Saab 9-3 Turbo oil/coolant Leak?

Asked by sirius93 Jul 14, 2009 at 05:33 PM about the 1999 Saab 9-3 4 Dr SE HO Turbo Hatchback

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Hi,

I recently purchased a 1999 9-3 SE Turbo, with 5speed.  The car runs great, but shortly after purchasing it, I noticed a slight oil leak which seemed (according to a local mechanic not familiar with Saabs) to be coming from the oil-cooler turbo unit down on the passenger's side.  Since it wasn't that bad, I've waited till now....when recently the coolant also seems to have developed a similar slow leak -and as far as I can see, from about the same place.  The car still runs great -no smoke/etc... My '91 900 turbo with 180,xxx miles has never had either of these problems. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

2 Answers
1,655

Jan answered 14 years ago

In worst case the top-gasket is starting to worn out, if its only a small leak it wont be noticabal on a daily run. If it developes to a worse stage you will notice it much more clearly. Or it can be the gasket at the turbo (oil) , that needs a changeing. Anyway I recommend you to deliver your car in to a SAAB garage :)

Mark helpful
10

freeaw answered 13 years ago

my 9-5 developed the same issue and the repair was made to correct this, what I found out shortly after was that it was in idicator of amuch larger issue with the turbo unit shaft and a faulty bearing assembly. You should have this checked out by the dealer ASAP as I was told that this is a known issue and can result in a turbo unti failure. this is an expensive repair.

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • Saab 9-3 Turbo oil/coolant Leak? 2 Answers

    Hi, I recently purchased a 1999 9-3 SE Turbo, with 5speed. The car runs great, but shortly after purchasing it, I noticed a slight oil leak which seemed (according to a local mechanic not familiar w...

    1999 Saab 9-3 4 Dr SE HO Turbo Hatchback

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • How can I fix Coolant leak on Saab 9-3 SE ( source unknown) ? 7 Answers

    Leaked coolant is found on the under side of the Oil Filter

    2000 Saab 9-3 SE

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Saab 2003 9-3 linear convertible 2.0 turbo doesn't start 3 Answers

    Hi saab lovers :) My friend's saab 2003 9-3 linear convertible 2.0 turbo doesnt start, put a new battery lights on and when turn on the key all i hear is a short small switch (knock) (i can also kee...

    2003 Saab 9-3 Linear

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • SAAB 9 3 CONERVITBLE 2 Answers

    HI MY SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE AUTO LINER, POWER STEERING HAS GONE STIFF, I,VE CHECKED POWER STEERING FLUID AND IT HAS GONE BLACK, ALSO THE POWER STEERING PUMP SEAL GONE, IS IT EASY TO FIX OR IS IT...

    2007 Saab 9-3 2.0T Convertible

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Saab 9-3 ac 1 Answer

    My 2006 Saab 9-3 AC stopped working. fuses are good .relay is good infact I bough 2 new ones if Ipull the big 20 Amp fuse it will sometimes kick on for a few minutes and if I use a jumper wire inste...

    2006 Saab 9-3 2.0T

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

9-3

Looking for a Used 9-3 in your area?

CarGurus has 204 nationwide 9-3 listings starting at $2,900.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1999 Saab 9-3

Write a car review

Review another car

Shortcuts

Search Saab 9-3 Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    jhardwood
    Reputation
    900
  • #2
    dontata
    Reputation
    800
  • #3
    Jan Fosen
    Reputation
    730
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Saab 9-5
3 Great Deals out of 51 listings starting at $4,699
Used Saab 900
12 listings
Used Ford Mustang
876 Great Deals out of 23,123 listings starting at $1,995
Used BMW 3 Series
1,112 Great Deals out of 13,087 listings starting at $1,500
Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class
730 Great Deals out of 10,084 listings starting at $895
Used Chevrolet Camaro
584 Great Deals out of 9,572 listings starting at $1,600
Used Audi A4
412 Great Deals out of 4,759 listings starting at $2,800
Used BMW M3
55 Great Deals out of 1,086 listings starting at $9,900
Used Acura TL
57 Great Deals out of 872 listings starting at $1,990
Used Honda Accord
1,466 Great Deals out of 29,736 listings starting at $1,075
Used Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
30 Great Deals out of 464 listings starting at $768
Used Volkswagen Golf
65 Great Deals out of 869 listings starting at $2,600

Used Cars for Sale

2011 Saab 9-3 For Sale
5 Great Deals out of 20 listings starting at $3,995
2010 Saab 9-3 For Sale
19 listings starting at $4,495
2009 Saab 9-3 For Sale
11 listings starting at $4,999
2008 Saab 9-3 For Sale
3 Great Deals out of 34 listings starting at $3,950
2007 Saab 9-3 For Sale
25 listings starting at $3,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.