1999 SAAB 9-3 SE from North America - Comments

ATTENTION FELLOW SAAB OWNERS!

I received a call today from a legal representative at http://www.irwin-boesen.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.

Would that include owners who purchased used?

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?

I purchased my dream car. a 2002 Saab 93 convertible, March of 2004, it had 13,000 miles on it. I was in love. It still had the 36 month service warranty, or 30,000 miles, but more than 29 months were gone when I purchased it. I am a widow and was not doing much work so I put little mileage on it. when I went at the proper time for service I was told the mileage was fine, but the time had ran out. They wanted $180.00 for an oil change and $600.00 for a tune up. So I went elsewhere for maintenance. At 35,000 miles I experenced the oil light and alarm going off, I pulled of the highway just as the engine quit, later to learn that the engine was gone due to sludge. The dealer confirmed it was sludge, but refused to give a written to myself or Saab without service records. My premise was I wanted to know what was wrong with my car period, and couldn't see what service records had to do with what was wrong with my car. I supplied the records to the dealer, who after 3 weeks still did not forward them to Saab, I sent copies to Saab who after 1 week that Saab said that they do nothing to correct the problem, even though I had the proper maintenance, because the maintenance was not done by Saab under the warranty and they also did not like the synthetic blend of oil, that I understand was used by their own mechanics until 1 and a half years ago. I also took my car in for the 3 recalls that were issued from 2004 to 2006 and at no time was I informed that there was a possible sludge problem nor did they change their maintenance instructions, even though they have been aware of this problem since or before 1999.

I paid cash for this vehicle, and have no other finances to replace the vehicle or engine. Something has to be done about Saab's lack of responsibillty or concern for their customers. If we can get a class action suit going, count me in, though it will not help me with my current problem, transportation.

I am the writer of the April 5th comment. Got my car back after the oil change and break 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???

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.

"There are no sludge monsters... only neglectful owners".

Give me a break.. those of you with non-problematic cars have simply been lucky. Please spare me the smug attitude. If you had picked up one of these lemons you'd be just as outraged as the rest of us.

I've just reached the end of my patience with a year long ordeal which began with major problems with my '99 Saab 9.5, ALL Saab representatives playing dumb about the whole sludge issue, a long ordeal of jumping through hoops including compiling the complete history of oil changes each 5k miles 0 just to find out from Saab/GM corporate that they are unwilling to take responsibility for producing a quality product.

Count me in for the class action - I can't wait!!!

All I wanted was a nice car. What I bought was an ordeal that has stressed me out and robbed my time!

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.

You say to do your homework, and that only certain models have issues... You do not, however, give anybody any assistance regarding WHAT we are supposed to be looking for if we are looking to buy a 9-3. A certain range of VIN numbers perhaps? A day of the week that might be better than another for a "built-on" date? Oh wait, I know, only buy one with the GRAY interior! Instead of looking down your nose at people with legitimate problems, you might consider giving us some useful information or advise.

Well, first of all I am not looking down my nose at anyone! As I stated before, there are SOME undeniable issues with Saabs, as well as with every other car on the road. When I suggest doing your homework, a little simple research on the web is very usefull as well as places like this, look up the info on your exact car, exact engine etc... Saab 9-3s made before 2000 do not usually have the sludge problem assuming it has regular oil changes. Even ones after that, if meticulously maintained shouldn't be an issue. Like I also said before, if a person can't afford to properly upkeep a higher end car, then don't buy one!And if you research engine sludge problems in general, you will find some model from almost every make of car on the list!Look inside your front driverside doorjam at the manufacture label to see when it was made as well as correspond your vin# with the identification codes in the technical data section of your owners manual, to see which engine you have, then research it. If it is the 185hp or 200hp engine for 1999, those are great engines and reliable in general. The common issues for 1999 Saab 9-3s are DI cassette, about $400 repair, Display pixels un readable on SID $300 replace SID unit, minor electrical issues. And of course regular wear parts, brakes, battery etc. should always be maintained.

I guess I am the latest addition, car was flickering oil light today. I bought it used last month and went to my mechanic, he said the car was in good shape and put in synthetic oil.

I took it today from NYC to Atlantic City for a meeting. Light went on and engine speed dropped. I stopped on the shoulder. Towed to station one. They did not know Saabs. Towed 90 miles to station two, closer to home, no help. But it started. I drove out of there, 2 miles later, oil light on, really bad rattle and another call to AAA, thank goodness for extended towing they took me to my mechanic. I assume engine is seized!!!

Mike in NY.

My 2002 Saab 9-3 did the same thing and now needs a new engine, the dealer offered me 200.00 for the car. Wow that explains how much the car is worth!If you are in the market for a Saab, Don't do it!Buy a Yugo, you will get better service with a lot of savings!

Bought 1998 93se soft turbo sedan, 2nd owner, full Saab service history, 57kms immaculate. Never had a Saab, just fell in love. Just after purchase car started to blow smoke on take off of cold morning start then does not happen again until next morning start. Performance of car is not notably compromised. Returned to Saab, alleged turbo problem, allegedly replaced and written receipt given. After regular interval service approx 67kms (7mths), smoking again on take off from cold start (now out of warranty). Stem valve seals replaced and thick sludge found in turbo inter cooler hoses and pipes making Saab head engineer suspicious that the turbo allegedly replaced was not replaced. With receipt Saab will not honour. Disappointed and pursuing further. The question I pose, is this symptomatic of a faulty turbo or could there be another cause? There has been much discussion about "pan" removal/replacement can I have more info. Thanks.

Possible turbo prob on 98 9-3 SE.

I have a 99 9-3SE, was having the same problem of black smoke comming out tailpipe in morning, with no noticeable lack of performance. I kept putting off taking it to the shop, then one day, I started up and it would barely run, and was smoking. So I finally went to the dealership, in about 20mins they told me it was the DI Cassette, I didn't even know what tht was, but went with it. They replaced it, and I was on the road again, running great!It cost me around $225.00 american dollars, which was 50% off (friend works at dealership), so full price about $450.00 parts & labor.I'm not sure if this will help, but good luck!

I just recently bought a Saab 1 month ago. 82,000k 1999 Saab 9-5 SE. The other day I came home and parked it. Came back out the next morning and the thing won't turn over. It cranked and sounded like it wanted to go. But no start. Took it to a local dealer (friend of the family) and he replaced DI cassette. The car no runs for 30 min and then quits. Anyone else have this problem and if so a little help is appreciated.

Brandon.