2001 Saab 9-3: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 83 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (34% of complaints); the 2002 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 83 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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 was approximately 150,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2024
“unexpected and unrequested deployment of driver side seat air bag. i was driving the vehicle at a speed of 0-5mph attempting to back the vehicle into a parking spot when the driver seat air bag deployed. a report was made with the local police department. no indicator or failure lights were present, the vehicle is able to be inspected at this time for further information. It is unknown about any other inspections by anyone other than the local police department.”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2021
“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.”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Aug 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saab 9-3. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start while the battery warning indicator was illuminated. In addition, the vehicle would stall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition discharge module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 05v399000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2016
“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
“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”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jul 2013
“Brought my 2001 saab 9-3 for campaign recall 05v399000 idm to dirito brothers saab of walnut creek, california. Dealer stated not required to change the idm. If my idm fails at a later date, I could be susceptible to injury or death. Need to know if dealer is required to change idm. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saab 9-3 convertible. The contact stated while attempting to engage the brake pedal, the accelerator pedal extended to the floor with out any warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 108,000.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Nov 2011
“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
“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”Owner report · Structure · Oct 2010
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH B205/B235 4-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES AND B308 6-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE OVERHEATING AND BURNOUT OF THE ISOLATED GATED BIPOLAR TRANSISTOR (IGBT) WITHIN THE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE (IDM) DUE TO INCREASED SUSCEPTIBILITY TO ELECTRICAL LOADS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE WHAT VERSION IDM IS IN THE VEHICLE AND REPLACE THE IDM IF IT IS A VERSION BUILT PRIOR TO THE INTRODUCTION OF QP3. AN INTERIM LETTER WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS IN OCTOBER 2005, INFORMING THEM OF THE CONDITION. PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AND OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES IN TO THE DEALERS TO HAVE THE IDM REPLACED BY LETTER DATED MARCH 13, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THE AIR BAG ALERT LABELS MAY NOT BE PERMANENTLY AFFIXED AS REQUIRED BY THIS STANDARD.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CLEAN THE SUNVISOR SURFACE AND APPLY A NEW AIR BAG ALERT LABEL ON BOTH SUNVISORS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 30, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
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 MAY 12, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2001 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact 9-3 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 reliable?
NHTSA has 83 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2001 Saab 9-3. The most complained-about area is electrical system (34% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2001 Saab 9-3 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 72,000 miles or less.
Does the 2001 Saab 9-3 have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:ignition:module. 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.