2003 Saab 9-3 transmission problems
The 2003 Saab 9-3 has 32 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 10% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
32
Transmission complaints
10%
Share of year
1
Crash-involved
0
Related recalls
Transmission complaints by year
What owners report
“SUDDEN ACCELERATION. I HAVE A 2003 SAAB 9-3 ARC, BOUGHT ON 9/03, AROUND 13,000 MILES, YESTERDAY I WENT TO OFFICE AND STOPPED IN THE RIGHT POSITION TO PARK IN FRONT OF THE WALL, I STEPPED ON BRAKE, PUSH THE GEAR TO "P", ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE STARTED "HOWLING", AND ACCELERATED TO HIT THE WALL,…”
Common questions
How many transmission complaints does the 2003 Saab 9-3 have?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the 2003 Saab 9-3 transmission — 10% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.