NHTSA — Electrical System: Ignition: Module Problems

2.7

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
53,075 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.

2000 Saab 9-3 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2000 Saab 9-3 Owner Comments

problem #13

Jun 102009

9-3

  • 70,200 miles

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

The contact owns a 2000 Saab 9-3. in 2006, the contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 05V399000. The failure was not present at the time, but the ignition control module was replaced as a precautionary remedy. After the repair, the vehicle would hesitate and often stall. The dealer stated that the recall repair was performed; therefore, they would not assume any further liability. The contact continued to experience difficulty starting the vehicle. The vehicle has not been repaired correctly. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 70,200 and current mileage was 107,000.

- Montpelier, VT, USA

problem #12

Jul 192006

9-3 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,000 miles
: the contact stated parts for a recall were purchased at an aftermarket parts store. The NHTSA recall was # 05V399000 concerning the ignition module. While applying for reimbursement, the contact was denied reimbursement because proof of payment was not provided. The purchase was paid for with a credit card.

- Cambridge, OH, USA

problem #11

Sep 132005

9-3

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Consumer 2000 9-3 Saab engine light illuminated. ***** the consumer was told by the dealer that the ignition cassette needed to be replaced, however one month later the consumer received a recall notice in the mail regarding the same problem he had fixed the previous month.

- Rhinelander, WI, USA

problem #10

May 152006

9-3 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,026 miles

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

: the contact stated while driving 75mph on the freeway the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle restarted a couple of minutes later. The vehicle was towed to the residence were it remains. The vehicle has not been inspected by the dealership. A recall, # 05V399000 was performed on April 26, 2006 concerning the ignition module.

- Eagle, WI, USA

problem #9

Apr 282006

9-3 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,000 miles
: the contact stated the vehicle stalls sporadically before start up and while driving in traffic without warning at any speed. After sitting a while, the vehicle will restart. An NHTSA recall, #05V399000 was performed on the vehicle concerning, the electrical system: Ignition: Module however, the recall did not remedy the problem. The dealership would not offer a second repair without charge under the recall.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #8

Jul 112005

9-3 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 93,118 miles
Since purchasing my 2000 Saab 9-3 [xxx] in 2003, I have spent $9,000 in vehicle repairs which have subsequently become "recall notices" issued from Saab cars usa. The vehicle's engine failed fall 2004 - with subsequent repair coverage under a recall notice issued 5/17/05. The ignition discharge module failed in 7/05, with repairs subsequently covered through an idm recall notice issued 3/31/06. At the time of the idm failure in 7/05, the Saab dealership also diagnosed catalytic converter failure in the vehicle. Do the major mechanical issues that exist with this vehicle cause a cascade of events which have damaged the catalytic converter, now requiring replacement? information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Irvine, CA, USA

problem #7

Jun 242005

9-3 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 53,534 miles

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

I was driving down a busy street when my car stalled, and would not restart. There was no indication that anything was wrong prior to the car dying. Fortunately, I was able to coast off the road into a parking lot. The car was towed to the local Saab dealer. They replaced the di cassette and did a software upgrade. I was not injured, however, I am frightened to think what may have happened if I was driving 65 on a busy highway!

- Walworth, NY, USA

problem #6

Mar 232005

9-3 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 73,000 miles
Was driving down the gsp during the evening rush hour (5pm or so) in the left lane on the express side. Pickup truck approximately 4 ft off my rear bumper(NJ you know). Heavy rain. My 2000 Saab 9-3 viggen just shut off.no warning. No power to get to appropriate shoulder so I had to drive the car off the left hand side of the road into the mud. After being towed to dealer I got the car back the next day. Di cassette failure was the diagnosis.come to find out, this is a known problem with the Saab di cassettes. One day later, car back in shop for 4 days. Dealer needed to replace catalytic convertor due to no engine power. Catalytic convertor failure a direct result of di failure. I am reporting this because had this happened while I was getting on the highway it could have been a big problem. It happens to some little old lady, it's definitely a problem at speed. With the advanced on board diagnostics and information displays, there is no way this should happen.

- Toms River, NJ, USA

problem #5

Apr 182004

9-3 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 42,548 miles
I was casually driving with my daughter and the car suddenly shutoff in the middle of traffic. I tried to restart the vehicle; however, it did not restart. Fortunately, I had enough momentum to carry me towards the curb. But I had to cut across a lane to make it to the curb. When I spoke with the dealer the next day, they knew immediately what the problem was - failed ignition cassette. The dealer said this is a constant problem with Saab and there is no warning before failure. I find this odd considering the car has a service information display. Fortunately the car was still under warranty so it was repaired and returned by the dealer in 2 days. But at 42,000 miles, I find it scary as I have no idea when the next time it will fail - in another 40,000? had this been a time when I was on the expressway, which I frequently travel, this sudden shut-down could have caused fatal consequences for myself, my family, and/or surrounding motorists.

- Euclid, OH, USA

problem #4

Aug 312004

9-3

  • 26,000 miles
While driving 45 mph, the vehicle stalled. The consumer had the vehicle towed.

- Garden City, NY, USA

problem #3

Aug 052004

9-3

  • Manual transmission
  • 35,143 miles

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

Di cassette failure I was driving in the I80 during rush hour (5:30 pm near san francisco-richmond) at about 50 miles per hour when the engine died on me. I had to cut across 3 lanes of traffic with a dead engine to get to the side. I am surprised that I could even do this given the volume of traffic. It could have been very nasty since I was just coming around a corner when it occurred. I had to have the car towed to a Saab dealer. Apparently the di cassette has failed and it needs to be replaced plus spark plugs ($725) and possibly the catalytic converter ($1,100). According to the dealer there is absolutely no warnings given on this nor would it be detectable in a normal service. Doing some research it appears that this is a common failure with Saab's around the world. Very interestingly most comments describe circumstances similar to mine where the engine dies while traveling on a highway at highway speeds. This has to be very dangerous for the occupants and other users of the highways. This is a major safety issue that should be corrected immediately. Options would be a full recall or a proper warning system that allows the part to be replaced before catastrophe.

- Carmichael, CA, USA

problem #2

Oct 042003

9-3 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 45,000 miles
Failed direct ignition cassette leaves motorist stranded. There have been complaints that the engine will stop with no warning - even at high speeds of travel.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

problem #1

Aug 152003

9-3 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 26,400 miles
My 2000 Saab 9-3 stalled while driving on the highway...the dealer repaced the direct ignition module and car was okay.

- Newton, MA, USA

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