2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 24 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system; the 2000 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 2004
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Had the engine light on for three months then I was driving on the highway yesterday and suddenly the engine wouldn't take gas. I was able to pull over off the highway slowly and it stopped completely after I made the exit. The mechanic told me that I need a new ignition cassette! So dangerous! *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2013
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2010
“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 less than 7,000 miles since last oil change. Complete engine failure resulted. Vehicle disabled. I had it towed to a pep boys location and was informed that the engine lost 2 cylinders and needs to be completely replaced. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2009
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saab 9-3 convertible. The engine light has been illuminated for 3 weeks. A mechanic stated that there was a problem with the direct ignition cassette failure and needed to be replaced. The mechanic also confirmed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. NHTSA campaign id number: 05v399000 pe05017 NHTSA action number: pe05017 component: electrical system:ignition:module is related to the failure. The contact is concerned about the safety risk and the potential number of units affected per the recall. The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN nor year, make and model of her vehicle was related to the recall. The current and failure mileage was 74,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2009
“Was hit from behind at approximately 60mph. I was knocked unconscious. Vehicle continued on at hit head first into concrete wall in excess of 40 mph. Air bag did not deploy. I was taken to hospital and suffered broken collarbone. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2008
“After doing some research, I have found that I have spent $494.97 on what was a recall previously, I have a saab 93 convertible and was driving on the freeway when the engine light came on and started losing power. Took to the dealership and need the di-cassette replaced. On this vehicle I have also had the alternator replaced 3 times in 2 years. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2008
“The seat belt on my 2001 saab 93 will not work. I am unable to pull the strap out from the side of the car. I took it to my local saab dealer they told me it would cost $700.00 to fix. My car is only 6 years old, not only did the seat belt stop working but the ABS system needs to be replaced at a cost of $3200.00. All of these repairs seem to be a safety issue that cost an excessive amount of money. I think that saab should repair at the very least the seat belt which I am currently driving without. *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2007
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2007
“Dt*: the contact stated gasoline leaked onto the engine due to loosened fuel lines on the fuel pump. There was an NHTSA recall, # 06v126000 regarding the fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. Updated 9/15/2006 - *nm”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2006
“Consumer 2001 saab 93 stalled. *ts prior to receiving the recall notice, the consumer had already paid for the repairs and has since requested reimbursement, however the manufacturer requested a copy of the consumers check as proof that the repairs were made. The consumer refused to send them a copy of his check. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - 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 MARCH 14, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD 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 2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible reliable?
NHTSA has 24 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 2001 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.