The car: 2008 SAAB 9-3 sedan, 2.0 turbo, base model with automatic trans, 20k miles.
The problem: when accelerating from stop at red light, the car is very sluggish to speed up despite the gas peddle is pressed very hard. At engine speed of 3000rpm, the car barely move to 15mph. Continue to press for 10 second, it suddenly speed up to 50mph and engine speed drop back to 1500rmp. When cruising at highway speed (75mph or so), the car feels moving in a pulsate fashion with a rhythm - as if one continuously presses and releases the gas peddle every 3 seconds. This problem occurred once at 12k miles but went away without action. Now it occurred again and repeats for three days. Thanks for any advice.
Take the dealer service rep or tech for a test drive and recreate the symptom. This is a warranty issue given age/mileage. Do this ASAP as Saab is a sinking ship and dealerships especially stand alones will disappear soon when the brand goes.
I agree with Andrew. Hopefully, the car’s Powertrain Warranty is still in effect, and this is something that should be covered under that warranty.
But, as Andrew pointed out, this is soon to be an orphaned car with no Saab dealers to provide service. Take it in to the dealership a.s.a.p.!