1999 SAAB 9-3

3 recalls — 80 complaints

99V362000 Dec 29, 1999
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE RESERVOIR LABEL WAS OMITTED. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS."
Consequence
WITHOUT THIS LABEL, SOMEONE MAY USE THE INCORRECT SPECIFICATION BRAKE FLUID, GET DIRT INTO THE RESERVOIR, OR ALLOW MOISTURE INTO THE BRAKE FLUID, RESULTING IN LESS EFFECTIVE BRAKING AND POSSIBLY A CRASH.
Remedy
OWNERS WILL BE MAILED LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.
424 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.
99V246000 Sep 13, 1999
SEATS
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSSENGER VEHICLES. FAILURES OF THE "EASY ENTRY" CABLE IN THE FRONT DRIVER OR PASSENGER MANUAL SEATS CAN CAUSE THE SEAT FORE/AFT ADJUSTABLE MECHANISM TO BE UNLOCKED.
Consequence
SINCE THE ANCHOR POINTS FOR THE LAP PORTION OF THE FRONT SAFETY BELTS ARE ATTACHED TO THE SEAT ASSEMBLY, RELEASE OF THE FORE/AFT LOCKING MECHANISM REDUCES THE RESTRAINT CAPABILITY OF THE SAFETY BELTS IN A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW CABLE AND SPRING ASSEMBLY.
5,132 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.
98V139000 Jun 23, 1998
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAG ALERT LABEL ON THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR WAS OMITTED. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
Consequence
THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT MAY NOT PROPERLY UNDERSTAND THE OPERATION OF THE AIR BAG SYSTEM AND THE NEED TO USE SEAT BELTS.
Remedy
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ALERT LABEL TO BE INSTALLED ON THE VISIBLE SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SUN VISOR. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, THEIR DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM.
39,313 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.

Complaint Statistics

80 total complaints 8 crashes 14 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
AIR BAGS10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE10
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
SUSPENSION4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING4
TIRES3
WHEELS:RIM3
SEAT BELTS3
AIR BAGS Feb 28, 2021
Incident date: Feb 28, 2021
TODAY, SHORTLY AFTER STARTING THE CAR, AN AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE CAR WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AND NOT IN MOTION, AND THERE WAS NO IMPACT. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED FROM THE OUTBOARD SIDE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT. I WAS SEATED IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS UNOCCUPIED AND ITS SEAT BELT WAS UNF... Read more
1 injured
AIR BAGS Jul 19, 2018
Incident date: Jul 15, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SAAB 9-3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG ERRONEOUSLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NOT CRASHED OR DRIVEN OVER A ROAD BUMP WHEN THE DEPLOYMENT OCCURRED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED AN INJURED RIGHT ARM,... Read more
1 injured
AIR BAGS Jun 29, 2018
Incident date: Jun 28, 2018
JUST AS I PARKED MY CAR, MY SIDE AIR BAG ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF MY CAR DEPLOYED/EXPLODED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE LEFT SIDE OF MY FACE/LEFT EAR AND NECK WERE INJURED.
1 injured
AIR BAGS Sep 9, 2017
Incident date: Jun 10, 2017
WHILE PARKED, I PUT MY KEY IN THE IGNITION AND STARTED THE CAR. MY PASSENGER SIDE SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG DEPLOYED/EXPLODED UPON ENGINE STARTING. I SUFFERED A CONCUSSION, TINNITUS, AND INNER EAR DAMAGE FROM THE AIRBAG EXPLODING. TOOK CAR TO A GM DEALERSHIP WITH A SAAB TECHNICIAN TO HAVE CAR DIAGNOSED TO... Read more
1 injured
AIR BAGS Jun 1, 2017
Incident date: Jun 1, 2017
CAR WAS SITTING IDLING AT KERBSIDE WHILE DROPPING MY KIDS OFF AT SCHOOL. THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WAS OPEN. I WAS TALKING TO MY CHILD WHO WAS JUST OUTSIDE THE DOOR. PASSENGER SEAT SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED BY ITSELF WITH NO IMPACTS PREVIOUS IMPACTS OR ANY MOVEMENT OTHER THAN ONE MINUTE PREVIOUS THE SEAT ... Read more
SEAT BELTS Nov 21, 2014
Incident date: Jul 23, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SAAB 9-3. WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AT 5 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FRACTURED AS A RESULT OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BURNS ON THE LEFT ARM, BUT DID NOT SE... Read more
1 injured
AIR BAGS Nov 21, 2014
Incident date: Jul 23, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SAAB 9-3. WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AT 5 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FRACTURED AS A RESULT OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BURNS ON THE LEFT ARM, BUT DID NOT SE... Read more
1 injured
SEAT BELTS Jul 15, 2014
Incident date: Jul 7, 2014
DRIVERS SEAT BELT STUCK IN RETRACTED POSITION. UNABLE TO USE STUCK BELT. AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AS A RESULT OF THIS. NO SEATBELT OR AIRBAG. THIS IS A CONVERTIBLE NOT COVERED IN THE CURRENT RECALL BUT HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
SEAT BELTS Jun 30, 2014
Incident date: Jun 23, 2014
THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTOR LOCKED AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. SINCE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITHOUT SEAT BELTS IS DANGEROUS, THE VEHICLE IS UNUSABLE. *TR
AIR BAGS Sep 29, 2013
Incident date: Sep 29, 2013
GOT INTO MY CAR, TURNED ON THE IGNITION AND THEN THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD. THE CAR WAS PARKED, THE AIRBAG JUST WENT OFF FOR NO REASON. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Jan 17, 2012
Incident date: Aug 15, 2007
PREMATURE DIC FAILURE. CONSISTANTLY BURNS OUT SPARK PLUGS. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Oct 2, 2009
Incident date: Sep 30, 2009
FOR MY 1999 SAAB 9-3, BASE ENGINE, I REPLACED THE DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE, AT 128,800 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THE PART ALONE WAS $488 AND THE TOTAL INSTALLATION COST AND PARTS (INCLUDING A HOSE AND FOUR SPARK PLUGS) WAS $760. MODEL YEARS 2000 THROUGH 2002 WERE RECALLED FOR THIS PART. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 2, 2009
Incident date: Dec 31, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SAAB 9-3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH IN THE SNOW, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG SUDDENLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT AN IMPACT OR CRASH OCCURRING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. LATER THAT DAY, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. HER MECHANIC STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WOULD NOT FUNCTI... Read more
AIR BAGS Mar 2, 2009
Incident date: Dec 31, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SAAB 9-3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH IN THE SNOW, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG SUDDENLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT AN IMPACT OR CRASH OCCURRING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. LATER THAT DAY, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. HER MECHANIC STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WOULD NOT FUNCTI... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION May 1, 2008
Incident date: Feb 2, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START HIS VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE VEHICLE CRANKED, BUT HE RECEIVED NO SPARK. HE ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE THE FUEL PUMP, WHICH DID NOT REPAIR THE FAILURE. HE ALSO REMOVED THE SPARK PLUG WIRES AND NOTICED THAT VARIOUS PARTS WERE C... Read more
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER Oct 17, 2007
Incident date: Oct 13, 2007
ENABLED DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATER FOR FIRST TIME SINCE LAST WINTER/SPRING. WHILE DRIVING, LEFT SIDE OF MY LOWER BODY STARTED BURNING, AND I SMELLED SMOKE. PARKED CAR. DIME SIZED HOLE WITH SMOLDERING EDGES WAS PRESENT ON MY DRIVERS SEAT. UPON TOUCHING IT, MY FINGER TIP WAS BURNED. IMMEDIATELY DI... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Feb 11, 2007
Incident date: Feb 10, 2007
I HAVE A 1999 SAAB 9-3 WITH MANUAL CLIMATE CONTROL. THE BLOWER SWITCH WAS ERRATIC FOR A FEW WEEKS (ON/OFF POSITION SHIFTED) BUT LAST NIGHT DURING A SHORT JOURNEY THE BLOWER WOULD NOT TURN OFF AND A BAD ODOR BECAME PRESENT IN THE CABIN. THIS MORNING I INVESTIGATED AND FOUND THAT THE BLOWER SWITCH A... Read more
SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY Jan 24, 2007
Incident date: Dec 21, 2006
THE DRIVER OF THE 1999 SAAB 9-3 WAS DRIVING IN THE LEFT LANE ON MA RTE. 128 SOUTH. HER SON WAS IN A CHILD CARSEAT TIGHTLY BELTED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE PASSENGER SEAT, THE SEAT DIRECTLY BEHIND THE DRIVER. THE SWITCH ON THE BELT BUCKLE WAS SET TO THE "CHILD SEAT" SETTING. THE DRIVER SIGNALED AND BE... Read more
Crash 1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Jan 24, 2007
Incident date: Dec 21, 2006
THE DRIVER OF THE 1999 SAAB 9-3 WAS DRIVING IN THE LEFT LANE ON MA RTE. 128 SOUTH. HER SON WAS IN A CHILD CARSEAT TIGHTLY BELTED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE PASSENGER SEAT, THE SEAT DIRECTLY BEHIND THE DRIVER. THE SWITCH ON THE BELT BUCKLE WAS SET TO THE "CHILD SEAT" SETTING. THE DRIVER SIGNALED AND BE... Read more
Crash 1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Dec 13, 2006
Incident date: Dec 6, 2006
ON THE MORNING OF DECEMBER 6, 2006, MY 1999 SAAB 9-3 WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY OF MY HOUSE WHEN I STARTED THE CAR TO WARM IT UP TO TAKE MY FIVE YEAR OLD TO SCHOOL. MY 5 YEAR OLD SAT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AS THE CAR WAS WARMING UP. WITHOUT NOTICE OR PROVOCATION THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG ... Read more
1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Nov 17, 2006
Incident date: Aug 25, 2006
THE KNOBS FOR THE HEAT, AIR, AND WHERE THE HEAT AND AIR GOES BREAKS OFF! I HAVE REPLACED EACH ONE ONCE, AND THE COST WAS 135.00. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Sep 15, 2006
Incident date: Jun 27, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING 45-50 MPH ON A SNOW COVERED HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THE RECOGNITION CASSETTE MODULE FAILED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER Sep 15, 2006
Incident date: Jun 27, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING 45-50 MPH ON A SNOW COVERED HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THE RECOGNITION CASSETTE MODULE FAILED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE Sep 15, 2006
Incident date: Sep 11, 2006
WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES, MY 1999 SAAB 9-3 EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER AND THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING. THERE WAS NO WARNING OF A PROBEM UNTIL A SINGLE "CLUNKING NOISE" WAS DETECTED AND THEN THERE WAS NO POWER IN 5TH OR 4TH GEAR. BY THE TIME I DOWNSHIFTED TO 3RD GEAR, T... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Sep 15, 2006
Incident date: Jun 27, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING 45-50 MPH ON A SNOW COVERED HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THE RECOGNITION CASSETTE MODULE FAILED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE Aug 18, 2006
Incident date: Aug 18, 2006
DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE FAILED ON MY 1999 SAAB 9-3. A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR 2000-2002 SAAB 9-3 AND I FEEL THIS RECALL SHOULD INCLUDE THE '99 MODEL AS WELL BECAUSE THIS PART HAS A LESS THAN REASONABLE LIFE. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE Aug 4, 2006
Incident date: Jul 5, 2006
THE DIRECT IGNITION FAILED ON MY 1999 SAAB 93. IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT CAME ON WHICH ALERTED US TO THE PROBLEM. MY AUTHORIZED SAAB MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS THE WISEST COURSE TO REPLACE THIS FAULTY PART BEFORE IT FAILED COMPLETELY. THE COST TO D... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE May 24, 2006
Incident date: Apr 14, 2006
1999 SAAB 9-3 IGNITION CASSETTE FAILURE. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE Mar 28, 2006
Incident date: Mar 28, 2006
I BELIEVE MY 1999 SAAB 9-3 SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN RECENT SAAB IGNITION MODULE RECALLS, MY IGNITION MODULE IS NO DIFFERENT THAN THE 2000 MODELS, THE RECENT FAILURE OF THIS PART INVOLVES SAFETY FACTORS SAME AS THE 2000 MODELS, REPLACEMENT COST IS OVER 400.00 AND SHOULD BE REIMBURSED. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE Feb 22, 2006
Incident date: Feb 19, 2006
DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE (IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE) FAILED. ENGINE WOULD NOT START AFTER BEING TURNED OFF. CAR WAS TOWED, EVALUATED, AND THE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE WAS REPLACED. THE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE THAT FAILED WAS IDENTICAL TO THE IDM THAT IS CURRENTLY UNDER RECALL FOR 2000-2002 MOD... Read more
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Jan 29, 2006
Incident date: Jan 26, 2006
ON THURSDAY JAN 26 2006 AT APROX 12 PM I PARKED PUT CAR IN A PARKING LOT AND WENT INTO THE BANK IN CANTON, GEORGA. ON RETURNING I GOT INTO CAR, PUT THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION ,AND AS I TURNED THE KEY TO START THE CAR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, DESTROYING THE DASHBOARD/DAMAGING THE WINDSHIE... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Jan 25, 2006
Incident date: Nov 1, 2005
NOTE: THIS IS THE EXACT PART AND SYMPTOM DESCRIBED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 05V399000 FOR 2000-2003 YEARS. 1) I WAS DRIVING UP A HILL, AND THE CAR STOPPED DRIVING. 2) ONCE IT CAME TO A STOP, I COULD NOT RESTART THE CAR. ) THE IGNITION WAS REPLACED, AND THE SERVICE CENTER CONFIRMED THAT IT ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Dec 1, 2005
Incident date: Jan 22, 2005
DIC (DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE) FAILURE, ALSO KNOWN AS THE IDM CASSETTE OR IGNITION COIL. I HAVE READ SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THE IGNITION CASSETTE FAILING AND THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. IT IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR, AS WELL. APPEARS THAT THERE IS A PENDING RECALL ON THE 2000-2002 MODELS AND I... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Nov 21, 2005
Incident date: Nov 18, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED VEHICLE STALLED, AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE IGNITION CASSETTE WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS WORKING PROPERLY AT THIS TIME. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE Nov 9, 2005
Incident date: Oct 29, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED VEHICLE STALLED WHILE IN A PARKING LOT. HE TRIED TO RESTART IT TEN MINUTES LATER BUT IT WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY REPLACED THE DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR LATER MODEL VEHICLES AND THE PART WAS THE SAME UNIT THA... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE Sep 15, 2005
Incident date: Jul 15, 2005
DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE (AKA DIRECT IGNITION MODULE, IDM, DI, DIC) HAS DIED ON MY 1999 9-3 2 TIMES. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR SINCE NEW, IT NOW HAS 66,000 MILES. WHEN THE DI CASSETTE DIES THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY SHUTS DOWN WHICH CAN RESULT IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION IF ONE IS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. MY DI C... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE Aug 9, 2005
Incident date: Aug 8, 2005
IN THE COUPLE OF MONTHS PREVIOUS TO THIS INCIDENT, MY VEHICLE'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON THREE TIMES, STAYED ON FOR A DAY OR TWO, AND THEN SHUT OFF. EACH TIME THE LIGHT CAME ON (FIRST IT BLINKS, THEN REMAINS STEADY UNTIL TURNING ITSELF OFF) I EXPERIENCED WHAT I THOUGHT WAS SOME KIND OF IGNITIO... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE Aug 4, 2005
Incident date: Sep 4, 2003
WHILE TRAVELING DOWN I-70, THE DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE FAILED ON MY 1999 SAAB 9-3. THE ENGINE STOPPED IMMEDIATELY WHICH AFFECTED THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF THE HIGHWAY AND ONTO A SIDE STREET. THE NEXT DAY I WENT TO THE SAAB PARTS DEALER, BOUGHT ANOTHER FOR AR... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH May 17, 2005
Incident date: May 16, 2005
DASH INFORMATION DISPLAY PIXELS BURN OUT/DISAPPEAR. WHILE ANNOYING FOR TIME AND RADIO DISPLAY, THIS COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE AS THIS DISPLAY REPORTS TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE (IN ICY CONDITIONS) AND MECHANICAL/FUNCTIONAL PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. IF THE DISPLAY IS ILLEGIBLE A DRIVER COULD MISINTERPRET ... Read more
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Jan 30, 2005
Incident date: Jan 30, 2005
FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE CAR WAS PARKED IN HOME DRIVEWAY. DRIVER SHUT HIS DOOR NORMALLY AND AIRBAG DEPLOYED, HITTING PASSENGER WHO WAS STILL GETTING ADJUSTED IN HER SEAT.*AK
1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Sep 24, 2004
Incident date: Sep 24, 2004
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE, AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED ON A DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE, AND THE COMPUTER RECORDED A CODE REFERRING TO THE COMPUTER SYSTEM. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP Sep 7, 2004
Incident date: Aug 1, 2004
VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOSES POWER WHEN THE FUSE TO THE FUEL PUMP BLOWS. *MR THE MECHANICS SUGGESTED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THEY DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS. *SC *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS Sep 7, 2004
Incident date: Aug 1, 2004
VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOSES POWER WHEN THE FUSE TO THE FUEL PUMP BLOWS. *MR THE MECHANICS SUGGESTED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THEY DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS. *SC *JB
AIR BAGS Jul 16, 2004
Incident date: Jul 1, 2004
PROBLEMS WITH AIR BAG SYSTEM IN 1999 SAAB.*MR THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP TRIED FOUR TIMES TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE FIRST THREE TIMES THEY DID NOT REPAIR ANYTHING, THEY JUST TURNED OFF THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND THE LAST TIME THEY REPLACED A PART, HOWEVER THEY PROBLEM CONTINUED. ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Apr 22, 2004
Incident date: Dec 15, 2002
HEATER BOX FROZE UP UPONE TURNING THE CONTROL DIAL TO DEFROST WINDSHIELD...INTERNET DISCUSSION BOARDS SAY SAAB KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM. VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR TO FIX PROPERLY AND PERMANENTLY...PROBABLY TAKING THIS TO SMALL CLAIMS BASED UPON WHAT I'VE READ...
AIR BAGS Feb 29, 2004
Incident date: Feb 28, 2004
THE AIR BAG ALARM IS "ON" IN THE CAR, FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME IT WILL BE IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIR OF THIS DEFECT WITHIN THE LAST 15 MONTHS! APPARENTLY, THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVER'S SEAT?? *JB SINCE THERE IS NO WAY TO DETERMINE IF THE AIRBAGS WILL WORK WHILE THE LIG... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Oct 20, 2003
Incident date: Oct 3, 2003
I WANTED TO ALERT YOU TO A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION IN THE '99 SAAB 9-3. THEY HAVE A CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM PROBLEM THAT CAN CAUSE THE VENTILATION SYSTEM CONTROLS TO BECOME SO STIFF THAT IT CAUSES THE KNOB TO SNAP OFF RENDERING THE SYSTEM USELESS. SAAB IS FULLY AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND REQ... Read more
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM Oct 20, 2003
Incident date: Oct 3, 2003
I WANTED TO ALERT YOU TO A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION IN THE '99 SAAB 9-3. THEY HAVE A CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM PROBLEM THAT CAN CAUSE THE VENTILATION SYSTEM CONTROLS TO BECOME SO STIFF THAT IT CAUSES THE KNOB TO SNAP OFF RENDERING THE SYSTEM USELESS. SAAB IS FULLY AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND REQ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Sep 25, 2003
Incident date: Sep 16, 2003
THE CONSUMER HAD JUST FILLED THE GAS TANK WITH FUEL AND WAS DRIVING AWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED FOR NO REASON. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND DROVE TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE MECHANIC COULD NOT LOCATE THE CAUSE OF THE STALLING PROBLEM. *NLM
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT Jul 28, 2003
Incident date: Jul 26, 2003
THE CONTROL KNOB FOR THE DEFROSTER/AIR DIRECTION HAS BROKEN 7 TIMES. THE SAAB DEALER, SAAB NASHUA NORTH SAID IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR THAT YEAR AND MODEL. SAAB HAS REFUSED TO COVER THE REPAIR NOW THAT THE WARRENTY HAS RUN OUT.*AK

Showing 50 of 80 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy — 1999 SAAB 9-3

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 17.0 23.0 19.0 Regular $3,150
2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 18.0 25.0 21.0 Regular $2,850
2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 17.0 25.0 20.0 Premium $3,450

CO2 Emissions: 467.7 g/mile (Midsize Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

NHTSA Safety Investigations — SAAB 9-3

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE09048 Opened: Sep 30, 2009 — Closed: Feb 25, 2010
PE — Closed — Model Year: 2004
SEAT BELT RETRACTOR
ODI HAS RECEIVED EIGHT COMPLAINTS OF FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTORS BREAKING ON MODEL YEAR 2004 SAAB 9-3 VEHICLES.A COMMON FAILURE SCENARIO INVOLVES THE DRIVER HEARING A NOISE AND THE BELT SUDDENLY LOSING TENSION.A NON-FUNCTIONING SEAT BELT INCREASES THE RISK AND SEVERITY OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRA... Read more
PE09032 Opened: Jul 15, 2009 — Closed: Dec 16, 2009
PE — Closed — Model Year: 2007
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) IS AWARE OF 7 SUBJECT VEHICLES THAT HAVE ALLEGEDLY EXPERIENCED ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES ORIGINATING AT THE COIL-ON-PLUG (COP) IGNITION COIL ASSEMBLY AND 28 ALLEGED NON-FIRE THERMAL EVENTS RESULTING IN DAMAGE LIMITED TO THE SUBJECT COMPONENT AND ASSOCIATED WI... Read more
EA08026 Opened: Dec 22, 2008 — Closed: Jun 4, 2010
EA — Closed — Model Year: 2006
Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture
To date, ODI is aware of 142 non-duplicative complaints related to the alleged defect.In addition, ODI is aware of 2,626 subject vehicles with one or more warranty claims related to the alleged defect.In total, ODI is aware of 2,714 unique subject vehicles that have experienced one or more front sus... Read more
PE08051 Opened: Aug 28, 2008 — Closed: Dec 23, 2008
PE — Closed — Model Year: 2004
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURE
ON AUGUST 28, 2008, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE08-051) TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURES IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-2004 SAAB 9-3 VEHICLES SOLD OR REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES.(NOTE: FOR PURPOSES OF THIS INVESTIGATI... Read more
PE08005 Opened: Jan 28, 2008 — Closed: Jun 3, 2008
PE — Closed — Model Year: 2008
REDUCED BRAKE POWER-ASSIST
SAAB AUTOMOBILE AB, A SUBSIDIARY OF GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM), MANUFACTURED 12,317 SUBJECT VEHICLES THROUGH FEBRUARY 15, 2008, EQUIPPED WITH THE HIGH FEATURE V6 TURBOCHARGED ENGINE IDENTIFIED BY REGULAR PRODUCTION OPTION LP9.A TANDEM VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY PROVIDES BRAKE POWER-ASSIST.THE ENGI... Read more
EA04008 Opened: Mar 19, 2004 — Closed: Oct 27, 2004
EA — Closed — Model Year: 2003
ENGINE STALL
ON DECEMBER 30, 2003, ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-059) TO INVESTIGATE 16 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING ENGINE STALL WHILE DRIVING IN MODEL YEAR 2003 SAAB 9-3 SPORT SEDANS WITH 2.0L TURBOCHARGED ENGINES.ON JANUARY 15, 2004, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) ADVISED ODI THAT GM AND SAAB HAD DECIDED TO CONDUCT A... Read more
PE03059 Opened: Dec 30, 2003 — Closed: Mar 19, 2004
PE — Closed — Model Year: 2003
ENGINE STALL
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND TURBOCHARGED ENGINES WITH TWO DIFFERENT POWER OUTPUTS, 175 HP AND 210 HP.SAAB HAS MODIFIED THE ELECTONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) SOFTWARE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TO CORRECT PROBLEMS THAT COULD RESULT IN ENGINE STALL IN BOTH ENGINES. IN ... Read more

SAAB 9-3 — All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the SAAB 9-3 across all model years (1999–2011).

47 Total Recalls
1,689 Total Complaints
7 Investigations
84 Reported Crashes
30 Reported Fires
4 Reported Deaths

SAAB 9-3 — Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2011 4 33 View
2010 4 31 View
2009 3 46 View
2008 3 215 View
2007 3 182 View
2006 3 227 View
2005 3 114 View
2004 6 236 View
2003 5 323 View
2002 4 52 View
2001 4 74 View
2000 2 72 View
1999 (current) 3 80
1994 0 1 View

Other SAAB Models

Model Recalls Complaints
900 44 552 View
99 31 0 View
9-5 30 662 View
9000 26 197 View
9-7X 16 237 View
96 11 0 View
9-2X 11 148 View
95 10 62 View