Audi A7 C7 vs Saab 9-3: which is more reliable?
According to the MotorFiable Score, the Audi A7 C7 (6.5/10) has fewer serious documented faults than the Saab 9-3 (5.5/10), mainly because of the faults in the rest of the car (suspension, brakes, electronics…).
| Item | Audi A7 C7 | Saab 9-3 |
|---|---|---|
| Segment | Saloon | Saloon |
| Years | 2010–2017 | 2002–2014 |
| MotorFiable Score | 6.5 out of 10 | 5.5 out of 10 |
| Engine score | 5.6/10 | 5.2/10 |
| Most recommended engine | Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 · With caution | 1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD · With caution |
| Score for the rest of the car | 7.4/10 | 5.8/10 |
| Suspension | 8.6 out of 101 faultMedium severity | 6.9 out of 102 faultsHigh severity |
| Brakes | 8.4 out of 101 faultHigh severity | 7.2 out of 102 faultsCritical severity |
| Electrical system | 9.3 out of 101 faultLow severity | No documented faults |
| Electronics and infotainment | 9.6 out of 101 faultLow severity | No documented faults |
| Bodywork and interior | 8.5 out of 101 faultHigh severity | 8.3 out of 100 faults |
| Airbags and safety | No documented faults | 6.1 out of 102 faultsCritical severity |
Scores out of 10: the higher, the fewer serious documented faults. How we calculate them
Main faults of the Audi A7 C7
Outside the engine
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesOil in the brake servo from the vacuum hoses (2012 3.0 TDI)Audi recalled A7s built between March and December 2012 (3.0 TDI) because oil could reach the brake servo through the vacuum hoses, damage its diaphragm and reduce brake assistance.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionWear of axle parts and suspensionThe TÜV report shows minor defects in the A7 C7's axle suspension and brake hoses, and fiches-auto records four suspension or damper complaints among 46 accounts.
- High severityFrequency: RareBodywork and interiorFaulty locking pin on the retractable towbarAudi recalled A7s built between August 2015 and December 2018 fitted with a towbar that has a swivel mechanism, because the locking pin could break while driving and release the trailer.
In their engines
- High severityFrequency: Common3.0 TDI V6Failing water pump and cooling system leaksOn the 3.0 TDI the water pump can fail and, from 2010, overheat to the point of damaging the engine (the A6 C6 guide cites a service action). Owners also cite coolant leaks from hoses, the regulating valve and the cooler.
- Critical severityFrequency: Occasional3.0 TDI V6Camshaft breakage on the EA897 evo (CRT and CZV)On the EA897 evo engines from 2014 to early 2017 (mainly CRT, also CZV) the camshafts can break because of a material or design defect, according to the guides. Audi lists it in bulletin TPI 2043172 and the problem was considered under control from February 2017.
- High severityFrequency: Occasional3.0 TDI V6Timing chain stretch and tensioner wearOn the 3.0 TDI V6 the timing chain is at the gearbox end and its tensioner can lose tension: it rattles on a cold start and, if the chain stretches, the timing goes out and the engine is at risk. Replacing it means opening the engine and costs several thousand euros.
Main faults of the Saab 9-3
Outside the engine
- 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.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAirbags and safetyAirbag inflator with excess pressure in 2013–2014 NEVS-built Saab 9-3s (Safety Gate alert 17/2017)European alert 17/2017 (Safety Gate) covers 9-3s built between September 2013 and June 2014 because of an airbag inflator with excess pressure that could release metal fragments and injure occupants. The alert itself warns that it may not affect every car of that type.
- 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.
In their engines
- High severityFrequency: Common1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTDIntake 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.
- High severityFrequency: Occasional1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTDTurbocharger wear or failureThe turbo (fixed on the basic versions, variable geometry on the more powerful ones) fails occasionally: a documented Alfa Romeo 147 needed a new turbo at around 215,000 km, and the Opel Vectra C and Zafira B report failures among their owners, although other accounts describe it as very durable.
- Medium severityFrequency: Common1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTDEGR valve blocked by carbonYes: the EGR valve accumulates carbon with urban use and short journeys, which turns on the engine warning light and causes loss of power. It is one of this engine's most cited faults, documented independently on Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Opel.Repair (garage): €130–€800Appears at around 80,000 km