NHTSA — Parking Brake Problems

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
12,084 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 brakes problems

brakes problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2003 Saab 9-3:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2003 Saab 9-3 Owner Comments

problem #7

Aug 102005

9-3 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2003 Saab 9-3. when the parking brake was engaged, it remained stuck in position. It took the contact approximately ten minutes to return the parking brake to its normal position. On a separate occasion, the vehicle was serviced by aaa and they too were unable to move the brake out of position. The vehicle was towed to another service station to see if the parking brake could be moved. The dealer was notified, but could not assist with the repairs. The vehicle has not been repaired and the contact must apply masking tape over the parking brake so it can be used. The failure mileage was less than 12,000 and current mileage was 61,000. Updated 12/11/08 updated 12/11/08.

- Columbiana, OH, 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

Nov 062003

9-3 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
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

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

Jul 282003

9-3 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Since owning my 2003 9-3, the parking brake stuck and would not release ultimately having to be replaced. The rear bushings on the sway bar had to be replaced, multiple light bulbs. At about 20,000 miles the steering rack needed to be replaced, most recently the power sterring pump now needs to be replaced. The seat belt also let go and had to be replaced. I thought that all that could go wrong, had gone wrong until the power steering pump went. Now reading other owner comments I have no faith in this vehicle. This is my fourth Saab, my last I traded at over 180,000 miles with no problems.

- Hartland, VT, USA

problem #2

Apr 192003

9-3

  • Manual transmission
  • 3,500 miles
Parking brake failed -- car rolled while unoccupied -- rolled down slight hill and crashed into another car.

- Wayland, MA, USA

problem #1

May 032003

9-3

  • Manual transmission
  • 4,090 miles
Failure of emergency brake causing car to roll while unoccupied.

- Greensboro, NC, USA

Not what you are looking for?