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As someone has pointed out already, a search of this site (and that other Saab site) will show dozens of similar complaints about stalling in the new 9-3SS. Dealer responses to this vary from "we plugged in the computer and it said nothing was wrong" to "this software update should fix it". Reported responses from Saab have been more along the lines of "we're not aware of any problems".
Personally, I think that such reports get brushed under the carpet by both dealers and manufacturers - this is true of all brands. The dealer's goal is to fix your problem (or give you the impression that its fixed) and get you out the door as quickly as possible. They want to keep their tech's busy with revenue producing work and your stalling complaint isn't that. I'm not saying they don't want to help, just that they want to minimize the amount of effort involved in doing so.
The manufacturer's goal is to keep problems small and keep their costs down. Admiting there is a trend is just increasing their costs. They will do everything thing they can to characterize what few reports they see as "isolated incidents." Of course, it goes without saying that unofficial internet boards are the last place the manufacturer will go looking for incident reports.
So, we have dozens or hundreds of customers experiencing a problem. A portion of them will take their car to a dealer who will either "find nothing wrong" or try something that is rumored to work. Only a small portion of those dealers will report the issue to Saab and an even smaller number of customers will write a letter to Saab. A few will post here and wonder why Saab isn't doing anything.
The rest of this applies only to the US, but I'm sure other countries have similar processes....
If you go to the web site of the one agency that actually has the power to make manufacturers deal with such problems (the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) you find something alarming - at least if you believe the dozens of reports of stalling posted in this board alone. You'll find 7 complaints about the 2003 9-3SS - and only 2 of them mention the stalling issue.
I don't doubt for a moment that each and every stalling incident reported here actually happened. This is something that a modern engine, correctly fueled and appropriately tuned (which should not be an issue on a low mileage car) just plain should not do. So, my question is this... why haven't more of these incidents been reported to the NHTSA? Why are you people making so much noise on these boards (where it does nothing to make Saab address the problem) and so little noise where it might count?
No, I don't believe for a moment that a single incident report is going to raise a red flag. But, the near total absence of incident reports is a sure fire way to make sure nothing gets done. Be squeaky wheels. This is a safety issue and someone may end up in an accident or worse because of it.
And no, I have not filed a complaint myself - this hasn't happend to my vehicle (where is that large chunk of wood). I would, however, much rather get a recall letter than have my engine cut out on the highway in the far left lane.
posted by 139.76.12...
, Thu, 1 May 2003 13:03:37
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