Saab Engine Failure Information

From 2005 to 2007, certain design defects in the Saab 9-5 and 9-3  caused oil sludge related engine failure required the manufacturer to offer extended warranties addressing the problem.  Oil thickening and backing up causing the engine to overheat and seize.  Awareness of the problem can save you the expense and time of a new engine.

• Affected models.
  
  
  
  • o Saab 9-5 four cylinder model years from 1999-2003.
  
  
  • o Saab 9-3 four cylinder models released 2000-2002.
  
  
  • o Saab 9-3 convertible models released 2000-2003.
  
  
  • o Saab 9-3 Viggins released 1999-2002.
  
  
  
  


• Saab's response.
  
  
  
  • o All the above models and model years were susceptible to the problem. 
  
  
  • o Full apologies were issued to customers who purchased the above vehicles.
  
  
  • o Manufacturer warranty was extended from five to eight years.
  
  
  • o Mileage limitation was lifted to unlimited mileage on affected models.
  
  
  • o Owners of the affected cars are encouraged to adhere to strict maintenance scheduled oil changes to prevent oil sludge build-up in the engine thus extending engine life.
  
  
  • o Some experts extend the problems to all Saabs built after 1994.
  
  
  • o In 2006, Saab released TSBs 210-2417 and 210-2418 PCV modifications to alleviate the problem.
  
  
  • o According to Saab, meticulous oil changes using synthetic oil with MANN filters are critical to preventing sludge build-up. Cost to replace an engine costs from $3,200 to $7,200.
  
  
  • o The affected vehicles came with the B205 and B235 engines and early PCV design.  The 2007 and later models were upgraded in PCV design minimizing sludge buildup.
  
  
  • o Sludge buildup reduces oil pressure by blocking oil passageways thus restricting lubrication of the engine.