Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2000 Saab 9-3 CONVERTIBLE problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

12 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

95,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2000 model year. Data updated: . 9 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 12 complaints (16.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior216.7%
Steering behavior216.7%
Transmission and shifting18.3%
Engine operation18.3%
Electrical and battery issues18.3%
Fuel system concerns18.3%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags
2
Electrical System:Ignition
2
Seat Belts
2
Air Bags:Side/Window
1
Electrical System
1
Electrical System:Ignition:Module
1
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
1
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags2
Electrical System:Ignition2
Seat Belts2
Air Bags:Side/Window1
Electrical System1
Electrical System:Ignition:Module1
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine1
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings1

Air Bags: 2; Electrical System:Ignition: 2; Seat Belts: 2; Air Bags:Side/Window: 1; Electrical System: 1; Electrical System:Ignition:Module: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
2
50,000 to 74,999
1
75,000 to 99,999
2
100,000 to 149,999
3
150,000 and above
1
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9992
50,000 to 74,9991
75,000 to 99,9992
100,000 to 149,9993
150,000 and above1

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 1

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 3 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2001
1
2003
1
2004
2
2006
1
2009
2
2010
1
2013
1
2014
1
2016
1
2020
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20011
20031
20042
20061
20092
20101
20131
20141
20161
20201

2001: 1; 2003: 1; 2004: 2; 2006: 1; 2009: 2; 2010: 1; 2013: 1; 2014: 1; 2016: 1; 2020: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10090611 · 2004-09-08 (September 8, 2004)

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, AUTO SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY, NO POWER STEERING, BRAKES, ETC. COASTED TO SIDE OF ROAD. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. BURNT ELECTRICAL SMELL FROM ENGINE. CAR WAS TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP, WHERE A FAILED IGNITION CASSETTE WAS DIAGNOSED. THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT COMES ON PERIODICALLY SINCE DAY ONE, IN SOME CASES FOR DAYS AT A TIME. I HAVE ASKED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AT SEVERAL DEALERS AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IT COULD BE BECAUSE OF A LOOSE GAS CAP AND NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT (SAAB USA CLAIMS THAT THEY DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLE…

Owner-reported narrative. 38,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10090611 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10609014 · 2014-07-08 (July 8, 2014)

WHILE DRIVING MY CAR I HAD TO PUSH ON THE BRAKES FAIRLY HARD. THE SEAT BELT RETRACTED AND THEN STAYED RETRACTED. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR A PROPER REPLACEMENT FOR THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT AND HAVE YET TO FIND ONE FOR LESS THAN $200.00 FOR A USED ONE AND OVER $300.00 FOR A REFURBISHED ONE. GM JUST HAPPENS TO HAVE NEW ONES BUT THEY ARE ALMOST $500.00 ACCORDING TO THE REP FROM GM.THESE SEAT BELTS HAVE A CHARGING CYLINDER ON THEM THAT SETS OFF THE AIR BAG. THAT ALONE CAUSES YOU TO HAVE TO SHIP IT AS A HAZARDOUS MATERIAL.IF YOU CAN FIND SOMEONE TO…

Owner-reported narrative. 145,011 miles reported. Look up ODI 10609014 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11323899 · 2020-05-08 (May 8, 2020)

DRIVING ALONG, MAYBE 20-30 MPH AND DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYS FOR NO REASON (SIDE, NOT STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG). . NO CRASH, NO IMPACT, JUST DRIVING STRAIGHT AND, BOOM! MY LEFT EAR IS RINGING AND MY LEFT ARM IS PROBABLY BRUISED. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 174,183 miles reported. Look up ODI 11323899 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10093558 · 2004-10-04 (October 4, 2004)

VEHICLE BEGAN SHIFTING POORLY AND WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE UNLESS TURNED OFF (5 SPEED MANUAL TRANS). SAAB DEALERSHIP OPENED TARNSMISSION AND FOUND IT NEEDED FULL REPLACEMENT (60,000 MILES) AND ALSO NEEDED A NEW CLUTCH. SINCE THAT TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON AND GO OFF ERRATICLY. SAAB CAN'T SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHY THE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. VERY EXPENSIVE REPLACEMENTS AND DIAGNOSTICS!*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 65,401 miles reported. Look up ODI 10093558 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10033090 · 2003-08-19 (August 19, 2003)

MY 2000 SAAB 9-3 STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY...THE DEALER REPACED THE DIRECT IGNITION MODULE AND CAR WAS OKAY. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 26,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10033090 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10164953 · 2006-08-08 (August 8, 2006)

2000 SAAB 9-3 SE CONVERTIBLE. ON COMMUTE HOME, WAS PULLED OVER BECAUSE OF A DETECTED GASOLINE LEAK. GASOLINE WAS POURING OUT FROM UNDER THE AUTO BY THE GAS TANK. POLICE HAD CAR FLAT BEDDED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE CAUSE WAS FROM A "BROKEN CLIP THAT ATTACHED THE FUEL LINE TO THE FUEL PUMP". COSTS FOR REPAIR AND TO REFILL TANK TOTALED $1057.58. 2001 VEHICLES OF THIS SAME MODEL WERE ALREADY RECALLED FOR THIS SAME REASON (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V557000). *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 79,950 miles reported. Look up ODI 10164953 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

12 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

75.0%Usable mileage9 / 12 records
100.0%Valid incident date12 / 12 records
100.0%Valid filing date12 / 12 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates12 / 12 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component1999200020012002
Electrical System:Ignition:Module
212.5%
ODI 10129404 · 38,000 mi

I HAVE A 1999 9-3 CONVERTIBLE, BOUGHT CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED FROM THE DEALER (SANTA MONICA SAAB) IN 2002. LAST SUMMER, THE CEL CAME ON AT ABOUT 38K, SO I HAD THE ENGINE SERVICED AT THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED BY THE MANAGER THAT THE CODES INDICATED A DI CASSETTE FAILURE AND ALSO POSSIBLE OXYGEN SENSOR FAILURE AS A RESULT. AT THAT TIME, I HADN'T EXPERIENCED ANY ENGINE STALLING OR FAILURE AS A RESULT OF THIS PROBLEM BUT WAS WARNED THAT IT MIGHT FAIL WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING IF THE DI CASSETTE WASN'T REPLACED. I TOOK THAT RISK, DRIVING ON…

Look up ODI 10129404 at NHTSA ↗

18.3%
ODI 10033090 · 26,400 mi

MY 2000 SAAB 9-3 STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY...THE DEALER REPACED THE DIRECT IGNITION MODULE AND CAR WAS OKAY. *AK

Look up ODI 10033090 at NHTSA ↗

416.7%
ODI 10043261

AT 75 MPH ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY, MY CAR SIMPLY SHUT DOWN, ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART. HAD TO COAST ACROSS THREE LANES OF BUSY TRAFFIC TO GET TO SHOULDER. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART, BURNING ELECTRICAL SMELL AND SMOKE CAME FROM ENGINE. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, WHERE FAILED THE CASSETTE WAS DIAGNOSED. IS STILL IN SHOP 4 DAYS LATER. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON FOR 8 MONTHS, HAVE BEEN TOLD REPEATEDLY BY SAAB THAT IT'S BECAUSE I AM NOT TIGHTENING THE GAS CAP ENOUGH. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, AS USUAL, BUT I IGNORED IT, AS IT'S ON HALF THE …

Look up ODI 10043261 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags
212.5%
ODI 10189364

DRIVING ON ROAD AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED ON ITS OWN IN AFTERNOON OF FRIDAY, APRIL 27TH. NO PASSENGER WAS IN THE SEAT. SAAB WAS IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED. CAR WAS TAKEN TO SAAB DEALER MONDAY MORNING. CAR WAS LEFT THERE ALL DAY AND SAAB CORP WAS TO HAVE THE CAR INSPECTED. NOTHING WAS DONE AND CAR WAS PICKED UP ON MONDAY EVENING. WE ARE DESPERATELY TRYING TO GET SAAB TO LOOK AT THE CAR BUT THEY ARE BEING DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH. SAAB CORP IS NOT GIVING ANY INDICATION AS TO WHAT THEY ARE GOING TO DO TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND ENSURE IT D…

Look up ODI 10189364 at NHTSA ↗

216.7%
ODI 10935100

TAKATA RECALL: I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN MARCH 2016. THE SAAB CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER CONTINUES TO TELL ME THE AIRBAG REPLACEMENT IS NOT AVAILABLE AND "I SHOULD NOT WORRY BECAUSE THERE HAVE BEEN NO ACCIDENTS WITH SAAB VEHICLES." HOWEVER, I OWN OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE SAME RECALL, AND THOSE MANUFACTURERS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO OBTAIN THE REPLACEMENT.

Look up ODI 10935100 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

111.1%
ODI 10406287

SLOWLY APPROACHING STOPLIGHT, AND DRIVERS SIDE, SIDE AIRBAG GOES OFF FOR NO APPARENT REASON. DRIVER WAS STRUCK IN SIDE OF HEAD, AND UPPER BODY, SOME HEARING LOSS SUFFERED ALSO.

Look up ODI 10406287 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

18.3%
ODI 10033090 · 26,400 mi

MY 2000 SAAB 9-3 STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY...THE DEALER REPACED THE DIRECT IGNITION MODULE AND CAR WAS OKAY. *AK

Look up ODI 10033090 at NHTSA ↗

312.5%
ODI 10043261

AT 75 MPH ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY, MY CAR SIMPLY SHUT DOWN, ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART. HAD TO COAST ACROSS THREE LANES OF BUSY TRAFFIC TO GET TO SHOULDER. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART, BURNING ELECTRICAL SMELL AND SMOKE CAME FROM ENGINE. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, WHERE FAILED THE CASSETTE WAS DIAGNOSED. IS STILL IN SHOP 4 DAYS LATER. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON FOR 8 MONTHS, HAVE BEEN TOLD REPEATEDLY BY SAAB THAT IT'S BECAUSE I AM NOT TIGHTENING THE GAS CAP ENOUGH. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, AS USUAL, BUT I IGNORED IT, AS IT'S ON HALF THE …

Look up ODI 10043261 at NHTSA ↗

111.1%
ODI 10068218 · 13,000 mi

2002 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE, ABOUT 13,000 MILES CAUGHT ON FIRE. DROVE TO OFFICE, TURNED OFF ENGINE, & PARKED CAR. GOT OUT OF CAR & NOTED UNUSUAL SMELL DESPITE THAT GUAGES INDICATED "CHECKING OK"AY. *AK WENT INTO MY OFFICE & CALLED ZEE SAAB OF MILFORD WHERE NEW CAR WAS ORIGINALLY LEASED FROM & WHERE ALL SERVICES HAD BEEN PERFORMED. NO PROBLEMS HAD EVER BEEN NOTED WITH THE CAR. TOLD TO CALL SAAB ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, WHICH I DID. WENT BACK OUTSIDE TO WHERE CAR WAS PARKED TO WAIT FOR ROADSIDE AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD AREA…

Look up ODI 10068218 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:Ignition
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

216.7%
ODI 10033090 · 26,400 mi

MY 2000 SAAB 9-3 STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY...THE DEALER REPACED THE DIRECT IGNITION MODULE AND CAR WAS OKAY. *AK

Look up ODI 10033090 at NHTSA ↗

28.3%
ODI 10043261

AT 75 MPH ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY, MY CAR SIMPLY SHUT DOWN, ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART. HAD TO COAST ACROSS THREE LANES OF BUSY TRAFFIC TO GET TO SHOULDER. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART, BURNING ELECTRICAL SMELL AND SMOKE CAME FROM ENGINE. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, WHERE FAILED THE CASSETTE WAS DIAGNOSED. IS STILL IN SHOP 4 DAYS LATER. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON FOR 8 MONTHS, HAVE BEEN TOLD REPEATEDLY BY SAAB THAT IT'S BECAUSE I AM NOT TIGHTENING THE GAS CAP ENOUGH. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, AS USUAL, BUT I IGNORED IT, AS IT'S ON HALF THE …

Look up ODI 10043261 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling
16.3%
ODI 10209411

1999 SAAB 93 CAUGHT FIRE WHILE ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE. SEEMS LIKE THE FIRE ORIGINATED UNDER THE HOOD IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *KB (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)*JB

Look up ODI 10209411 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

28.3%
ODI 10191644 · 91,526 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY, MOTOR FAILED DUE TO LACK OF OIL CIRCULATION BROUGHT ON BY PLUGGING OF OIL PUMP INTAKE SCREEN FROM DEGRADATION OF OIL, DUE TO DESIGN OF SAAB 9/3 THAT COOKS OIL IN TURBOCHARGER AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER DIRECTLY BENEATH OIL PAN. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS LONG OIL CHANGE INTERVAL, (10,000 SAAB RECOMMENDATION), VEHICLE HAD 8,000 MILES SINCE LAST OIL CHANGE. ALSO -3*F TEMPERATURE FURTHER IMPEDED OIL CIRCULATION. COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE RESULTED. VEHICLE DISABLED. ENGINE SHORTBLOCK WAS REPLACED AT DEALERSHIP

Look up ODI 10191644 at NHTSA ↗

111.1%
ODI 10068218 · 13,000 mi

2002 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE, ABOUT 13,000 MILES CAUGHT ON FIRE. DROVE TO OFFICE, TURNED OFF ENGINE, & PARKED CAR. GOT OUT OF CAR & NOTED UNUSUAL SMELL DESPITE THAT GUAGES INDICATED "CHECKING OK"AY. *AK WENT INTO MY OFFICE & CALLED ZEE SAAB OF MILFORD WHERE NEW CAR WAS ORIGINALLY LEASED FROM & WHERE ALL SERVICES HAD BEEN PERFORMED. NO PROBLEMS HAD EVER BEEN NOTED WITH THE CAR. TOLD TO CALL SAAB ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, WHICH I DID. WENT BACK OUTSIDE TO WHERE CAR WAS PARKED TO WAIT FOR ROADSIDE AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD AREA…

Look up ODI 10068218 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

18.3%
ODI 10164953 · 79,950 mi

2000 SAAB 9-3 SE CONVERTIBLE. ON COMMUTE HOME, WAS PULLED OVER BECAUSE OF A DETECTED GASOLINE LEAK. GASOLINE WAS POURING OUT FROM UNDER THE AUTO BY THE GAS TANK. POLICE HAD CAR FLAT BEDDED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE CAUSE WAS FROM A "BROKEN CLIP THAT ATTACHED THE FUEL LINE TO THE FUEL PUMP". COSTS FOR REPAIR AND TO REFILL TANK TOTALED $1057.58. 2001 VEHICLES OF THIS SAME MODEL WERE ALREADY RECALLED FOR THIS SAME REASON (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V557000). *NM

Look up ODI 10164953 at NHTSA ↗

312.5%
ODI 10097868 · 35,200 mi

THE VEHICLE HAS A FUEL LEAK. THE FITTING THAT GOES ON THE FUEL PUMP IS CRACKED. WHEN THE VEHICLE LEAKED IT WOULD RUN ALONG THE GAS LINE WHICH WAS NEAR THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE HEAT FROM THE EXHAUST COULD CAUSE A FIRE IF CONTACT WAS MADE. *AK *SC

Look up ODI 10097868 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seat Belts
212.5%
ODI 10052301 · 19,000 mi

TWISTED SEAT BELTS; FRONT AND REAR ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE DEALERSHIP HAS UNTWISTED THESE BELTS ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. IN A FEW CASES, IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF WEEKS BEFORE I HAD TO RETURN TO HAVE THEM UNTWISTED AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALSO VERY FORTHCOMING INFORMING ME THAT THIS IS A ONGOING OCCURENCE IN THIS SAAB MODEL. I CANNOT SEE WHY THEY HAVE NOT BEEN RECALLED, SINCE SAAB KNOWS OF THEIR FAULTY DESIGN. THEY ARE UNSAFE, AND I CANNOT SEE HOW THEY WILL FUNCTION PROPERLY IN AN ACCIDENT.*AK

Look up ODI 10052301 at NHTSA ↗

216.7%
ODI 10495116 · 112,334 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT AND BECAME TIGHT AROUND THE CONTACT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT BEGAN CHOKING FROM THE PRESSURE OF THE SEAT BELT BECOMING TIGHTER. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE SEAT BELTS WERE NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 112,334.

Look up ODI 10495116 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
16.3%
ODI 10047178 · 31,000 mi

ON, OR ABOUT THIS DATE, MY CONVERTIBLE TOP CEASED TO OPERATE. THE "RAMS" WERE LEAKING HYDRAULIC FLUID, AND THE HYDRAULIC PUMP WAS MISSING TEETH IN ITS' GEAR RING. THIS CAR HAS ONLY 31,000 MILES AND JUST WENT OVER FOUR YEARS OLD IN FEBRUARY; WHICH WAS ALSO THE END OF ITS' MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY. I CONTACTED SAAB CARS USA TO ADVISE THEM OF THIS PREMATURE FAILURE OF SEVERAL PARTS WITHIN THE CONVERTIBLE TOP. THEY PAID FOR PARTS ON ONE OF THE REPAIRS (THE RAMS). FOLLOWING THIS INCIDENT WITH THE TOP, AND AFTER IT WAS REPAIRED, A INTERMEDIATE S…

Look up ODI 10047178 at NHTSA ↗

18.3%
ODI 10093558 · 65,401 mi

VEHICLE BEGAN SHIFTING POORLY AND WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE UNLESS TURNED OFF (5 SPEED MANUAL TRANS). SAAB DEALERSHIP OPENED TARNSMISSION AND FOUND IT NEEDED FULL REPLACEMENT (60,000 MILES) AND ALSO NEEDED A NEW CLUTCH. SINCE THAT TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON AND GO OFF ERRATICLY. SAAB CAN'T SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHY THE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. VERY EXPENSIVE REPLACEMENTS AND DIAGNOSTICS!*AK

Look up ODI 10093558 at NHTSA ↗

14.2%
ODI 10367793 · 46,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 65 MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED; THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 46,000.

Look up ODI 10367793 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Air BagsToo few reports for a range174,183 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11323899 · 174,183 mi

DRIVING ALONG, MAYBE 20-30 MPH AND DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYS FOR NO REASON (SIDE, NOT STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG). . NO CRASH, NO IMPACT, JUST DRIVING STRAIGHT AND, BOOM! MY LEFT EAR IS RINGING AND MY LEFT ARM IS PROBABLY BRUISED. *TR

Look up ODI 11323899 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:IgnitionToo few reports for a range32,200 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10033090 · 26,400 mi

MY 2000 SAAB 9-3 STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY...THE DEALER REPACED THE DIRECT IGNITION MODULE AND CAR WAS OKAY. *AK

Look up ODI 10033090 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10090611 · 38,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, AUTO SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY, NO POWER STEERING, BRAKES, ETC. COASTED TO SIDE OF ROAD. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. BURNT ELECTRICAL SMELL FROM ENGINE. CAR WAS TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP, WHERE A FAILED IGNITION CASSETTE WAS DIAGNOSED. THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT COMES ON PERIODICALLY SINCE DAY ONE, IN SOME CASES FOR DAYS AT A TIME. I HAVE ASKED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AT SEVERAL DEALERS AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IT COULD BE BECAUSE OF A LOOSE GAS CAP AND NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT (SAAB USA CLAIMS THAT THEY DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLE…

Look up ODI 10090611 at NHTSA ↗

Seat BeltsToo few reports for a range128,673 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10495116 · 112,334 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT AND BECAME TIGHT AROUND THE CONTACT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT BEGAN CHOKING FROM THE PRESSURE OF THE SEAT BELT BECOMING TIGHTER. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE SEAT BELTS WERE NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 112,334.

Look up ODI 10495116 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10609014 · 145,011 mi

WHILE DRIVING MY CAR I HAD TO PUSH ON THE BRAKES FAIRLY HARD. THE SEAT BELT RETRACTED AND THEN STAYED RETRACTED. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR A PROPER REPLACEMENT FOR THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT AND HAVE YET TO FIND ONE FOR LESS THAN $200.00 FOR A USED ONE AND OVER $300.00 FOR A REFURBISHED ONE. GM JUST HAPPENS TO HAVE NEW ONES BUT THEY ARE ALMOST $500.00 ACCORDING TO THE REP FROM GM.THESE SEAT BELTS HAVE A CHARGING CYLINDER ON THEM THAT SETS OFF THE AIR BAG. THAT ALONE CAUSES YOU TO HAVE TO SHIP IT AS A HAZARDOUS MATERIAL.IF YOU CAN FIND SOMEONE TO…

Look up ODI 10609014 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range26,400 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10033090 · 26,400 mi

MY 2000 SAAB 9-3 STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY...THE DEALER REPACED THE DIRECT IGNITION MODULE AND CAR WAS OKAY. *AK

Look up ODI 10033090 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:Ignition:ModuleToo few reports for a range26,400 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10033090 · 26,400 mi

MY 2000 SAAB 9-3 STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY...THE DEALER REPACED THE DIRECT IGNITION MODULE AND CAR WAS OKAY. *AK

Look up ODI 10033090 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:EngineToo few reports for a range100,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10258846 · 100,000 mi

ENGINE BLEW DO TO EXCESSIVE CARBON BUILD UP, SAAB HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM SINCE 1999 AND OFFERED A EXTENDED WARRANTY TO ORIGINAL BUYERS TILL 8 YEARS AND UNLIMITED MILEAGE. TO FIX, ENGINE HAS TO BE REPLACED. CAR ONLY HAS 100,000 MILES. THE OIL PORTHOLES THAT SQUIRT INTO THE PISTONS ARE CLOGGED BURNING OUT THE CYLINDERS. TO FIX THE CONCERN $4-5,000, IF WE CAN USE THE ENGINE THAT CAME WITH THE CAR, USED ENGINES ARE GOING FOR $2-3000 AND YOU CANNOT BUY A NEW OR REBUILT ONE. *TR

Look up ODI 10258846 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And FittingsToo few reports for a range79,950 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10164953 · 79,950 mi

2000 SAAB 9-3 SE CONVERTIBLE. ON COMMUTE HOME, WAS PULLED OVER BECAUSE OF A DETECTED GASOLINE LEAK. GASOLINE WAS POURING OUT FROM UNDER THE AUTO BY THE GAS TANK. POLICE HAD CAR FLAT BEDDED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE CAUSE WAS FROM A "BROKEN CLIP THAT ATTACHED THE FUEL LINE TO THE FUEL PUMP". COSTS FOR REPAIR AND TO REFILL TANK TOTALED $1057.58. 2001 VEHICLES OF THIS SAME MODEL WERE ALREADY RECALLED FOR THIS SAME REASON (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V557000). *NM

Look up ODI 10164953 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 26 reports

2001: 6 complaints · 2002: 4 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2001146
2002114
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20012310
2002900

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentAir BagsElectrical System:IgnitionSeat BeltsAir Bags:Side/WindowElectrical SystemElectrical System:Ignition:ModuleEngine And Engine Cooling:EngineFuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Air Bags—0000000
Electrical System:Ignition0—00
1
ODI 10033090 · 26,400 mi

MY 2000 SAAB 9-3 STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY...THE DEALER REPACED THE DIRECT IGNITION MODULE AND CAR WAS OKAY. *AK

Look up ODI 10033090 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10033090 · 26,400 mi

MY 2000 SAAB 9-3 STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY...THE DEALER REPACED THE DIRECT IGNITION MODULE AND CAR WAS OKAY. *AK

Look up ODI 10033090 at NHTSA ↗

00
Seat Belts00—00000
Air Bags:Side/Window000—0000
Electrical System0
1
ODI 10033090 · 26,400 mi

MY 2000 SAAB 9-3 STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY...THE DEALER REPACED THE DIRECT IGNITION MODULE AND CAR WAS OKAY. *AK

Look up ODI 10033090 at NHTSA ↗

00—
1
ODI 10033090 · 26,400 mi

MY 2000 SAAB 9-3 STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY...THE DEALER REPACED THE DIRECT IGNITION MODULE AND CAR WAS OKAY. *AK

Look up ODI 10033090 at NHTSA ↗

00
Electrical System:Ignition:Module0
1
ODI 10033090 · 26,400 mi

MY 2000 SAAB 9-3 STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY...THE DEALER REPACED THE DIRECT IGNITION MODULE AND CAR WAS OKAY. *AK

Look up ODI 10033090 at NHTSA ↗

00
1
ODI 10033090 · 26,400 mi

MY 2000 SAAB 9-3 STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY...THE DEALER REPACED THE DIRECT IGNITION MODULE AND CAR WAS OKAY. *AK

Look up ODI 10033090 at NHTSA ↗

—00
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine000000—0
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

3 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 16.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 51,701 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10090611 · 38,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, AUTO SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY, NO POWER STEERING, BRAKES, ETC. COASTED TO SIDE OF ROAD. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. BURNT ELECTRICAL SMELL FROM ENGINE. CAR WAS TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP, WHERE A FAILED IGNITION CASSETTE WAS DIAGNOSED. THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT COMES ON PERIODICALLY SINCE DAY ONE, IN SOME CASES FOR DAYS AT A TIME. I HAVE ASKED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AT SEVERAL DEALERS AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IT COULD BE BECAUSE OF A LOOSE GAS CAP AND NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT (SAAB USA CLAIMS THAT THEY DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLE…

Look up ODI 10090611 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10093558 · 65,401 mi

VEHICLE BEGAN SHIFTING POORLY AND WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE UNLESS TURNED OFF (5 SPEED MANUAL TRANS). SAAB DEALERSHIP OPENED TARNSMISSION AND FOUND IT NEEDED FULL REPLACEMENT (60,000 MILES) AND ALSO NEEDED A NEW CLUTCH. SINCE THAT TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON AND GO OFF ERRATICLY. SAAB CAN'T SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHY THE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. VERY EXPENSIVE REPLACEMENTS AND DIAGNOSTICS!*AK

Look up ODI 10093558 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 8.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 26,400 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10033090 · 26,400 mi

MY 2000 SAAB 9-3 STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY...THE DEALER REPACED THE DIRECT IGNITION MODULE AND CAR WAS OKAY. *AK

Look up ODI 10033090 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 8.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 38,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10090611 · 38,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, AUTO SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY, NO POWER STEERING, BRAKES, ETC. COASTED TO SIDE OF ROAD. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. BURNT ELECTRICAL SMELL FROM ENGINE. CAR WAS TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP, WHERE A FAILED IGNITION CASSETTE WAS DIAGNOSED. THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT COMES ON PERIODICALLY SINCE DAY ONE, IN SOME CASES FOR DAYS AT A TIME. I HAVE ASKED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AT SEVERAL DEALERS AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IT COULD BE BECAUSE OF A LOOSE GAS CAP AND NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT (SAAB USA CLAIMS THAT THEY DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLE…

Look up ODI 10090611 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b