2000 SAAB 9-3

2 recalls, 72 complaints - 67 TSBs

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE

Defect Description

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH B205/B235 4-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES AND B308 6-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE OVERHEATING AND BURNOUT OF THE ISOLATED GATED BIPOLAR TRANSISTOR (IGBT) WITHIN THE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE (IDM) DUE TO INCREASED SUSCEPTIBILITY TO ELECTRICAL LOADS.

Consequence

OVERHEATING OF THE IGBT OCCURS MOST OFTEN AT ENGINE START-UP, BUT IT MAY ALSO OCCUR WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. ENGINE STALLING MAY OCCUR, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE WHAT VERSION IDM IS IN THE VEHICLE AND REPLACE THE IDM IF IT IS A VERSION BUILT PRIOR TO THE INTRODUCTION OF QP3. AN INTERIM LETTER WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS IN OCTOBER 2005, INFORMING THEM OF THE CONDITION. PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AND OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO BRING TH... Read more

103,202 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.

AIR BAGS

Defect Description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THE AIR BAG ALERT LABELS MAY NOT BE PERMANENTLY AFFIXED AS REQUIRED BY THIS STANDARD.

Consequence

THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL CLEAN THE SUNVISOR SURFACE AND APPLY A NEW AIR BAG ALERT LABEL ON BOTH SUNVISORS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 30, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SA... Read more

43,073 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.

Complaint Statistics

72 total complaints 5 crashes 1 fires 11 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE	12
AIR BAGS	10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION	9
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	9
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	9
SEAT BELTS	3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS	2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE	2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	1

Incident date: Jul 22, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V632000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for th... Read more

Incident date: Jul 22, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with the check engine warning light remaining illuminated. Additionally, on several occasions the vehicle failed to start. Also, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle woul... Read more

Incident date: Jul 22, 2024

Incident date: Jul 11, 2020

IN NEUTRAL PARKED IN TRAFFIC AT A RED LIGHT / INTERSECTION WAITING FOR GREEN, THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG IN MY SEAT DEPLOYED/ EXPLODED CAUSING INJURY AND BRUISING TO LEFT ARM.

1 injured

Incident date: Sep 26, 2018

I GOT INTO MY PARKED VEHICLE AS NORMAL, CLOSED THE DOOR AND FASTENED MY SEATBELT. I THEN DEPRESSED THE CLUTCH PEDAL AND INSERTED THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION. AS I TURNED THE KEY TO START THE CAR, THE DRIVERS SEAT SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG DEPLOYED SPONTANEOUSLY CAUSING TEMPORARY LOSS OF HEARING, A RINGING SO... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Aug 23, 2017

WHILE PARKED AND WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING THE DRIVER'S SEAT AIRBAG SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED.

Incident date: Sep 19, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY REAR IMPACT OR WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.

Incident date: Oct 2, 2015

I WAS RETURNING FROM THREE DAYS OF AIR TRAVEL AND REACHED MY CAR WHICH WAS PARKED IN A SECURE CORPORATE AIRPORT PARKING LOT WITH NO OTHER CARS AROUND IT. I PLACED MY LUGGAGE IN THE TRUNK, ENTERED THE CAR AND PUT ON MY SEAT BELT. I STARTED THE CAR; IT STARTED NORMALLY WITH NO WARNINGS OR ANYTHING ABN... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Oct 15, 2014

SIDE AIRBAG ON DRIVER'S SIDE (LOCATED IN OUTSIDE EDGE OF DRIVER'S SEAT) DEPLOYED WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED AND RUNNING. THIS WAS CLEARLY A MALFUNCTION -- THERE WAS NO EXTERNAL EVENT OR DAMAGE THAT WOULD CAUSE AN AIRBAG TO DEPLOY. SIGNIFICANT BRUISING TO DRIVER'S LEFT ARM, TEMPORARY HEARING LOSS; DID ... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Sep 16, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER SHIFTING INTO DRIVE FROM REVERSING, THE VEHICLE HESITATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND RESUMED TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 8, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT WAS NOT RETRACTING PROPERLY WHICH PREVENTED HIM FROM BEING PROPERLY SECURED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO WEAR THE SEAT BELT SINCE IT WAS NOT LONG ENOUGH TO CONNECT TO THE LATCH BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 8, 2013

I WAS DRIVING DOWN MY NEIGHBORHOOD STREET GOING APPROXIMATELY 15MPH WHEN MY PASSENGER SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED CAUSING A LOUD EXPLOSION SOUND AND MY PASSENGERS SIDE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE WAS EJECTED FROM THE DOOR. I HAD NOT HIT ANYONE OR ANYTHING. *TR

Incident date: Aug 5, 2012

I WAS DRIVING TO THE STORE WHEN I HEARD BOOM AND SEEN SMOKE AND I REALISE THE SIDE AIRBAG OPEN. I DID NOT COME IN CONTACT WITH ANYTHING . THE DRIVER SEATBELT WENT ABOUT A YEAR AGO, IT BEGAN JAM MEACHICAN SAIDED THAT PULLEY JAM. *TR

Incident date: Aug 5, 2012

Incident date: Jul 1, 2005

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED WHEN SHE EXPERIENCED EXTREME DIFFICULTY PULLING THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT BELT OUT OF ITS PRETENSIONER. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE SEAT BELT WAS OPERATED. APPROXIMATELY FIVE YEARS LATER, THE PRETENSIONER FRACT... Read more

Incident date: Feb 14, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS HE WAS TAKING THE VEHICLE FOR EMISSIONS TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS REJECTED DUE TO THE CODES THAT SHOWED ON THE EMISSION TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE IDM CODE, WHICH IS THE ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 20, 2011

GAS STARTED LEAKING AT A STEADY STREAM FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK WHENEVER THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. FROM THE DEALER REPAIR STATEMENT: "CUSTOMER STATES CHECK RAW GAS LEAKING FROM ABOVE THE FUEL TANK, ONLY WITH CAR RUNNING. FUEL TANK RETAINER CLIP BROKEN. REPLACED FUEL TA... Read more

Incident date: Jun 10, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 9-3. IN 2006, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V399000. THE FAILURE WAS NOT PRESENT AT THE TIME, BUT THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED AS A PRECAUTIONARY REMEDY. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE AND OFTEN STALL.... Read more

Incident date: May 6, 2009

SAAB 2000 9-3 TURBO CONTINUED TO BE PLAGUED WITH NO START PROBLEMS (RECALLED ITEM REPAIRED BY SAAB DEALERSHIP. OIL SLUDGE AS A RESULT OF PROBLEMS RELATED TO RECALL CAUSED ENGINE/TURBO TO FAIL AT 94,000 ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. CAR HAS BEEN TOWED TO MECHANIC. SERVICE AT DEALERSHIP IS DOCUMENTED AN... Read more

Incident date: May 6, 2009

Incident date: Jan 10, 2009

THE CAR HAS HAD PROBLEMS STARTING FOR MANY YEARS AND I HAVE TAKEN IT TO VARIOUS SAAB SERVICE CENTERS WITHOUT MUCH LUCK. IT HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER THE YEARS. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS MODEL AND YEAR ISSUED ON THE PART WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN WHEN THE RECALL WAS ISSUED THEY SAID THAT MY DI... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2006

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 9-3. THE IGNITION MODULE WAS REPLACED IN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. TWO MONTHS LATER, HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V399000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE) AND HE IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALER. THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE BE... Read more

Incident date: Sep 20, 2008

2000 9-3 HAD THE IGNITION MODULE RECALL DONE A FEW YEARS AGO. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH THE MOTOR STOPPED. LOST ALL ELECTRICAL POWER. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. THE REPAIR SHOP REPLACED THE CATALYTIC BECAUSE IT WAS PLUGGED. THEY SAID IT COULD BE CAUSED BY THE IGNITION MODULE. *TR

Incident date: Sep 20, 2008

Incident date: Apr 15, 2008

I BOUGHT A USED 2.0L 2000 SAAB 9-3 A YEAR AGO. SINCE THEN, THE CAR HAS HAD PROBLEMS THAT MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THIS SIMILAR MAKE/MODEL/YEAR HAVE HAD. I'VE REPLACED THE THROTTLE HOUSING, SERPENTINE BELT, BELT TENSIONER, CRANKSHAFT SENSOR, AND MOST RECENTLY THE WATER PUMP. NOW, I'M GETTING A CHECK ENGI... Read more

Incident date: Aug 14, 2007

2000 SAAB 9-3 WITH SEVERAL PROBLEMS AFTER REPAIRS WERE MADE. CONSUMER STATES THAT AFTER THE SERPENTINE BELT WAS REPLACED. THE NEW BELT SHRED. DEALER SAID TO PAY FOR THE SECOND REPAIR AND THEN GET REIMBURSED. *KB THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED FOLLOWING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE WATER PUMP WHICH FAILED TWIC... Read more

Incident date: Aug 14, 2007

Incident date: Mar 26, 2008

MY CAR STOPPED ON MASS TURNPIKE AROUND MIDNIGHT. I HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NEAREST SAAB DEALER. THEIR DIAGNOSIS WAS THE OIL SLUDGE. EVEN AT THAT TIME THE DEALER DID NOT MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT SPECIAL WARRANTY THE SAAB ANNOUNCED IN 2005. I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION FROM THE SAAB AS WELL. A... Read more

Incident date: Feb 19, 2008

THE SERPENTINE BELT ON MY SAAB 9-3, MODEL YEAR 2000 HAS FAILED 3 TIMES ON ME. THE LAST TIME THE SERPENTINE BELT DISINTEGRATED INTO TINY PIECES WHILE THE CAR WAS DRIVEN AND ALMOST LED TO AN ACCIDENT. THIS HAPPENED LESS THAN 6 MONTHS AND 5,000 MILES AFTER THE BELT WAS REPLACED. ACCORDING TO THE REPAI... Read more

Incident date: Feb 19, 2008

Incident date: Jun 13, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 9-3. AT 68,359 MILES, THE ENGINE WAS REBUILT DUE TO A BLOWN PISTON. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. FIFTEEN MONTHS LATER, THE ENTIRE ENGINE HAD TO BE REBUILT FOR THE SAME FAILURE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND T... Read more

Incident date: May 23, 2007

2000 SAAB 9-3 FUEL LINE DISCONNECTED AT THE TANK ON THE PRESSURIZED SIDE OF THE FUEL PUMP DUE TO A BROKEN PLASTIC TAB WHICH HODS THE FUEL LINE IN PLACE ( A TERRIABLE DESIGN) ALLOWING THE FUEL PUM DO DISCHARGE THE FUEL DIRECTLY ON TOP OF THE GAS TANK AT THE MAXIMUM DISCHARGE RATE OF THE FUEL PUMP ...... Read more

Incident date: May 23, 2007

Incident date: Aug 13, 2006

CONSUMER'S 2002 SAAB 9-3'S ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE IT WAS BEING DRIVEN. *KB THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THEY REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. *NM

Fire

Incident date: Jul 19, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED PARTS FOR A RECALL WERE PURCHASED AT AN AFTERMARKET PARTS STORE. THE NHTSA RECALL WAS # 05V399000 CONCERNING THE IGNITION MODULE. WHILE APPLYING FOR REIMBURSEMENT, THE CONTACT WAS DENIED REIMBURSEMENT BECAUSE PROOF OF PAYMENT WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE PURCHASE WAS PAID FOR WIT... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 1901

2000 SAAB 9-3 STALLS WHILE IN MOTION DUE TO IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE (IDM). *TS THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE . ON BOTH OCCASIONS THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE MAY HAVE IDM PROBLEMS, BUT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *NM

Incident date: Sep 13, 2005

CONSUMER 2000 9-3 SAAB ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *TS ***NAR*** THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE IGNITION CASSETTE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, HOWEVER ONE MONTH LATER THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL REGARDING THE SAME PROBLEM HE HAD FIXED THE PREVIOUS MONTH. *JB

Incident date: May 15, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 75MPH ON THE FREEWAY THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED A COUPLE OF MINUTES LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE WERE IT REMAINS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE DEALERSHIP. A RECALL, # 05V399000 WAS PERFORMED ON A... Read more

Incident date: Apr 28, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLS SPORADICALLY BEFORE START UP AND WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC WITHOUT WARNING AT ANY SPEED. AFTER SITTING A WHILE, THE VEHICLE WILL RESTART. AN NHTSA RECALL, #05V399000 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE CONCERNING, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: MODULE HOWEVER, ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 11, 2005

SINCE PURCHASING MY 2000 SAAB 9-3 [XXX] IN 2003, I HAVE SPENT $9,000 IN VEHICLE REPAIRS WHICH HAVE SUBSEQUENTLY BECOME "RECALL NOTICES" ISSUED FROM SAAB CARS USA. THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE FAILED FALL 2004 - WITH SUBSEQUENT REPAIR COVERAGE UNDER A RECALL NOTICE ISSUED 5/17/05. THE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODU... Read more

Incident date: Jul 11, 2005

Incident date: Feb 27, 2006

IGNITION CASSETTE FAILURE. *NM

Incident date: Jun 24, 2005

I WAS DRIVING DOWN A BUSY STREET WHEN MY CAR STALLED, AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT ANYTHING WAS WRONG PRIOR TO THE CAR DYING. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF THE ROAD INTO A PARKING LOT. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL SAAB DEALER. THEY REPLACED THE DI CASSETTE AND DI... Read more

Incident date: Jul 5, 2005

RELATED TO NHTSA ACTION NUMBER (INVESTIGATION #) : PE05017. (1) CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ACTIVATED ON AND OFF. I HAD A TECHNICIAN RUN THE CODES. THE DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE (DIC) WAS SENDING ERROR CODES INDICATED POSSIBLE IMMINENT FAILURE. (2) THE DIC DID NOT FAIL YET ON MY CAR (NOW HAS 68,000 MI... Read more

Incident date: Jan 23, 2005

EXPERIENCED ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO SLUDGE IN ENGINE. TOLD BY WARRANTY COMPANY WARRANTY VOIDED DUE TO SLUDGE IN ENGINE. MONTHS LATER SAAB SEND OUT NOTICE STATING ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO SLUDGE, EXTENDS WARRANTY AND STILL DENIES CLAIM.

Incident date: Dec 8, 2002

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2000 SAAB 9-3 AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH ON THE H-3 ENROUTE TO KANEOHE, HI. ON THE DOWN HILL SIDE, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF WITH NO WARNING. NOTHING ON THE SID OR OTHER INSTRUMENTATION. THE CAR HAD PLENTY OF FUEL. SHE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART SEVERAL TIMES. SINCE SHE WAS COMING DOWN... Read more

Incident date: Mar 23, 2005

WAS DRIVING DOWN THE GSP DURING THE EVENING RUSH HOUR (5PM OR SO) IN THE LEFT LANE ON THE EXPRESS SIDE. PICKUP TRUCK APPROXIMATELY 4 FT OFF MY REAR BUMPER(NJ YOU KNOW). HEAVY RAIN. MY 2000 SAAB 9-3 VIGGEN JUST SHUT OFF.NO WARNING. NO POWER TO GET TO APPROPRIATE SHOULDER SO I HAD TO DRIVE THE CAR OF... Read more

Incident date: Mar 23, 2005

Showing 50 of 72 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2000 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	24.0	20.0	Premium	$3,850
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	18.0	23.0	20.0	Regular	$3,100
2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	19.0	27.0	22.0	Regular	$2,850
2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	19.0	27.0	22.0	Premium	$3,500

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Midsize Cars)

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

Technical Service Bulletins, 2000 SAAB 9-3

67 manufacturer communications from 46 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	11
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	7
353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)	5
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL	4
200000 WHEELS	4
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	4
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL	4
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER	3

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels shou

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.

100000 POWER TRAIN

This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.

200000 WHEELS

This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.

200000 WHEELS

This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

THIS INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN PROVIDES ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON HOW TO INSTALL PISTONS AND SUGGEST WHAT TOOLS TO USE.

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

THIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPROGRAM THE MEDIA DISC PLAYER WITH THE LATEST CALIBRATIONS TO CORRECT A CONDITION OF THE REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM NOT OPERATING AS INTENDED IN COLDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AREAS DUE TO CALIBR

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

THIS INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION TO GM DEALERS ON THE CORRECT CLEANING METHODS WHEN CLEANING ENGINE GASKET SEALING SURFACES.

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN IF UNABLE TO PLACE AN ONSTAR CALL IN THE IGNITION ON MODE AFTER THE ONSTAR CANADA UPGRADE, TO CONTACT THE GM TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER ONSTAR GROUP FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN ON THE STEPS FOR DIAGNOSING THE CONCERN. THE VEHICLE MAY BE UNABLE TO CONNECT TO ONSTAR USING THE WHITE, BLUE OR RED ONSTAR BUTTONS.

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN THE STEPS ON REPAIRING THE CONCERN. A CUSTOMER MAY IDENTIFY A CONCERN OF UNABLE TO REACTIVATE A VEHICLE'S ONSTAR THAT HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY DISABLED BY ONSTAR. DEALER IS TO CA

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO HELP THE DEALERSHIP TECHNICIANS PERFORM A PARASITIC DRAIN TEST FOR THE ONSTAR MODULE. WHEN PERFORMING BATTERY PARASITIC DRAIN TEST, THERE MAY BE SOME CONFUSION AS TO WHAT TH

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN, IF UNABLE TO PLACE AN ONSTAR CALL IN THE IGNITION ON MODE AFTER THE ONSTAR CANADA UPGRADE TO CONTACT THE GM TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER ONSTAR GROUP FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE.

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

OnStar? Voice Fallback Number Update Some customers may have received a letter from OnStar? stating that "We recently tried to provide a software update to the OnStar? hardware in your vehicle. However, your system could not be updated r

350000 EQUIPMENT

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Vehicle Recalls

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States

200000 WHEELS

Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the whe

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

350000 EQUIPMENT

200000 WHEELS

161100 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some fo

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

161100 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.

221300 SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT

GENERAL MOTORS: INFORMATION PROVIDED BY BULLETIN FOR ALL 2012 AND PRIOR GENERAL MOTOR TRUCKS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES REGARDING THE ADJUSTABLE COMFORT AND CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY OF THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER HEAD RESTRAINT. *PE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

GENERAL MOTORS CORP: SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT; ANALOG ONSTAR DEACTIVATION. *PE UPDATED 2/17/09. *PE

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

GENERAL MOTORS CORP: SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT; ANALOG ONSTAR DEACTIVATION. *PE UPDATED 2/17/09. *PE

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

GENERAL MOTORS CORP: SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT; ANALOG ONSTAR DEACTIVATION. *PE UPDATED 2/17/09. *PE

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

BUICK\CADILLAC\CHEVROLET\GMC\HUMMER\OLDSMOBILE\PONTIAC\SAAB\SATURN SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT-ANALOG ONSTAR DEACTIVATION. FCC RULED IN 2002 WIRELESS CARRIERS WOULD NO LONGER R

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

NOISE FROM THE TIMING CHAIN AND OIL SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. *KB

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

REDUCED PERFORMANCE AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES FOR THE TURBO CONTROL VALVE. *EH

021000 SUSPENSION:FRONT

ADDRESSING CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS OF POPPING NOISE FROM FRONT SUSPENSION. *TT

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

ON SOME VIGGEN MODELS FROM M99 TO M01 VIN 17016680, THE OUTER BRACKETS OF THE REAR SPOILER CAN WARP, CAUSING THE SPOILER TO VIBRATE AND RATTLE. *TT

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN 15402 REGARDING REPLACEMENT OF ONSTAR VEHICLE INTERFACE UNIT (VIU). *TT

162900 STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

SOME CONVERTIBLE MODELS UP TO AND INCLUDING VIN 17004113 MAY EXHIBIT A SOFT TOP THAT MAY STOP HALFWAY DURING CLOSING OR OPENING AND THE SID UNIT SHOWS A CHECK SOFT TOP MESSAGE. *TT

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SUBJECT REGARDING CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS OF TEST BRAKE LIGHTS MESSAGE DELETED FROM SID REPLACEMENT UNITS. *TT

102000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

SUBJECT REGARDING NEW UPDATE KIT FOR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. *TT

162700 STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A TRUNK THAT DOES NOT LOCK WHEN THE ALARM IS SET. *TT

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

CUSTOMER MAY COMMENT ON A RATTLE FROM THE ENGINE AREA, HEARD ON ACCELERATION, DECELERATION, AND SOMETIMES WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE. *TT

116200 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE

SUBJECT REGARDING CAMPAIGN INSTRUCTIONS FOR RECALL 724 ON REPLACING THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM). *TT

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME VEHICLES WITHIN CERTAIN VIN RANGES MAY EXHIBIT A STICKING CHECK VALVE FOR THE CRANKCASE VENTILATION, PRESSURIZING THE CRANKCASE, AND FORCING ENGINE OIL INTO THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER AND / OR THE FLOW OF COOLANT THROUGH THE TURBO UNIT MAY

021500 SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN THAT THEY DETECT A VIBRATION DURING ACCELERATION AT 40 - 55 MPH ON MODELS UP TO VIN 72018748, Y7006294. *TT

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

INFORMATION ON PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTION TIMES FOR 2000 MODELS. *TT

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SUBJECT REGARDING SERVICE INTERVALS FOR ELECTRICAL, ENGINE AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TT

355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

SERVICE INFORMATION REGARDING THE 2000 VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. *TT

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2000 MODEL CODE INFORMATION INSTITUTED BY SAAB CARS USA, INC. AS AN INTERNAL SHORT-HAND IDENTIFIER SYSTEM FOR CAR INVENTORY CONTROL, ORDERING AND TECHNICAL FOLLOW-UP. *TT

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.

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

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... RING. ALL REPORTED INCIDENTS OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLES WERE ATTENDED AND IN ALL BUT ONE CASE THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE REPAIRED AND RETURNED TO SERVICE AFTER THE INCIDENT INVOLVING THE ALLEGED DEFECT. ACCORDING TO GENERAL MOTORS (GM), A CERAMIC CAPACITOR USED IN THE ELECTROMAGNETIC NOISE FILTER CIRCUIT INSIDE THE SUBJECT COMPONENT MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. A FRACTURE INSIDE THE CAPACITOR MAY, DEPENDING ON ITS SIZE AND LOCATION, RESULT IN A RESISTIVE SHORT CIRCUIT. WHEN ENERGIZED, THE RESISTIVE SHORT CIRCUIT MAY CAUSE HEAT THAT CAN MELT THE POTTING EPOXY AROUND THE CIRCUIT BOARD AND LEAD TO SMOKE, ODOR AND IN SOME INSTANCES FIRE. OTHER SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE A MISFIRE CONDITION RESULTING IN ROUGH RUNNING AND/OR ILLUMINATION OF THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON TELLTALE LIGHT. ALL 7 FIRES OCCURRED RELATIVELY EARLY IN THE SERVICE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE AT 120, 171, 198, 207, 297, 365 AND 394 DAYS IN SERVICE, RESPECTIVELY. ODI ANALYSIS INDICATES THAT APPROXIMATELY 98% OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION IS NOW BEYOND THE EXPOSURE AGE AT WHICH FIRE INCIDENTS WERE OBSERVED. THE LAST KNOWN FIRE INCIDENT OCCURRED IN MAY 2009 ON A VEHICLE THAT HAD 394 DAYS IN SERVICE AND THE LAST KNOW FIRE INCIDENT PREVIOUS TO THAT OCCURRED IN DECEMBER 2008 ON A VEHICLE THAT HAD 198 DAYS IN SERVICE. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE FIELD EXPERIENCE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS IT RELATES TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. ADDITIONALLY, THE MANUFACTURER WILL PROVIDE THE AGENCY WITH AN UPDATE OF COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY INFORMATION IN 6 MONTHS FROM THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS INVESTIGATION AND UNTIL THAT TIME IT WILL NOTIFY THE AGENCY WITHIN 5 BUSINESS DAYS OF ANY FIRE INCIDENTS IT BECOMES AWARE OF THAT RELATES, OR MAY RELATE, TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2003

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

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2003

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

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2006

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... NE IS THE PRIMARY VACUUM SOURCE TO THE BOOSTER AND ITS EFFECT IS AMPLIFIED BY A VENTURI.UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, SUCH AS A COLD ENGINE START OR AT HIGH ALTITUDES, AN ELECTRIC VACUUM PUMP (EVP) SUPPLEMENTS ENGINE VACUUM.A PRESSURE SWITCH MEASURES BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM AND COMMANDS THE EVP WHEN TO TURN ON/OFF.CHECK VALVES ARE LOCATED AT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, VENTURI, AND PRESSURE SWITCH. GM IDENTIFIED TWO ISSUES THAT AFFECT EVP PERFORMANCE: CORROSION OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS INSIDE THE PUMP CAUSED BY MOISTURE INGRESS THROUGH THE AIR OUTLET WHEN THE EVP SHUTS OFF AND THE VACUUM IN A SECTION OF PIPING BETWEEN THE EVP AND THE PRESSURE SWITCH IS RELEASED TO THE ATMOSPHERE; AND SILICONE CONTAMINATION OF THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS INSIDE THE PRESSURE SWITCH RESULTING IN A NOISY OR IMPEDED ELECTRICAL SIGNAL.GM ADDRESSED EVP PERFORMANCE WITH TWO DESIGN CHANGES.IN NOVEMBER 2007, GM MODIFIED THE RUBBER PROTECTIVE CAP THAT COVERS THE EVP AIR OUTLET TO IMPROVE SEALING AND IN FEBRUARY 2008, GM ADDED A CHECK VALVE TO THE SECTION OF PIPING BETWEEN THE EVP AND THE PRESSURE SWITCH AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE TO THE EVP IN AN EFFORT TO REDUCE THE BACK FLOW OF MOISTURE THROUGH THE PUMP. IN TOTAL, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) IS AWARE OF 240 SUBJECT VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THE ALLEGED DEFECT.COMPLAINANTS REPORT THAT SYMPTOMS OCCUR IMMEDIATELY AFTER A COLD ENGINE START AND ONLY FOR A SHORT DURATION (30 TO 60 SECONDS), DURING WHICH PERIOD THE AMOUNT OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST PROVIDED TO THE OPERATOR MAY BE REDUCED DUE TO AN INOPERATIVE EVP.THE SYMPTOMS MAY BE MORE PRONOUNCED THE LONGER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED AS THERE IS A NATURAL TENDENCY FOR THE BRAKE BOOSTER TO SLOWLY RELEASE THE VACUUM OVER TIME IF IT IS NOT REPLENISHED.FULL BRAKE POWER-ASSIST CAPABILITY RESUMES AFTER THIS BRIEF COLD START PERIOD OR IMMEDIATELY AFTER A WARM ENGINE START.THE THREE REPORTED CRASHES ALL OCCURRED AT LOW SPEEDS (< 5MPH) WHILE REVERSING FROM A GARAGE OR PARKING SPACE AND RESULTED IN MINIMAL TO MINOR PROPERTY DAMAGE. THE SUBJECT ISSUE DIFFERS FROM A PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL (05V-236) AFFECTING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-2005 SAAB 9-3 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A DEFECTIVE CHECK VALVE THAT COULD BECOME BRITTLE AND FRACTURE, RESULTING IN A LASTING AND TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST AT ANY TIME.THE DEFECTIVE CHECK VALVE DID NOT MEET LIFETIME DURABILITY REQUIREMENTS AND GM PREDICTED A 100% FAILURE RATE AT LESS THAN 4 YEARS OF SERVICE.IN COMPARISON, GM PREDICTS AN EVP FAILURE RATE OF APPROXIMATELY 6.4% AT 3 YEARS IN SERVICE FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKE POWER-ASSIST FOR A SHORT DURATION.THE SUBJECT ISSUE ALSO DIFFERS FROM A PREVIOUS ODI INFLUENCED SAFETY RECALL (03V-474) TO ADDRESS EVP MOISTURE INGRESS IN CERTAIN MY 2000 VOLVO S40 AND V40 VEHICLES.THE RECALLED VOLVO VEHICLES UTILIZED A STEEL VACUUM PIPE BETWEEN THE EVP AND THE BRAKE BOOSTER.MOISTURE INGRESS AND SUBSEQUENT CORROSION COULD COMPROMISE THE VACUUM PIPE RESULTING IN A LASTING AND TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST.MOISTURE DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE POLYETHER-ESTER PLASTIC VACUUM PIPE USED IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATIONRead more

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 2001

FUEL LINE LEAKAGE

ON NOVEMBER 19, 2004 GM NOTIFIED ODI OF A DEFECT CONDITION THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL PUMP CONNECTIONS IN APPROXIMATELY 17,400 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 AND 2002 SAAB 9-3 PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT AT THE UUSIKAUPUNKI, FINLAND ASSEMBLY PLANT BETWEEN MAY 2000 AND JULY 2002 (GM RECALL NO. ... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1999

ENGINE STALL/ ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

ODI OPENED PE05-017 BASED ON 35 REPORTS OF ALLEGED ENGINE STALLING DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE IDM CASSETTE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ALL COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING AND MOST REPORTED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART.IN 3 INCIDENTS, THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTE... D SMOKE AND/OR FIRE RESULTED FROM THE IDM FAILURE.DURING PE05-017, ADDITIONAL FAILURE DATA WAS IDENTIFIED AS NOTED IN THE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY ABOVE.THE COMPLAINT DATA REPRESENTS INCIDENTS WHERE THE COMPLAINANTS ALLEGED A STALL OR FIRE.ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2005, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT ON 95,081 MY 2000-2002 SAAB 9-3 AND 9-5 VEHICLES WITH 4-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES AND 8,117 MY 2001 9-5 VEHICLES WITH 6- CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES (RECALL 05V-399).THE NOTIFICATION STATED THAT CERTAIN VEHICLES WITHIN THESE POPULATIONS MAY EXPERIENCE OVERHEATING AND BURNOUT OF THE ISOLATED GATED BIPOLAR TRANSISTOR (IGBT) WITHIN THE IDM DUE TO INCREASED SUSCEPTIBILITY TO ELECTRICAL LOADS.OVERHEATING OF THE IGBT OCCURS MOST OFTEN AT ENGINE START-UP FOR BOTH A 4-CYLINDER AND 6-CYLINDER ENGINE, BUT IT MAY ALSO OCCUR WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING.WHEN THE IDM FAILS ON A 4-CYLINDER WHILE IT IS RUNNING, THE ENGINE MAY STALL WITHOUT WARNING, WITH NO ABILITY TO BE RESTARTED.WHEN THE IDM FAILS ON A 6-CYLINDER ENGINE WHILE IT IS RUNNING, THE DRIVER WILL INITIALLY EXPERIENCE REDUCED POWER AND ROUGH OPERATION BECAUSE THE ENGINE WILL ONLY BE RUNNING ON THREE CYLINDERS.THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL FLASH.IF THE DRIVER CONTINUES, UNBURNT FUEL IN THE EXHAUST CAN CAUSE THERMAL DAMAGE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.THE ENGINE MAY STALL AND NOT RESTART.THERMAL DAMAGE TO OTHER UNDERHOOD COMPONENTS AND THE UNDERBODY MAY ALSO RESULT FROM PROLONGED DRIVING.THE RECALL POPULATION ENCOMPASSES 84% OF THE STALLING AND FIRE COMPLAINTS (215 FOR VEHICLES WITH 4-CYLINDER ENGINES AND 36 FOR VEHICLES WITH 6-CYLINDER ENGINES).THE 36 MONTHS IN SERVICE (MIS) STALLING RATES FOR EACH MODEL YEAR OF RECALLED VEHICLES WITH 4-CYLINDER ENGINES WERE ALL GREATER THAN TWO PERCENT.ALTHOUGH THE 36 MIS STALL RATE FOR THE RECALLED MY 2001 VEHICLES WITH V6 ENGINES WAS LOWER, AT 1.3 PERCENT, THESE VEHICLES ALSO HAD THE HIGHEST RATE OF CONFIRMED (OPEN FLAME VERIFIED) FIRES AT 62 PER 100,000 VEHICLES.GM WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER FOR IDM INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT, IF NECESSARY.CONSEQUENTLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI WILL MONITOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SCOPE AND REMEDY OF GM'S ACTION AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED.Read more

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

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

1,692 Total Complaints

9 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	218	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 (current)	2	72
1999	3	80	View
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
9-2X	11	148	View
96	11	0	View
95	10	62	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2000 SAAB 9-3

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 2000 SAAB 9-3

Technical Service Bulletins, 2000 SAAB 9-3

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SAAB 9-3

SAAB 9-3 - All Years Overview

SAAB 9-3 - Year by Year

Other SAAB Models