2005 Saab 9-3: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 95 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is suspension (31% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 95 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“ The contact owns a 2005 Saab 9-3. The contact stated that the front passenger's side seat belt failed to latch. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V318000 (Seat Belts). The vehicle was not repaired. There was no further information provided. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jan 2021
“NHTSA 14v318000 was a recall for seat belts that fails to retract. When I get into my car and pull it out to fasten it often remains slack. That event caused me to do research and find the recall. But it did not extend to my car which has the exact same problem. It appears to me that the recall was too narrow.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Apr 2019
“My car won't start and no mechanic can figure out exactly why due to there not being any saab dealers near the area I'm stuck in... I have been living out of my car for 3 months cuz I don't want anyone to steal my car”Owner report · Steering · May 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“Power seat tracks on both driver and passenger slide back and forth such that when stopping quickly the seat slides forward about an inch. It's a known problem on saabs.”Owner report · Seats · Jan 2018
“Horn does not blow, please wait light stays on. And burns the battery out over a day or so while car is stationary have to recharge.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2017
“Frequently the car stalls suddenly in traffic, looses power I can't accelerate this is very dangerous potential to get hit. The other problem is the car vibrates and all of sudden a lot of smoke comes out from back and rich gasoline smell comes and the speed turns to 0. I turn it off for five minutes and restart sometimes it starts ok sometimes it vibrates again. This happens very frequently”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 saab 9-3. While driving 30 mph, the front passenger side seat belt failed to retract without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v318000 (seat belts). The failure mileage was 128,000.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Sep 2016
“Per gm, the 2005 saab 9-3 was deleted from the takata airbag recall. I want the defective takata airbag serial numbers to ensure my saab is safe.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2016
“Takata recall why aren't parts available to fix this problem. How long can I expect to wait for a solution to this serious problem? Who is responsible if someone is injured as a result of this recall. Why isn't more being done about it. Why is this company still allowed to be in business?”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v63000 (air bags); however, the part needed to perform the repair was unavailable. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2016
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 9 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible vehicles manufactured July 30, 2003, to February 15, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the driver's side front seat belt retractor may break, causing the seat belt webbing not to retract.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt retractor, free of charge. The recall began on October 6, 2015. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007. GM's number for this recall is 14222. Note: Special Coverage 10086 will replace the passenger side seat belt retractor if it fails, free of charge, for the life of the vehicle.
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.
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 2005 Saab 9-3 reliable?
NHTSA has 95 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 Saab 9-3. The most complained-about area is suspension (31% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 Saab 9-3 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 60,000 miles or less.
Does the 2005 Saab 9-3 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. 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.