2000 Saab 9-3 Convertible: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 12 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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 report · Air Bags · May 2020
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2016
“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.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jan 2013
Show 7 more owner reports
“I have a 2000 saab 9-3 convertible. I was cleaning the vehicle and had the driver door open. I saw smoke coming from the area between the front passenger seat and the right door. I opened the right door to find the light fixture in the right quarter panel had fallen out and was burning the seat cover by the air bag. The lamp reflector is metal and burned the seat cover. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2010
“My car was damaged on the way to wk because I hit a pot hole on new construction. Who would I talk to about this. I almost had a blow out & it was in heavy traffic. The new tarred road has a deep hole & it's a matter of time before someone gets hurt. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Mar 2009
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2009
“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 report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2006
“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 problem). The check engine light was on at the time of this incident, but because it comes on so often, I ignored it. $900 repair bill!*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 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 report · Power Train · Feb 2004
“My 2000 saab 9-3 stalled while driving on the highway...the dealer repaced the direct ignition module and car was okay. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL DEVELOP A SECURING BRACKET THAT WILL SECURE THE FUEL LINES TO THE FUEL PUMP EVEN IF THE PLASTIC RETAINING TABS SHOULD BREAK. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 13, 2007. THIS IS AN EXPANSION OF PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGNS - SEE 04V557 AND 06V126. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all 9-3 Convertible years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact 9-3 Convertible by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2000 Saab 9-3 Convertible reliable?
NHTSA has 12 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2000 Saab 9-3 Convertible. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 2000 Saab 9-3 Convertible have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.