2003 Saab 9-3 customer states that the front end of the car just dropped off after having the car inspected the front coil spring was found to be broken* the consumer was told the passenger side coil spring was also in the process of failing. The consumer was informed that the failure was caused by rust that had formed inside a rubber boot that was used at the base of the spring to dampen noise. Water was able to get inside the boots and remain, which caused rust to form and eventually compromised the integrity of the spring. The front pads and rotors were replaced. The consumer was informed that the new springs did have the rubber boots that the original springs had.

- Mount Airy, MD, USA

2003 9-3 linear. Requesting follow up status on memo, dated 3-26-06. The vehicle engine would not shut off although the key was removed from the ignition. The vehicle had several brake problems. The vehicle hesitated slightly when moving. When braking the vehicle would jerk and skid. The brakes grabbed which caused the vehicle to stop quickly. The alarm was very sensitive. Everytime a bus or truck passed the vehicle with the alarm engaged it would sound. The dealer said there was not way to adjust the sensitivity of the alarm. The windows were off track. The steering wheel seized when the consumer was driving on the highway. *****

- San Francisco, CA, USA

The brake pedal on my '03 Saab 9-3 sports sedan sinks to the floor when constant moderate pressure is applied. The Saab dealer assures me that all cars of this type do this. I believe strongly that it is a serious safety defect.

- Arvada, CO, USA

2003 Saab 9-3 brakes does not stop vehicle when depressed. The consumer experienced extended stopping distance while braking. The brakes were tested but the technician indicated that the brakes were fine. The consumer also experienced problem with the transmission that caused the vehicle to lurch forward while stopped. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but they were unable to find anything wrong.

- Bayonne, NJ, USA

Brake pads & rotors, seat belt, battery replacement, tire, transmission, sunroof malfunction.

- Seattle, WA, USA

The lease on this vehicle began on October 6, 2003. It has had multiple electrical issues starting less than 30 days after delivery. Most recently, September 11, 2005. I have been stranded three times and had to have the car towed twice. Each time the onstar did not work because of electrical malfunctions. We no longer have any confidence in this vehicle and if we owned it we would sell it. Problems include but are not limited to: * cd player stopped working and was replaced within first 30 days of lease. * brakes replaced within first 60 days of lease. * onstar computer replaced within first 60 days of lease. * vehicle computer updated within first year of lease. This left me stranded and almost required a tow due to inoperative transmission but, the vehicle eventually shifted into limp mode before the tow truck arrived allowing us to drive it to the dealership. * vehicle computer updated again within first year of lease. * onstar computer repaired again within first year of lease. * door handles faded and replaced within second year * parking break stuck and vehicle required a tow within second year of lease. * engine immobilizer malfunction requiring another tow of the vehicle within second year of lease. We were told that the battery abruptly died. * trip computer must be reset after gas is added in order to show correct distance to empty. * miles between oil changes seem incorrect. We are at 27000 miles and have only had one oil change. The dealership continues to tell us to wait until the computer requests the service.

- Beavercreek, OH, USA

Headlights was too low which caused difficulty in driving at night. There was noise in the rear while backing and turning (the dealer could not find the problem), the onstar feature would not work and was intermittent, the seat belt light had come on and would go off intermittently (unable to duplicate), need service soon light would come on (unable to be duplicated), the squeal in the rear, could have also been linked to salt and sand in the rotors, the trunk would not stay open, the head lights were found to be out of adjustment, and the pads had rust on them.

- Galax, VA, USA