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2000 Saab 9-3 electrical problems

23 complaints (46% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 69,779. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
23
of this car's complaints
46%
typical mileage
69,779
crashes
1
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Ignition: module
    12
  • Ignition
    9
  • Ignition: switch
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Saab 9-3 electrical problems in other years

199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Related recalls

Electrical system: ignition: moduleReported September 14, 2005 · 103,202 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain passenger vehicles equipped with b205/b235 4-cylinder gasoline engines and b308 6-cylinder gasoline engines may experience overheating and burnout of the isolated gated bipolar transistor (igbt) within the ignition discharge module (idm) due to increased susceptibility to electrical loads.
Risk
Overheating of the igbt occurs most often at engine start-up, but it may also occur while the engine is running. Engine stalling may occur, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect to see what version idm is in the vehicle and replace the idm if it is a version built prior to the introduction of qp3. An interim letter will be mailed to owners in october 2005, informing them of the condition. Parts are now available and owners will be notified to bring their vehicles in to the dealers to have the idm replaced by letter dated march 13, 2006. Owners may contact saab at 1‑800‑955‑9007.

Recall number 05V399000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Engine stall/ engine compartment firesOpened April 7, 2005, closed September 23, 2005

Odi opened pe05-017 based on 35 reports of alleged engine stalling due to the failure of the idm cassette on the subject vehicles.all complainants reported that the engine shut down suddenly without warning and most reported that the vehicle would not restart.in 3 incidents, the complainants reported smoke and/or fire resulted from the idm failure.during pe05-017, additional failure data was identified as noted in the failure report summary above.the complaint data represents incidents where the complainants alleged a stall or fire.on september 13, 2005, general motors (gm) notified the federal safety agency of a safety defect on 95,081 my 2000-2002 saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles with 4-cylinder gasoline engines and 8,117 my 2001 9-5 vehicles with 6- cylinder gasoline engines (recall 05v‑399).the notification stated that certain vehicles within these populations may experience overheating and burnout of the isolated gated bipolar transistor (igbt) within the idm due to increased susceptibility to electrical loads.overheating of the igbt occurs most often at engine start-up for both a 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engine, but it may also occur while the engine is running.when the idm fails on a 4-cylinder while it is running, the engine may stall without warning, with no ability to be restarted.when the idm fails on a 6-cylinder engine while it is running, the driver will initially experience reduced power and rough operation because the engine will only be running on three cylinders.the check engine light will flash.if the driver continues, unburnt fuel in the exhaust can cause thermal damage to the catalytic converter.the engine may stall and not restart.thermal damage to other underhood components and the underbody may also result from prolonged driving.the recall population encompasses 84% of the stalling and fire complaints (215 for vehicles with 4-cylinder engines and 36 for vehicles with 6-cylinder engines).the 36 months in service (mis) stalling rates for each model year of recalled vehicles with 4-cylinder engines were all greater than two percent.although the 36 mis stall rate for the recalled my 2001 vehicles with v6 engines was lower, at 1.3 percent, these vehicles also had the highest rate of confirmed (open flame verified) fires at 62 per 100,000 vehicles.gm will instruct owners to bring their vehicles to a dealer for idm inspection and replacement, if necessary.consequently, this investigation is closed.odi will monitor the effectiveness of the scope and remedy of gm's action and take further action if warranted.

PE05017

What 2000 Saab 9-3 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 10, 2014 · Electrical · 114,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 saab 9-3. The contact stated that after shifting into drive from reversing, the vehicle hesitated. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was restarted and resumed to normal. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic, who diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.

Filed Jun 8, 2011 · Electrical · 106,871 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saab 9-3. The contact stated the check engine light illuminated as he was taking the vehicle for emissions testing. The vehicle was rejected due to the codes that showed on the emission test. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who advised that the idm code, which is the ignition discharge module, caused the vehicle to stall, over heat and for the check engine light to illuminate. The dealer was contacted who informed him to bring the vehicle in because it was included in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 05v399000 (electrical system: ignition: module). He then took the vehicle to the dealer where they later informed him that the vehicle was not included in the recall and he would have to pay $700 for the repairs. The manufacturer was contacted who confirmed that the vehicle was not part of the recall and he would have to pay for the repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure was mileage 106,871.

Filed Jul 6, 2009 · Electrical · 70,200 miles · VT

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 saab 9-3. In 2006, the contact received a recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign id number 05v399000. The failure was not present at the time, but the ignition control module was replaced as a precautionary remedy. After the repair, the vehicle would hesitate and often stall. The dealer stated that the recall repair was performed; therefore, they would not assume any further liability. The contact continued to experience difficulty starting the vehicle. The vehicle has not been repaired correctly. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 70,200 and current mileage was 107,000.

Filed May 26, 2009 · Electrical, Engine · 94,000 miles · WI

Saab 2000 9-3 turbo continued to be plagued with no start problems (recalled item repaired by saab dealership. Oil sludge as a result of problems related to recall caused engine/turbo to fail at 94,000 on interstate highway. Car has been towed to mechanic. Service at dealership is documented and should have prevented this type of engine. Turbo failure.

Filed Jan 13, 2009 · Electrical · 105,000 miles · NJ

The car has had problems starting for many years and I have taken it to various saab service centers without much luck. It has gotten progressively worse over the years. There was a recall on this model and year issued on the part when I brought it in when the recall was issued they said that my di cassette was not part of the recall. I have just had to pay and replace this part and I fear that this damaged part has compromised other parts of the car.

Filed Dec 5, 2008 · Electrical · 64,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 saab 9-3. The ignition module was replaced in the contact's vehicle. Two months later, he received a recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign id number 05v399000 (electrical system:ignition:module) and he immediately called the dealer. The dealer would not repair the vehicle because a new ignition module was already installed. Days later, while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost complete power and was able to be restarted after several attempts. He took the vehicle to a local repair shop and a mechanic stated that the catalytic converter was clogged due to ignition module failure. The contact called the manufacturer, but has not received a response. The failure and current mileages were 64,000.

Filed Oct 22, 2008 · Electrical, Engine · 77,715 miles · NY

2000 9-3 had the ignition module recall done a few years ago. While driving at 45 MPH the motor stopped. Lost all electrical power. Car would not restart. The repair shop replaced the catalytic because it was plugged. They said it could be caused by the ignition module.

Filed Aug 2, 2006 · Electrical · 87,000 miles · OH

Dt*: the contact stated parts for a recall were purchased at an aftermarket parts store. The federal safety agency recall was # 05v399000 concerning the ignition module. While applying for reimbursement, the contact was denied reimbursement because proof of payment was not provided. The purchase was paid for with a credit card.

Filed Jun 2, 2006 · Electrical · OH

2000 saab 9-3 stalls while in motion due to ignition discharge module (idm). *ts the vehicle has been taken to the dealer twice . On both occasions the consumer was told that the vehicle may have idm problems, but that the vehicle was not included in the recall.

Filed May 23, 2006 · Electrical · WI

Consumer 2000 9-3 saab engine light illuminated. *ts ***nar*** the consumer was told by the dealer that the ignition cassette needed to be replaced, however one month later the consumer received a recall notice in the mail regarding the same problem he had fixed the previous month.

Questions about the 2000 Saab 9-3 electrical

Does the 2000 Saab 9-3 have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 23 complaints about the electrical of the 2000 Saab 9-3, 46% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2000 Saab 9-3 electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 69,779 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2000 Saab 9-3 electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 05V399000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Saab 9-3 have the most electrical problems?

The Saab 9-3 model years with the most electrical complaints are 2003 (46 complaints), 2000 (23 complaints) and 2001 (23 complaints).

Other 2000 Saab 9-3 problems

Engine 13Airbags 10Fuel system 3Seat belts 3Acceleration 1Brakes 1Lights 1Seats 1Tires 1Transmission 1Wheels 1

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