2001 Saab 9-3: engine stalls while driving

6 of the 59 complaints about the 2001 Saab 9-3 describe engine stalls while driving.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 10%
typical mileage: 93,000
recalls: 0

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

Engine stalls while driving by model year

2010
3
2009
4
2008
17
2007
8
2006
6
2005
4
2004
9
2003
39
2002
4
2001
6
2000
8
1999
6
1994
1

What owners say

Filed Feb 4, 2016 · Electrical · 186,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saab 9-3. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start while the battery warning indicator was illuminated. In addition, the vehicle would stall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition discharge module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 05v399000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.

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 30, 2006 · Electrical · 55,600 miles · CA

Dt*: the contact stated the engine stalled multiple times. The last time the engine stalled while traveling at a highway speed of 65-70 MPH. The vehicle coasted off to the side of the road without incident. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. There were no prior warning. The vehicle has been to two different dealerships. Neither could duplicate the problem. There is an the federal safety agency recall, # 05v399000 regarding the electrical system: ignition: module. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN.

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.

Filed Jul 10, 2004 · Electrical · 49,000 miles · CA

Saab 9-3 (2001) automatic 49000 miles stalled on freeway while pressing on the gas pedal after braking (but still moving) for congestion. Restart subsequent to stall did not succeed. Had to tow the car to dealer (b&b saab). Second time this has occurred -- first time (similar circumstances) the dealer said a software upgrade should fix the problem. Now they think it is the throttle unit. Lucky on both occassions not to get into an accident.

Filed Oct 29, 2003 · Engine · 42,389 miles · CA

Had the car serviced for 40000 service. Complained of stalling when lifting off the gas. The very next day the car stalled on the freeway and unable to restart. The dealer is saying that my aftermarket bypass valve caused the failure. They are refusing to cover the repair under warranty. The failure looks more like a head gasket failure and not an overboost problem.