2004 Saab 9-3 problems
Outside the engine, 5 documented faults affect 2004 cars, such as brake servo valve with shorter life from heat and reduced braking effectiveness.
2004 Saab 9-3 score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 5 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- EngineNot analysed
- Gearbox10.0No documented faults
- Suspension6.92 faults 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 safety7.91 fault
What changes compared with the 2003 Saab 9-3
- Starts to be affected by: broken suspension springs (rest of the car)
Faults outside the engine in the 2004 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: 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: OccasionalSuspensionBroken suspension springsThe Dutch APK inspection (the annual roadworthiness test) records broken or cracked springs on the Saab 9-3 saloon, accounting for between 3% and 7% of the defects Autozine lists for cars from 2004 to 2010. The page does not say whether the front or rear axle is affected.
- 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 2004 Saab 9-3 reliable?
Outside the engine, 5 documented faults affect 2004 cars, such as brake servo valve with shorter life from heat and reduced braking effectiveness.
Is the 2004 Saab 9-3 better than the 2003?
Our score goes from 6.1 in 2003 to 6.1 in 2004. Starts to be affected by: broken suspension springs (rest of the car).
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 2004 Saab 9-3 have?
The most important ones documented for 2004 cars are: brake servo valve with shorter life from heat and reduced braking effectiveness (brakes, critical severity), front seatbelt retractors that fail to rewind the webbing (airbags and safety, high severity), broken suspension springs (suspension, 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 2004 Saab 9-3? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.