11th Feb 2007, 23:05

As I write this, my '99 Saab 9-3 turbo is sitting in a cafe parking lot with a seized engine, waiting to be towed. I have owned this car for 11 months, and 5,000 miles. It now has 80,000 miles on it. It has had a head gasket leak prior to this, as well as numerous electrical issues. Of course, the previous owner stated that this car was in excellent condition, and needed to sell it for $ for a knee operation. I think he knew what was coming. I was so excited to own a Saab before this, but NEVER AGAIN.

22nd Feb 2007, 09:07

I don't have the sludge problem (god willing), but I am no stranger to expensive repair costs on my 99 9-3. But I have noticed that the dealerships will always tell you what has to be done to make the car perfect. Doesn't hurt that it's their wallet getting fatter, while yours is getting slim.

I finally got fed up when they quoted me over $1300 for a new ignition cassette and alternator, and took it to a reputable, independent, Saab mechanic. The guy is a miracle worker! The alternator issue was really just a bad wire ($50, instead of $650 in parts), and he also ruled out a lot of other, less critical, problems that Saab had mentioned. Having a good mechanic who won't gouge you on parts and labor is critical!

Also, regarding oil... the Saab dealerships in Minnesota recommend 50/50 synthetic, and I was told that the car can be driven around 7000 miles between oil changes. My thought is that they are probably not advising fully synthetic because even though they'd make more money upfront on oil changes, they'd make a killing on damaged engines and such later. And they are Saab-certified service! I don't trust any of them, and I will never take my car to a dealership again.

Hope things work out for all of you... I agree that if you delay and oil change, that should not spell doom for your engine. Especially when that engine is in what used to be known as a reliable make of car.

22nd Mar 2007, 01:15

OK, To all the people who missed one oil change. I have one thing to say that isn't that big of a deal. Here's why, oil never wears out. Its true and to the people pointing fingers well do some research. You change your oil for one reason the detergents and additives. now these things work much like dish soap they carry the metal particles away from places they could damage. The life of detergents and additives in regular motor oil is marginal, but the life of the detergents and additives in synthetic oil is out standing. Synthetic oils resistance to heat makes it a better choice for the turbo vehicles. It can also break down into smaller particles cleaning you engine better and keeping it cooler. I have to say changing you oil is cheap and easy, so why not do it. If you miss a service by a thousand miles or so big deal you car shouldn't break down on you.

27th Mar 2007, 15:19

ATTENTION FELLOW SAAB OWNERS!

I received a call today from a legal representative at http://coloradolawyers.com/. They are in the process of assembling a class action suit, and are very high profile attorneys with vast experience dealing with large corporations such as this.

They already have a large number of people that wish to participate in a class action suit, with stories very similar to those listed here.

If you contact them, they will be happy to add you to the list.

Call (303) 320-1911.

28th Mar 2007, 16:05

Would that include owners who purchased used?

5th Apr 2007, 10:28

I have a 2001 Saab 93 and when I had my oil changed in Dec. 2006 my check engine light was on. I asked the Saab Svc. tech to check it out and he said my rear brake pads needed replacing. They felt fine to me and took it to another mechanic and he said they were fine. I'm having my oil changed by this mechanic today and he just called me to tell me that there is some sludge in my oil, a vaseline like substance? I've never had this before. I get my oil changed every 3,000-5,000 miles. I'm just curious as I'm reading all the above problems associated with the dreaded "sludge" should I be worried? The mechanic is changing my oil now and said that it may be fr. not driving it a lot during the winter?

17th Apr 2007, 07:27

I am the writer of the April 5th comment. Got my car back after the oil change and brake check, mechanic said car was in good shape and to try and take it on a 50-75 mile trek every week or 2. Now my check engine light came back on. Last time it was on the Saab dealer said it was due too bad brake pads, which were fine by the way. I don't get it, my light comes on and I get it checked and then I'm told my car is fine???

17th Apr 2007, 14:40

After reading these posts I'm wondering if GM outsourced Saab to Microsoft. Seems you have to reboot the car every 10 miles.

20th Apr 2007, 20:35

I'm a Saab engine repairman in New Hampshire, USA.

I have numerous 1999 and newer Saabs with failed engines.

All appear to have had oil failure. Engine repair parts priced extremely high and most only available from Saab dealerships. These repairs eat up great gobs of labor.

There are engine dependability problems from the factory,obviously. This may well be the end for Saab as they will have to pay in the end, one way or another.

This will make used Saabs cheaper to buy. Used good engines for 4 cylinder turbo engines mostly gone now.

I'm offering a special on galled Saab Turbo pistons.

Good luck,

Troll Medic.

2nd May 2007, 19:46

Do your homework! If you research, only certain Saabs are usually affected by engine sludge. I have been driving my 1999 9-3 SE for several years now and NEVER had a problem. I change my oil every 3-5K miles using high quality oil, non-synthetic, and have put 117K on the car as well as I drive like a maniac, it's been a great car! There are certain models that Saab AB will replace the engine on if it goes out due to sludge, considering that it has been properly maintained. Also, take note that there are a lot of newer cars with this so called sludge problem, including certain models of Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Chevrolet etc. So before you run out to trade in your Saabs, do your homework. I was actually recently researching Lexus GS, and found out that the GS was one of the top cars that get sludge in the Toyota built V6 engine.