Faults:

Despite never missing a scheduled oil change, my engine failed at 54,000 miles due to oil sludge accumulation on internal engine parts. Sludge accumulation was due to faulty engine design, as is recognized by the Saab Corporation. If unchecked, sludge can accumulate, unnoticed, until total engine failure. Saab extended coverage on their engines due to said defect but will refuse coverage to anyone who can't turn over complete oil-change records for the entire life of the car.

Fitted with a faulty ignition cassette. The cassettes are part of a national recall but have been on back-order for several months due to high demand.

General Comments:

This car has been nothing but one headache after another, and Saab's customer service has been completely unhelpful. I will never, EVER purchase another Saab for as long as I live.

Faults:

A couple of weeks ago the engine in my Saab (2002, 9-3) literally blew-up - I was driving on an interstate highway at 65-70 mph. Engine temperature was in normal range. Then the oil indicator lighted up for a few seconds. I heard a 'poof' sound and I saw a smoke screen behind my car. I started loosing speed rapidly in heavy traffic. Luckily for me and my kids, I was able to get to the right shoulder of the highway safely. I took the car to the Saab dealer, where I was taking my car for service, to inspect what happened. Here is the text from the bill:

Removed cylinder head and found 3 pistons burned down to top rings. Could not determine cause of failure since engine won't run. No assistance offered by Saab Cars. Owner declined repair at this time. We tested fuel and it appears normal. Inspection shows also internal parts show no sludge - indicating good maintenance.

General Comments:

Very nice ride. Great acceleration and handling.

Ergonomic interior design.

However, terrible customer service and, in the case of my car, a big safety hazard.

Faults:

I suggest you read Saab 9-5 customer service complaints on this site before purchasing a Saab. My daughter bought my Saab 9-3 off my lease. Shortly after, we received an oil sludge letter extending engine warranty. The sludge letter is posted on the Internet. We increased the oil change frequency accordingly and when the engine developed a whine, we took it to the Saab dealer. He said he heard no noise and told us to continue driving it. 400 miles later at 65,000 miles the engine failed. Saab charged me $744 to tear down the engine to see if it was an engine sludge problem. The dealer said there was sludge in the oil, but would not put that in writing and according to the dealer, the regional rep said the failure was a piston failure (maybe due to no lubrication??) and it not covered by the engine sludge warranty. They have not responded too many calls to put the reason for the warranty denial in writing and there is no way to talk to the regional rep. The Saab 800 service line is manned by screeners who are forbidden to put your calls through (per the screener I talked to)

General Comments:

Saab does not stand behind their warranties and their customer service is non-existent.

It is a seriously fun and practical car, but not worth buying another.