2003 SAAB 9-3 Linear 2.0t
Summary:
A fast and sexy piece of junk
Faults:
Handbrake failed twice.
Sunroof serviced 3 times still works intermittently (doesn't always close).
Excess paint chipping on hood.
Odometer and speedometer stopped working while driving.
Break failure, pedal sank to floor.
Steering column locked while driving and turning across oncoming traffic. Restarting car cleared the problem (?)
Low Oil pressure warning.
10-20 various warning messages.
Door handle color fade.
SID (on-screen display) failure had to be replaced.
On-star was flaky and intermittent.
Seat belt safety recall.
6th CD slot doesn't work on really cold days.
Break squealing.
General Comments:
Exceptional performance/luxury for money.
Most unreliable car I've ever owned. Has a total of 60+ days in service in just over 1.5 years of ownership.
Excellent headrests.
It appeared that service struggled with this car due to having to work on a new make/model that was unfamiliar to them.
If a part was required, had to wait up to 7 days for it to arrive from Sweden.
Tried to get it declared a lemon and a decent trade-in from manufacturer. Denied, told the car was still under warranty.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 15th September, 2005
4th Oct 2005, 18:19
Problems with 2003 Saab 9-3 Arc.
I'm sad to agree with some other disappointed Saab 9-3 owners about numerous nagging mechanical issues that started almost immediately after purchase. I love the look of my Saab and the promise of what it could have been, a sporty/luxury, fun car.
1. Power Windows automatically roll down 4"
* Had this "fixed" three times at the dealership and it still happens. I've been told by the dealership to override the system with some complex series actions starting with applied pressure to the window while holding down (or is it up?) the switch and then opening/closing/opening...tried it-still doesn't work! Now three windows are malfunctioning.
2. 6-speed manual transmission - very troublesome.
* from the moment I drove the car off the lot, I needed to use significant force to shift through second and third. It felt like metal-on-metal friction. Down-shifting was even worse. The Dealership adjusted the linkage, but the stick has never lived up to fun potential of this car.
3. Low quality OEM tires - Even though they are Pirelli P6.
* I'm a conservative driver and have had the tires rotated and the car aligned per specs. Even so, I complained that I was hearing a reciprocating noise from one the tires, especially on the freeway. My Dealership denied hearing it for the first two visits and ultimately said that my wheels were "cupped". At 20,000 miles? Come on!
4. Dealerships not offering level of service compared to BMW/Lexus. Example: Enterprise Rental cars instead of a Saab.
* Maybe I'm just spoiled from having leased a BMW and Lexus prior to the Saab. The BMW & Lexus service was great. They took care of every issue without question and with a smile.
I wanted my Saab experience to be a good one, I really did, but the number of problems and lack of dealer commitment to handle them, has made the entire experience a disappointing one at best.