2003 Saab 9-3: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 212 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is suspension (18% of complaints); the 2001 and 2002 and 2005 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2011
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 212 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Nov 2019
“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.”Owner report · Engine · May 2019
“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?”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“I was driving at about 15 - 20 mph trying to enter hwy I-75. Upon routine braking,the airbag deployed, causing an accident.after I hit the car in front of me,the second airbag deployed. I am hurt. The vehicle was deemed totalled because the airbags deployed, and taken away.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2017
“Takata recall...I am advised that there is risk of injury/death due to deployment of air bags. Asking for repair advised today 4/4/2016 by (general motors) they are not now doing/cannot do same. Unacceptable safety.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2016
“Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the part for the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2016
“Takata recall I do not have a date for or my saab air bag recall. This clearly sends a message about gm. "don't buy gm, and from those companies which place people at risk of air bag failure"”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2016
“2003 saab. Consumer writes in regards to airbag inflator safety recall. *ld the consumer stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time completing the recall repair. *js”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2016
“Takata recall I was notified by saab in march 2016 that I have takata airbags installed and are subject to recall. It is now six (6) months since the notification. I have had no further communication from saab. I feel that the recall should take place immediately before I get killed from the airbag inflating. Six months should be more than adequate to resolve the problem. I ask that saab be compelled to immediately make the necessary repairs!”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2016
“Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2016
When filing, owners marked a crash in 12 of these complaints and injuries in 17 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 campaigns
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE MAY CAUSE ENGINE HESITATION OR STALLING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
CERTAIN SPORT SEDAN AND CONVERTIBLE PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH A VACUUM PIPE CHECK VALVE FOR THE BRAKE BOOSTER THAT MAY FAIL FROM EXPOSURE TO ELEVATED TEMPERATURES. THIS COULD RESULT IN SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST, USUALLY WITH LITTLE OR NO WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REDESIGNED CHECK VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 17, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
SOME SPORT SEDANS WERE BUILT WITH SEAT BELT RETRACTORS THAT WERE DAMAGED DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. IF DAMAGED, OVER TIME, THE AUTOMATIC TENSIONING SYSTEM (ATS) CABLE IN THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR COULD BREAK CAUSING THE BELT WEBBING TO NOT RETRACT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 24, 2005. OWNERS 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 JUNE 13, 2007. THIS IS AN EXPANSION OF PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGNS - SEE 04V557 AND 06V126. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
TI AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN FUEL PUMPS, PART NUMBERS TU456 AND TU303, SOLD UNDER VARIOUS BRAND NAMES AS AFTERMARKET AND REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE MOTOR VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MAY SEIZE, STOPPING THE FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE CREATING A STALLING CONDITION.
Remedy: TI AUTOMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE ANY DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP WITH A NEW OR REWORKED FUEL PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TI AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-866-867-3759 OR LOG ON TO WWW.RECALLRESPONSE.COM.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2003 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 2003 Saab 9-3 reliable?
NHTSA has 212 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 Saab 9-3. The most complained-about area is suspension (18% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 Saab 9-3 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 52,842 miles or less.
Does the 2003 Saab 9-3 have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling. 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.