Saab Owners Are Sobbing

Saab complaints are mounting as angry owners are reporting a number of problems with their vehicles, ranging from electrical systems to engine and transmission failures. Is there something wrong at the car company “born from jets?”

Of course, all cars experience some glitches, but a number of Saab owners have complained to ConsumerAffairs.org about persistent problems with their Saabs. The full list of complaints includes faulty seat belts, transmissions, brakes, keys, timing belt, radio, onboard computers, heating, air conditioning, air bag lights, fuel pumps, oil leaks, engine service lights and OnStar equipment. Similar problems have been reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, including five complaints on the NHTSA’s site for the 2006 Saab 9-3, including a report of the knob holding the steering wheel in place falling off.

But do these reports indicate a general problem with Saab vehicles, or are they just isolated incidents? Unfortunately for Saab and its customers, the problems with the electrical systems, at least, appear to be widespread. Forbes listed the Saab 9-3 as one of the most unreliable luxury cars of 2006. The choice was based upon assessments by Consumer Reports and J.D. Power And Associates. Consumer Reports said that the 2005 Saab 9-3 had significant problems with its electrical system, including the starter, alternator, battery, horn, gauges, wiper motor, wiring and lights.

Recalls have been issued for the Saab 9-3 and Saab 9-5 for model years 2000-2003 for a number of problems, mostly electrical. According to the recalls, hundred of thousands of units could be affected.

What is happening to Saab, which was at one time was one of the auto industry’s most respected manufacturers? Many Saab fans point out the automaker’s total acquisition by General Motors in 2000. Oddly enough, just about all of the complaints are for model year 2000 and later. Beginning in 2007, Saab will offer vehicle warranty coverage for five years or up to 100,000 miles; it appears that people buying a new Saab may need the newly extended warranty.

So far, Saab has not issued a public statement regarding its build quality, though a spokesman objected to Forbes’ listing of the Saab 9-3 as one of the least reliable luxury cars of 2006, saying that internal data shows the vehicle is reliable. Stay tuned to BuyingAdvice for more information as it becomes available.

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