THE ENGINE ON MY 2005 SAAB 9-3 HAS FAILED TWO TIMES WITHIN THE FIRST 4900 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED IN JUNE OF 2005 AND THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS A THROTTLE BODY FAILURE. THE FAILURE RESULTS IN THE CAR ACCELERATING EXTREMELY SLOW WITHOUT ANY PRIOR NOTICE. THE SECOND FAILURE OCCURRED ON JULY 18, 2005 WHEN I WAS NEARLY HIT MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. THE SAME SYMPTOMS PRE…
2005 Saab 9-3 engine problems
moderate 4 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100
Complaints
4
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$3,100
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
LOSS OF POWER AT HIGHWAY SPEED 4 TIMES ON 5/17/2006, 4/17/2006. 04/7/2006/AND 4/03/2006. SERVICED EACH TIME BY SAAB DEALER WITH ASSISTANCE FROM NATIONAL TECHNICAL. PROBLEMS CONTINUED. MADE REQUEST FOR RE-PURCHASE UNDER LEMON LAWS OF ST OF WA. CAR RE-PURCHASED BY SAAB USA. *JB
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2005 Saab 9-3?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 4 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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