AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Defect Description
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Saab 9-3 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2002, to February 15, 2011, 2006-2009 Saab 9-5 vehicles manufactured June 7, 2005, to May 28, 2009, and 2008-2009 Saturn Astra vehicles manufactured April 11, 2007, to July 24, 2008. Upon deploy
... ment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.Read more
Consequence
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator on Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles and will replace the driver's frontal airbag module on Saturn Astra vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on March 1, 2017. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955
... -9007 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 28810.Read more
113,716 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Defect Description
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible vehicles manufactured July 30, 2003, to February 15, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the driver's side front seat belt retractor may break, causing the seat belt webbing not to retract.
Consequence
In the event of a crash, a seat belt that has not retracted may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt retractor, free of charge. The recall began on October 6, 2015. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007. GM's number for this recall is 14222. Note: Special Coverage 10086 will replace the passenger side se
... at belt retractor if it fails, free of charge, for the life of the vehicle.Read more
28,789 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Defect Description
TI AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN FUEL PUMPS, PART NUMBERS TU456 AND TU303, SOLD UNDER VARIOUS BRAND NAMES AS AFTERMARKET AND REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE MOTOR VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MAY SEIZE, STOPPING THE FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE CREATING A STALLING CONDITION.
Consequence
A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE IN USE.
Remedy
TI AUTOMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE ANY DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP WITH A NEW OR REWORKED FUEL PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TI AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-866-867-3759 OR LOG ON TO WWW.RECALLRESPONSE.COM.
4,887 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: TI GROUP AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LLC
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Defect Description
SAAB IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 AND 2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2010 THROUGH DECEMBER 2010. CERTAIN FUEL PUMPS INSTALLED AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MAY HAVE INTERNAL COMPONENTS WITH INCORRECT SPECIFICATIONS.
Consequence
THE SUBJECT FUEL PUMPS CAN SEIZE CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL WHICH INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
SAAB WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 3, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
4,400 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: SAAB CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Complaint Statistics
31 total complaints
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
| AIR BAGS | 22 |
| SEAT BELTS | 2 |
| ENGINE | 2 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP | 1 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION | 1 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER | 1 |
Incident date: Oct 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Saab 9-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V015000 (Fuel System, Other) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The c
... ontact stated that the fuel gauge failed to accurately provide fuel level in the vehicle. The contact stated that while the tank was a half tank full, the fuel gauge would drop to 0 gallons. The failure occurred intermittently. The check engine warning light was illuminated with a message indicating a fuel pump failure. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 104,000. Parts distribution disconnect.Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2019
FUEL PUMP DEFICIENCY. WHEN I START THE CAR IN THE MORNING TO WARM UP BEFORE USING IT I NOTICE AND EAR THAT IT STALL. AFTER A SECOND IT ACCELERATE TO A NORMAL RPM. IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME SINCE NEW (2010). I NEVER RECEIVED A FUEL PUMP RECALL NOTICE!
Incident date: Mar 8, 2018
HAD A COMPRESSION TEST AFTER WEAK STARTING. ALL 4 CYLINDERS READ 100.NEED VALVE REPLACEMENT AND UNDERSTAND THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM IN 2007-2011 SAAB 4 CYLINDER CARS. NO WARRANTY OR RECALL REGARDING THIS USE OF FLAWED VALVES
Incident date: Mar 10, 2017
THE NHTSA ANNOUNCED A RECALL PERTAINING TO THE DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT NOT RETRACTING. RECALL #14V318000. AS OF 3/10/17, MY 2010 SAAB 9.3 SEDAN IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE AS THE RECALL BUT, THE RECALL ONLY STIPULATES THE CONVERTIBLE MODEL. MY QUESTION RELATES TO HOW DID THE NHTSA DETERMINE IT W
... AS ONLY THAT MODEL AND NOT THE OTHERS? RIGHT NOW MY SEATBELT DOESN'T RETRACT WHEN EXTENDED IN THE NORMAL OPERATING EXTENDED POSITION. I FEEL THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY INVOLVE ALL OTHER 2010 MODELS. PLEASE CLARIFY.Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2017
I HAVE CALLED VIKING SAAB AND REGISTERED ON THEIR WEB SITE MONTHS AGO TO HAVE MY AIRBAG REPLACED AS THEY ARE THE ONLY AUTHORIZED SAAB PLACE IN HOUSTON, TEXAS, TO REPLACE IT. THEY HAVE NOT CONTACTED ME. I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO. WHEN I CALLED THERE THEY TOLD ME TO REGISTER ON THEIR WEB SITE.
... I DID THAT AND NOTHING HAS HAPPENED.Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2017
2010 SAAB 9-3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER HAVING THE RECALL COMPLETED THE KEY WOULD NO LONGER TURN IN THE IGNITION. THE CIM WAS REPLACED AND TWO NEW KEYS WERE HAD TO BE PROGRAMMED. TWO BROKEN FRONT COIL SPRINGS WERE DISCOVERED. THE CONSUMER R
... EQUESTED A REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COSTS ACCUMULATED FROM HAVING TO PURCHASE A RENTAL VEHICLE. UPDATED 10/03/2017*JSRead more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2017
2010 SAAB 9-3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER HAVING THE RECALL COMPLETED THE KEY WOULD NO LONGER TURN IN THE IGNITION. THE CIM WAS REPLACED AND TWO NEW KEYS WERE HAD TO BE PROGRAMMED. TWO BROKEN FRONT COIL SPRINGS WERE DISCOVERED. THE CONSUMER R
... EQUESTED A REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COSTS ACCUMULATED FROM HAVING TO PURCHASE A RENTAL VEHICLE. UPDATED 10/03/2017*JSRead more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2016
TAKATA RECALL-I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN MARCH 2016. I HAVE CONTACTED THE SAAB SERVICE CENTER ON FOUR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS TO TRY TO DETERMINE WHEN THE AIR BAG WILL BE REPLACED. I HAVE ALWAYS RECEIVED THE SAME RESPONSE: "WE HAVE NO IDEA WHEN WE WILL BE ABLE TO REPLACE YOUR AIR BAG". I HAVE ALSO B
... EEN TOLD THAT THEY, THE MANUFACTURER, DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE. PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HURT AND KILLED. THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THEY HAVE TOLD ME THAT OLDER VEHICLES LOCATED IN THE HIGHER HUMIDITY ZONES TAKE PRIORITY. I HAVE EXPLAINED THAT MY CAR IS A 2010 AND IS LOCATED IN ZONE B. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS NOT THE HIGHEST HUMIDITY ZONE BUT IT IS THE SECOND MOST AND IT IS MUCH OLDER THAN MOST CARS THAT ARE RECEIVING REPLACEMENT AIR BAGS. I KNOW 4 PEOPLE WHO HAVE ALREADY HAD THE AIR BAGS IN THEIR VEHICLES REPLACED AND THEY ARE IN THE SAME ZONE AND ARE MUCH NEWER THAN MY VEHICLE. EVEN THOUGH THIS VEHICLE IS IN MY NAME, I PURCHASED IT FOR MY 18 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND EVERYDAY SHE IS IN THIS CAR, I HAVE MAJOR ANXIETY ISSUES. THE REASON THAT I AM CONTACTING YOU IS TO DETERMINE WHY THE MANUFACTURER HAS NO IDEA WHEN THEY WILL BE ABLE TO REPLACE THIS FAULTY AIR BAG. I FIND THIS RESPONSE UNACCEPTABLE. I ALSO HAVE A HARD TIME ACCEPTING THE FACT THAT NEWER VEHICLES IN THE SAME AREA HAVE ALREADY HAD THEIR AIR BAGS REPLACED AND I AM STILL WAITING. I CONTACTED A ONE OF YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TODAY ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND THEY ADVISED ME TO SUBMIT A COMPLAINT. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE ANY HELP THAT YOU CAN PROVIDE IN ORDER TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE SO THAT I CAN BE ASSURED THAT MY DAUGHTER IS SAFE WHEN SHE IS DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TRRead more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2017
TAKATA RECALL - I RECEIVED A LETTER OVER A YEAR AGO THAT MY SAAB 93 WAS ON THE RECALL LIST FOR AIRBAGS. LOOKING FOR AN UPDATE AS TO WHEN THE REPLACEMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V063000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EX
... PERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2016
TAKADA RECALL. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE CADILLAC DEALERSHIP IN NORWOOD, MASSACHUSETTS THAT HE DOES NOT KNOW WHEN OR EVEN IF GM WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG. GM HAS NOT CONTACTED DELEARSHIP WITH ANY INFORMATION.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2016
I RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE SUBJECT CAR BACK IN MARCH 2016. I AM BEING TOLD THAT THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THEY WILL BE ABLE TO REPLACE THIS FAULTY AIR BAG. I HAVE CALLED SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY STILL CANNOT GIVE ME A TIME FRAME. I REALIZE THAT THIS RECALL IS VERY LARGE HOWEVER MY DAUGHTER DRIVES THIS C
... AR AND THIS MAKES ME VERY UNCOMFORTABLE. I HAVE ASKED IF THEY WOULD SUPPLY A LOANER CAR AND THEY SAID NO BECAUSE THEY BELIEVE THAT THE CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE. IF IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE WHY IS THERE A RECALL. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT OTHER RECOURSE I HAVE UNTIL THE REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE.Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V063000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACT
... URER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2016
I RECEIVED A NOTICE DATED MARCH 16 REGARDING THE AIRBAG AND THAT INFLATION MAY RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH - THERE IS CURRENTLY NO RESOLUTION FOR THIS ISSUE. IN THE EVENT OF AN INFLATOR RUPTURE, METAL FRAGMENTS COULD PASS THROUGH THE AIR BAG CUSHION MATERIAL, WHICH MAY RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH TO VE
... HICLE OCCUPANTS. PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, BUT IN THE MEAN TIME I COULD BE KILLEDRead more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V063000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACT
... URER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V063000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTU
... RER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2016
TAKATA RECALL NOTICE MARCH, 2016. TO DATE GENERAL MOTORS HAS MADE NO EFFORT TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE AIRBAG. I HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL IN HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V063000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR REPAIR; HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR
... THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2016
TAKAT RECALL. HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED AND GM AND DEALERSHIP REFUSE TO PROVIDE LOANER VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE REP TOLD ME IT WAS STILL SAFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE HAS SPENT 6 YEARS IN A HOT, HUMID CLIMATE. GM'S HOTLINE REP PROMISED A RETURN CALL FROM SUPERVISOR BUT NO
... ONE EVER CALLED. I HAVE NO VEHICLE TO DRIVE AND CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE; AND I CAN'T SELL THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE DEFECTIVE AIRBAG. NHTSA WEBSITE SAYS THE RECALL WAS ISSUED IN MAY BUT I RECEIVED MY RECALL NOTICE IN MARCH 2016. IT HAS BEEN OVER SIX MONTHS.Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V063000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACT
... URER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. ..UPDATED 10/18/16 *BF UPDATED 03/14/17*JBRead more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2016
TAKATA RECALL - RECALL ANNOUNCED IN FEBRUARY 2016, AND DEALERSHIP STILL UNABLE TO REMEDY PROBLEM. I HAVE NO ASSURANCE THAT THERE IS ANY INTENTION TO FIX THIS POTENTIALLY DEADLY PROBLEM.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2016
TAKATA RECALL. GIVEN THAT THESE DEVICES ARE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS, POSSIBLY INFLICTING GREAT HARM OR DEATH, WHY ARE INSTRUCTIONS NOT BEING GIVEN TO DISABLE THE BAGS UNTIL CORRECTIVE ACTION HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED? THE GM DEALER I FIRST APPROACHED SAID THEY WERE NOT AUTHORIZED TO DISABLE THE BAGS.
... THE SECOND SAID THE SAME BUT ADDED " YOU KNOW THEY ARE FUZED DON'T YOU?" . DIN MY VIEW DISABLING THE BAGS [WHLE AWAITING THE REPAIR SHOULD BE THE OPTION OF THE OWNER. REQUEST COMMENT/GUIDANCE.Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V063000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUF
... ACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V063000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACT
... URER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V063000 (AIR BAGS) AND FELT THAT THE PART EXPECTED AVAILABILITY DATE WAS UNREASONABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFAC
... TURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2016
G.M. HAS NO INFORMATION WHEN A SAFE REPLACEMENT WILL BE A AVAILABLE. NOT ACCEPTABLE, THE OLDER THE CAR IS THE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE IT IS FOR THE DEFECT, ANOTHER DEATH HAS JUST BEEN REPORTED IN A HONDA AND G.M. EXPECTS ME TO DRIVE THE CAR. HOW MANY MORE PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE BECAUSE CERTAIN COMPANIES ARE AL
... LOWED TO BUILD GARBAGE? I HAVE AN IDEA MAKE THEM MAKE THEIR CARS AS SAFE AS A TESLA.Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SAAB 9.3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V063000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE A
... WARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000. UPDATED 05/10/16*LJ *TRRead more
Incident date: May 20, 2011
THERE HAVE BEEN TWO INCIDENTS WHERE THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED SUDDENLY WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED. THE VEHICLE ALSO SUDDENLY RAN OUT OF GAS TWICE IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS I OWNED IT. AFTER THE FIRST SERVICE AT THE DEALER, THE FUEL GAUGE HAS BEEN WORKING CORRECTLY, ALTHOUGH I WAS NOT TOLD THER
... E WAS A PROBLEM OR A REPAIR MADE. THE SECOND INCIDENT OF STALLING OCCURRED TODAY ON THE ON-RAMP OF A BRIDGE WITH NO SHOULDER, ON A CURVE GOING UPHILL, AND NO EXIT FOR TWO MILES OF BRIDGE. THE VEHICLE SIMPLY SHUT DOWN WHILE I WAS DRIVING, WITH NO NOISE OR WARNING. THERE WAS HALF A TANK OF GAS. I COULD NOT GET THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION OR RESTART THE CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES. I CALLED 911 AND WAITED IN A VERY DANGEROUS POSITION ON THE RAMP, WITH CARS SPEEDING AROUND THE CURVE, AND MY VEHICLE HALF IN THE LANE. WE WERE FINALLY ABLE TO START UP THE CAR AND IT DROVE SEEMINGLY NORMALLY. I BROUGHT IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM MYSELF ONLINE, AND IT BECAME IMMEDIATELY APPARENT THAT THIS WAS A DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP, AND THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL AND NUMEROUS BULLETINS REGARDING THE NECESSITY OF REPLACING THE FAULTY PARTS TO ENSURE SAFETY. I WAS NEVER CONTACTED BY SAAB OR THE DEALER WHO SOLD ME THE CAR. ALL OF MY CONTACT INFORMATION WAS AND IS CORRECT. I WAS NEARLY KILLED TODAY AS A RESULT. I WANT TO KNOW HOW THIS IS TO BE HANDLED. THANK YOU. *TRRead more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2013
MONTHS AGO, DRIVER'S SEATBELT LIGHT WOULD COME ON, DRIVER WOULD THEN PUSH HARDER ON SEATBELT BUCKLE WHICH WOULD 'CLICK' AGAIN (SECOND TIME) AND SECURE. RECENTLY, DRIVER WOULD CONSCIENTIOUSLY AND PURPOSELY NOTE 'CLICK' IN BUCKLE MECHANISM YET LIGHT WOULD COME ON ANYWAY. DRIVER HAD TO DISENGAGE AND RE
... CLICK SEATBELT 2-3 TRIES. THIS MORNING, THE METAL COMPONENT WOULD NOT LOCK INTO THE DRIVER'S BUCKLE. DRIVER HAD TO ATTACH SEATBELT RESTRAINT INTO PASSENGER'S BUCKLE. THE ALARM SOUNDED, LIGHT IN DASH INDICATING NO SEATBELT USAGE. DRIVER FEARS SAFETY, AND WHETHER OR NOT THIS WOULD IMPEDE AIR BAG DEPLOY IN CASE OF ACCIDENT. *TRRead more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP BUT THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS LATER NOTIFIED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V015000 (FUEL SYSTEM, O
... THER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP). THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE DID NOT RECEIVE RECALL NOTIFICATION UNTIL APPROXIMATELY THREE MONTHS AFTER THE MANUFACTURER'S REPORT DATE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 850 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,700.Read more
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
... SH. GENERAL MOTORS INITIATED A RECALL IN MAY 2004 (04V226) TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS BECAUSE OF A SIMILAR PROBLEM IN 25,355 MODEL YEAR 2003 AND 5,980 MODEL YEAR 2004 SAAB 9-3 SEDANS.THE RETRACTORS CONTAINED AN AUTOMATIC TENSIONING SYSTEM (ATS), A DESIGN FEATURE AND MECHANISM TO ENHANCE OCCUPANT COMFORT BY REDUCING SHOULDER BELT PRESSURE.INVESTIGATION FOUND THAT THE CABLE IN THE ATS MECHANISM WAS DAMAGED DURING THE SUPPLIER'S MANUFACTURING PROCESS.THE FAILURES OCCURRED WHEN THE CABLE BROKE. RECALL 04V226 DID NOT COVER MODEL YEAR 2004 9-3 SEDANS MANUFACTURED AFTER SEPTEMBER 30, 2004, AND BEFORE MAY 10, 2004, WHICH INCORPORATED MODIFIED ATS MANUFACTURING PROCESSES.THE CURRENT INVESTIGATION FINDS THAT THE ATS ON THE DRIVERS' SEATS ON THE POST-RECALL POPULATION IS FAILING PREMATURELY.THIS IS A DIFFERENT PROBLEM THAN THE MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT LED TO THE ORIGINAL RECALL.GENERAL MOTORS NOW WILL RECALL THE BALANCE OF 2004 SAAB 9-3 SEDAN DRIVER SEATS WITH THE ATS FEATURE.NOT ALL 2004 9-3 SEAT BELT RETRACTORS ARE SUBJECT TO RECALL.THE RETRACTORS ON 9-3 SEDAN PASSENGER SEATS, DUE TO THEIR LESS FREQUENT USE THAN DRIVERS' SEATS, DO NOT HAVE THE SAME RISK OF PREMATURE FAILURE AS THOSE ON THE DRIVERS' SEATS.SAAB WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE RETRACTORS FOR 10 YEARS FROM NEW VEHICLE DATE OF SALE UNDER A SPECIAL COVERAGE PROGRAM.MODEL YEAR 2004 9-3 CONVERTIBLES HAVE A DIFFERENT SEAT/SEAT BELT DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION.SAAB 9-3 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED ON AND AFTER MAY 10, 2004, DO NOT HAVE THE ATS FEATURE AND THEREFORE ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THIS PROBLEM.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: 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
... pension coil spring fractures.ODI is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the alleged defect.The engineering design and testing data supplied by GM, along with the frequency of consumer complaints and warranty claims related to the alleged defect, tends to support the position that, in general, the coil springs that fractured on many subject vehicles did not achieve the expected service life.However, in regard to the subject vehicles, a front suspension coil spring fracture itself has little safety consequence, as evidenced by the minimal impact on vehicle ride and handling and by the number of drivers who were unaware of the failure condition for some time until alerted by service personnel.The ratio of tire punctures to coil spring fractures appears low and there are no reports of crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect. 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 this issue and will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.See the EA08-026 Engineering Analysis Closing Report for more details.Read more
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
... ON, THE SALT BELT INCLUDES CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN).SUBSEQUENT ANALYSIS OF DATA PROVIDED BY GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM) HAS LED THE AGENCY TO EXPAND THE SCOPE OF THIS INVESTIGATION TO INCLUDE ALL MY 2003-2006 SAAB 9-3 VEHICLES SOLD OR REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES. TO DATE, ODI IS AWARE OF 53 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS AND/OR FIELD REPORTS THAT ALLEGE COIL SPRING FRACTURE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, INCLUDING 23 ALLEGING THE FRACTURED SPRING DAMAGED A TIRE, WITH 16 OF THOSE INVOLVING A TIRE PUNCTURE.ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY DATA PROVIDED BY GM IDENTIFIED 1,218 CLAIMS PAID TO REPAIR SUBJECT VEHICLES THAT EXPERIENCED THE ALLEGED DEFECT, OF WHICH 138 VEHICLES ALSO SUFFERED DAMAGE TO THE ADJACENT TIRE AND OF THOSE, 79 VEHICLES EXPERIENCED A TIRE PUNCTURE.ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY CRASHES OR INJURIES RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT. GM MADE SEVERAL DESIGN CHANGES TO THE COIL SPRINGS AND/OR MCPHERSON STRUT ASSEMBLIES USED IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IN AN APPARENT EFFORT TO ADDRESS THE ALLEGED DEFECT CONDITION.HOWEVER, GM MAINTAINS THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES REMAIN WELL CONTROLLED IN THE EVENT OF TIRE PUNCTURE, THAT THE RATE OF TIRE PUNCTURE INCIDENTS RELATED TO COIL SPRING FRACTURES IS LOW, AND THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT DOES NOT POSE AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA08-026) TO FURTHER STUDY THE SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.Read more
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
... 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
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
... GLOBAL CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN TO CORRECT TWO DISTINCT ENGINE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE CONDITIONS THAT COULD RESULT IN ENGINE STALL IN APPROXIMATELY 12 THOUSAND SAAB 9-3 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.THE REMEDIES FOR BOTH CONDITIONS INVOLVED REPROGRAMMING THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE. GM HAS STATED THAT NEITHER CONDITION CAN OCCUR DURING VEHICLE ACCELERATION AND IN BOTH CASES THE VEHICLE CAN BE SAFELY CONTROLLED AND IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED AFTER ENGINE STALL. FOR THESE REASONS, AMONG OTHERS, GM BELIEVES THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES DO NOT CONTAIN A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT. TO DATE, ODI HAS NOT RECEIVED ANY REPORTS OF CRASHES ALLEGEDLY DUE TO STALLING OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.NEVERTHELESS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES ASSOCIATED WITH THESE STALLING CONDITIONS CAN HAVE A SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE EFFECT ON SAFETY.ODI BELIEVES THAT THE CONDITIONS ADDRESSED BY GM?S CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE APPROPRIATELY TREATED AS A SAFETY RECALL.HOWEVER, BASED ON THE VERY HIGH COMPLETION RATES FOR THAT CAMPAIGN (83.3 PERCENT OVERALL) AND GM?S LETTER DESCRIBING ITS FUTURE APPROACH TO THE CONSIDERATION OF STALLING ISSUES, ODI HAS DECIDED THAT FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES ON THIS INVESTIGATION IS NOT WARRANTED.THEREFORE, 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 TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT.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
... JANUARY 2003, SAAB DISABLED THE DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL (DMF) PROTECTION (INTENDED ONLY FOR MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLES) IN SUBJECT VEHICLES WITH 175 HP ENGINES.ACCORDING TO SAAB, DMF PROTECTION IN A VEHICLE WITH AUTOMATIC TRANMSSION MAY CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHEN RELEASING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COASTING. IN AUGUST 2003, SAAB REVISED THE ECM SOFTWARE IN THE 210 HP ENGINES TO ADDRESS A CONCERN WITH ENGINE STALL DURING ABORTED TAKE-OFF MANUEVERS.ACCORDING TO SAAB, ABORTED TAKE-OFF STALLS OCCUR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND IN DRIVE GEAR, THE ENGINE IS IDLING, AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS PULSED (PRESSED QUICKLY AND RELEASED IN LESS THAN 1 SECOND). THERE HAVE BEEN 553 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND SAAB ALLEGING ENGINE STALL IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THERE IS ONE REPORTED CRASH AND NO INJURIES.SAAB INITIATED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM IN EARLY FEBRUARY TO REPROGRAM THE ECM'S.SAAB REPORTED THAT 36% OF THE VEHICLES HAD BEEN SERVICED IN THE PROGRAM AS OF MARCH 9, 2004.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND SAAB'S ACTIONS TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS.Read more