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2003 Saab 9-3 brakes problems

19 complaints (9% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 32,000. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
19
of this car's complaints
9%
typical mileage
32,000
crashes
2
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Foundation components: disc: rotor
    2
  • Foundation components: disc: pads
    2
  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
    2
  • Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
    1
  • Disc
    1
  • Antilock
    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 brakes problems in other years

199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092011

Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Saab 9-3 brakes

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Grinding brakes 7

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported May 19, 2005 · 68,654 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain sport sedan and convertible passenger vehicles were produced with a vacuum pipe check valve for the brake booster that may fail from exposure to elevated temperatures. This could result in sudden loss of power brake assist, usually with little or no warning.
Risk
If this condition were to occur when minimum stopping distance is required, a crash could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new redesigned check valve. The recall began on march 17, 2006. Owners should contact saab at 1‑800‑955‑9007.

Recall number 05V236000 · Recall details

What 2003 Saab 9-3 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 4, 2010 · Brakes, Engine · 90,108 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saab 9-3 convertible. The contact was having an unrelated repair performed at the dealer when he was advised that the vehicle was in need of additional repairs. The dealer recommended having repairs to the engine and service brakes. The repairs were not performed. The contact located two recalls for the repairs recommended by the dealer (the federal safety agency campaign id numbers 04v540000 (engine and engine cooling) and 05v236000 (service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). The dealer advised that that contact's VIN was not included with either recall. The manufacturer was contacted and advised they would speak with the dealer to determine if the repair needed was associated with the repair listed in the recalls. The contact was unsure if his vehicle was included with the recall or not. The failure mileage was 90,180.

Filed Nov 20, 2008 · Brakes · 12,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saab 9-3. When the parking brake was engaged, it remained stuck in position. It took the contact approximately ten minutes to return the parking brake to its normal position. On a separate occasion, the vehicle was serviced by aaa and they too were unable to move the brake out of position. The vehicle was towed to another service station to see if the parking brake could be moved. The dealer was notified, but could not assist with the repairs. The vehicle has not been repaired and the contact must apply masking tape over the parking brake so it can be used. The failure mileage was less than 12,000 and current mileage was 61,000. Updated 12/11/08 *bf updated 12/11/08.

Filed May 10, 2007 · Brakes, Suspension · MD

2003 saab 9-3 customer states that the front end of the car just dropped off after having the car inspected the front coil spring was found to be broken**cc the consumer was told the passenger side coil spring was also in the process of failing. The consumer was informed that the failure was caused by rust that had formed inside a rubber boot that was used at the base of the spring to dampen noise. Water was able to get inside the boots and remain, which caused rust to form and eventually compromised the integrity of the spring. The front pads and rotors were replaced. The consumer was informed that the new springs did have the rubber boots that the original springs had.

Filed Jul 6, 2006 · Brakes, Electrical · 33,000 miles · NY

Dt*: the caller stated, the ignition switch would not start the vehicle. When the vehicle was towed to the dealership, the battery was replaced. However, nothing was done about the rusted wiring to the ignition. The manufacturer was contacted by a letter. The emergency brake was locked and would not release, the horn did not work, the low head beam failed. The tires were defective, the alarm would sound without warning. Updated 07/25/06.

Filed May 23, 2006 · Brakes, Electrical · CA

2003 9-3 linear. Requesting follow up status on memo, dated 3-26-06. *ts the vehicle engine would not shut off although the key was removed from the ignition. The vehicle had several brake problems. The vehicle hesitated slightly when moving. When braking the vehicle would jerk and skid. The brakes grabbed which caused the vehicle to stop quickly. The alarm was very sensitive. Everytime a bus or truck passed the vehicle with the alarm engaged it would sound. The dealer said there was not way to adjust the sensitivity of the alarm. The windows were off track. The steering wheel seized when the consumer was driving on the highway. *nm ***nar***

Filed May 19, 2006 · Brakes · 35,000 miles · CO

The brake pedal on my '03 saab 9-3 sports sedan sinks to the floor when constant moderate pressure is applied. The saab dealer assures me that all cars of this type do this. I believe strongly that it is a serious safety defect.

Filed Apr 3, 2006 · Brakes, Transmission · NJ

2003 saab 9-3 brakes does not stop vehicle when depressed. *ts the consumer experienced extended stopping distance while braking. The brakes were tested but the technician indicated that the brakes were fine. The consumer also experienced problem with the transmission that caused the vehicle to lurch forward while stopped. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but they were unable to find anything wrong.

Filed Oct 7, 2005 · Brakes · 28,000 miles · NJ

Dt: the contact owns a 2003 saab 93 linear. Approximately two weeks ago there was complete brake failure while trying to stop at a stop light on dry pavement. The vehicle was towed to a dealership, and they stated that there was nothing wrong with the brakes. This was the first total brake failure. But since the purchase of the vehicle, when the brake pedal was depressed there was vibration in the pedal while in reverse and while trying to stop. This has been a consistent problem with the vehicle since the day of purchase of the vehicle. This problem did not occur every time the contact drove the vehicle. The dealership could not duplicate the problem . They said that there was nothing wrong with the brakes. The manufacturer stated there was nothing they could do because the service dealer said that there was nothing wrong with the brakes.

Filed Sep 18, 2005 · Brakes, Electrical · WA

Brake pads & rotors, seat belt, battery replacement, tire, transmission, sunroof malfunction.

Filed Sep 12, 2005 · Brakes, Electrical · OH

The lease on this vehicle began on october 6, 2003. It has had multiple electrical issues starting less than 30 days after delivery. Most recently, september 11, 2005. I have been stranded three times and had to have the car towed twice. Each time the onstar did not work because of electrical malfunctions. We no longer have any confidence in this vehicle and if we owned it we would sell it. Problems include but are not limited to: * cd player stopped working and was replaced within first 30 days of lease. * brakes replaced within first 60 days of lease. * onstar computer replaced within first 60 days of lease. * vehicle computer updated within first year of lease. This left me stranded and almost required a tow due to inoperative transmission but, the vehicle eventually shifted into limp mode before the tow truck arrived allowing us to drive it to the dealership. * vehicle computer updated again within first year of lease. * onstar computer repaired again within first year of lease. * door handles faded and replaced within second year * parking break stuck and vehicle required a tow within second year of lease. * engine immobilizer malfunction requiring another tow of the vehicle within second year of lease. We were told that the battery abruptly died. * trip computer must be reset after gas is added in order to show correct distance to empty. * miles between oil changes seem incorrect. We are at 27000 miles and have only had one oil change. The dealership continues to tell us to wait until the computer requests the service.

Questions about the 2003 Saab 9-3 brakes

Does the 2003 Saab 9-3 have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 19 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Saab 9-3, 9% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2003 Saab 9-3 brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 32,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Saab 9-3 brakes?

Yes, 1 recall: 05V236000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Saab 9-3 have bad brakes?

The Saab 9-3 model years with the most brakes complaints are 2006 (31 complaints), 2003 (19 complaints) and 2007 (13 complaints).

Other 2003 Saab 9-3 problems

Electrical 46Suspension 42Engine 39Transmission 32Fuel system 20Steering 18Airbags 15Lights 13Seat belts 12Body 9Tires 9Visibility 8Acceleration 6Seats 4Driver assistance 2Wheels 2

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