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2003 Saab 9-3 transmission problems

32 complaints (15% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 35,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
32
of this car's complaints
15%
typical mileage
35,000
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission
    23
  • Manual transmission: column shift assembly
    1
  • Clutch assembly
    1
  • Axle assembly
    1
  • Automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock 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 transmission problems in other years

19992000200120022003200420052006200720082011

Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Saab 9-3 transmission

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

Hesitation 7Slipping 7

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2003 Saab 9-3 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 7, 2018 · Transmission · 99,989 miles · SC

Ecu in car becomes completely fried because of the location it is mounted from the factory because of heat soak

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 Aug 30, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 109,560 miles · OH

As I was driving in the middle lane of the 3 northbound lanes of u.s. 23, the engine suddenly stalled. I was going about 62 MPH. I activated my emergency flashers, shifted the automatic transmission to neutral, and shut off the ignition key. I then turned the ignition key to restart the engine and it restarted. This is about the 5th time this has happened in the past 5 months. This vehicle should be included in gms ignition recall!!!

Filed Aug 14, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 107,000 miles · CA

The vehicle will become almost immobile in first and second gear (manual transmission). Once in third gear, performance is back to normal. If driver is not aware of situation (cruise light off is only indication if cruise control system is turned on), driver can easily get into bad situation as car will not perform as usual (very significant degradation of performance). All that is needed to reset problem is to turn the key off and restart the engine and the condition will go away for as little as 10 minutes or up to as much as 2 hours of driving. It is suspected that this problem could be associated with the air mass sensor as replacing air mass sensor with used part, problem disappeared for several months. This condition could cause a serious safety issue if driver is not aware and tries to make a quick maneuver involving tight traffic (left turn when performance is paramount). Whatever this condition is that the electronics/engine controls is/are entering is unacceptable and this problem needs to be corrected by the manufacturer in a recall.

Filed May 22, 2009 · Transmission · 72,686 miles · OH

Car doesn't want to shift into the next gear. Second time this car has been in for the same issue. This time they had to replace the transmissions.

Filed May 22, 2009 · Transmission · 52,683 miles · OH

When driving, the transmission will come out of gear at any RPM's.

Filed Sep 17, 2008 · Acceleration, Transmission · 38,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saab 9-3. When the contact turned the vehicle, the instrument panel indicated that there was a gear box malfunction. The warning light dimmed a few days later. Afterwards, the contact experienced acceleration failures. After idling at a traffic light, it was difficult to accelerate. The vehicle would also shift uneasily. While attempting to merge onto the freeway, the vehicle would not pick up speed and allow her to shift gears. The contact was concerned that the lack of acceleration could cause a crash while merging into traffic. The dealer stated that a new transmission was needed. She spoke with the manufacturer and is awaiting a return call; however, she was informed that they probably would be unable to assist. The speed was unknown. The current mileage was approximately 54,000 and failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

Filed Jul 31, 2007 · Electrical, Transmission · 66,000 miles · MI

2003 saab 93 linear - heating/air condition blower motor component failure. Power driver window regulator component failure. Dealer replacing both parts. The transmission has slippage when accelerating at lower shifts after coasting at slower speeds 20 to 30 MPH or hard spring to next gear from stop, very similar to complaints already recorded. Dealer has previously updated the software to correct and now suggests new value body or complete transmission.

Filed Feb 14, 2007 · Transmission · 31,000 miles · ME

Gearbox malfunction, intermittent shifting or sudden deceleration we bought the car in april 2006. The car ran fine until august 2006 when the first gearbox malfunction light was indicated with an inability for the automatic transmission to downshift. Since the first gearbox malfunction the 2003 93 saab has been in the garage (under warranty) six times for a total of 49 days. I have asked for gm/saab to take/buy the car back. My car was in the authorized saab service garage (portland saab) for the entire month of december 2006 where the entire transaxle was replaced. The car is currently at coldbrook saab (where I bought the car) for another gearbox malfunction.

Filed Nov 27, 2006 · Electrical, Steering · 60,017 miles · VA

Under normal driving conditions while driving approximately 45 MPH, the gas gauge read just over 1 bar of fuel remaining when a traction control system failure and gearbox malfunction message appeared in the display screen. Immediately following, the engine shut off and all control of the vehicle failed. No one was injured at the time due to the late hour and there being no other traffic near by but had there been traffic an accident would have most likely resulted from the failures.

Questions about the 2003 Saab 9-3 transmission

Does the 2003 Saab 9-3 have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 32 complaints about the transmission of the 2003 Saab 9-3, 15% of all its complaints.

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

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 35,000 miles.

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

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

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

The Saab 9-3 model years with the most transmission complaints are 2003 (32 complaints) and 2008 (10 complaints).

Other 2003 Saab 9-3 problems

Electrical 46Suspension 42Engine 39Fuel system 20Brakes 19Steering 18Airbags 15Lights 13Seat belts 12Body 9Tires 9Visibility 8Acceleration 6Seats 4Driver assistance 2Wheels 2

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