2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible recalls and problems

The 2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible has 1 safety recall and 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saab dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 0

Injuries / deaths

1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible recalls

Recall 04V-557: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Nov 19, 2004 · 17,394 vehicles affected · SAAB CARS USA, INC.

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production.

Risk: Over time, this could cause the fuel lines to loosen from the pump resulting in fuel leakage. If an ignition source were present, the fuel may ignite resulting in a vehicle fire.

Fix: 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.

2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	10
Fuel System, Gasoline	6
Engine and Engine Cooling	4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	2
Wheels	2
Tires	2
Power Train	2
Suspension	1
Seat Belts	1
Air Bags	1

Most reported parts

Electrical System › Ignition › Module — 4
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 3
Wheels › Rim — 2
Electrical System › Ignition — 2
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 1
Suspension › Rear › Shock Absorber — 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads — 1
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 74,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 86,500 miles · reported Aug 23, 2013

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!

Power Train · at 46,000 miles · reported Nov 24, 2010

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.

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 89,000 miles · reported Oct 12, 2009

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.

Electrical System · at 74,000 miles · reported Aug 27, 2009

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…

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 165,000 miles · reported Jul 2, 2009

The contact owns a 2001 saab 9-3 convertible. In 2006, the contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 103-7-22538. There were no failures at the time; however, the contact took the vehicle in for service to prevent the recall consequence. In 2007, the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The contact did not feel the need to file a complaint at that time. Since the beginning of 2009, the vehicle has frequently been stalling and is a major inconvenience. On june 10, 2009, the vehicle was serviced for the stalling issue and the contact was informed that the crank sensor…

Other Saab 9-3 Convertible years

200220012000

Compare all Saab 9-3 Convertible years · All Saab models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible: 04V-557 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (10 reports), followed by fuel system, gasoline (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 74,000 miles.

Are Saab recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Saab dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.