NHTSA — Exterior Lighting: Headlights Problems

2.9

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
49,286 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Saab 9-3 lights problems

lights problem

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2003 Saab 9-3 Owner Comments

problem #7

Jun 052014

9-3 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 184,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Saab 9-3. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 mph, the vehicle failed to accelerate and decelerated independently without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormal odor and smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact pulled over and discovered that oil was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 184,000....updated 01/07/16 the consumer stated the vehicle failed to accelerate when entering traffic from the driveway, it moves out of gear, and the vehicle had an electrical glitch that caused the headlights to go out often needing to be replaced.

- Queens, NY, USA

problem #6

Jun 012006

9-3 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 33,000 miles
: the caller stated, the ignition switch would not start the vehicle. When the vehicle was towed to the dealership, the battery was replaced. However, nothing was done about the rusted wiring to the ignition. The manufacturer was contacted by a letter. The emergency brake was locked and would not release, the horn did not work, the low head beam failed. The tires were defective, the alarm would sound without warning. Updated 07/25/06.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #5

Mar 112006

9-3 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,000 miles
I had my headlights changed at 65K because the beam was getting to low and it was hard to see at night. While the lights were getting changed the mechanic told me that the wires connecting the light to the car were melting. Three months later at 80K the driver side headlight low beam finally died. The sid says low beam failure, which is due to the melting of the wires.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #4

Jun 172005

9-3 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 32,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My Saab has had a litany of problems since I have owned the car. It all started with little items. Ignition wouldn't start the car. Head lights burnt out. Dash peeling, door handles discoloring, emergency brake getting stuck and being able to operate my car. Engine warning light because my gas cap wasn't on correct. Steering wheel locking while I was driving. Wheel lock light remaining on while I was driving. Brakes replaced due to factory retro fit. Seat belts being recalled. Computer constantly needing to be replaced so the car would function. Electronic key failing so I couldn't start my car. My car is a 5 speed and the shifter handle has an continues to come off in my hand. A minimum of 3 fuses needing to be replaced. The dash board goes blank at times showing no functions of the car. Window wouldn't go up or down and required the regulator to be replaced. Erractic idle. Service engine light comes on but, dealer doesn't know why. Brakes needed to be replaced at 30,000 miles and rotors too.

- Fresno, CA, USA

problem #3

Nov 152003

9-3

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
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

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problem #2

Dec 302003

9-3 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 17,000 miles
Twice while stopping at a stop light my car has stalled. It has stalled once while driving in traffic at about 35 mph. It has also gotten stuck in park twice afrter I start it. The sid says gear box malfunctioned. The lights burn out and the interior is falling apart. This car has 17,000 miles in it.

- Jackson, MS, USA

problem #1

Jul 042003

9-3

  • miles
Message of "headlight leveling malfunction, contact Saab dealer" came up on car computer. Taken to dealer immediately. Came up during the day so was unaware if there was a lighting system malfunction.

- Inglewood, CA, USA

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