Saab 9-3 headlights problems

Filed Jun 3, 2018 · Electrical · 74,653 miles · CO · 1 injury

Accident happened after headlight low-beam failed.was told and shown a melted headlight module that overheated and caused the low-beam headlights to go out. The entire headlamp assembly was replaced. As were other crash involved parts

Filed Dec 8, 2017 · Electrical, Lights · 127,000 miles · FL

The headlights in my vehicle started flickering and shut off while driving in the dark a few days ago. After safely parking the car, I investigated and found that the housings are designed to be unservicable but I was able to investigate and found that nearly all of the internal wiring shielding had cracked and fallen off (please see attached photos, I appologize about the quality). The headlights failing without notice created a very dangerous blackout scenario which could have very easily resulted in serious injury and/or death due to manufacturing defect and by no fault by or prior warning to the operator. I was lucky!

Filed May 24, 2017 · Electrical, Lights · CA

Purchased saab 9-3 2007 brand new. Nearly immediately the headlights kept going out. I found myself replacing them often and twice was pulled over by police when I hadn't realized and had just replaced the passenger side headlight. Also got one key at the time of purchase. The A/C wasn't working well so finally took it to the saab dealer in santa fe, nm in 2008 with complaints. They were to get me a second key, fix the A/C, check the leather on front seat and figure out what was wrong with electrical and headlights going out. The electric panel, indicating problems, was not working properly. They took my one key and told me they would be in touch as it was still under warranty. After a few days of a rental, I contacted and no one answered. I drove out to the dealership and no cars. A woman sitting inside at a simple desk in empty gm/saab showroom. She said they were all shocked, had no warning as employees and the dealership was gone no records on my car. No other dealer picking it up as they didn't have saab specialist. Long story short, I never got help from anyone, never got the repairs, never got the promised second key and have been driving it ever since. It enrages me. All under warranty! No complaints or letters have been answered. I was shocked they got away with it. Oh and the electric panel cover was gone as well. Lost. How they got away with all this is unknown. The leather on the driver's seat started cracking and peeling the first year! I put expensive leather conditioners on as well. Nothing. I am still furious and still have the car. No corporate offices would help either. I finally gave up. .

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 Oct 23, 2015 · Lights · NE

Low beam headlights are so dim that the vehicle can not be safely driven at night. High beam work great.

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 Apr 1, 2013 · Lights · 149,500 miles · WV

The low beam headlights are not bright. Took it to a saab dealer, was told that the wiring that turns of the headlights were burnt and ready to catch fire. Was told this would cost about $1000. Did some research and found this is not only common, but every saab 9-3 has this problem. If this is such a bad thing, then why are there no recalls and this a concern?

Filed Oct 20, 2011 · Electrical · 80,000 miles · DC · fire

While driving at 11:30 pm on a small (paved) country road with my high beams on, my warning system indicated "left high beam failure. I continued driving and about a minute later I noticed sparks along the left side of the car. I pulled over to see what was wrong and the left head light was in flames. Within 15 minutes the entire front half/engine of the car was in flames and the entire front half of the car essentially burned to the ground.

Filed Oct 18, 2011 · Lights · 35,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saab 9-3. The contact stated that the low beam headlights were progressively becoming more dim over the last two years, reducing visibility. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that this failure was a known issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000 and the current mileage was 48,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Jun 24, 2011 · Electrical · 37,440 miles · PA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 saab 9-3. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced several electrical failures. The air conditionaer, headlights and the motor on the front passenger door all failed. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that a burn out occurred in the electrical sockets for each component. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 37,440.