Suspension complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Both front coil springs while driving, snapped in half, and dislocated from vehicle, 6 months apart. Was driving at 30 MPH, and the passenger front spring snapped in two. Had no forewarning, before it exploded apart. The passenger-side coil-spring snapped off the vehicle, in two+ places, and was retrieved from the highway. Metal showed a clear snap. The metal appeared corroded and as if the metal was not strong enough to work long-term. Six months later, the driver side front-coil-spring snapped and dislodged in the exact same manner, and when the failed piece was retrieved from the highway, it showed the same clear snap lines, as its predecessor. Both instances caused the car to lose control. Clearly a manufacturing defect with sub-par metalloids that likely will kill someone if they are traveling fast. Please recall as its the same defect that appears in 2003 - 2006 Saab models. …
Both front coil springs while driving, snapped in half, and dislocated from vehicle, 6 months apart. Was driving at 30 MPH, and the passenger front spring snapped in two. Had no forewarning, before it exploded apart. The passenger-side coil-spring snapped off the vehicle, in two+ places, and was retrieved from the highway. Metal showed a clear snap. The metal appeared corroded and as if the metal was not strong enough to work long-term. Six months later, the driver side front-coil-spring snapped and dislodged in the exact same manner, and when the failed piece was retrieved from the highway, it showed the same clear snap lines, as its predecessor. Both instances caused the car to lose control. Clearly a manufacturing defect with sub-par metalloids that likely will kill someone if they are traveling fast. Please recall as its the same defect that appears in 2003 - 2006 Saab models. …
Noticed a clunking noise coming from the front left side of the car when going over bumps. Took car to mechanic and discovered that the front left coil spring was corroded and broken. The corrosion occurred at the bottom of the spring and the broken piece was sticking out of the strut assrmbly and was possibly a tire puncture hazzard. The mechanic stated that this was a common occurrence on this model Saab but is not covered by GM special coverage #15917 because that extended warranty only applies to 2003-2006 models. Why not GM??
First issue was front suspension coils. Replaced both. Biggest issue was once the weather became very cold, car would not start. Ended up being a victim of the bad intake valves provided by GM. Now, after a complete valve job and having the car run great from March 2017 to dec 2017..it appears it May have a cracked block. Car never overheated. Fluids were always maintained. Looked into that and apparently there were some casting issues as well. Thanks GM.
The front driver coil spring broke and the broken end of the coil was pressed against the side wall of the tire. When the tire was removed a 1/4" deep gouge was observed in the side wall. This incident happened while parked, I noticed a loud bang and a strange noise while the vehicle was moving. I immediately removed the tire to check for problems and found the broken spring and gouge. If this occurred on the highway (my commute is app 80 miles round trip) it could have easily punctured the tire and caused a more serious problem. Or left me stranded in an unsafe location.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving the out of alignment steering indicator light illuminated on the dash, it illuminated continuously until the system was cleared. The dealer was vague about this problem and stated it was not necessary to have it inspected. There is a problem with the automatic doors locks and the trunk release as well. The doors lock and unlock at will and the driver's door and trunk came open on one occasion while the vehicle was being driven. The manufacturer has not been alerted. Updated 08/14/06.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Saab 9-3. The contact stated that the passenger strut was bent. The contact mentioned that the strut was replaced but was concerned that the failure would recur. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the struts needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not provided.
While driving on the street at 30 MPH I hear a bang! I start to lose control of the steering wheel I immediately put my hazard lights on and pulled over safely once I gained control when I get out the car to inspect it my passengers side front spring is broken in two and my passenger side tire is blown. I could have been very badly injured or killed! Saab you need to do a recall this is life threatening!
NHTSA investigations
Front suspension coil spring fracture
On August 28, 2008, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe08-051) to investigate alleged front suspension coil spring fractures in certain model year (my) 2003-2004 Saab 9-3 vehicles sold or registered in salt belt states.(note: for purposes of this investigation, the salt belt includes connecticut, delaware, the district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland,…
Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture
To date, ODI is aware of 142 non-duplicative complaints related to the alleged defect.In addition, ODI is aware of 2,626 subject vehicles with one or more warranty claims related to the alleged defect.In total, ODI is aware of 2,714 unique subject vehicles that have experienced one or more front suspension coil spring fractures.ODI is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the alleged defect.The engineering…
Frequently asked questions
Which Saab 9-3 years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (52), 2003 (42), 2005 (29), 2007 (24) and 2008 (10) model years. Suspension complaints make up 25% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Saab 9-3 suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for any Saab 9-3 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Saab 9-3 suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles; 25% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front (79 mentions), followed by the front › springs › coil springs (25).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.