CarRecallWatchThe 2003 Saab 9-3 has 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 212 complaints with NHTSA, including 12 crashes, 6 fires, 17 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (51 reports).
2003 Saab 9-3 recalls
Most common 2003 Saab 9-3 problems
Problem areas named in the 212 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 51 |
| Suspension | 45 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 32 |
| Power Train | 32 |
| Steering | 20 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 16 |
| Air Bags | 15 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 14 |
| Exterior Lighting | 13 |
| Seat Belts | 12 |
What owners report
I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 SAAB 9-3 SE CONVERTIBLE TO THE NEARBY PUBLIX SUPERMARKET. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR HIT. I PARKED IT IN THE LOT WITH THE TOP DOWN AND WENT INTO THE STORE FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES. IT WAS A WARM DRY DAY IN FLORIDA ABOUT 85 DEGREES. I CAME OUT AND PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND TURNED IT TO START THE CAR, AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG EXPLODED FOR NO KNOWN REASON. I CALLED GM, THEY TOOK THE CAR TO A GM FACILITY AND INSPECTED IT, AND THEN CAME BACK A WEEK LATER AND SAID THE UNEXPLAINED DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG WAS NOT A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AND THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR IT. I FIND THAT DIFFICULT TO BELIEVE. THE AIRBAG SHOULD NOT DEPLOY ARBITRARILY WHE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WITH THE KEY FOB IN THE IGNITION, THE POWER STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MANUALLY TURNED THE IGNITION KEY TO THE LEFT TO RIGHT IN ORDER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FLIKKEMA SAAB (2424 176TH ST, LANSING, IL 60438 (708) 474-19330) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE COLUMN INTEGRATED MODULE (CIM) NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-3. WHEN THE VEHICLE DECELERATED, IT SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING AT WILL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WHEN DRIVING UP A HILL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
ECU IN CAR BECOMES COMPLETELY FRIED BECAUSE OF THE LOCATION IT IS MOUNTED FROM THE FACTORY BECAUSE OF HEAT SOAK
I AM RECEIVING AN ONSTAR NOT AVAILABLE ERROR - THERE WAS A RECALL 08089-B PART # 10027804 - I WANT MY ONSTAR DISABLED. WHO DO I CONTACT?
2003 Saab 9-3 questions
Does the 2003 Saab 9-3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2003 Saab 9-3: Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings; Engine And Engine Cooling; Seat Belts:Front:Retractor. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Saab 9-3?
Based on 212 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (51), Suspension (45), Engine And Engine Cooling (32).
How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Saab 9-3 has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.