2002 Saab 9-3 problems
Outside the engine, 3 documented faults affect 2002 cars, such as brake servo valve with shorter life from heat and reduced braking effectiveness.
2002 Saab 9-3 score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 3 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- EngineNot analysed
- Gearbox10.0No documented faults
- Suspension7.41 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Brakes7.22 faults and ITV (technical inspection)
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering8.6Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.6 times the defects normal for its age
- Electrical system10.0No documented faults
- Headlights and lights7.7Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.9 times the defects normal for its age
- Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior8.3Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.7 times the defects normal for its age
- Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults
Faults outside the engine in the 2002 Saab 9-3
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesBrake servo valve with shorter life from heat and reduced braking effectivenessIn May 2006, 21,613 Saab 9-3s built between July 2002 and March 2005 were recalled because a brake servo valve could wear out sooner than expected due to heat in the engine bay, reducing braking effectiveness. The valve was checked and replaced if necessary.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionRear wheel hub bearing with incorrect heat treatment in the inner raceIn January 2006, 571 Saab 9-3s were recalled because the hardening treatment of the inner race of the rear wheel bearing may have been incorrect, which could cause a rolling noise and, in extreme cases, the hub to detach.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesHandbrake cables that deform under load and reduce holdingIn December 2007, 320 Saab 9-3s were recalled because, due to a manufacturing deviation, the handbrake cables could deform under load, giving reduced or no holding. The fix was to replace the cables.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Saab 9-3 reliable?
Outside the engine, 3 documented faults affect 2002 cars, such as brake servo valve with shorter life from heat and reduced braking effectiveness.
What is the best year for the Saab 9-3?
According to our score, the best are 2012 and 2011 (6.7/10). The year with the worst score is 2005 (5.6/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 2002 Saab 9-3 have?
The most important ones documented for 2002 cars are: brake servo valve with shorter life from heat and reduced braking effectiveness (brakes, critical severity), rear wheel hub bearing with incorrect heat treatment in the inner race (suspension, high severity) and handbrake cables that deform under load and reduce holding (brakes, high severity).
Own a 2002 Saab 9-3? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.