2011 Saab 9-3 problems
The 2011 Saab 9-3 was sold with an engine that we have documented: the 1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD. The 1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD has serious faults that affect the cars of that year. Outside the engine, 2 documented faults affect 2011 cars, such as rear wheel hub bearing with incorrect heat treatment in the inner race.
2011 Saab 9-3 score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 4 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine6.42 faults
- Gearbox10.0No documented faults
- Suspension7.41 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Brakes8.11 fault 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
What changes compared with the 2010 Saab 9-3
- Score: 5.9 → 6.7
- No longer affected by: turbocharger wear or failure (1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD), eGR valve blocked by carbon (1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD), particulate filter (DPF) clogging in urban use (1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD) and dual-mass flywheel wear on manual gearbox versions (1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD) and 1 more
1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD engine in the 2011 Saab 9-3
Names: 1.9 TiD 120 · 1.9 TiD 150 · 1.9 TTiD 180
- With caution
1.9 JTD/Multijet 8v (78-130 hp, 1997-2010)
78–130 hp · Z19DT
A mechanically long-lived engine according to the workshops consulted, but with known faults that should be checked: the EGR valve clogs easily in urban use and, on the Opel and Saab versions, the intake manifold flaps and the turbo can give trouble. Worth buying with a verifiable maintenance history.[2][3][4]
- With caution
1.9 JTD/Multijet 16v (140-190 hp, 2002-2010)
140–190 hp · Z19DTH
It shares the 8-valve version's EGR valve weakness and, on the Opel and Saab engines, the intake flaps, described as typical of this engine in the Opel Zafira B. With more power and, on many cars, a standard particulate filter, turbo wear and DPF clogging in urban use are added. Worth considering with a maintenance history and by checking these points.[5][6]
Faults that affect 2011 cars
- High severityFrequency: CommonIntakeIntake manifold flap failure (swirl effect)Yes: the intake manifold has flaps that create a swirl in the air at low revs, and their mechanism can seize or break with use. Two independent data sheets point to this fault as typical of Opel's 1.9 CDTI, with loss of power and the engine warning light on.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalIntakeFaulty air flow meter on the 1.9 JTD / Multijet (loss of power)On the 1.9 JTD and 1.9 CDTI the air flow meter repeatedly appears among ancillary faults: loss of power. It is fixed by replacing the sensor after ruling out air leaks and the EGR.Repair (garage): €100–€300
Faults outside the engine in the 2011 Saab 9-3
- 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 2011 Saab 9-3?
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Saab 9-3 reliable?
The 2011 Saab 9-3 was sold with an engine that we have documented: the 1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD. The 1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD has serious faults that affect the cars of that year. Outside the engine, 2 documented faults affect 2011 cars, such as rear wheel hub bearing with incorrect heat treatment in the inner race.
Is the 2011 Saab 9-3 better than the 2010?
Our score goes from 5.9 in 2010 to 6.7 in 2011. No longer affected by: turbocharger wear or failure (1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD), eGR valve blocked by carbon (1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD) and particulate filter (DPF) clogging in urban use (1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD).
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 2011 Saab 9-3 have?
The most important ones documented for 2011 cars are: intake manifold flap failure (swirl effect) (1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD, high severity), rear wheel hub bearing with incorrect heat treatment in the inner race (suspension, high severity), handbrake cables that deform under load and reduce holding (brakes, high severity) and faulty air flow meter on the 1.9 JTD / Multijet (loss of power) (1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD, low severity).
Own a 2011 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.
- Saab 9-3Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
- Alfa Romeo 156 : les plus et les moinsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Alfa Romeo 147 : les plus et les moinsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Opel Vectra C (2002-2008) – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- Opel Zafira B (2005-2014) – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- Alfa Romeo 159 : les plus et les moinsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French