1. Home
  2. Saab
  3. 9-3
  4. 2003
  5. Excessive Exhaust Noise From Flex Pipe Failure

2003 Saab 9-3 Excessive Exhaust Noise From Flex Pipe Failure

The exhaust flex pipe can fail causing excessive exhaust noise from the front/center area of the vehicle. The flex pipe is a flexible joint in the exhaust that allows for engine movement.

Affected Model Years

This issue affects Saab 9-3 model years 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, .

34 people reported this problem

  • 2003 0 Miles
    hole in flex pipe . missing clamp also
  • 2003 100,000 Miles
    I had to replace mine this year. Ugh
  • 2003 143,000 Miles
    93.00 replacement part from saabsite. 48.00 to install.
  • 2003 148,000 Miles
    Flex pipe completely apart from lower exhaust. Wire mesh is almost completely gone with a few visible holes. I tried cutting the flex pipe to get to a good ring on the coils and sealing it with some "exhaust repair" stuff and it didn't work because it FLEXES. Major pain in the behind. Still not fixed. Just looking into getting the darn thing replaced. ITS BETTER TO GET IT REPLACED THAN TO TRY AND DO THE LITTLE THINGS TO MAKE IT GO AWAY! #SAABProblems
  • 2003 186,326 Miles
    RockAuto online $ 68.79 1999 Saab 9-3 SE Convertible Direct fit replacement
  • 2003 94,000 Miles
    Mesh cover on flex pipe all but rusted completely away leaving just the coiled tubing showing, allowing visible exhaust to escape from the area.
  • 2003 111,000 Miles
    flex section leaking and causing excessive noise. Likely going to replace that section of pipe. was hoping to find a lower cost, faster solution... no luck yet.
  • 2003 130,000 Miles
    excessive noise even after replacing the muffler, replaced flex pipe 1 year later, quieter.
  • 2003 51,000 Miles
    Flex pipe rusted. Excessive noise ebb idle and acceleration.

Saab 9-3 2003 Common Problems