Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
at about 98,000 miles the starts to fail transmission fails Also when the car gets too cold in the winter it refuses to start and it is not a battery issue. the cylinders get to cold to start. When the warm weather comes back around it starts again.
We purchased a 2008 Saab 9-3 in 3/2011 with 34,000 miles. As of 2/2015 the vehicle has 104,000 miles. Last month the vehicle barely started after sitting overnight and would take several minutes to reach a normal idle. It would then start the rest of the day, sometimes after a "hard" start. The check engine light came on and the mechanic said the code read as a "cylinder misfire" code. 8 days ago the car would not start and is now sitting in my driveway. I called a Saab specialist about 2 hours away from me who knew exactly what the problem was. He explained the intake valve problem that a lot of Saab owners are experiencing due to defective materials used by GM and/or suppliers. He said the cost will be at least $2,200 but could easily be more depending on the severity. This is a known defect (a service bulletin has been issued detailing this issue) that should be subject to a recall. …
While driving the ignition switch turns to the off position suddenly. This happens when there are any vibrations in the car such as when I reach into and shut the center counsel, shut the glovebox, when anything even lightly grazes the key fob, when a balloon popped in my car and even when I sneeze in the car! When this happens the car completely looses power such as lights (interior and exterior), power steering, speed and basically all controls of the car are lost. The car ignition has moved to off at many speeds including 65 MPH on the freeway, 50 MPH, 35 MPH, 25 MPH and even while backing out of the driveway. This is extremely dangerous! I can't drive on the freeway because I am deathly scared my car will shut down when I hit a bump in the road. If that was to happen I would be dead in a second! …
During colder starts, the engine will take much longer than it should to start. Either it will try and crank until it does or it will crank and stall. Usually a few tries and it will clear up once the engine is warm. I think this might have to do with the intake valves being warn out prematurely. Many other Saab owners in the same few years and mileage are having this problem.
1. The events leading up to the failure. None 2. The failure, how often it occurs, and its consequences. Periodic uncommanded changes in throttle. Dealership test equipment shows evidence of data corruption on channel 1 of the two channel throttle position sensor (tps) occurring every couple of seconds. Driver perception of problem is in form of jerky throttle response at low throttle with one instance of sudden, uncommanded acceleration. The sudden throttle changes have resulted in traction loss on slippery roads severe enough that the vehicle departed the roadway. 3. What was done to correct the failure; I.e, parts repaired or replaced (and if old part is available) dealership replaced throttle body, wiring harness, and engine control module in an attempt to resolve tps data corruption problem and drivability problems, but was not successful in their pursuit. …
I purchased my 2006 Saab 9-3 aero sport sedan on March 10, 2006. By April 1, 2006, I was experiencing difficulty starting the vehicle, I.e. It would sputter, misfire, skip and idle at more than 1,770 RPM. Eventually the engine would even out and I would be able to pull out of the driveway. On the morning of May 1, 2006, the car continued this starting behavior, resulting in the "check engine" light coming on. I immediately drove the car to my Saab dealer. They kept it for 21 days and still did not fix it, even though the dealer replaced every fuel injector on the car. On May 29, 2006, I took it back to the dealer for resolution and was told on June 6, 2006, that there was a service bulletin coming out about the PCM, after they had kept if for week without even trying to fix it. Evidently, the PCM either needs to be replaced or reprogrammed.
In April 2011, when I started my car my engine light came on. I had very little power on acceleration until my car hit 2000 RPM. A diagnostic showed it was a throttle position sensor. First occurrence was six months ago, it has happened at least 20 times since. The car will act like this for 2 days then work normal again. I have to proceed with extreme caution pulling out in traffic. I also take off extremely slow from any full stops I make. It is hit or miss every time I start my car.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Saab 9-3. While driving at various speeds and changing gears, the plastic shift knob fell off into the contact's hand. The dealer advised him to file a complaint with NHTSA. The current mileage was 61,000 and failure mileage was 54,000. Updated 09/17/08. Updated 09/25/08.
Frequently asked questions
Which Saab 9-3 years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (32), 2008 (10), 2006 (7), 2002 (6) and 2004 (5) model years. Transmission complaints make up 15% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Saab 9-3 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles; 50% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (34 mentions), followed by the manual transmission (6).
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.