2001 Saab 9-3: engine failure

6 of the 59 complaints about the 2001 Saab 9-3 describe engine failure.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 10%
typical mileage: 90,714
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 17 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

2008
2
2007
1
2006
3
2004
1
2003
3
2002
1
2001
6
2000
4

What owners say

Filed Mar 11, 2008 · Engine · 61,300 miles · CT

2001 saab 9-3 with oil light illuminated. Consumer states that the vehicle would not restart when pulled to the side of the road. Consumer stated that there were a lot of reports of oil sludge on this make and model. *kb the consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer and was informed the vehicle needed a new engine, due to sludge build-up in the oil pan.

Filed Feb 22, 2008 · Engine · 61,000 miles · CT

No warning. Oil light goes on while driving on the highway. Vehicle towed to saab dealership. Engine seized. Sludge found in the oil pickup pan. Perfect service records. Saab/gm will not honor extended 8 year warranty. For known sludge problem.

Filed Jan 16, 2008 · Engine · 61,300 miles · CT

Engine seized.

Filed Mar 28, 2007 · Electrical, Engine · 90,714 miles · IL

Car taken to dealer twice because "check engine light" on intermittently; told there were "no problems" and instructed on how to clear message. "check engine light" and "oil" light began to flicker intermittently; taken to 2 independent mechanics for check; both stated there was oil in the pan, oil in the engine, no obvious problem. "check engine" and "oil" lights came on and stayed on; car began making noise. Pulled over and had towed to independent mechanic who stated bearings were shot and new engine needed. Saab USA has persisted in denying culpability despite letter and mechanic's statement. Told me car was under warranty resulting in towing from independent shop to dealer; dealer then said car was not under warranty. Bbb complaint filed; now saab USA insists engine must be torn down to diagnose problem and I must accept risk that if the problem is not theirs, I will owe $1500 for tear-down; dealer wants storage charges. Car out of service now 43 days and counting.

Filed Jul 8, 2006 · Engine · 93,000 miles · PA

Dec. 10, 2005 while driving on the pa turnpike oil light came on then went off. Oil light came on again car lost all power. Saab towing left us on busy turnpike for 2 1/2 hours in freezing cold. Towed to purchase dealer was told needs new engine it through a rod. After 2 months of no help form dealer or saab took to independent saab mechanic. Was told bent rod or crank shaft from sludge build up need small block engine. 7 months and saab wants to only give $500 towards repair dealer charging $6,000. Saab is aware of sludge problem in these engines (see web on consumer reports and center for auto safety) yet, won't stand by their word to extend warranty 8 years unlimited miles. We have complained to dealer since purchase about engine light being on and stalling. No issues found by them. Idm was replaced 2 months prior to this with engine light remaining on. No call back from dealer. Have received no help from saab or dealer, without it resulting in them making money off of us.

Filed Mar 15, 2006 · Engine · 93,977 miles · PA

Dt*: the contact stated while driving on the highway at 55mph, the oil light illuminated. There was a very loud noise and the vehicle stalled. It was towed to a local dealership where it was determined the vehicle threw a rod. After two months, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic determined the catalytic converter was too close to the oil pan causing the oil to become very thick, causing oil starvation to the engine. The mechanic determined the vehicle needed a new engine.