2007 Saab 9-3 engine problems

Filed Jun 1, 2019 · Engine · 90,000 miles · NJ

I was having an issue with my engine idling rough when starting up and while driving cold. After the car warms, the issue get a bit better. But while cold, the car runs terribly rough. After spending over $3000 trying to diagnose and fix the issue, including replacing the entire fuel system, several engine parts, and hours of labor and wasted time, the saab dealer narrows it down to a compression issue involving one of the intake valves, which it seems is a common problem for the 2007 model 9-3s. They estimate an additional $2,500 of work to fix it! I've read hundreds of complains on this issue. If this is such a common issue, gm should recall these faulty parts and replace them.

Filed Mar 20, 2018 · Engine, Suspension · 134,000 miles · WI

First issue was front suspension coils. Replaced both. Biggest issue was once the weather became very cold, car would not start. Ended up being a victim of the bad intake valves provided by gm. Now, after a complete valve job and having the car run great from march 2017 to dec 2017..it appears it may have a cracked block. Car never overheated. Fluids were always maintained. Looked into that and apparently there were some casting issues as well. Thanks gm.

Filed Dec 29, 2017 · Engine, Suspension · RI

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 saab 9-3. The contact stated that the engine valves failed prematurely. The service engine indicator illuminated and the vehicle performed roughly each time the failure occurred. In addition, the springs that connected to the front struts had premature rust and corrosion, which caused it to fracture without warning. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the front coils springs and eight valves needed to be replaced. The vehicle was also inspected by a dealer (conntech saab specialists, 180 jefferson blvd, warwick, ri 02888, (401) 738-3665). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN and failure mileage were not available. *tt

Filed Mar 15, 2017 · Engine · MN

I took my car to the shop today and told them that my check engine light has been coming on, particularly on cold starts. I also told them that it usually idles roughly on first starting up, then runs normally after a while. They ran tests on it and told me that the car has what is commonly known as the 'intake valve problem common on 07-11 saab 9-3's' they have given me an estimate of $2400 to replace the intake valves. From research, this appears to be an issue that owners have been having for years now. The car has 93,000 miles on it, and is a 2007 9-3 2.0t sedan.

Filed Dec 31, 2016 · Engine · 70,000 miles · MI

Intermittent check engine light. Comes on for a while and then goes off. Cannot link it to any vehicle activity.

Filed Dec 26, 2016 · Engine · 64,000 miles · CA

Upon attempting to start the engine, sometimes it runs very rough and then stalls. Repeated attempts to start the engine result in stalls or, finally, result in the engine running very rough and then gradually smoother.

Filed Jun 13, 2016 · Engine · 84,500 miles · MA

Needs valve job ($3k) due to improperly hardened valves. Very common problem on this car. Rough running when cold. Compression test verifies this condition: very poor when cold, but fine when warm. If left on-fixed, will cause permanent misfiring.

Filed Mar 31, 2016 · Engine · 125,000 miles · NY

It appears I too have been struck with the misfortune of having what I have termed " morning sickness" in cooler weather. I currently have one - hundred and forty- eight thousand miles on this vehicle. I just had it diagnosed low compression in two of the cylinder's, one cylinder has 150 psi?, the other has 175. I believe they should be 200 psi? Usually it does not last long ( of rough running) of course depending on outside temperature. I have recorded a temp . Of five above f., and the car started fine, but took a while for it to " clear out ", generally no more than a minute or two. I see I am not the only one with this problem, thought I'd share with others and maybe something could be done about it. I guess I feel I am luck, that with all miles I have on the vehicle, that I have gotten this far, question is how much farther can I go before I need to something??

Filed Nov 21, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 99,500 miles · MI

While attempting to install new headlights, I removed the negative on the battery. After putting the negative back on to the battery, the system has reset and has not rebooted since then. The car is in minimal driving condition, performance has significantly dropped and the steering wheel locks while driving at high speeds, the engine knocks and shakes at high speeds, there is no more turbo boost and while flooring the gas pedal, the car is hesitant to increase speed.

Filed Aug 11, 2014 · Engine · NC

Difficult or no start when cold, rough idle, low compression #4 cylinder.