stress.

I've wanted a SAAB since I started driving in 1988. I can finally afford one and 3-months after purchase the car could have killed my family and SAAB wants nothing to do with it, but give me back a dangerous and damaged car.

I am a longterm GM customer having owned two Saturns, a Trailblazer, the SAAB and am restoring a 1980 Camaro.

My only hope to regain any faith in GM is that senior management above the customer service ranks are unaware of this situation and will remedy the problem now that they have been informed.

Saab said that they will replace (known defect) but I had to show all my oil change reciepts. I was in IRAQ and wife didn't keep. Cost to fix over $6K

My 06 Saab 93 has been repaired for the same issue.. steering wheel lock mechanism failure 4 times now, and the loaner car they gave me this week an 08 93 with only 2400 miles on it just broke with the same message. I read about this online and apparently this is an EXTREMELY common issue with 06 Saabs that has not been recalled, and seems to never get fixed properly in many cars.

I have wasted several trips to the dealership and back and lost time at work so far, and there seems to be no end in site. Now I have a car that I owe money on that I cannot drive.

I have a 9-5 Saab and the passeger airbag turns itself on and off while someone is sitting in the seat and the car is moving. THe sensor is supposed to be set for 90 lbs but my wife and kids weigh over/about 120 lbs and the only way to keep the airbag sensor on is to pull yourself down in the seat and hold on. I have notified SAAB about this issue and they cannot fix nor will they try. My wife sat in other 2008 9-5 and had the same problem at the dealership. They witnessed the problem and know of it as it is on record with them.

Saab 9-3 convertible. Fire started under hood. Burned only the fiberglass lining under the hood. Mechanics said engine is sound. Cannot come up with an explanation except that a cigarette butt must have gotten caught under the hood and ignited the nonflammable fiber glass lining.

Cost $70 for towing. $200 for the car rental. $200 for the lining to be replaced. All out of pocket expenses. Warranty will not cover it because we cannot find a car malfunction.

I purchased the vehicle new in October 2005. Its a SAAB 93 AERO. Within the first six months it was in the shop for 6 weeks wating for a thermostat. The part was warranty and i was giving a car until mines could be repaired. A few months later I had a problem with the windows not going all the way back up. That was the beginning of things to come. Every 3 months the service light light would come on and i would have to go to the shopp to get the computer program updated.

My last service was supposed to be good for one year but the oil quality was bad after 2 months. Then when the warranty ran out the vehicle coolant reservoir went bad a started leaking and I was told by a mechanic that this was a prroblem that SAAB was aware of but since it was no longer under warranty I had to pay for the part myself, that is after they ordered the part and it took 1 week to get in. Now it is in the shop with a battery problem wich turned into a problem with some part inside the engine wich turned into a problem with something to do with the power steering and the remote sensor.

Saab payed the part for the enginge at 90%, this says to me that there was a problem that they are aware of. Now I am told that the part for the power steering is more then the price they had listed, cause SAAB changed the part number and raised the price 150%. This is another sign that says they are aware of the defect in there parts... The main office in SWEDEN has been of no help with this no matter how many times i have written them..

For rental cars and parts and labor along with towing this car will have cost me at least $3000.00 this month. Thats not including the other times it was in the shop.

I have had to have my Saab 9-3 convertible repaired six times in three years. In August I spent 1000.00 because the warranty has run out. In two weeks time I was in a parking lot with the top 1/2 up and stuck. This was the sixth time this has happened to me. I have contacted Saab and they have reviewed this case and feel that is not an on-going issue. Six times is ridiculous and is not normal. I had my Chrysler Sebring for 150,000 miles and had it repaired once. I would fix the car again but feel that it will just break again. I do not have the money to continue this two times a year.

The 9-3 standard 4 door saab with 200 miles on and less then one week old rolls while in gear. On a very slight incline it edged forward into the side porch of my home damaging the front fender of the car. I also have a 2006 9-5 standard that rolls while in gear.

Someone could get killed if you don't always use the emergency brake. Please address this issue. Thanks

I purchased a 2004 Saab 9-3 Convertible under warranty. The convertible top began to leak green hydraulic fluid into the car onto the front passenger seat (actually onto the passenger in my car at the time). I immediately brought the car to the GM/Saab dealer near my home (San Rafael, CA - San Rafael Chevrolet/Saab).

The dealer was highly responsive and attempted to fix the problem. And indicated that the parts they required to fix my vehicle were NOT AVAILABLE and they are unable to identify when they will be able to procure them from GM/Saab. Apparently, GM decided to replace the supplier of this part and 1) would not make the original part available to the dealer and 2) had no ETA for providing the replacement part. At this point, my vehicle had been in the shop for several weeks. Driving the car was not safe as the passenger would be subjected to hydraulic fluid on his/her body and face (leaking from the roof).

I contacted GM customer service and after much struggle was directed to Monique B. (866 x 21497). She agreed to have the parts required pulled off the line in Sweeden and shipped to the dealer to make the repair. This actually occurred - however when the dealer opened the box, he discovered they sent a part that does not fit in my car nor solve the problem. I immediately contacted Monique only to find that she was transferred out of the Saab customer care group and was no longer available to support me. I was handed off to a gentleman named Jorge (don't have his last name, but his phone number is 866 x 31330). Jorge claimed ignorance of my case, and has offered little in the way of assistance.

I explained that GM needed to located the correct part (as originally planned) and send it to the dealer. He continually refuses, indicating that he cannot identify when the part will be available or when it can be sent. Now mind you, the Saab 9-3 has not had any redesign since the 2004 model. So the current model employs the same parts as mine - there are plenty of parts lying around. Additionally, there are tons of the needed part available online through various after market re-sellers (and the actual OEM part - not an equivalent).

Jorge has not returned my repeated phone calls in 2+ days (despite a 24 hour service level agreement in his voicemail). And does not have anything to offer by way of retrieving the part necessary to fix my car WHICH IS UNDER WARRANTY. I have asked for my case to be escalated and have not received a response of any kind.

GM did attempt to bribe me by offering me 2 free car payments for my trouble --- but again, my interest is in understanding when my car will be fixed so I can drive it without hydraulic fluid staining the clothes of my passenger or worse getting on their skin or in their eyes/nose. Never mind the terrible smell that permeates the car. The continue to maintain that the part will be available in a month but when pressed reveal that they have no idea.

The district manager has refused my request for a similar courtesy car to use while they fix my vehicle. I was without a vehicle for the 4+ weeks that my car was at the dealer for repair (with no compensation) and now have a vehicle that has signficant issues with no path to resolution. PLEASE HELP IN ANY WAY YOU CAN. THANK YOU!

Vehicle has been in disrepair (based on issues covered by warranty) for over 4 weeks. And according to GM the parts needed to resolve are indefinitely unavailable. Peaceful enjoyment of my convertible top has been lost during this time period. Passengers are subject to hydraulic fluid leaking on their person and face. Car has a powerful odor from the oil. Convertible top is now stained by the oil.

The original Saab's were great cars until GM, desperate to get their hands on Saab's superior engine and turbo technology, bought the brand in 1999. Since then the cars have been plagued by mechanical failures, frequent malfunctions, and fervent frustration on behalf of the owner. Judging by the complaints on this site, Saab 9-3's and 9-5's have become painfully expensive to maintain, especially with inferior parts like transmissions, SIDs and ignition cassettes crapping out all the time. But notice how almost all the complaints reported are from people who own a newer Saab built after MY 2000.

GM destroyed a fantastic car by switching out high-quality imported parts for cheaper mass produced ones, for example the turn signal on your Saab may look eerily familiar to that of a Buick. GM did the same for the transmission, brakes, engine parts, and anywhere they could save manufacturing costs. They eliminated the hatchback, cut out design features, and removed other incredibly handy yet seemingly unnecessary features such as fog lights and Weather Band radio. The move pleased those on Wall Street but alienated masses of previous Saab owners who filled a unique market niche. The end result? A car that looks nothing like a true Saab, drives nothing like a true Saab, and is nowhere near reliable as well as a true Saab. A true Saab is any Saab built before MY 2000 and an even truer Saab is one built in the 80s-early 90s before GM bought a 50% stake in the company. Seriously, ask a true Saab owner. They'll tell you they were some of the greatest, fastest, safest, most reliable cars ever built. While Saab's today are still know for their safety and performance, they are water downed, always breaking-down versions of their predecessors.

I myself own a '99 Saab 9-3 hatchback, the last of the true Saab era, and it is a marvelous piece of engineering. Now 10yrs old, it runs fine, gets good gas mileage while maintaining excellent speed and performance, and only suffers from minor problems like missing SID pixels and a bent radio antenna. My buddy recently bought an old '87 Saab 900 from the pre-GM era (meaning before GM bought part of Saab in the early 90s) and it continues to have no mechanical problems. I talked to dozens of true Saab owners who consistently report their Saab ran for 200K, sometimes 300K! So blame the engineers, market strategists and executives at GM for your problems because I guarantee the founders of Saab wouldn't be proud of what their brainchild has become.

The original Saab's were great cars until GM, desperate to get their hands on Saab's superior engine and turbo technology, bought the brand in 1999. Since then the cars have been plagued by mechanical failures, frequent malfunctions, and fervent frustration on behalf of the owner. Judging by the complaints on this site, Saab 9-3's and 9-5's have become painfully expensive to maintain, especially with inferior parts like transmissions, SIDs and ignition cassettes crapping out all the time. But notice how almost all the complaints reported are from people who own a newer Saab built after MY 2000. GM destroyed a fantastic car by switching out high-quality imported parts for cheaper mass produced ones, for example the turn signal on your Saab may look eerily familiar to that of a Buick. GM did the same for the transmission, brakes, engine parts, and anywhere they could save manufacturing costs. They eliminated the hatchback, cut out design features, and removed other incredibly handy yet seemingly unnecessary features such as fog lights and Weather Band radio. The move pleased those on Wall Street but alienated masses of previous Saab owners who filled a unique market niche. The end result? A car that looks nothing like a true Saab, drives nothing like a true Saab, and is nowhere near reliable as well as a true Saab. A true Saab is any Saab built before MY 2000 and an even truer Saab is one built in the 80s-early 90s before GM bought a 50% stake in the company. Seriously, ask a true Saab owner. They'll tell you they were some of the greatest, fastest, safest, most reliable cars ever built. While Saab's today are still know for their safety and performance, they are water downed, always breaking-down versions of their predecessors. I myself own a '99 Saab 9-3 hatchback, the last of the true Saab era and successor to the Saab 900. It is a marvelous piece of engineering. Despite having a couple GM parts ie a Plymouth turn signal, it is still an actual Saab. Designed by Saab engineers and built in Sweeden, it runs fine, gets good gas mileage while maintaining excellent speed and performance, and only suffers from minor problems like missing SID pixels and a bent radio antenna. My buddy recently bought an old '87 Saab 900 from the pre-GM era (meaning before GM bought part of Saab in the early 90s) and it continues to have no mechanical problems. I talked to dozens of true Saab owners who consistently report their Saab ran for 200K, sometimes 300K! So blame the engineers, market strategists and executives at GM for your problems because I guarantee the founders of Saab wouldn't be proud of what their brainchild has become. Want my opinion? If you're gonna go Saab buy used. If you want a newer car, buy a Honda. Or better yet, a hybrid.

On July 25 2008, my daughter was driving my 2004 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan. She went off the road, side swiping 2 trees before slamming into a drainage pipe/embankment. The left side curtain airbags were the only ones that deployed. The car is a total loss with extensive front-end damage. If not for her wearing her seat belt, I would likely be making funeral arrangements.

This is the second front-end collision with this vehicle without the airbags deploying. I questioned Saab in 2004 about the first incident which their reply was that the car performed as it was designed. That accident was significant enough to trigger all the seat belt sensors and fry the main computer.

I would like to start by stating that I am a repeated SAAB customer and I like the way the SAABs drive. However, recently I have had some bad experiences with my current SAAB 95. The car currently has 87k miles and I have had to change the ignition cassette twice (once at 46k and again at 60k). About 2 weeks ago the check engine light went off and I took the car to the dealership. After charging me $125, they told me that I need to change the ignition cassette. This would be the third time in a 41k mile period. To put it mildly, this is excessive. I have never had to change the ignition cassette of any of my previous cars (SAABs or other luxury cars), and I have driven some of them more than 87K miles. I've called the SAAB customer service and I've complained about the sub-standard components that they have used in my car. I have asked them to replace the ignition cassette (since this would be the 3rd time I would have to change it) but they are still researching the issue. I am sure I would end up paying for the repair out of my pocket. It seems to me that, relatively recently (in the last 3-4 years), the quality of parts that SAAB and their dealerships are using is sub-standard. I would think that a company like SAAB would treat their repeated, loyal customers much better (it certainly was the case in the past). However, GM seem to have left their quality imprint all over. No wonder they are loosing market share and customers. I was going to purchase another SAAB in the next 6 months, but after this experience, I would probably look for another manufacturer ...

Lets see I do not know if this pertains to the manfactuer or the service dept now. I should start by saying I did not by my car from here, but all my service has been done here, except on one occasion. I purchased my Saab 93 Convertable in later part of December 2005...August of 2006, my alternator was replaced at Auto Zone, Febuary 2007 my alternator was replaced AGAIN at Sewell Saab (For approx $1300), and now June 2nd 2008, my alternator needs to be replaced again and now I am over my 12 months by 3 months, so will need to pay another $1300) I have had many things go wrong with the car, but 3 alternators in 2 and half years seems somewhat excessive. My friend who happens to have the exact same car, is now getting alternator 1 replaced...At Sewell Saab at the address above. I have a feeling many, many people must be having the exact same issue, if we have the same car with the exact same problems. Noth cars have 80000 miles, my first alternator was replaced at about 60000 miles

Door lock problems ongoing since I purchased the vehible 18 months ago. Car has been in the shop five times in 18 months!

I am an owner of a 9.3 2003 SAAB. The amplifier for the radio has gone out because of rust. This is an inside part under the driver's seat. There is no reason for the part to rust, other than manufacture problem. There have been several other complaints for this same item. The cost to repair the amp is over $900 to 1,100. The part goes bad after of course the warrenty is out. This also caused my battery to fail and I had to replace the battery cable. These issues have been found on the web search problem with SAAB radio. SAAB does nothing to help. If you do have the part replaced, chances are the same thing will go wrong. They are defective. So my question I guess is how come SAAB doesn't have to correct this problem in all cars. Tim Hengle is I am sure fully aware of the other issues and of course claims he doesn't know of any. Also what is my stand and is there anything I can do to get SAAB to correct it. UNFAIR

On 8/23/07,I was rear-ended,hurt badly. On 9/29/07, we went to where we had always gone to get satisfaction in buying a vehicle, John Keating. Painfully, I was forced to go out & get a vehicle to go to rehab. The rental was to go back after the $5000 they gave me for my 2001 Malibu. I was put into what my husband thought was gonna be a very good, & safe car for me. HA. What a joke! 2004 Saab 9-3,- 23,319 factory miles.Special price, today only,$11,995. We put down $6,000, to keep the payments at $233.59, for 60 months. Our total cost of purchase on credit, including the $6,ooo was, $20015.40. Now let's not forget the $2000 paid to Master Tech, so when the warranty runs to 36,000 miles we're still covered???? Oh yeah, another $417.64 paid to others on our behalf for the Master Tech services??? At the time of purchase I made note of the headlight not being correct.I was also assured by all concerned that day, any service needed to the car would be taken care of there??? On 10/11/07, they took the car after several mentions of the fact I CAN'T DRIVE in my condition, to some place & had a lot of face paint put on it 7 brought it back to me. The day before Thanksgiving my brother died in Kentucky, so we drove from Houston, because I can't fly because of cervical problems to my ears. While in Kentucky my 82 year old mother was hospitalized. I remained there. My husband returned to work. There are 2 places in Ky; & 2 places in Tn; that work on a Saab. My floor filled with water, the mat froze to the floor. Saab told me, don't drive it. We'll come get it. I in turn had to be driven 75 miles one-way, to pick it up. Hoses were loose, bulk-head stopped up, .......They didn't dry the mat or the floor. It blew crap out the vents in my face, I took the car to the Chevy, GM dealer in Russellville, Ky. & had it documented. The cd player didn't work. It locked me in the car with my sister, the vents for the ac on the sides blow in the floor. The list goes on & on. I brought the car back to Keating & told them I wanted to be made whole again, & I do not want this rediculous piece of crap they sold me. This all happened on the afternoon of 1/30/08, at 4:50 p.m. when I took the car back. At 8:45pm I accepted a 2008 white impala ls with the direct intention of returning it the following day. I did. They would not take it back. I still have no paperwork so I can put my plates on. I'm running on expired temp. tags. Now I guess I'm stuck with a car we can't afford, I did not want a white,fullsize, new vehicle. And that's not all. The new one locked me in on th driver's side door. I had my daughter go in the dealership & tell them to come out. The rotars were bad. it had to have a new electrical piece. I know that as things are now, we are in debt to the tune of, $20,000. 72 payments,$358.82. This is after they paid off the Saab, & listed it as a trade-in on this Impala. In all I think a rough guess, John Keating has cost us close to $10,000 & I'm still not legal or satisfied. They act like it is all a big joke. To the point of I refuse to even speak to some of them because they are also liars!! Please help me. My husband & I have had so many arguements with them calling him at work & such.I have pictures & documentation of each person I spoke with, the time, re: ....Please say you can help me to recover some of or loss some kind of way. All we wanted was a good, pre-owned certified, $12-16,ooo. Now we have a costly headache & no way out. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I have leased a 2007 Saab 9-3 Aero. I was in a car accident. The part delays and wrog parts being shipped to the body shop caused the repair to take 72 days. A wire harness was not even in the country that took over two weeks arrive and the wrong rear bumper was sent to them 3 times. I have been dealing with GM customer service if you would call it that sent them all the required information back in Nov. 2007 it is know Jan 28 2008 and nothing. GM is the worst company and Saab is the leader.

the Saab 2003 9-3 is KNOWN to have transmission problems and a recall from 2006 that caused the transmission problems in the first place. Saab tries to get out of the repair and when called on it several times and complaints are done, escalating the complaint up the chain, they FINALLY fix the tranny, only to not reimburse for any repairs or tows done at your own expense while waiting for them to actually RESOLVE the problem. I would be up for a class action suit regarding this year and make and model of their car. there are entire WEBSITES devoted to this complaint. surely there is an attorney willing to take on this problem on behalf of all the owners getting screwed by Saab.

I purchase a 2003 Saab 9-3 Linear Sedan in 2005. The car had approximately 50,000 miles, but included records for all of the service performed, which was done at the local Saab dealer. At first I had several small repairs to make. Sometimes a sensor would have to be replaced. Sometimes there was an electrical glitch. And sometimes the car would barely start. But in the recent year I have had to replace the speed sensor on my 9-3 several times.

This costs about $500 or $600, and should rarely, if ever, need to be performed given that the speed sensor is really just a piece of hardware (I've gotten to know more about how these cars operate than I'd ever care to know). Mind you, I was having to try and fix the speed sensor while simultaneously several other annoying, albeit minor, problems were occurring.

And then in the last month I learned that I needed a new transmission. Though I am not a mechanic, I know that it is unreasonable to expect to have to replace a car's transmission every 100,000 miles. And in my case, I knew with certainty that for the life of the car it had been well-maintained. So out of frustration I traded the car in-I didn't feel right passing off this headache to another person. Instead, I thought I would give it back to Saab.

What hasn't happened. I bought my '02 Saab 9-3 in August 2002. It was a demo w/ 3,500 miles, but I didn't think that was any issue, afterall, I was buying a Saab, weren't they a high quality car. Let's see, started w/ what I thought and was told were cosmetic issues: a cracking sound when the windows went up and down, constant creaking of the instrument panel, SID panel numbers not showing, leather upholstry coming apart from the actual seat, and the list goes on. Then, on the way to a wedding 2 yrs into the saga, the temperature gauge shot up and a gasket blew, antifreeze leaked all over everything under the hood, they towed it, fixed it and gave it back to me - the next week the same thing w/ the temperature gauge, except this time they couldn't figure out what it was, so I guess I was supposed to just trust that it was a fluke.

The car has been almost stalling since a year into ownership - they only just figured that out in Oct. '06 and I had to fight to have them replace the throttle body and pay for it since I had brought it to them 4 times under warranty. By the way I was deathly afraid for that warranty to expire. The throttle body problem also caused the car to putter like an onion was stuck in the exhaust pipe while I was driving on major highways to work each day - yes, safe!! The stalling still occurs. I've had to replace the starter, the IDM recall, the condensor, the catalytic converter and my transmission is slipping - it only has 82k miles. I had thought I was going to drive this car til at least 150k miles until I was ready for a minivan.

I've had it, I fought the lemon law and settled for a mere $750 because I only wanted reimbursement for the throttle body costs that they would not waive. Stupid move on my part because that was in May of this year. 2 months after cahsing the measly check is when the condensor, transmission, and catalytic converter went - what will be next.

The air bag light comes on every summer, the wipers on the front headlight fuse has burnt out 4 times, the rear wiper motor is shot and sounds like a monster - it alwasy has, but the dealership started ignoring me after a while and I got sick of being a nag. Funny how dealerships make you feel guilty. I will never buy a Saab again, I am now going to trade it in because I can't even imagine knowing the person who might buy it, so there's another loss because you know tradein value will never be close to private sale. I wish there was a class action lawsuit.

I bought a 93 saab two years ago June 05. The vehicle had 22,000 miles on it at the time. Since owning the vehicle I had to replace the radio, get the window fixed, get the keys replaced, and now the transmission is not working. This is the worst car I ever owned. To top it off, when I took it to the dealer they backed into something with my car and damaged the bumper Bluegrass Saab. When questioned them about it they denied that it happened at their shop. I spent almost three thousand dollars to get the transmission fixed. A month after I got the transmission fixed, raditor fluid leaked into the transmission. Now I got to replace it again. The car only has 63000 on it.

2001 Saab 93 SE Turbo From the moment i bought this car new from the dealer i've had issues with it. The driver side door lock and handle have stopped working for the 8th time now. The dealer fixed it twice while under warranty. I brought it to a garage 5 different times to get the issue fixed. I brought it back to the dealer in Nov 2006 to have the same issue fixed again. Contacted Saab to try to get reimbursed for this manufacturer issue, after weeks of phone calls the best they could do was give me a $25 coupon to use at a Saab dealer. The door lock/handle stopped working again this week, called the dealer since they told me last time it was covered for parts and labor for a year, they forgot to mention 12k miles or 12 months, so it's not covered again. Each time i have this problem it's close to $200 to have it fixed. It's a definite safety issue should i get into an accident i can't open the driver side door from the inside. I have to either roll down the power windows or go out thru the passenger side.

There is currently a severe shaking in the front of the car when i'm driving, it happens more when i start to brake. We've had brakes replaced 5 times now. I broke down on the highway on a bridge with no warning. The car wouldn't start again, it went from 65 to dead in a matter of seconds. Saab wouldn't reimburse me for the tow. It was a recalled defective problem, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE had to be replace. I've had the struts replace, huge money. There was a rattle in the front console next to the onstar button, it was a heat sensor that went bad, the electrical panel display doesn't really work and hasn't for 2 years now, somedays you see more than others, but there are always half of the letters or numbers missing. The convertible top broke. The car caught fire when i was driving on the highway. I pulled over and someone had some water to pour on it. The aluminum heat resistant padding under the hood caught on fire. The emergency brake stopped working. The heating system burned out and had to be replaced. Many other problems I could list. This car is definitely a lemon, has been from day 1. Very disappointed that a car like this has so many defects and there hasn't been any retribution to owners for all the expenses that have been incurred.

We haved owned our 2003 saab 9-3 for 4 years now and the amount of time, money and frustration with this car is immesurable. purchased new in '03 we assumed this was a quality product. 1. driver window stopped working. towed fixed 2. car will not start. key won't turn. towed and fixed 3. battery dies due to a light in glove box that won't go out. towed and fixed (kind of the mechanic took the bulb out of the light) 4. radio stopped working. towed and fixed. 5. battery dies again. jump start 6. radio goes out again. i replace a fuse. 7. window stops working again. towed and fixed. 8. greatest of all. transmission stops working while i am going up a paking garage at the airport. towed and fixed? no temporarily fixed. while driving home from work the next day out of the shop the transmission stopped working again. all of the tows were to a saab dealership, and except for the last two it had to be towed from lawrence,ks to kansas city,ks about 45 miles. we had to take time to drive to pick it up and go to the dealership with the car each time for a loaner. this last problem is the last straw. we will be trading it in for a foreign car that will run longer than four years.

I bought a new Saab Vector, 2003 2.0Turbo. Since then I have replaced all head light bulbs in the front of the car,on the driver side, one of the bulbs fixture almost looks like it was burnt. The repair guy gave me the fixture with the burnt cables hanging. I had to replace the gas tank, window sensors had to be reprogrammed, sunroof sensor part had to be replaced/reprogrammed,two new keys replaced from the original, and now my battery is dead. I have an Immobilizer failure which the car will not start at all. Hopefully I will only have to replace the battery. My warranty has run out and its my dime now. I am so disappointed with this car that now I am going to get rid of it unless Saab does something to reimburse me for the costs and provide some additional relief for enduring the emotional frustrations that I have had with this car. Saab has built a car with many problems. To be more specific, this car has a sticker price of close to $35,000. I bought this car new because I thought Saab had a good reputation for building quality cars. Unforutnately I, like many other Saab owners have purchased a lemon. I want to know if there are other Saab owners who may want to file a group complaint against Saab for producing a defective product and hold Saab accountable to the current owners of 2003 saab cars or other later models. I have read many complaints from 2003 owners. Something needs to get done to hold Saab accountable for putting a defective/expemsive product on the market and selling it to the consumers who's trust in buying a quality product has obviously been tarnished. Please let me know what I can do to hold Saab accountable.

As far as I know, I will have to buy a new battery, have the car towed to the dealer. I don't even know if the battery is the real or only problem, it could be the starter or something else.

I am a widow and in March 2004 I purchased a used 2002 SAAB with roughly over 12,000 miles on it. I paid $21,000 cash for this vehicle because I felt not having a car payment would greatly benefit my future financial situation. The service agreement was for 30,000 miles or 36 months. When I took the car in for service (mileage under 30,000) I was told my time had run out for the service agreement.

The dealership wanted to charge me 180 dollars for an oil change and 600 for a tune up. I went elsewhere because I could not afford that. When the car had slightly under 35,000 miles I was on the highway and the engine light and alarm came on and the car died and did not start again. I called SAAB USA and was instructed to have it towed from the body shop I intially took it to to my SAAB dealership and pay a diagnostic fee. The service department at SAAB told me it was a sludge problem, but that he wouldn't forward the information on to SAAB USA without my service records.

I obtained the service records and faxed them to him. After three weeks, he hadn't forwarded any information onto SAAB USA because he felt the copies were not good enough. I had no transportation to physically take the documents to them, so I had to borrow a car to drive to the dealersihp where I was assured the documents would get to SAAB USA. One week later SAAB USA called to inform me they were still waiting on my records.

I sent copies to SAAB USA and within a week I was contacted by SAAB USA where they stated they would not stand by the sludge problem due to the fact that my car had not been maintained by SAAB under the warranty and they disagreed with the synthetic brand of oil that was used on my two other oil changes not performed by SAAB. I learned that up until a year and a half ago, SAAB was using that same oil when they serviced their own vehicles.

Constant repairs on a 99 Saab 93 Manual transmission breakdown. I have owned many cars but since I have owned a Saab everything is going sour. Ive replaced the head, rear brakes twice in one year, radiator leaked, air conditioner had to be repaired several times and now for no reason the MANUAL transmission jammed and then broke. I have had many cars in my life and I have never burned a clutch or broken a transmission. Saab sucks and the dealers are suck too.

On an average I would normally expect to spend $2500.00 in yearly car repairs and maintenance, but with a Saab you can expect to spend trheee times that amount.

Unfortunately I'm on my 6th CD player. One after another I keep having to go in and within hours I can tell that, yet again, I've been given a bad one. Then I wait at least 2-3 weeks before they can attempt to get another in. It's incredibly frustrating. I also had to get new tires within the first 20,000 miles. I love SAAB's, but I have to admit that this, too, will be my last.

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To begin. I bought my 2003 SAAB Arc new. After having the car 3 months, the key sensor module had to be replaced. Since then, I have been back to the dealer with minor issues multiple times, on top of 7 different recall items. In mid 2006, I had an accident where $12000 of damage was done and I received a concusion by hitting my head on the window. When I bought the car, it was the safest thing on the road and I was encased in airbags.

In the accident, none of the airbags deployed and Saab said they operated properly by not deploying. Really? Would have been nice to not have hit my head. Airbags are supplemental devices and not to be counted on. Hmmm, that's not how the car was sold to me. I had the car back for 6 months, and the problems have returned. While out of town on business, the key module went bad again!

This time it costs me $800+ and soory about the inconvenience. Saab won't reimburse or replace it for free, even though this is now the third module in the car. Based on the MANY MANY problems I have had with Saab cars, I will never buy a Saab again. I have become another Saab story in a very large book of issues. Thanks for nothing SAAB!

Many days off of work to fix multiple issues, stranded out of town and canceling a work day, and now monetary losses.

Competence should never be an affordable expenditure for efficiency. However, this sacrifice has become an expedient solution for General Motors. Seventeen years ago there existed a SAvvy and ABle company which produced a superb automobile. Through what hindsight would prove to be a great folly, a Gluttonous Monster was allowed to consume this firm. Within a decade the giant had completely digested the soaring automaker.

This mastication and assimilation resulted in a bi-product of only fecal resemblance to the former quality. Kernels of the original design and styling remained, sadly reeking of the absorption process. Although SAAB proudly resides, branded prominently on each auto in the line, all one must do is step into one of the Swedish automobiles to recognize the odor of GM.

GM has proved the Biblical adage that you are known by the company you keep. The noble, Swedish name has been tarnished by the years of adaptation not to function or need but to skimping and greed. As evidenced by the declining resale value, the clandestine recalls and waning warranties have been overwhelmed by the influx of bugs.

The following list comprises highlights from the swarm that has plagued the author since the purchase of a 2006 Saab 9-3 only fourteen months ago: 1) Constant steering lock malfunction 2) Electronic Stabilization error message randomly appearing 3) Automatic windows coming off track and requiring constant re-timing 4) Interior finish peeling in multiple locations 5) Rear trunk logo completely fading 6) Consistent brake dust tarnishing wheel logos to the point of requiring replacement 7) Alarm malfunctions when releasing trunk 8) Ignition switch malfunction creating inability to crank, turn off, or lock driver’s door. 9) Heads-up and stereo displays blacking out 10) Sun-roof switch malfunctioning as to only allow glass retraction halfway 11) Noisy rattling from within all four doors. If these faults were limited to one vehicle then the author would have little issue to overcome in reconciling his growing dissatisfaction with coincidence and misfortune.

Lastly, resolution must be announced to prevent others from complacently waiting for that inopportune time when their warranties will expire leaving them with numerous malfunctions and deteriorating, faux luxury at their fingertips. This author can no longer feign confidence in the ineptitude destroying such a noble tradition.

I purchased a certified used 2003 SAAB arc sedan in December 2005. It was marketed as an engine made from jets, the safest vehicle on the road...It has been in the shop more than 5 times. I have had to replace gasgets, a wiper motor and now the brakes are squeaking and there is a stall at times upon take off. It has had more than 4 recalls since I purchased the vehicle. This is the worst car and most expensive car I have ever purchases. Needless to say, I will not be purchasing another car. As some would say should have stayed with my Honda.

I have spent countless days off of work taking the car to ths shop. The warranty ran out and immediately I had to spend almost $300.00 to replace a gasget. I went back and forth with Auto Zone regarding a wiper motor. According to them the end production of the 2003 SAAB has the 2004 Wiper Motor, so needless to say I have spent money on purchasing/repurchasing a wiper motor as well as paying the SAAB service department each time to disassemble my vehicle. You would think someone would have explained this to me in the beginning

Actually, I never had any of the problems described on this site with Saab being a horrible little car. My car is about 1 year old and has about 10,000 miles on it. I lost my key like a few users complained, and was told it was a computer key so the car was virtualy not able to be stolen. The key was quoted as costing $109 to replace, the actual cost was $98, less than promised. The key was delivered within the week and the car continues to run fine.

I love the saab and would buy another. My Acura TL on the other hand, was a horrible car.

I needed a replacement key and they did not explain to me about the smart key system. They did not explain that they would have to put in a new electronic theft sytem. They quoted me at 700 dollars then when I went to pick up my car they said it was 1600 dollars.

I was never contacted or did I ever give permission for them to do any more work on my car. They replaced two headlights with out permission. When I could not afford to pick up my car, they would not even allow me to get the items in my car. They told me I could contact a locksmith if i wanted the important documents in my car.

They allowed me to stand in full tears without explaining why the price was more than double what they quoted. They claimed no one was available to explain teh price to me. Then the next day a representative called and yelled at me as if I were a child. She said I was unreachable, which was a lie because they never tried to call me.

I was traumatized by this event and will never be able to buy a nother SAAB again. To top it off when I was finally able to get enough money to pick up my car...there were mud stains all over the mats. And they literally snatched the check from my hand and said nothing to me. Just grabbed the check and that was it. I had to find my car in the lot myself.

I had to pay double the price than what I was quoted for. There was mud stains on my floor mats.

I purchased a 2002 Saab 9-3 in August of 2005. Since that time, my car has required the radiator be replaced twice because of Dex-Cool/anti-freeze leakage. Although the first replacement was covered under warranty, the second replacement was not. Since the dealer realized this was a unusual problem he offerend to split the $1,000 cost. How GM/Saab continues to overlook the problem is appalling.

The cost of replacing the radiator, including labor is approximately $1,000. Since this appears to be an ongoing problem, I expect to have to replace my radiator twice per year. I also expect to have additional problems with my gaskets, and/or heating systems. Unfortunately, I was not aware of the Dex-Cool problem when I bought the car, however since this is now a well know issue, I expect to feel further economic disadvantages when I trade or sell the car.

I was in a near fatl accident when my Saab 93 convertible's cruise control did not disengage when I attempted to slow down when entering a construction zone. I stepped on the break and the cruise control would not release and the car continued at the same rate of highway speed. I entered a construction zone and was trapped between the construction vehicles and the traffic remaining in the other lane. I avoided hitting any individuals but was unable to avoid hitting a construction trailer. I stopped the car by grabing the emergency break and holding tight. The car was can opened from fender to fender. As the construction crew reviewed the damage to their vehicle they commented that if I had hit the trailer ramp a couple of more feet to the left and I would have launched the car up the ramp, flipped and down a ravine. I was lucky that I was unharmed and I did not harm any of the Penn Dot workers.

In December 2003, I purchased my new 2004 9-3 Saab Linear Sport Sedan. On several occasions since then, the keyless entry failed to work properly and I was forced to gain entry by removing the protective cover assembly and insert the key into the door lock. I never thought much about it and remained confident that my 2004 purchase decision had been a good one. That changed one morning last month when my 9-3 Saab failed to start. The key wouldn't even turn in the ignition! The CD/stereo lights were on but that was it!

After buying a new battery and installing it, the car started and ran for 4 days. That was when the indicator light warned of an air bag malfunction. That day as I got in the car to start it and take it into the dealer to have it checked out, the car would not start. Again, the key would not turn in the ignition! My Saab was delivered to the dealer on Nov 4. Today is Dec 4 and I still do not have my car back. As late as today the dealer told me again that they can not find what is wrong with my car. Two weeks ago the service manager told me that he had even called import repair places in town to get advice and still they can't figure out what is causing the car not to start. After hearing this I became more concerned.

I decided to involve Saab Customer Service Center in Atlanta after the car had been in the shop over 1 week. After 4 weeks it has become clear to me that this help agency is ineffective at best. After talking with 4 different agents in that office I was called by a Customer Service supervisor. The positive outlook I had that day was short lived when the customer service supervisor failed to call me as he told me he would. Each time, I have had to intiate the phone call to find out what, if anything has been done to reach resolution or fix my car. All confidence that I once placed in the car, the maker and lastly, the dealer has been lost. I truly believe that the problem with owning this car is bigger than I could have imagined. By the way, I have already paid the dealership hundreds of dollars for this repair and still do not have a car that runs.

Let me explain how this happened: The dealership called me and told me that they had put a new battery in the car and that it was running great! Although leary I went the distance (60 miles) to pick my car up and talk to the service employee. I asked for his assurance that the car would not do as it had before and run great on the new battery for a few days and fail again. They assured me that all was well the car was fixed! Two days later in my garage, the car was locked up and would not start. Again, the key would not turn in the ignition - no power.

Needless to say it was then up to me to get the car back up to the dealership! That was two weeks ago and today I called the Saab Customer Service supervisor and received old assurances that there is a technical engineering consultant available to the dealership service technician. The supervisor told me that the dealership had in fact been in touch with them about my car. I also called the dealership - again - today and was told that they still don't know anything and that each circuit check had to be followed by a 15 minute wait and this was the cause of the delay. I've done the math, this is my first import car purchase and it will be my last. Saab - what a mistake.

Two years ago, we bought a new Saab 93. In year 1, the battery died for no reason. In year 2, the transmission died for no reason. We also had recalls on the seat belts, brakes and keys. Now, I am trying to work with customer service to get reimbursed for a towing expense and have submitted a lemon claim. Noone from customer service will call me back. Between the hours spent out of work dealing with this car and the frustration of customer service, the only thing I'm sure about is that this is my LAST Saab.

We have a 2000 saab 95 with 59,000 miles. Saab clearly states in their manual that THEY will pay for a timing belt to be replaced before 61,000 miles as they know they are faulty. Our car had a pulley jump timing due to the faulty timing belt and now they will not cover a thing and we have $7,000 worth of damage (we need a new engine). We have a $30,000 car with 59,000 miles with $7,000 worth of damage and NO WHERE to turn. A SAAB dealer in Southern Maine and SAAB corproation do not stand behind their product!! The car had not even gone in for its 60,000 mile service. These went prematurely and 3 other SAAB dealers ahve told us that SAAB should have covered this. SAAB corp said that their decision was final and we could not bring it anyhwere else for another opinion.

I purchased a new Saab at the dealership in March. Since then my car has been in the shop 6 times. It has received 2 new radios, a new computer, and the heat/air does not work properly. The service department is extremely rude and unhelpful. I've been told my car is ready and went to pick it up when it wasn't; I have had service argue with me about how things operate; and have several sarcastic remarks made at me. At this point, the dealership has lost their Saab franchise and can only sell VW. I beg you never to purchase or bring your car for service at this facility.

I live in Albany NY and own a Saab 9-3 vector/ aero 2003 I have had multiple problems with the car but even more problems with the dealer, Saab of half moon. At this point the car is parked outside my house and will not go anywhere. I had the ISM replaced a while back, which is where Saab's unique key fits into the ignition. They did not tell at that time I needed to have all my extra keys reprogrammed to the new key in order for them to work or I most certainly would have since I've been to the Saab dealer at least 40 times in the year and a half I have owned the car. No exaggeration either. SO at this point the car can not be towed because the steering wheel will not unlock and the key doesn't work. My dog chewed it but I have three other keys none of them will work since I wasn't told to have then reprogrammed.

They also can't tow the car because it is in a spot the tow truck cannot get into especially with the wheels turned sideways making it nearly impossible but I am also told that if I do get the car to them it will cost me close to $2,000 to have the ISM replaced for the second time and I will have to bear this expense because I should have known or checked the other keys to see if they worked? There is no info in the manual the only way I could know I needed to have my keys reprogrammed is from the dealer when they fixed the car? The car is still under warrant un drive able cannot be towed and will cost $2,000 to fix when it should all be covered under warranty. There is no loaner car available where do I go from here? I have a stack of service records from all my 40 visits for various problems to the dealer what can I do get out from under this incredible pain in the ass or at the very least get the dealer to honor their warranty and care that I am without a car and can not get the car to them? It was their own tow company who said he cannot get my car to the dealer so its as if they have written me off all together.

What happened? What hasn't happened. In Jan of '05 I purchased a Certified Pre-Owned Saab from Santa Monica Saab. I figured...I have a warranty so all should be great, if needed. Well it being needed is an understatement. My Saab 9-3 convertible has been in the shop steadily for the past year. At 13 times, don't you think it's a bit ridiculous? Let's see...here's the list. ACC Panel goes in and out at random Courtesy lights pop out. Blown head gasket. Blown rear main seal. Passenger window cracks as going up. Oil leak. Turbo pressure sensor cracked. Purge valve goes out. Air bag lights on emblem falls off. Fuel pump recall. Another oil leak...splitting hose hazard switch fell out, antenna broken, broken engine mount seat came loose, SID missing portions of numbers, grill peeling, leather seat coming apart. Saab won't replace cup holder. Broken power steering pump came apart. Airbag again. Ujoint/axle shaft replaced, a/c clutch rattling...going in for second attempt to replace struts. I'm 4,000 miles shy of coming out of warranty and DEATHLY afraid of this car after the warranty. The dealer makes no attempts to help me get out of this lemon nor does Saab as a company. I will NEVER recommend this car to anyone...even the loaner Saabs I get are pieces of crap. It took me 40 minutes to get the last one (an 05) started...ignition lock problems.

I have been a Saab owner for over 10 years. I bought a 2002 Viggen in Nov of 04' and the transmission has suddenly gone out. The drive train warranty was up on Jan 20th, 2006 but the car has only 39k miles on it. Saabusa has denied to repair it under their goodwill clause, even though the dealership says the transmission failure had nothing to do with driver abuse. What can I do to get my car fixed!?? Putting a new $3000 transmission in a 4-year-old car with 39k miles on it seems ridiculous...in a Saab it's absurd! Do you have any experience with Saab usa or know anyone who can help me? Anything would be beter than the nothing I got now... Thanks for your time and effort....I want to continue to be a Saab enthusiast, but Saab is making it hard on me...

In September 2005 the DI cassette went out on my 9.3 Saab SE. It was replaced at Saab Ann Arbor. When I left the dealership I noticed that the service engine light was still on. Tom Milliard was contacted and he stated that the engine was just worked on that the light should clear itself in a couple of days. The light did not go out but I did not fret because it had just been into the dealership and if something was wrong they would have told me. In December 2005 while driving on the freeway my car died. When I pulled over to the side of the road and lifted the hood there was a fire. I had the car towed to the nearest Saab dealership, Saab of Troy. Saab of Troy indicated that the wrong DI cassette had been placed in the vehicle and the hose had been wrongly reapplied. Saab of Troy refused to service my vehicle. Saab of Ann Arbor was contacted and Tom stated that their dealership was not at fault. I contacted Customer Service of Saab. Customer Service indicated that either dealership should fix the vehicle. Saab of Ann Arbor had the car towed to their shop. A message was left on my answering machine that there would be no cost of the tow to myself. The tow bill came to approximately $500.00. When the car got to the dealership, they diagnosed that the DI cassette was not the issue and that the fourth cyclinder in the engine had blown and to determine the cost of the repair the engine needed to be torn down. They also advised that since it was not the DI cassette I was now responsible for the tow bill. The tear down was $800.00. They then quoted me a bill of $6,500.00 in repair of the vehicle.

Our Saab 9-3 was purchased new in April 2003. This car has been nothing but trouble ever since, and we dread the day the 3-year warranty runs out. Within the first year I investigated the Mass. lemon laws, and they are not far-reaching enough to give us much protection. The Onstar equipment was inoperable for months at a time, and went into the shop 3 times within the first year for service. Eventually they replaced the unit. The car would not restart at a gas station within the first 6 months or so; the ignition was just locked. Onstar was broken down again, so we could not use that feature. The Ignition was replaced that time. I took it up with Onstar many times and received no satisfaction. Eventually cancelled Onstar after 2 years. POOR service from them.

Earlier this year, the side passenger window fell, broke so it had to be fixed, the window was stuck open. Today one of the back windows is stuck the same way. This summer while on vacation in Maine the battery died suddenly. We jump started the vehicle but it kept losing its charge. We took it to a local Saab dealer in Maine who replaced the battery and expressed his sympathy and surprise, the vehicle had received so much service. This summer the Infotainment/radio system stopped working entirely. Last weekend the rear locks were going up and down all by them selves. I brought it in and they said they replaced the key fobs, but could not replicate the problem. Took the car home and by the next day the same stuff was occurring. Once last year one of key fobs was not unlocking the car for us. These are just the problems I can remember off the top of my head, without looking at the maintenance records. What is my recourse here? Anything at all?

I have a 2003 Saab 9-3. In the last 2 1/2 years this car has been in the shop at least 13 times. Most recently in Feb 2005 the transmission went out on the car and that time they had my car for 5-6 weeks. In June 2005, the transmission went out again on this car. Today, Oct 24,2005 I start experiencing the same problems it stalled on me and it cut off the. Two weeks ago it would not start at my house. It had to be towed to the dealer. And in Jan or Feb in 2005, one of the coldest days of the year I didn't have heat. I had to drive for 20 minutes without heat to the dealership. I am frustrated with this car beyond no means.

I leased a '03 Saab 9.3 Linear from Saab and The Saab Exchange in Lake Bluff, IL. When I took my Saab in for repair of at least 10 issues I was having, I would be told to pick up my car to find out they didn't work on almost all of the 10 items, just stating problem cannot be duplicated. After complaining to Saab and The Saab Exchange, I got no where. Eventually, took vehicle to Patrick Saab and they were no better, just basically going thru the motions.

Saab USA states that if the dealers can't find the problems, then there is nothing we can do. The dealers state we can't duplicate the problem and we didn't make it, we didn't break it and there is nothing we can do. The dealers are not even allowed to call or work with Saab on your behalf. Therefore, the consumer is left in the middle.

Problems have had or still have (would basically have them all if it weren't for the efforts of Motor Werks Saab)are: manual seat lowering on Its own several times and cannot be duplicated yet Motor Werks Saab put in $1,100 worth of parts trying to resolve the problem; squeeks and rattles - some resolved and some still occurring; terrible tires and handling; tires wore out at 11,000 miles (Pirellis); over 15 headlight and taillight failures; problem with radio preset on the steering wheel; transmission slipping; sulfur smell with the solution offered to use premium fuel when it is not stated in manual that you must use remium fuel.

You have another hour? The car has been to the dealers for repair over 25 times and I still have several of the issues and will never receive resolution to several of the issues.