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Saab 9-3 door locks problems

14 of the 1,346 owner complaints about the Saab 9-3 describe doors won't lock, open or latch, most of them for the 2003 model year.

owner complaints
14
worst model year
2003
typical mileage
82,347
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.

By model year

  • 2008
    2
  • 2006
    1
  • 2004
    2
  • 2003
    5
  • 2002
    1
  • 2001
    1
  • 2000
    1
  • 1999
    1

What owners say

Filed Apr 4, 2017 · Electrical, Fuel system · 160,000 miles · MN

I recently bought a 2008 saab 9-3 and the fuel reader lights up and says it's empty, even when the tank it full. Also, the door locks doesn't work when unlocking or locking them. This happens when trying to lock or unlock with remote key and when your lock or unlock it form the since. You have to lock or unlock it manually by pulling up or pushing down with your hand. I have done some research online and I came across a lot of other saab 9-3 owners that have came across the same problem. I think it should be recall since I think it should be fair enough for saab to fix the situation.

Filed Aug 13, 2013 · Airbags · 131,000 miles · OH

I was driving down my neighborhood street going approximately 15mph when my passenger side impact airbag spontaneously deployed causing a loud explosion sound and my passengers side inside door handle was ejected from the door. I had not hit anyone or anything.

Filed Mar 20, 2013 · Locks · 117,000 miles · VT

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saab 93. The contact stated that all of the automatic door locks would activate independently as soon the doors were opened. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who could not duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 117,000.

Filed Feb 13, 2012 · Body, Electrical · 116,000 miles · IN

The rear driver's side door lock actuator doesn't always lock or unlock using the keyfob. It sometimes clicks like it's trying to lock/unlock, but is always .5-1 second slower than the other doors. *tr it does not have a key slot to unlock the door via a key. The door can be locked/unlocked using the push/pull rod on the interior - until the actuator fully freezes, then it can't be locked or unlocked at all.

Filed Nov 20, 2011 · Electrical, Locks · 87,800 miles · FL

Intermittent problem with door locks, sometimes the driver's side, sometimes one of the other 3 doors, the door lock will not lock the door; or sometimes is the opposite where it will not unlock the door

Filed Oct 14, 2008 · Electrical · 62,000 miles · CA

Was on my way to repair shop for an onstar malfunction which knocked out my entire sound system, including warning buzzers, etc....while on the freeway I thought I had been invaded by aliens the car could barley drive then all the warning lights and malfunction lights started flashing on my computer screen im lucky it didn't cause an accident I could not control the car I could not roll down the window, could not get the car from drive to park, could not steer, shut it off and it wouldn't start again without a jump. Battery had been replaced no more then 6 months prior. It apparently was the alternator. It is a hazard when it malfunctions due to no control of the car. I have had more problems with this car for 62,000 it shouldn't have so many breakdowns and malfunctions I have owned it for a little over a year and have had many different malfunctions ie. Gear box malfunction, transmission malfunction, temp malfunction, airbag malfunction and the latest onstar malfunction which has affected my entire sound system, the cd player had to be replaced the amp went bad had to have a new thermostat the window arm had to be replaced (driving and the window just fell into the door I am surprised it didn't shatter, the saab logo on the trunk lost all the color, the door handles are peeling and fading as well as the interior parts. Battery died, ashtray broke had to have replaced broke again but no warranty and too much to replace. The brake caliper had to be replaced brake pads worn out too soon, tire tread worn before its time. Everytime part was needed it had to be ordered way overpriced took over a week to get parts on top of that shipping and handling charges apply. This car is unreliable deeming it unsafe as far as I am concerned still owe 9,000 but with all problems not worth a dime. I have disabled people in car alot can't be sure about their safety not good and now no onstar not upgradeable, even still onstar malfunction light is on no sound system.

Filed Sep 10, 2008 · Locks · 120 miles · CA

Unsafe to know that my new car has door locks that do not unlock from within the car cabin when the door handle is pulled. Unlike my previous car (vw) whereby the door is unlocked when the driver door (for example) is pulled - door opens or my bmw whereby the door is unlocked by pulling the handle twice. In a saab, the doors can not be opened unless the "unlock" button is pressed. This is a safety issue since egress can not be done quickly in the event of an accident or other emergency need for immediate egress.

Filed Aug 20, 2008 · Body · 40,000 miles · CA

Door handles and side body molding are fading abnormally. Door handles are pretty much white in color. They were originally black. This shouldn't happen after only 4 years, especially with a car like a saab (for which you think you are paying for quality).

Filed Apr 18, 2008 · Electrical, Engine · 82,347 miles · AL

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saab 9-3. While driving 70 MPH, the check engine light illuminated. The contact drove to the dealer and they stated that the ignition cassette failed. She then found a recall on her vehicle for the same failure her vehicle was experiencing; however, the dealer stated that her VIN was not included. The contact believes that her vehicle should be included in the recall because it is experiencing the same failure. The recall number was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 82,347. Updated 05/20/08. *lj the door handle was replaced. Updated 05/20/08

Filed Oct 9, 2005 · Locks · 5,000 miles · NJ

While the locking mechanism on the passenger door will pop to the open position. When the door lock is depressed the door lock mechanism will again pop up. Then from the driver door when depressing the switch to lock all the door the mechanism will lock then within seconds unlock. I have reported this problem to 2 distinct saab dealers and they claim no problem exist but situation continues to occur. Safety issue when driving a child can open door or someone can gain entrance to the car due to failure to maintain door locked.

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the Saab 9-3 door locks

Which Saab 9-3 years have doors won't lock, open or latch problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2003 (5 complaints), 2004 (2 complaints) and 2008 (2 complaints).

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