2003 Saab 9-3: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Oct 28, 2015 · Engine, Lights · 184,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saab 9-3. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate and decelerated independently without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormal odor and smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact pulled over and discovered that oil was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 184,000. ...updated 01/07/16 *bf the consumer stated the vehicle failed to accelerate when entering traffic from the driveway, it moves out of gear, and the vehicle had an electrical glitch that caused the headlights to go out often needing to be replaced.

Filed Jul 10, 2007 · Electrical · 57,000 miles · MI

Message appeared on the display notifying me that the passenger side headlamp and directional signal had failed. I attempted to change the bulbs and found that the wiring had melted and broken away from the electrical connectors.

Filed Apr 30, 2006 · Electrical · 64,000 miles · SC

The automobile that we would like to inform you about is a 2003 saab 9-3 arc. We have owned this car for 2 1/2 years and have driven it over 63,000 miles. Currently the car does not have operable low beam headlights. The wiring on the passenger's side low beam headlight has burnt through and is nearly so on the driver's side low beam headlight. In addition the driver's side front turn signal has stopped working. In the time we have owned this car we have had to have the low beam headlights replaced approximately 7 times. I noticed the wiring to the low beam headlights becoming discolored last year, at that time our dealer was not aware of any tsbs concerning the headlights for our car. Thus far no damage has occurred to the vehicle except for the burnt wiring on the low beam headlights. We will be reporting this to our dealer again and will have to have them fix this problem. However, should saab not have upgraded the wiring to the low beam headlight this problem will repeat. Also, at no time have we had lights put in the car that were above the wattage specified by saab in the owner's manual.

Filed Mar 26, 2006 · Lights · 79,000 miles · NC

I had my headlights changed at 65k because the beam was getting to low and it was hard to see at night. While the lights were getting changed the mechanic told me that the wires connecting the light to the car were melting. Three months later at 80k the driver side headlight low beam finally died. The sid says low beam failure, which is due to the melting of the wires.

Filed Jan 5, 2006 · Transmission · VA

Gearbox malfunction has occurred twice leaving me stranded on the highway and the car will not go over 5 MPH. Extremely dangerous as this occurs unexpectedly in traffic. Dealer fixed both times, but transmission still slipped and I feared driving it. The dealer took it in again and had their transmission specialist drive and inspect it. The dealer says that there is a known problem with the 2003 9.3 saabs with contamination of the transmission fluid causing the transmission to fail. The transmission fluid is cooled within a section of the radiator. The block that separates the coolant from the transmission fluid is bad and causes the coolant to leak into the transmission fluid. I was scheduled for a new transmission, a new radiator (under warranty), but the car failed a 3rd time when I was trying to drive to the dealer for service. They had another 9.3 scheduled at the same time for the same problem. Additionally, they are telling me that I need front and back brakes - not under warranty - will cost me $1,000. This is the most serious of the problems I have had with this car, but have had it in the shop 16 days for numerous problems with headlights, on star, sid, locks, door issue, window issue, oil leaks. I am very concerned that a car with this safety rating can have this many problems and especially the extremely dangerous transmission issues that leave you stranded in traffic.

Filed Jun 20, 2005 · Acceleration, Body · 32,000 miles · CA

My saab has had a litany of problems since I have owned the car. It all started with little items. Ignition wouldn't start the car. Head lights burnt out. Dash peeling, door handles discoloring, emergency brake getting stuck and being able to operate my car. Engine warning light because my gas cap wasn't on correct. Steering wheel locking while I was driving. Wheel lock light remaining on while I was driving. Brakes replaced due to factory retro fit. Seat belts being recalled. Computer constantly needing to be replaced so the car would function. Electronic key failing so I couldn't start my car. My car is a 5 speed and the shifter handle has an continues to come off in my hand. A minimum of 3 fuses needing to be replaced. The dash board goes blank at times showing no functions of the car. Window wouldn't go up or down and required the regulator to be replaced. Erractic idle. Service engine light comes on but, dealer doesn't know why. Brakes needed to be replaced at 30,000 miles and rotors too.

Filed Feb 17, 2005 · Body, Electrical · 15,000 miles · GA

The consumer was able to remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle was still running. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer replaced the ignition module. The repairs worked fine for two weeks, then the problem recurred. *jb the fuel pump was replaced, the fog and head lights would go out once a month, the traction control was not working properly, the seat belts did not recoil to provide security for the passengers, the clutch pedal did not have the proper pressure when applied, the engine would not "spin over," there was a blown fuel pump fuse, the driver window was inoperative, the sunroof deflector did not collapse when closing the glass causing the glass to re-open on it's own, the driver door panel did not fit the flush to the door panel, the radio and the onstar feature did not work. *sc

Filed Jul 6, 2004 · Body, Brakes · VA

Headlights was too low which caused difficulty in driving at night. *la there was noise in the rear while backing and turning (the dealer could not find the problem), the onstar feature would not work and was intermittent, the seat belt light had come on and would go off intermittently (unable to duplicate), need service soon light would come on (unable to be duplicated), the squeal in the rear, could have also been linked to salt and sand in the rotors, the trunk would not stay open, the head lights were found to be out of adjustment, and the pads had rust on them. *sc

Filed Jul 15, 2003 · Lights · CA

Message of "headlight leveling malfunction, contact saab dealer" came up on car computer. Taken to dealer immediately. Came up during the day so was unaware if there was a lighting system malfunction.