NHTSA Data Explorer

Saab 9-3

Data refreshed May 30, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Saab 9-3.

Complaints

1,406

Active records

Recalls

18

Active records

TSBs

635

Active records

Filing history

Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.

Reported severity

Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.

Deaths

2

Injuries

76

Crashes

59

Fires

27

Top reported issues — Saab 9-3

Click a category to expand its values.

Condition issue

403

Operating state

369

Safety restraint issue

317

Engine behavior

209

Safety restraint behavior

165

Reporting mechanism

143

Starting behavior

93

Braking behavior

89

Performance issue

69

Thermal issue

63

Noise

62

Fluid issue

60

Access/entry issue

38

Lighting behavior

38

Steering behavior

36

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

33

Vibration/harshness

24

Smell

23

Powering on/off behavior

21

Electrical issue

20

Driver assistance issue

19

HVAC behavior

16

Infotainment behavior

14

Ride/handling behavior

10

Recent change

8

Communication/network issue

6

Wiper/washer behavior

4

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2008 SAAB 9-3

Filed Dec 6, 2025


Hello, I know the Takata airbag has to be replaced on my car. However now I do live abroad, in Gothenburg Sweden in Europe. How do I get the replacement done? Should I go to GM here in Europe? Thanks

2006 SAAB 9-3

Filed Aug 6, 2025


The contact owns a 2006 SAAB 9-3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and shut off, the contact attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact also noticed a fuel odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

2001 SAAB 9-3

Filed Nov 25, 2024


The contact owns a 2001 Saab 9-3. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. A mobile independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 05V399000 (Electrical System) and 06V126000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage…

2008 SAAB 9-3

Filed Aug 30, 2024


The contact owns a 2008 Saab 9-3. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V318000 (Seat Belts) and 16V063000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however, the dealer declined to service the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.…

2000 SAAB 9-3

Filed Aug 1, 2024


The driver's side, side air bag deployed spontaneously. There was no apparent reason or cause, ie no side impact of any kind, no door slamming or other provocation. The car was parked in a garage for six hours before I sat in the car, closed the door, then BLAM! Temperature was moderate, where as the car is often parked on a city street in direct sun. Air bag deployment was a loud bang followed by smoke from an explosive, and a sting on my neck and shoulder where the bag hit me. Bits of foam…

2004 SAAB 9-3

Filed Jul 15, 2024


Retractor won't pull driver side seat belt back in

2010 SAAB 9-3

Filed Jan 17, 2024


The contact owns a 2010 Saab 9-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V015000 (Fuel System, Other) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the fuel gauge failed to accurately provide fuel level in the vehicle. The contact stated that while the tank was a half tank full, the fuel gauge would drop to 0 gallons. The…

2002 SAAB 9-3

Filed Nov 14, 2023


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

2005 SAAB 9-3

Filed Aug 3, 2023


 The contact owns a 2005 Saab 9-3. The contact stated that the front passenger's side seat belt failed to latch. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V318000 (Seat Belts). The vehicle was not repaired. There was no further information provided. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

2008 SAAB 9-3

Filed Feb 18, 2023


at about 98,000 miles the starts to fail transmission fails Also when the car gets too cold in the winter it refuses to start and it is not a battery issue. the cylinders get to cold to start. When the warm weather comes back around it starts again.

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated May 30, 2026. Refreshed nightly.