THE ABS SYSTEM WAS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY FOR THE FIRST 6 MONTHS THAT I OWNED THE CAR. THIS CAUSED THE REAR BRAKES TO BE PARTIALLY ENGAGED ALL THE TIME WHEN THE CAR WAS DRIVEN. IT WAS SO BAD THAT YOU COULD HEAR AND SMELL THE BRAKES SCRAPING. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS ALL RIGHT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. I TOOK THEM APPROX. 6 MONTHS TO GET THE CORRECT PARTS TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. ALL THE TIME THE BRAKES WE…
2006 Saab 9-3 brakes problems
severe 26 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450
Complaints
26
Recalls
0
Crashes
3
Avg fix
$450
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT HIS BRAKES FAILED SHORTLY AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE WHEN HE PLACED THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF HIS PARKING SPACE. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE BEFORE THE ENGINE HAS BEEN WARMED UP, THE BRAKES DO NOT WORK TO SLOW THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL FEELS ROCK HARD. TO STOP THE VEHICLE THE …
INTERMITTENT BRAKE FAILURE. MORE NOTICEABLE AT COLD STARTS PULLING OUT FORWARD OR BACKWARD. BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR WITH VERY LITTLE BRAKING POWER. VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND WE PARKED THE CAR AND CONTACTED THE DEALER. THEY HAVE NOW HAD THE CAR FOR 4 WEEKS AND ARE WAITING ON A PART FROM THE FACTORY. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION ON THIS CAR AND COULD VERY EASILY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT W…
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2006 Saab 9-3?
It's a meaningful issue. 26 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes 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 $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes 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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