2003 Saab 9-3: transmission slipping

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 Jul 18, 2006 · Transmission · 35,000 miles · VA

Transmission slips constantly. Service center states that the diagnostic is not indicating any issues and all is normal. The incident date was the last time it occurred.

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 Jan 28, 2005 · Transmission · 280 miles · KY

Transmission slips and the vehicle stalls in the middle of the road.

Filed Sep 30, 2004 · Transmission · NY

This is a second complaint and update to 1/1/04 complaint previously submitted. Since then car has been to the dealer 2 additional times for transmission slippage with no resolution. Also car has been in for broken front seat, faulty finish on door handles and dash board, brake squeal, and problems closing sun roof. All problems cured other than transmission slippage and steering alignment. Called saab USA previously whom advised to continue working with the dealer, who can not fix. Transmission slippage can be dangerous when depending on an auto to react a certain way in accident avoidance situations and auto responds differently. In my opinion this problem coupled with all the others is a violation of express warranties of the manufacture. Please investigate this transmission slippage issue as there are multiple complaints on this message board. Thank you.

Filed Mar 30, 2004 · Engine, Transmission · 10,000 miles · CA

Wanted to give an update. After 2 months of waiting for saab to respond to my lemon law filing with an attorney, I have been able to get rid of my 9-3 linear. Car still has hesitation after they have claimed to have repaired the software problem. Transmission is now slipping, onstar malfunctions once a week, and have a rattle in the dash board. Saab is fully aware of all of the problems. Just wanted to give others the confidence to fight them on the problems of the engine stalling.

Filed Jan 8, 2004 · Transmission · VA

Consumer stated when accelerating to pass another vehicle it felt as though transmission was slipping. Took vehicle to dealer, and dealer performed an adaptation adjustment.