2002 Saab 9-3 Problems, complaints & recalls

The radiator exploded, spewing fluids everywhere, overheating my vehicle without warning when I was driving 45 mph, almost causing a multi-car crash.

The soft top is faulty and the rear lights are as well.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saab 9-3. When the contact attempted to utilize the seat belt, the retractor failed and would not operate. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that there was a recall placed on certain types of saab vehicles for the same failure. The contact discovered nhtsa campaign number: 14v318000 (seat belts). The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that the recall was only related to 2004-2011 models. The contact spoke with mayors saab (6001...

Saab 9-3 2002 frequently will not start even though it has new battery and newer alternator- may be ignition discharge module.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saab 9-3. While in park, there were strong fuel fumes emitting from the exterior of the vehicle. The contact noticed that there was fuel leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the tab attached to the fuel pump and the fuel lines fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was aware of nhtsa campaign number: 07v087000 (fuel system, gasoline) but the vin was not included. The failure mileage was 65,000.

Seat belt retractor cable broke. Can no longer buckle seat. *Tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 saab 9.3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the driver's side seat belt cable separated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that seat belt assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

My 2002 saab 9-3 convertible starts fine once it start moving goes off,then I starts it again,then when I stop it goes off and keep on doing it again and again. The first time I had the idea it was cold,but I noticed it doesn't matter it do it every time I stop at any light or stop sign,then I called the manufacturer number 1800-9559007 they asked me for the vin # [[redacted]] the customer service representative told me that vehicle doesn't have any recalls they can't do anything about it,then I told her if my...

I just purchased my 2002 saab 9-3 from karz and more in longview wa. In november 2012 and drove about one mile went into a store came out and the vehicle would not start. The thermostat and the ignition coil pack were bad. Replaced the thermostat just once and the ignition coil pack twice. Car is still not running I have died on the freeway, in town, too many times to even count the car will start with a jump but wont run for very long before it dies. Frustrated and at my witts end! Had a full diagnostic....Showed nothing no one seems to know the problem. Its ran about a week since I have had the car ugh! *Js

My dic failed for a second time! I hear its an extremely common issue with these vehicles. *Js

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.

I have a 2002 saab 93 and the dic cassette on those car always good bad. They are defective there was a recall on those cars and I called the dealer and asked them and they said there wasn't no such recall, they denied it because the parts is expensive. *Tr

The saab 9-3 2002 stalled suddenly while idling on an exit ramp on the highway. The car failed to restart and had to be towed. The ignition module had been replaced 4 years early as part of a prior recall. The car is current at a gas station and the mechanic has diagnosed that the replaced ignition module has again failed. *Tr

1. Use of high beams 2. If I do not use the high beams the low beam lights never fail 6 month trial just finished. 3. Replaced the headlight failure relay as this is what my mechanic does for all his customers with no satisfactory results. When using highbeams replacing 6 bulbs every six months I have replaced 14 bulbs since I bought the car last jan. 09 My wife's 2004 saab 9-3 has the same problem. *Tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 saab 9-3. While the vehicle was undergoing an oil change, the mechanic discovered that the catalytic converter rubbed against the oil pan and cut a 1/4 inch groove in the pan. He moved the catalytic converter over to avoid a major failure and repaired the oil pan. The manufacturer advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer, located three hours away. The current mileage was approximately 113,000 and failure mileage was approximately 110,000. Updated 03/18/09. *Lj updated 03/18/09. *Jb

The check engine light came on at approximately 79,900 miles. Upon diagnosis by the saab dealer, they said the ignition cassette was failing. Replacement was necessary as when the part ceased to function the car would not run. This is the fourth time this part has been replaced. : Dates the ignition cassette was replaced -- 6/30/08 (82,903 mi), 3/21/07 (56,231 mi.), 12/15/05 (32,671 Mi.), 8/17/04 (18,720Mi.). The replaced part is available. *Tr

This car has died 3 times while driving and required a tow. The first time the ignition module was replaced for free (recall). The 2nd time the car mysteriously re-started before the tow truck arrived. The most recent incident resulted in a tow to the nearest dealer and the (defective) throttle body being replaced at a cost of $714. Also, the catalytic converters had to be replaced (non-warranty) after the ignition module (recall). At approx. 118,000 Miles the transmission was replaced. *Tr

On 1/26/07 the water pump of my car was replaced because it was leaking. I have come to realize this is the third time the water pump needed to be changes. It was also changed by the manufacturer/dealer on 11/10/04 & 2/25/03. Hence the car has gone through three water pumps in 44510 miles. *Jb

Malfunction of automatic transmission on a car with 50000 miles on. Transmission specialist indicated malfunction began at least 5000 miles prior to the breakdown. *Jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 saab 9-3. While driving 30 mph, the vehicle began to hesitate as if the emergency brake was engaged. The contact also heard a grinding noise coming from the vehicle. She was unable to drive more than 20 mph. When the mechanic attempted to test drive the vehicle, it failed to shift into gear. The mechanic stated that the gears inside the transmission exploded into little pieces. For three weeks, the mechanic attempted to repair the transmission, however, the transmission was...

Saab information display (sid) is losing its pixels and is unreadable. This is the second time unit has failed. The first was replaced under warranty in may 2005. Sid provides engine information and maintenance updates as well as general information such as time, radio/cd player operation ,and hands free telephone (constar) information. I have not replaced the second unit since it was approximately $400 to replace and required a saab certified technician with special equipment to mate with the car. *Ak

Dt*: the contact stated the air conditioner and the defroster has been repaired multiple times due to a sensor problem. The engine was replaced a few months ago but the replacement engine was noisy.

Dt*: the contact stated an odor of fuel was detected while driving and while stopped a puddle was noticed on the ground. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop who determined the vehicle had leaked fuel. The vehicle was taken to the dealership who determined the retainer tabs holding the fuel line were defective and they were replaced. There was a nhtsa recall, #04v557000, pertaining to the fuel lines. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin.

2002 Saab 93, manufacturer refuses to reimburse consumer. *Kb the ignition discharge module broke while driving. The consumer had the repairs made before the recall was received. The consumer was assured he would received reimbursement within 60 days (recall 05v399000). *Jb

Noticed blue smoke on engine start-up. Dealer said turbo charge had failed seal. Replaced turbo. 28,000 Miles on car. Seems to be a fairly common failure on saabs since around 1999. *Jb