2003 Saab 9-3 problems
The 2003 Saab 9-3 was sold with a gearbox that we have documented: the Aisin AW55-50SN gearbox. The Aisin AW55-50SN gearbox has serious faults that affect the cars of that year. Outside the engine, 4 documented faults affect 2003 cars, such as brake servo valve with shorter life from heat and reduced braking effectiveness.
2003 Saab 9-3 score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 7 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- EngineNot analysed
- Gearbox5.93 faults
- Suspension7.41 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Brakes7.62 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 safety7.91 fault
What changes compared with the 2002 Saab 9-3
- Score: 6.6 → 5.8
- New engines or gearboxes: Aisin AW55-50SN
- Starts to be affected by: jerky gear changes and valve body failure (Aisin AW55-50SN gearbox), judder and engine braking from degraded gearbox oil (Aisin AW55-50SN gearbox), harsh 2nd to 3rd shift from the B4 servo cover (Aisin AW55-50SN gearbox) and front seatbelt retractors that fail to rewind the webbing (rest of the car)
Aisin AW55-50SN gearbox in the 2003 Saab 9-3
Names: Sentronic de 5 marchas
- With caution
Aisin AW55-50SN / AW55-51SN (5-speed automatic)
· AW55-50SN, AW55-51SN, AF33-5, SU1, FA57
Wikipedia notes that Volvo gearboxes failed in some cars before 80,000 km and that Volvo launched an improvement package, and a German guide lists it among the major weak points of the five-cylinder XC90. Check the oil history and test the gear changes.[1][3]
Faults that affect 2003 cars
- High severityFrequency: CommonTransmissionJerky gear changes and valve body failureIn Volvo versions this gearbox has produced sudden jerks on gear changes and valve body failure from around 100,000 km; Wikipedia even records failures before 80,000 km and an improvement package from Volvo. A German guide warns that the repair can be expensive.Appears at around 80,000 km
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalTransmissionJudder and engine braking from degraded gearbox oilWith the oil left unchanged, the five-speed automatic judders and engine-brakes: Volvo did not include the ATF change in its plan, and a car leasing website recommends it every 60,000 km. Wikipedia asks for a change every 80,000 km under demanding use.Repair (garage): €120–€350
- Medium severityFrequency: RareTransmissionHarsh 2nd to 3rd shift from the B4 servo coverA jolt when going from 2nd to 3rd can come from the B4 servo: a German guide reports that, on the XC90, replacing the B4 servo cover and flushing the gearbox largely eliminated the harsh shifts, and Sonnax explains how excessive B4 pressure produces that jolt.
Faults outside the engine in the 2003 Saab 9-3
- High 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: OccasionalAirbags and safetyFront seatbelt retractors that fail to rewind the webbingIn February 2005, 9,322 Saab 9-3s built between October 2003 and October 2004 were recalled because the front seatbelt retractors could fail, so webbing that had already been pulled out would not rewind. The fix was to replace the front seatbelts.
- 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.
Buying a 2003 Saab 9-3?
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Saab 9-3 reliable?
The 2003 Saab 9-3 was sold with a gearbox that we have documented: the Aisin AW55-50SN gearbox. The Aisin AW55-50SN gearbox has serious faults that affect the cars of that year. Outside the engine, 4 documented faults affect 2003 cars, such as brake servo valve with shorter life from heat and reduced braking effectiveness.
Is the 2003 Saab 9-3 better than the 2002?
Our score goes from 6.6 in 2002 to 5.8 in 2003. Starts to be affected by: jerky gear changes and valve body failure (Aisin AW55-50SN gearbox), judder and engine braking from degraded gearbox oil (Aisin AW55-50SN gearbox) and harsh 2nd to 3rd shift from the B4 servo cover (Aisin AW55-50SN gearbox). Aisin AW55-50SN arrive.
What is the best year for the Saab 9-3?
According to our score, the best is 2002 (6.6/10). The year with the worst score is 2003 (5.8/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 2003 Saab 9-3 have?
The most important ones documented for 2003 cars are: jerky gear changes and valve body failure (Aisin AW55-50SN gearbox, high severity), brake servo valve with shorter life from heat and reduced braking effectiveness (brakes, high severity), front seatbelt retractors that fail to rewind the webbing (airbags and safety, high 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 2003 Saab 9-3? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Aisin AF33 transmissionWikipedia · Encyclopedia · consulted 2 November 2026
- Saab 9-3 (segunda generación)Wikipedia · Encyclopedia · consulted 2 November 2026
- Volvo XC90 Typ C (2002-2014): ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Technical documentation · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German