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 …
2006 Saab 9-3 engine problems
severe 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$3,100
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
MAJOR LEAKAGE FROM COOLANT EXPANSION TANK. SAAB DEALER REPORTED THE TANK HAD CRACKED AND REQUIRED REPLACING. TANK REPLACED. SERVICE MGR STATED THAT SAAB HAS AN ISSUE WITH THESE TANKS ON THE 2.8 V6 TURBO ENGINES. *TR
FOR THE SECOND TIME IN 24 HOURS THE COOLANT TANK HAS FAILED. THIS TIME IT REQUIRED THE CAR TO BE TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. TANK LEAKED ALL THE COOLANT FROM THE SYSTEM DUE TO TANK FAILURE. *TR
IN AUGUST 2007, WE HAD TO HAVE OUR 2006 SAAB 9-3 SPORTCOMBI TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AS THE COOLANT EXPANSION TANK RUPTURED WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY AND ALL THE COOLANT HAD LEAKED FROM THE ENGINE. THE COOLANT EXPANSION TANK WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. IN OCTOBER 2008, WE AGAIN EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE COOLANT EXPANSION TANK LEAKING AND AGAIN HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED AT A COST OF $389.32 PLUS…
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2006 Saab 9-3?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
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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