Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2009 Saab 9-3: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

43 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

66,250 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2009 model year. Data updated: . 26 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 17 of 43 complaints (39.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Engine operation49.3%
Braking behavior49.3%
Electrical and battery issues12.3%
Steering behavior12.3%
Fuel system concerns12.3%

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
17
Engine
12
Fuel/Propulsion System
4
Seat Belts
2
Service Brakes
2
Electrical System
1
Engine And Engine Cooling
1
Exterior Lighting
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags17
Engine12
Fuel/Propulsion System4
Seat Belts2
Service Brakes2
Electrical System1
Engine And Engine Cooling1
Exterior Lighting1

Air Bags: 17; Engine: 12; Fuel/Propulsion System: 4; Seat Belts: 2; Service Brakes: 2; Electrical System: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1; Exterior Lighting: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
5
25,000 to 49,999
4
50,000 to 74,999
7
75,000 to 99,999
8
100,000 to 149,999
2
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0005
25,000 to 49,9994
50,000 to 74,9997
75,000 to 99,9998
100,000 to 149,9992
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 5; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 7; 75,000 to 99,999: 8; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 0

75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (8). 17 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.

2010
1
2011
1
2013
1
2014
6
2015
10
2016
15
2017
6
2018
2
2019
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20101
20111
20131
20146
201510
201615
20176
20182
20191

2010: 1; 2011: 1; 2013: 1; 2014: 6; 2015: 10; 2016: 15; 2017: 6; 2018: 2; 2019: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 4 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues 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.

Examples from the source records

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

Owner report 10301904 · 2010-01-22 (January 22, 2010)

DRIVERS SIDE LOW BEAM IS DIM. DEALER FOUND THE LOW BEAM BULBS WERE OVERHEATING. REPLACED LOW BEAM BULBS AND REPROGRAMMED THE ELECTRICAL CENTER UNDER THE HOOD WITH NEW SOFTWARE TO PREVENT THE HEADLIGHT BULBS FROM OVERHEATING. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 39,269 miles reported. Look up ODI 10301904 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10403429 · 2011-05-25 (May 25, 2011)

AFTER STARTING CAR AND ADJUSTING SEAT I BACKED OUT OF PARKING SPACE AND APPLIED THE BRAKES WHICH DID NOT SEEM TO WORK PROPERLY. THE CAR EVENTUALLY STOPPED AS I WAS NOT GOING VERY FAST. I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND BEGAN TO ACCELERATE TO MOVE TO ANOTHER PARKING SPOT AND AS I TURNED THE CORNER GOING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THEY DID NOT WORK; I ACCELERATED AGAIN TO TEST THE BRAKES AGAIN AND THEY DID NOT WORK; I AGAIN ACCELERATED TO TEST THE BRAKES AGAIN AND THEY STILL DID NOT WORK. I CAUTIOUSLY MOVED MY CAR TO ANOTHER PARKING…

Owner-reported narrative. 12,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 10403429 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10542491 · 2013-09-08 (September 8, 2013)

UPON STARTING AFTER SITTING, THE BRAKES HAVE A GREATLY INCREASED PEDAL EFFORT AND A CORRESPONDINGLY GREATLY REDUCED BRAKING EFFECT. THIS COMBINED WITH THE RELATIVELY HIGH IDLE FOR THIS MODEL OF ENGINE, (V-6), AT START UP COMBINES TO CREATES A SITUATION WHERE THE CAR IS VERY DIFFICULT TO STOP WHEN DRIVING AWAY FROM FIRST START-UP.

Owner-reported narrative. 6,989 miles reported. Look up ODI 10542491 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10563904 · 2014-02-11 (February 11, 2014)

MY SAAB HAS WORN INTAKE VALVE SEATS WHICH WAS CONFIRMED WITH A COMPRESSION TEST. BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM, MY CAR IS HAVING TROUBLE STARTING COLD. ACCORDING TO MULTIPLE SAAB BLOGS, THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND IS POSSIBLY CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE PARTS. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 80,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10563904 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10566935 · 2014-03-04 (March 4, 2014)

THE INTAKE VALVE IN THE FIRST CYLINDER HAS TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF APPROXIMATELY $2500. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR ALL SAABS (2009-2011). THERE IS A TECHNICAL BULLETIN RELEASED FOR HOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT VEHICLE WORKMANSHIP IS THE PROBLEM AND THE COST OF REPAIR IS BEING PASSED ON TO THE CONSUMER. AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN GOOD FAITH WITH THE EXPECTATION THAT I AM PURCHASING A QUALITY VEHICLE FROM GM, I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT THIS KNOWN ISSUE IS A PROBLEM WITH ALL SAABS MANUFACTURED BY GM. THE 2009-2011 SAABS A…

Owner-reported narrative. 71,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10566935 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10609309 · 2014-07-09 (July 9, 2014)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING AND HAD TO WAIT FOR THE VEHICLE TO COOL DOWN ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART INTERMITTENTLY DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 60,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10609309 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10628279 · 2014-08-25 (August 25, 2014)

DURING ROUTINE UNDER HOOD INSPECTION, BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR CAP WAS OBSERVED TO HAVE SPLIT INTO MULTIPLE PIECES. THIS DAMAGE, APPARENTLY HEAT RELATED, COMPROMISED THE ABILITY OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM TO MAINTAIN PRESSURE AND COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKING, CRASH, AND BODILY INJURY. VEHICLE WAS REMOVED FROM SERVICE PENDING RECEIPT OF REPLACEMENT PART. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 62,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10628279 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10637186 · 2014-09-18 (September 18, 2014)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SAAB 9-3. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A RATTLING SOUND NEAR THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SELF-DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 44,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10637186 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

14V318000 · Seat Belts:Front:Retractor

Reported: 2014-06-12 (June 12, 2014)

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 seat belt retractor if it fails, free of charge, for the life of the vehicle.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
16V063000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2016-02-03 (February 3, 2016)

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 deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

60.5%Usable mileage26 / 43 records
100.0%Valid incident date43 / 43 records
100.0%Valid filing date43 / 43 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates43 / 43 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
Component1999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011
Air Bags
1015.6%
ODI 10060024 · 48,000 mi

THE AIR BAG ALARM IS "ON" IN THE CAR, FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME IT WILL BE IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIR OF THIS DEFECT WITHIN THE LAST 15 MONTHS! APPARENTLY, THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVER'S SEAT?? *JB SINCE THERE IS NO WAY TO DETERMINE IF THE AIRBAGS WILL WORK WHILE THE LIGHT IS "ON", AND SINCE THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH A SAFETY FEATURE, IT COULD BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM. AFTER ALL, THE CAR IS STILL DRIVABLE WHILE THE LIGHT IS ON. *JB

Look up ODI 10060024 at NHTSA ↗

1020.0%
ODI 10091066

MY SON AND HIS GIRLFRIEND WERE IN A SERIOUS ROLL OVER CAR ACCIDENT IN HER 2000 SAAB HATCHBACK. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, NEITHER FRONT NOR SIDE, EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS SUBSTANTIAL IMPACT AND DAMAGE ON FRONT AND SIDES.*AK

Look up ODI 10091066 at NHTSA ↗

46.8%
ODI 10619311 · 92,800 mi

TL * THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DRIVER DIED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE SPEED WAS 40-45 MPH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. UPDATED 09/11/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE 7 YEAR OLD PASSENGER WAS RUSHED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE A PILLAR AS WELL AS THE ROOF CAVED IN. POLICE DETERMINED VEHICLE SPEED WAS NOT A FACTOR. UPDATED 1/13/2015 *JS

Look up ODI 10619311 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

125.7%
ODI 10032705 · 5,200 mi

AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN A 30-35MPH FRONTAL COLLISION WITH AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. SEATBELT RESTRAINT INJURED BOTH PASSENGERS, BUT NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.*AK

Look up ODI 10032705 at NHTSA ↗

167.7%
ODI 10107060

AIR BAG CAN DISCHARGED WITHOUT BEING IN AN ACCIDENT. *BF THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THE AIR BAGS TO BE DISCONNECTED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DUE TO PREVIOUS INJURIES. *SC *JB

Look up ODI 10107060 at NHTSA ↗

1010.5%
ODI 10839801

TAKATA RECALL CANT TRUST MY CAR IF I HAVE TAKATA AIRBAGS

Look up ODI 10839801 at NHTSA ↗

8648.0%
ODI 10226026 · 32,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAG LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED BY A SAAB DEALER. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK FAILED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE IGNITION WAS REPLACED. THERE HAD BEEN NO FURTHER OCCURRENCES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.

Look up ODI 10226026 at NHTSA ↗

6441.3%
ODI 10255340 · 19 mi

MY WIFE AND I WERE INVOLVED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT IN OUR 2007 SAAB 9-3 2.0 T CONVERTIBLE. WE WERE HEADING EASTBOUND ON SR610 IN STAFFORD, VA AND THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS HEADING WESTBOUND. THE OTHER DRIVER MADE AN ILLEGAL LEFT TURN IN FRONT OF US FAILING TO YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY AND WE STRUCK HIS CAR IN THE RIDE SIDE (T-BONE). HIS CAR WAS TOTALED AND WE HAD SIGNIFICANT FRONT END DAMAGE AND OUR AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. BOTH MY WIFE AND I ARE STILL RECOVERING FROM OUR INJURIES AND UNDER CURRENT MEDICAL CARE. I CONTACTED MY SAAB DEALERSH…

Look up ODI 10255340 at NHTSA ↗

7138.6%
ODI 10852918

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 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 NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 10852918 at NHTSA ↗

1739.5%
ODI 10836717

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V063000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART OR REMEDY FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 10836717 at NHTSA ↗

2273.3%
ODI 10852769 · 66,000 mi

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 AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000. UPDATED 05/10/16*LJ *TR

Look up ODI 10852769 at NHTSA ↗

2583.3%
ODI 10854974

TAKATA RECALL GM/SAAB HAS NO PARTS TO DELIVER TO THE LOCAL SAAB DEALER TO REPLACE THE NECESSARY PARTS TO MAKE THE CAR SAFE TO DRIVE. GM CLAIMS THAT THE PROBLEM IS NOT A HIGH RISK IN NEW YORK.

Look up ODI 10854974 at NHTSA ↗

Seat Belts
34.7%
ODI 10607049 · 144,196 mi

THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTOR LOCKED AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. SINCE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITHOUT SEAT BELTS IS DANGEROUS, THE VEHICLE IS UNUSABLE. *TR

Look up ODI 10607049 at NHTSA ↗

36.0%
ODI 10436634 · 6,000 mi

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 FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 10436634 at NHTSA ↗

11.7%
ODI 10610224 · 95,000 mi

WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION, THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKS REPEATEDLY MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO LEAN FORWARD TO SEE IF THE INTERSECTION IS CLEAR. EVEN AFTER SLOWLY LEANING ALL OF THE WAY BACK AND TRYING TO LEAN FORWARD AGAIN, IT LOCKS. THE SEAT BELT MUST BE REMOVED TO AVOID BEING HELD BACK IN THE SEAT AND UNABLE TO SEE. IN ADDITION, WHEN TRYING TO REMOVE THE SEAT BELT, THE BUTTON STICKS AND MUST BE PRESSED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE IT RELEASES. *TR

Look up ODI 10610224 at NHTSA ↗

38.1%
ODI 10678241 · 100,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SAAB 9.3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT CABLE SEPARATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Look up ODI 10678241 at NHTSA ↗

73.3%
ODI 10032705 · 5,200 mi

AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN A 30-35MPH FRONTAL COLLISION WITH AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. SEATBELT RESTRAINT INJURED BOTH PASSENGERS, BUT NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.*AK

Look up ODI 10032705 at NHTSA ↗

6732.4%
ODI 10261499 · 47,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO BUCKLE HER FRONT SEAT BELT, SHE NOTICED THAT THE RETRACTOR FAILED. THIS PREVENTED THE BELT WEBBING FROM RETRACTING. THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V226000 (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR). IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $497 TO REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 47,000.

Look up ODI 10261499 at NHTSA ↗

2021.1%
ODI 10404027 · 95,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER FOLDING THE SEAT BACK THE SEAT BELT BECAME LOCKED IN PLACE AND HE WAS UNABLE TO RELEASE IT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED HIM TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

Look up ODI 10404027 at NHTSA ↗

147.8%
ODI 10511970 · 90,000 mi

TWO ITEMS: 1. THE SEATBELT FAILED TO CATCH WHEN PULLED FORWARD AND WOULD UNRAVEL AND NOT RETURN. THE SEATBELT FAILS TO STOP THE PASSENGER SHOULD THERE BE A SUDDEN STOP. 2. BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES HAVE SHORTED AND MELTED AT THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION. *TR

Look up ODI 10511970 at NHTSA ↗

63.9%
ODI 10507115 · 46,000 mi

SEAT BELT REFUSES TO RETRACT. THE SEAT BELT IS NOW COMPLETELY UNWOUND AND DOES NOT RETRACT. *TR

Look up ODI 10507115 at NHTSA ↗

105.4%
ODI 10604787 · 70,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT RETRACTORS FOR THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEATS STOPPED WORKING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SECURE THE SEAT BELT INTO THE LATCH; HOWEVER, WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER MOVED FORWARD BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO SECURE THEM. NONE OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT OFFER A REMEDY. A LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR NEEDED TO BE …

Look up ODI 10604787 at NHTSA ↗

24.7%
ODI 10662609 · 25,000 mi

THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILS TO RETRACT. THE DRIVER SIDE HAS SOME RETRACTION LEFT AND PASSENGER SIDE HAS NONE LEFT. I FOUND THE RECALL NOTICE FROM JUNE 2014 HOWEVER IT ONLY MENTIONS THE CONVERTIBLE MODEL WHILE MY VEHICLE IS THE STATION WAGON. THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO COVER OTHER MODELS THAT HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. *TR

Look up ODI 10662609 at NHTSA ↗

26.7%
ODI 10492375 · 10,500 mi

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 SAFE…

Look up ODI 10492375 at NHTSA ↗

310.0%
ODI 10919701

HI ALL, WE RECEIVE A NOTICE SEVERAL MONTHS AGO REGARDING A RECALL TO THE AIRBAGS IN OUR CAR. AT THE TIME THEY SAID THERE WAS CURRENTLY NO REMEMDY. I JUST CHECKED SAFECAR.GOV TO CHECK IF THERE WERE ANY UPDATES AND IT SAYS "RECALL INCOMPLETE. REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE " WE ARE WORRIED ABOUT USING THIS CAR AS RECENTLY AN ELEVENTH PERSON WAS KILLED BY THESE AIRBAGS. IS THERE SOME WAY TO EXPEDITE THE REPLACEMENT OF THE AIRBAGS? THANKS YOU SO MUCH FOR ANY HELP YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO OFFER. SCOTT

Look up ODI 10919701 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System
57.8%
ODI 10094307

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE, AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED ON A DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE, AND THE COMPUTER RECORDED A CODE REFERRING TO THE COMPUTER SYSTEM. *AK

Look up ODI 10094307 at NHTSA ↗

918.0%
ODI 10047492 · 45,000 mi

FAILED DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE LEAVES MOTORIST STRANDED. THERE HAVE BEEN COMPLAINTS THAT THE ENGINE WILL STOP WITH NO WARNING - EVEN AT HIGH SPEEDS OF TRAVEL. *LA

Look up ODI 10047492 at NHTSA ↗

813.6%
ODI 10080732 · 49,000 mi

SAAB 9-3 (2001) AUTOMATIC 49000 MILES STALLED ON FREEWAY WHILE PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL AFTER BRAKING (BUT STILL MOVING) FOR CONGESTION. RESTART SUBSEQUENT TO STALL DID NOT SUCCEED. HAD TO TOW THE CAR TO DEALER (B&B SAAB). SECOND TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED -- FIRST TIME (SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES) THE DEALER SAID A SOFTWARE UPGRADE SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. NOW THEY THINK IT IS THE THROTTLE UNIT. LUCKY ON BOTH OCCASSIONS NOT TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT.*AK

Look up ODI 10080732 at NHTSA ↗

1027.0%
ODI 10116082 · 48,000 mi

MY 2002 SAAB 9-3 STALLED IN TRAFFIC AND COULD NOT BE STARTED AGAIN. THE DIRECT IGNITION MODULE HAD BURNT OUT SUDDENLY, AND SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING OUT OF THE CONNECTOR WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR. THE MODULE FAILED WITH NO WARNING AT ALL, AND I WAS LUCKY TO HAVE BEEN IN HEAVY, BUT SLOW TRAFFIC. THE MODULE WAS REPLACED AND THE CAR IS RUNNING. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON IT, SO THE SUDDEN FAILURE OF SUCH A CRITICAL COMPONENT IS SURPRISING AND DISCONCERTING. I HAVE LITTLE FAITH THAT THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN, WITHOUT ANY WARNING.*A…

Look up ODI 10116082 at NHTSA ↗

3617.0%
ODI 10002905

MY 2003 SAAB 9-3 WITH 900 MILES HAS BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER TO BE SERVICED ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR COMPUTER MALFUNCTIONS. I HAVE LEASED THIS CAR FOR ABOUT A MONTH. THE DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED REPAIRS BUT HAS NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL. THE COMPUTER PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN A HAZARD WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AND HAVE ALSO BEEN A NUISANCE. THE LOCKING SYSTEM ON THE CAR HAS FAILED TO WORK ON MORE THAN 3 OCCASIONS LEAVING THE CAR UN-LOCKABLE AND IT HAS TRIGGERED THE ALARM SYSTEM ON MANY OCCASIONS. THE DOME LIGHT WILL LIGHT AND STAY ON WHEN I AM DRIVING MAKING IT D…

Look up ODI 10002905 at NHTSA ↗

115.3%
ODI 10051943 · 766 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH AND LEAVING A SHOPPING MALL CONSUMER DEPRESSED THE BRAKES, AND SECONDS LATER THE TRACTION CONTROL FAILURE LIGHT CAME ON. VEHICLE STALLED, AND COULD NOT BE STARTED. VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER TWICE, WHO REPLACED THE T6ECM OR MAIN COMPUTER.*AK

Look up ODI 10051943 at NHTSA ↗

99.5%
ODI 10118621

SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED MY SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE THE DIGITAL COMPASS ALWAYS READS NORTH AND CALIBRATED. WENT IN FOR SERVICE AND DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY CANNOT FIX IT. THEY ADVISED ME THE SAAB REPRESENTATIVE IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, AND ALL OF THE CONVERTIBLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, SECONDARY TO A MAGNETIC FIELD CREATED DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS.*AK

Look up ODI 10118621 at NHTSA ↗

105.6%
ODI 10155628 · 3,900 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE OUT OF ALIGNMENT STEERING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH, IT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY UNTIL THE SYSTEM WAS CLEARED. THE DEALER WAS VAGUE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND STATED IT WAS NOT NECESSARY TO HAVE IT INSPECTED. THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE AUTOMATIC DOORS LOCKS AND THE TRUNK RELEASE AS WELL. THE DOORS LOCK AND UNLOCK AT WILL AND THE DRIVER'S DOOR AND TRUNK CAME OPEN ON ONE OCCASION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN ALERTED. *AK UPDATED 08/14/06. *JB

Look up ODI 10155628 at NHTSA ↗

127.7%
ODI 10277396 · 14,500 mi

2007 SAAB 9-3, WOULDN'T START AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE ERROR MESSAGE RECEIVED WHEN INSERTING THE KEY WAS "LOCK MALFUNCTION. PULL OVER SAFELY". THIS MESSAGE AND THE INCIDENT IS IDENTICAL TO THE PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED WITH MY 2005 SAAB 9-3, WHICH HAD TO BE TOWED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T START. THE PROBLEM HAPPENS WHEN THE KEY IS INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION. I KNOW AT LEAST THREE OTHER SAAB OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM, ONE WHO JUST PURCHASED HIS 2009 SAAB THIS YEAR. I ACTUALLY FILED A CLAIM WITH S…

Look up ODI 10277396 at NHTSA ↗

116.0%
ODI 10250425 · 7,000 mi

2008 SAAB 93 2.0T SEDAN STALLED (NO SPUTTER OR BUCK, BUT JUST A LOSS OF POWER) WHILE DRIVING. RESULTED IN A COLLISION. INITIAL DEALERSHIP MECHANICS HAVE "NO FINDINGS" - THEY WILL HAVE A FIELD ENGINEER INVESTIGATE TOMORROW. *TR

Look up ODI 10250425 at NHTSA ↗

12.3%
ODI 10712426 · 18,200 mi

SINCE 18000 MILES THE DASHBOARD HAS BEEN DISPLAYING "SYSTEM FAILURE..TIRE PRESSURE SYSTEM". IT HAS BEEN RE CALIBRATED SEVERAL TIMES. TODAY AT 47000 MILES THE AUTHORIZED SAAB REPAIR FACILITY HAS DECLARED THAT THE MONITORS ARE THE OLD STYLE, WHICH HAS HAD MANY PROBLEMS AND HAS BEEN SINCE RE-ENGINEERED. LAST WEEK, THE AUTHORIZED SAAB REPAIR FACILITY MAINTAINED THAT A RECALIBRATION WAS NECESSARY... COST $105 . THE FIX ON THIS IS $550 +. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD! THERE IS NEVER A WAY OF KNOWING IF THERE IS A PROBLEM SINCE THE MESSAGE COMES ON AND OF…

Look up ODI 10712426 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.7%
ODI 11320371

NO INCIDENT

Look up ODI 11320371 at NHTSA ↗

12.7%
ODI 11554987

The radiator exploded, spewing fluids everywhere, overheating my vehicle without warning when I was driving 45 mph, almost causing a multi-car crash.

Look up ODI 11554987 at NHTSA ↗

73.3%
ODI 10535307 · 107,000 mi

THE VEHICLE WILL BECOME ALMOST IMMOBILE IN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR (MANUAL TRANSMISSION). ONCE IN THIRD GEAR, PERFORMANCE IS BACK TO NORMAL. IF DRIVER IS NOT AWARE OF SITUATION (CRUISE LIGHT OFF IS ONLY INDICATION IF CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM IS TURNED ON), DRIVER CAN EASILY GET INTO BAD SITUATION AS CAR WILL NOT PERFORM AS USUAL (VERY SIGNIFICANT DEGRADATION OF PERFORMANCE). ALL THAT IS NEEDED TO RESET PROBLEM IS TO TURN THE KEY OFF AND RESTART THE ENGINE AND THE CONDITION WILL GO AWAY FOR AS LITTLE AS 10 MINUTES OR UP TO AS MUCH AS 2 HOURS OF DRIVI…

Look up ODI 10535307 at NHTSA ↗

31.4%
ODI 10759779 · 151,000 mi

APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES AFTER STARTING, THE CAR STALLED ON A BUSY, 6 LANE ROAD. THE ENGINE WAS NOT ABLE TO START AGAIN, OR EVEN ATTEMPT TO IGNITE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. THE CAR SPENT 2 DAYS IN THE MECHANIC, WHO WAS ABLE TO SOURCE A P1605 ERROR CODE. HOWEVER, HE TOLD US ONLY A LICENSED SAAB TECHNICIAN COULD EXTRACT DETAILS FROM THE CODE. WHILE AT THE SHOP, THE CAR WAS ALSO STARTED BY THE MECHANICS AND APPEARED TO BE WORKING NORMALLY, UPON WHICH THEY DELETED THE ERROR CODE. TWO DAYS AFTER THE INITIAL INCIDENT, WE DROVE IT BACK APPROXIMAT…

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

52.8%
ODI 10496656 · 78,000 mi

I HAVE A 2006 SAAB 9-3 AERO. MY ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON. I HAVE TRIED TO GET THIS SERVICED SEVERAL TIMES. EACH TIME THE DEALERSHIP/OTHER MECHANIC RESETS THE CODES AND TELLS ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. NOW THEY TELL ME IT IS A EVAPORATOR CANISTER PURGE VALVE. THEY TELL ME THAT THE PART COSTS $425. NO LABOR INCLUDED. I HAVE FOUND THIS PART FOR UNDER $45. THIS IS CRAP!!! I HAVE EVEN FOUND TUTORIALS ON HOW TO DO IT, 1 HOUR JOB. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET THIS FIXED SINCE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY TWO YEARS AGO. NOW THEY FIND THE PROBLEM? A LITTLE SUSPIC…

Look up ODI 10496656 at NHTSA ↗

1811.6%
ODI 10479339 · 33,000 mi

ON AUGUST 27, 2012, WHILE SHOPPING IN THE MALL, I CAME OUT SIDE TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUTTING A FIRE OUT THAT LOOKS TO HAVE OCCURRED WHILE I WAS IN THE STORE. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THE CARE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE IT WAS PARKED. WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE CAR IT SEEMED TO BE FINE. THE FIRE MARSHALL REPORT SIDE THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE THAT STARTED BECAUSE A DEFECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER. *TR

Look up ODI 10479339 at NHTSA ↗

6635.9%
ODI 10458478 · 42,000 mi

MY SAAB IS A 2008 9-3 AERO WITH A 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. EVER SINCE I BOUGHT IT IN OCTOBER 2010, WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE WHILE ALREADY AT SPEED (I.E., PASSING MANEUVER) THE ENGINE/TRANSMISSION SPUTTERS AND DOES NOT IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATE. THE STUTTERING MAKES PASSING IN TRAFFIC A RISKY/DANGEROUS MOVE. I HAVE MADE SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE DEALER FOR INVESTIGATION AND AM REPEATEDLY TOLD THAT THIS IS THE NORMAL BEHAVIOR FOR THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. (I HAVE NEVER HAD AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CAR ACT LIKE THIS.) NEARLY TWO YEARS LATER…

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1227.9%
ODI 10563904 · 80,000 mi

MY SAAB HAS WORN INTAKE VALVE SEATS WHICH WAS CONFIRMED WITH A COMPRESSION TEST. BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM, MY CAR IS HAVING TROUBLE STARTING COLD. ACCORDING TO MULTIPLE SAAB BLOGS, THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND IS POSSIBLY CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE PARTS. *TR

Look up ODI 10563904 at NHTSA ↗

26.7%
ODI 10495004 · 12,000 mi

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 THERE 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 NO…

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13.3%
ODI 11151821 · 120,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT DETECTED A STRONG ODOR OF COOLANT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING COOLANT AND SCREWS WERE MISSING THAT CONNECTED THE TRANSMISSION TO THE MOTOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE WARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Look up ODI 11151821 at NHTSA ↗

Suspension:Front
11.6%
ODI 10016750 · 48,143 mi

CRADLE BOLT HEAD (SAAB PART NUMBER 43-45-674) WAS FOUND UNDER LEFT SIDE OF CAR. IT APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN FRACTURED. CAUSE UNKNOWN, BUT DEALER STATED IT WAS DUE TO POT HOLE. IT COULD HAVE ALSO BEEN OVER TOQURED AT INSTALLATION/SERVICE, OR DEFETIVE BOLT.

Look up ODI 10016750 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

2712.7%
ODI 10225662 · 39,550 mi

1. THERE IS A DISTINCT SOUND WHEN THE VEHICLE GOES OVER BUMPS, IT RATTLES ON THE DRIVER SIDE, STRUT. BROUGHT IT TO A SAAB DEALERSHIP THEY CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. BROUGHT IT TO A SMALL SHOP, THEY REPLACED THE DUST COVERS ON THE FRONT STRUTS AND AFTER BRINGING IT BACK SIX TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM THEY CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. BOTH SHOPS STATE THAT THE STRUTS ARE JUST FINE. RATTLES LIKE THE STRUT IS READY TO FALL OFF. HAVE NO MORE IDEA WHERE TO GO. SAAB DEALERSHIP STATES THAT IT'S SUPPOSED TO SOUND LIKE THAT BECAUSE OF A SPORT SEDAN. I DON'T BELI…

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2914.0%
ODI 10233096 · 43,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING 35~40MPH SUDDEN VERY LOUD POP NOISE. DIDN'T HIT A HOLE OR ANYTHING. CAR WAS STILL DRIVABLE, BUT STOP TO THE SIDE TO INSPECT THE TIRES. NO FLAT TIRES AND CAR SEEMED STRUCTURALLY OK. CONTINUED TO DRIVE OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS. A RATTLING NOISE WAS ALWAYS PRESENT OVER BUMPS. FINALLY LOOKED BEHIND THE FRONT LEFT TIRE AND SAW THE COIL SPRING WAS BROKE IN TWO LOCATIONS. *TR

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1515.8%
ODI 10230949 · 56,000 mi

I HAVE A 2005 SAAB 9-3 WITH 56,000 MILES ON IT. RECENTLY I EXPERIENCED A BROKEN RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING WHICH POSES A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE NOT LIMITED TO THE POTENTIAL FOR A SHREDDED TIRE. LUCKILY THIS ISSUE WAS CAUGHT QUICKLY AND BEFORE CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THE WARRANTY ON THIS VEHICLE LAPSED AT 50,000 MILES AND SAAB IS UNWILLING TO REPLACE THE PART. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS REPORTS OF SIMILAR CASES - SOME BREAKAGES HAPPENING AT SPEED AND SHREDDING TIRES. SIMILAR ISSUES CAN BE FOUND AT: HTTP://WWW.SAABSCEN…

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42.2%
ODI 10300341 · 35,500 mi

COIL SPRINGS ON MY 2006 SAAB 9-3 WITH 35500 MILES BROKE. IT RUBBED ON MY FRONT RIGHT TIRE WHICH MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. *TR

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31.9%
ODI 10327116 · 28,000 mi

MY 2007 SAAB 9-3 AERO SEDAN HAD A BROKEN FRONT SPRING. THE VEHICLE HAS 28,00 MILES. *TR

Look up ODI 10327116 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Suspension
46.3%
ODI 551011

DRIVER EXPERIENCED FLAT TIRE CAUSED BY BUBBLE, THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 4500 MILES ON IT TOO WEAK. YH

Look up ODI 551011 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

52.4%
ODI 10113551 · 10,000 mi

THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED MANY PROBLEMS WITH 2003 SAAB 9-3 LINEAR AS ENGINE FAILURE LIGHT APPEAR AND ECT. *BF THERE WERE REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH THE SUN ROOF REMAINING STUCK OPEN, STABILITY CONTROL PROBLEMS, LOW FRONT HEAD BEAM, GETTING AIR TO THE GAS CAP, THE MUD FLAP WAS CRACKED, AND ON ONE OCCASION WHEN DRIVING UP A HILL THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING. *SC *JB

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188.7%
ODI 10296720 · 49,875 mi

DRIVER SIDE FRONT COIL SPRING "BROKE" WHILE DRIVING MY 2004 SAAB 9-3 ON THE HIGHWAY AT OVER 50 MPH. CAUSED SIGNIFICANT STRUT DAMAGE AND RATTLING OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS AS I WAS WORKING TO SCHEDULE IN A MECHANIC VISIT. THEY FINALLY QUOTED ME $930 IN REPAIRS TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRINGS, STRUTS AND TO PERFORM AN ALIGNMENT. APPARENTLY, A LOT OF OTHER SAABS OF THE SAME MODEL HAS HAD THIS ISSUE ARISE FOR THEM, I THINK THE SPRINGS SHOULD BE RECALLED. IT IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

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1414.7%
ODI 10284047 · 43,920 mi

FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURE. *TR

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31.7%
ODI 10155628 · 3,900 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE OUT OF ALIGNMENT STEERING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH, IT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY UNTIL THE SYSTEM WAS CLEARED. THE DEALER WAS VAGUE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND STATED IT WAS NOT NECESSARY TO HAVE IT INSPECTED. THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE AUTOMATIC DOORS LOCKS AND THE TRUNK RELEASE AS WELL. THE DOORS LOCK AND UNLOCK AT WILL AND THE DRIVER'S DOOR AND TRUNK CAME OPEN ON ONE OCCASION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN ALERTED. *AK UPDATED 08/14/06. *JB

Look up ODI 10155628 at NHTSA ↗

1912.3%
ODI 10267592

MANY 2003-2005 SAAB 9-3'S ARE UNEXPECTEDLY FACING THEIR FACTORY SPRINGS BREAKING WHILE DRIVING. THIS FORUM THREAD SPECIFICALLY SHOWS ABOUT 10-15 PEOPLE WHO HAVE ALREADY ENCOUNTERED THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM HTTP://SAABCENTRAL.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=155844 . IT IS ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE THAT STOCK FACTORY SPRINGS ARE BREAKING ON THESE VEHICLES. I SUGGEST THAT YOU PRESSURE SAAB INTO PUTTING OUT A RECALL, AS EVERYONE BROKE THEIR SPRINGS WHILE DRIVING. *TR

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105.4%
ODI 10455085 · 47,583 mi

REPLACED BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS AT RECOMMENDATION OF DEALER. ONE SPRING WAS BROKEN COMPLETELY AT BOTTOM (ON DRIVER'S SIDE), AND THE OTHER WAS CRACKED (ON PASSENGER SIDE). SPACER LEAFS WERE REPLACED ALSO. I'VE RETAINED THE PARTS. EXPENSE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY ALTHOUGH THE CAR HAS ONLY 47,500 MILES. IT IS 4 YEARS, 5 MONTHS OLD. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR

Look up ODI 10455085 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

13.3%
ODI 11074242

PUMP ON REAR XWD FAILURE

Look up ODI 11074242 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling
46.3%
ODI 10040562 · 8,600 mi

THE CONSUMER HAD JUST FILLED THE GAS TANK WITH FUEL AND WAS DRIVING AWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED FOR NO REASON. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND DROVE TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE MECHANIC COULD NOT LOCATE THE CAUSE OF THE STALLING PROBLEM. *NLM

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816.0%
ODI 10053174 · 100,000 mi

I AM THE CURRENT OWNER OF A SAAB 9-3SE. THIS VEHICLE WAS LEASED NEW 2-28-2000 AND THEN PURCHASED 2-27-03. THE ORIGINAL ENGINE WAS REBUILT AT 46,000 MILES IN 2001 AND NOW HAD TO BE REPLACED AGAIN 12-15-2003 AT 100,000 MILES.*AK

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711.9%
ODI 10152762 · 93,977 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55MPH, THE OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THERE WAS A VERY LOUD NOISE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. IT WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE VEHICLE THREW A ROD. AFTER TWO MONTHS, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS TOO CLOSE TO THE OIL PAN CAUSING THE OIL TO BECOME VERY THICK, CAUSING OIL STARVATION TO THE ENGINE. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE.

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25.4%
ODI 10070014 · 24,000 mi

THE BLOWER ON THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS NOT WORKING. IN ADDITION I WENT IN TWICE TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT THE HEATING UNIT OR CLIMATE CONTROL. THE THIRD TIME THEY REPLACED IT, BUT IT STILL TURNS OFF AND SETS TO ZERO. NOW THE HEAT WILL COME ON WHEREAS IT DIDN'T BEFORE. I RECENTLY (LAST WEEK FEB. 16) DOWN SHIFTED IN TRAFFIC BECAUSE THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT AHEAD. I DOWN SHIFTED FOR FIVE TO FOUR TO THREE AND THE CAR TURNED OFF AND I DRIFTED TO THE SIDE. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY LOOKED AT IT LATER THE FOLLOWING WEEK. I HAD TO CALL…

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157.1%
ODI 10016784 · 1,800 mi

I JUST BOUGHT A 2003 SAAB 9-3 ABOUT A MONTH AGO AND IT HAS APPROX. 1800 MILES ON IT. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING FOLLOWED BY COMPLETE POWER. LUCKILY I WAS ON A BACK ROAD AND PULLED OVER SAFELY. IF I HAD BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A DIFFERENT OUTCOME. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A VERY BIG SAFETY ISSUE.

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31.4%
ODI 10115268 · 15,123 mi

OWNER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. VEHICLE "B" REAR ENDED OWNER'S VEHICLE WHILE BEING DRIVEN AT 70 MPH. UPON IMPACT, THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. OWNER SUSTAINED INJURIES, WAS TAKEN TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND RELEASED. *AK

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33.2%
ODI 10168626

LOSS OF POWER AT HIGHWAY SPEED 4 TIMES ON 5/17/2006, 4/17/2006. 04/7/2006/AND 4/03/2006. SERVICED EACH TIME BY SAAB DEALER WITH ASSISTANCE FROM NATIONAL TECHNICAL. PROBLEMS CONTINUED. MADE REQUEST FOR RE-PURCHASE UNDER LEMON LAWS OF ST OF WA. CAR RE-PURCHASED BY SAAB USA. *JB

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31.7%
ODI 10221580 · 12,500 mi

THE COOLANT RESERVOIR HAS CRACKED THREE TIMES IN 16 MONTHS ON MY BRAND NEW SAAB 9-3 AERO 2006. IT ONLY HAS APRX. 12K MILES. SAAB REPLACES IT FOR FREE, BUT OFFERS NOT FURTHER EXPLANATION EVEN UPON REQUEST BY OWNER. THEY REFUSE TO ISSUE A RECALL AND THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH CAR ACCORDING TO SERVICE DEPT. ON THE FIRST AND MOST RECENT INCIDENT, OF THREE INCIDENTS, THERE WAS COMBUSTION OF THE COOLANT RESERVOIR, AND RESULTING SMOKE. THE VEHICLE IS UP TO DATE ON INSURANCE, SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND LEASE PAYMENTS. I HAVE THIS DOCUMENT…

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42.6%
ODI 10231264 · 38,700 mi

2007 SAAB 9-3 WENT ON FIRE WITH DRIVER IN IT. CAR WAS SERVICED AT MASSEY SAAB, ORLANDO, FLON JUNE 3RD, 2008 (40,000 MILE SERVICE, ELECTRICAL REPAIRS, DETAIL, WHEEL ALIGNMENT). VEHICLE WAS IN MCDONALD'S DRIVE-THROUGH IN ORLANDO FL ON JUNCTION OF 535 N AND HOTEL PLAZA BLVD. ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. MANGER OF MCDONALD'S (FREDERICO) AND I (DRIVER) PUSHED CAR AWAY FROM BUILDING AND OTHER PEOPLE. FLAMES ENTERED CABIN WHILE I WAS IN THE VEHICLE STEERING IT. I JUMPED OUT JUST IN TIME, AND THE WHOLE CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES. THERE HAVE BEEN RECORDS O…

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10.5%
ODI 10341608 · 4,500 mi

2008 SAAB 9-3 TURBO X. I HAD A ENGINE MISFIRE WITH FLASHING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT UNDER HEAVY ACCELERATION. CAUSED THE CAR TO RUN REALLY ROUGH WITH REDUCED POWER. WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY UNSAFE HAD IT HAPPENED WHILE PASSING SOMEONE. TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A BAD IGNITION COIL. ONE COIL WAS REPLACED BUT THE CAR STILL WAS RUNNING ROUGH AT THE DEALERSHIP SO THEY ARE STILL TRYING TO FIX IT. FROM RESEARCHING ONLINE, IT SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH 2008 SAAB TURBO X. LOTS OF COMPLAINTS ON FAULTY IGNITION COILS. *TR

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12.3%
ODI 10609309 · 60,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING AND HAD TO WAIT FOR THE VEHICLE TO COOL DOWN ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART INTERMITTENTLY DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Look up ODI 10609309 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Fuel/Propulsion System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

23.4%
ODI 10903028 · 114,000 mi

WHEN I CHANGED THE BATTERY OF THE CAR KEY, ITS DOORS AND TRUNK STOPPED LOCK AND UNLOCK. THE BELT OF THE GAS TANK WAS BROKEN ALSO. I REPLACED ALSO THE FUEL TANK.

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25.4%
ODI 10767290 · 65,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SAAB 9-3. WHILE IN PARK, THERE WERE STRONG FUEL FUMES EMITTING FROM THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS FUEL LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TAB ATTACHED TO THE FUEL PUMP AND THE FUEL LINES FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V087000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAI…

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20.9%
ODI 10629628 · 109,560 mi

AS I WAS DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF THE 3 NORTHBOUND LANES OF U.S. 23, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLED. I WAS GOING ABOUT 62 MPH. I ACTIVATED MY EMERGENCY FLASHERS, SHIFTED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO NEUTRAL, AND SHUT OFF THE IGNITION KEY. I THEN TURNED THE IGNITION KEY TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND IT RESTARTED. THIS IS ABOUT THE 5TH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN THE PAST 5 MONTHS. THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN GMS IGNITION RECALL!!! *TR

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31.4%
ODI 10515849 · 95,112 mi

FILLED GAS TANK AND GAUGE READ FULL. AFTER A FEW MINUTES, GAUGE READ EMPTY. ONCE 1/4 OF THE TANK WAS USED, GAUGE POPPED BACK UP TO 3/4 FULL. *TR

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55.3%
ODI 10501474 · 66,486 mi

VEHICLE STALLED DURING A RIGHT TURN AT SLOW SPEED. *TR

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105.6%
ODI 10496656 · 78,000 mi

I HAVE A 2006 SAAB 9-3 AERO. MY ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON. I HAVE TRIED TO GET THIS SERVICED SEVERAL TIMES. EACH TIME THE DEALERSHIP/OTHER MECHANIC RESETS THE CODES AND TELLS ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. NOW THEY TELL ME IT IS A EVAPORATOR CANISTER PURGE VALVE. THEY TELL ME THAT THE PART COSTS $425. NO LABOR INCLUDED. I HAVE FOUND THIS PART FOR UNDER $45. THIS IS CRAP!!! I HAVE EVEN FOUND TUTORIALS ON HOW TO DO IT, 1 HOUR JOB. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET THIS FIXED SINCE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY TWO YEARS AGO. NOW THEY FIND THE PROBLEM? A LITTLE SUSPIC…

Look up ODI 10496656 at NHTSA ↗

42.6%
ODI 10520898

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FUEL PUMP HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 10520898 at NHTSA ↗

137.1%
ODI 10511947 · 49,000 mi

SINCE DECEMBER 2012 (6 MONTHS AGO) MY CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING ON A BAD FUEL PUMP INDICATED BY CEL AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTS RUN BY AN AUTHORIZED SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THIS IS FOR AN XWD CAR WHICH HAS A DIFFERENT FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY THAN THE FWD VERSION. THE PART HAS BEEN ON BACK ORDER BY SAAB PARTS (UNDER WARRANTY BY GM) AND HAS NO EXPECTED DELIVERY DATE. PER MY KNOWLEDGE THERE ARE OVER 75 PEOPLE IN FRONT ME WAITING FOR THE SAME PART. I AM CONCERNED THE FUEL PUMP WILL FAIL DURING POSSIBLE DANGEROUS SITUATIONS SUCH AS HIGH SPEED DRIVING AND MANEUVERING…

Look up ODI 10511947 at NHTSA ↗

49.3%
ODI 10723963 · 7,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SAAB 9-3. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT OBSERVED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL PUMP AND IT NEEDED T BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11E009000 (FUEL SYSTEM AND GASOLINE). …

Look up ODI 10723963 at NHTSA ↗

13.3%
ODI 11185692

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!

Look up ODI 11185692 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 range95,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10910447 · 50,000 mi

TAKATA RECALL I HAVE BEEN AWARE OF MY VEHICLE'S RECALL FOR GREATER THAN 6 MONTHS AND MY MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PRESENTED A SAFE SOLUTION.

Look up ODI 10910447 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10926516 · 140,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 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 AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 10926516 at NHTSA ↗

Engine71,000–79,612 mi77,000 mi11
ODI 10563904 · 80,000 mi

MY SAAB HAS WORN INTAKE VALVE SEATS WHICH WAS CONFIRMED WITH A COMPRESSION TEST. BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM, MY CAR IS HAVING TROUBLE STARTING COLD. ACCORDING TO MULTIPLE SAAB BLOGS, THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND IS POSSIBLY CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE PARTS. *TR

Look up ODI 10563904 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10566935 · 71,000 mi

THE INTAKE VALVE IN THE FIRST CYLINDER HAS TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF APPROXIMATELY $2500. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR ALL SAABS (2009-2011). THERE IS A TECHNICAL BULLETIN RELEASED FOR HOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT VEHICLE WORKMANSHIP IS THE PROBLEM AND THE COST OF REPAIR IS BEING PASSED ON TO THE CONSUMER. AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN GOOD FAITH WITH THE EXPECTATION THAT I AM PURCHASING A QUALITY VEHICLE FROM GM, I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT THIS KNOWN ISSUE IS A PROBLEM WITH ALL SAABS MANUFACTURED BY GM. THE 2009-2011 SAABS A…

Look up ODI 10566935 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10671165 · 79,223 mi

CAR BEGAN RUNNING ROUGH UPON COLD START UP, BUT WOULD RUN BETTER AFTER A FEW MINUTES. I HAD THE PLUGS REPLACED AND PROBLEM PERSISTED. PROBLEM BECAME MORE PRONOUNCED AS WEATHER GOT COLDER. SAAB TECHNICIAN SUSPECTED AN INTAKE VALVE PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN VERY COMMON IN THESE CARS. A COLD COMPRESSION CHECK CONFIRMED THAT VALVES IN THREE OF THE FOUR CYLINDERS WERE BAD. I WAS QUOTED ~$2,500 FOR THE REPAIR!!!! TECHNICIAN SAID THAT GM IS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT REFUSES TO RECALL THE VEHICLES TO REPAIR. THEY ARE ONLY REPAIRING THOSE STILL U…

Look up ODI 10671165 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel/Propulsion SystemToo few reports for a range78,500 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10723963 · 7,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SAAB 9-3. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT OBSERVED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL PUMP AND IT NEEDED T BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11E009000 (FUEL SYSTEM AND GASOLINE). …

Look up ODI 10723963 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10807509 · 77,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10807509 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10825910 · 103,000 mi

THE INTAKE VALVES ARE BAD ON THIS CAR AND IT HAS 100K MILES ON THIS. THIS IS A $2000 PLUS JOB THAT COMES OUT OF POCKET. IT SEEMS TO BE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH SAABS AND IT APPEARS THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON HERE. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND PAID FOR BY GM, BECAUSE THEY DID NOT PROPERTY BUILD THIS ENGINE IF SO MANY ARE FAILING. MY CAR WILL TURN OVER AND NOT START IN THE COLD WEATHER.

Look up ODI 10825910 at NHTSA ↗

Seat BeltsToo few reports for a range25,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10662609 · 25,000 mi

THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILS TO RETRACT. THE DRIVER SIDE HAS SOME RETRACTION LEFT AND PASSENGER SIDE HAS NONE LEFT. I FOUND THE RECALL NOTICE FROM JUNE 2014 HOWEVER IT ONLY MENTIONS THE CONVERTIBLE MODEL WHILE MY VEHICLE IS THE STATION WAGON. THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO COVER OTHER MODELS THAT HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. *TR

Look up ODI 10662609 at NHTSA ↗

Service BrakesToo few reports for a range34,745 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10542491 · 6,989 mi

UPON STARTING AFTER SITTING, THE BRAKES HAVE A GREATLY INCREASED PEDAL EFFORT AND A CORRESPONDINGLY GREATLY REDUCED BRAKING EFFECT. THIS COMBINED WITH THE RELATIVELY HIGH IDLE FOR THIS MODEL OF ENGINE, (V-6), AT START UP COMBINES TO CREATES A SITUATION WHERE THE CAR IS VERY DIFFICULT TO STOP WHEN DRIVING AWAY FROM FIRST START-UP.

Look up ODI 10542491 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10628279 · 62,500 mi

DURING ROUTINE UNDER HOOD INSPECTION, BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR CAP WAS OBSERVED TO HAVE SPLIT INTO MULTIPLE PIECES. THIS DAMAGE, APPARENTLY HEAT RELATED, COMPROMISED THE ABILITY OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM TO MAINTAIN PRESSURE AND COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKING, CRASH, AND BODILY INJURY. VEHICLE WAS REMOVED FROM SERVICE PENDING RECEIPT OF REPLACEMENT PART. *TR

Look up ODI 10628279 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range18,200 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10712426 · 18,200 mi

SINCE 18000 MILES THE DASHBOARD HAS BEEN DISPLAYING "SYSTEM FAILURE..TIRE PRESSURE SYSTEM". IT HAS BEEN RE CALIBRATED SEVERAL TIMES. TODAY AT 47000 MILES THE AUTHORIZED SAAB REPAIR FACILITY HAS DECLARED THAT THE MONITORS ARE THE OLD STYLE, WHICH HAS HAD MANY PROBLEMS AND HAS BEEN SINCE RE-ENGINEERED. LAST WEEK, THE AUTHORIZED SAAB REPAIR FACILITY MAINTAINED THAT A RECALIBRATION WAS NECESSARY... COST $105 . THE FIX ON THIS IS $550 +. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD! THERE IS NEVER A WAY OF KNOWING IF THERE IS A PROBLEM SINCE THE MESSAGE COMES ON AND OF…

Look up ODI 10712426 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine CoolingToo few reports for a range60,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10609309 · 60,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING AND HAD TO WAIT FOR THE VEHICLE TO COOL DOWN ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART INTERMITTENTLY DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Look up ODI 10609309 at NHTSA ↗

Exterior LightingToo few reports for a range39,269 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10301904 · 39,269 mi

DRIVERS SIDE LOW BEAM IS DIM. DEALER FOUND THE LOW BEAM BULBS WERE OVERHEATING. REPLACED LOW BEAM BULBS AND REPROGRAMMED THE ELECTRICAL CENTER UNDER THE HOOD WITH NEW SOFTWARE TO PREVENT THE HEADLIGHT BULBS FROM OVERHEATING. *TR

Look up ODI 10301904 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 23 reports

2010: 3 complaints · 2011: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2010033
2011111
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20103000
20113000

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 BagsEngineFuel/Propulsion SystemSeat BeltsService BrakesElectrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting
Air Bags—0000000
Engine0—
1
ODI 10825910 · 103,000 mi

THE INTAKE VALVES ARE BAD ON THIS CAR AND IT HAS 100K MILES ON THIS. THIS IS A $2000 PLUS JOB THAT COMES OUT OF POCKET. IT SEEMS TO BE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH SAABS AND IT APPEARS THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON HERE. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND PAID FOR BY GM, BECAUSE THEY DID NOT PROPERTY BUILD THIS ENGINE IF SO MANY ARE FAILING. MY CAR WILL TURN OVER AND NOT START IN THE COLD WEATHER.

Look up ODI 10825910 at NHTSA ↗

00000
Fuel/Propulsion System0
1
ODI 10825910 · 103,000 mi

THE INTAKE VALVES ARE BAD ON THIS CAR AND IT HAS 100K MILES ON THIS. THIS IS A $2000 PLUS JOB THAT COMES OUT OF POCKET. IT SEEMS TO BE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH SAABS AND IT APPEARS THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON HERE. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND PAID FOR BY GM, BECAUSE THEY DID NOT PROPERTY BUILD THIS ENGINE IF SO MANY ARE FAILING. MY CAR WILL TURN OVER AND NOT START IN THE COLD WEATHER.

Look up ODI 10825910 at NHTSA ↗

—00000
Seat Belts000—0000
Service Brakes0000—000
Electrical System00000—00
Engine And Engine Cooling000000—0
Exterior Lighting0000000—

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.

5 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

4 mentions · 9.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 65,500 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10609309 · 60,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING AND HAD TO WAIT FOR THE VEHICLE TO COOL DOWN ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART INTERMITTENTLY DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Look up ODI 10609309 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10734065 · 33,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SAAB 9-3. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000. ...UPDATED 09/28/15 *BF UPDATED 11/22/2017*CN

Look up ODI 10734065 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10806808 · 76,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WHILE ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 76,000.

Look up ODI 10806808 at NHTSA ↗

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 4.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 54,500 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10734065 · 33,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SAAB 9-3. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000. ...UPDATED 09/28/15 *BF UPDATED 11/22/2017*CN

Look up ODI 10734065 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10806808 · 76,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WHILE ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 76,000.

Look up ODI 10806808 at NHTSA ↗

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

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 2.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 70,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11060779 · 70,000 mi

MY CAR HAS FALLEN VICTIM TO THE SOFT INTAKE VALVE ISSUE. MY CAR WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY, IT RAN PERFECTLY WELL THE NIGHT BEFORE. I ATTEMPTED TO MOVE IT ON CHRISTMAS EVE MORNING 12/24/2017 BUT IT WOULD NOT START. I THEN HAD IT TOWED TO MY LOCAL SAAB MECHANIC, AUTOMOTION IN BILLERICA, MA- THE OWNER SAID THIS IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE HE HAS SEEN ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS; HE SAID HE SAW IT SO MANY TIMES HE PURCHASED NEW EQUIPMENT TO BE PREPARED FOR THE VOLUME OF CUSTOMERS. THIS IS BEING WELL DOCUMENTED AT THE SAABCENTRAL FORUM FOUND AT WWW.S…

Look up ODI 11060779 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 2.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 7,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10723963 · 7,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SAAB 9-3. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT OBSERVED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL PUMP AND IT NEEDED T BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11E009000 (FUEL SYSTEM AND GASOLINE). …

Look up ODI 10723963 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 2.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 59,500 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10702216 · 59,500 mi

WHILE DRIVING I RECEIVED A MESSAGE THAT SAID STEERING LOCK MALFUNCTION COME TO A SAFE STOP. IT LASTED ABOUT 3 TO 4 SECONDS AND THEN WENT OFF. THE STEERING WAS NOT AFFECTED. IT HAPPENED AGAIN ABOUT AN HOUR LATER AT A LOWER SPEED, SAME MESSAGE AND AGAIN IT ONLY LASTED A FEW SECONDS. IT OCCURRED THE NEXT MORNING WHEN I STARTED THE CAR. AT NO TIME WAS THE STEERING AFFECTED. *TR

Look up ODI 10702216 at NHTSA ↗

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