2002 Saab 9-3 Convertible recalls and problems

The 2002 Saab 9-3 Convertible has 1 safety recall and 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saab dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 3

Injuries / deaths

1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Saab 9-3 Convertible vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 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.

2002 Saab 9-3 Convertible problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	4
Structure	2
Air Bags	2
Engine and Engine Cooling	1
Latches/Locks/Linkages	1
Visibility	1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	1
Power Train	1
Exterior Lighting	1

Most reported parts

Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood — 2
Structure › Body › Door — 1
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator — 1
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch — 1
Structure › Body › Hood — 1
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module — 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper — 1
Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 40,000 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 2002 Saab 9-3 Convertible complaints

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

Air Bags · reported Jun 6, 2011

Slowly approaching stoplight, and drivers side, side airbag goes off for no apparent reason. Driver was struck in side of head, and upper body, some hearing loss suffered also.

Power Train · at 54,000 miles · reported Oct 31, 2006

On august 13, 2006, my wife was driving our 2002 saab 9-3 convertible when the engine caught fire. She was able to get out of the car safely, but the car was destroyed. Investigations by international motors (Falls church, va) after the event showed that the transmission had disintegrated and transmission fluid has sprayed throughout the engine compartment causing the fire.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 40,000 miles · reported May 9, 2005

Dt: 5/4/05, car was at dealer5 for regularly maintenance. Dealer reported rear brakes were rusted to the point of not being able to operate. Service manager said that saab had a history of brakes deteriorating at low miles. Caller complained about saab, dealer could not offer any help. No previous problem with vehicle, which was is regularly serviced, and records were available.

Air Bags · at 8,800 miles · reported Sep 1, 2004

On april 8, 2004 my wifes 2002 saab convertible was struck by a vehicle that failed to yield at a stop sign. The car was severely damaged and was towed to nimnicht saab, the only authorized saab dealer in jacksonville, fl. Although the accident resulted in more than $8,000 to our vehicle and the impact zone was a t-bone type impact to the driver side door, the driver side airbag failed to deploy. As of this writing, our car remains at the dealership and has yet to be repaired. This repair delay situation has been created, in large part, by the fact that the primary replacement part…

Visibility · at 19,000 miles · reported Jun 26, 2004

A crack formed on the inside layer of the glass right where the driver's side convertible top latch in the frame is located. The dealer declared that this occurred as a result of an impact as opposed to stress from the frame and refused to correct it under the warranty. There was no sign of an exterior impact and the crack originated on the interior side of the glass. There is clearly a defect either in the construction of the windshield or in the manner in which the top latches to the frame, which caused the glass to crack.

Other Saab 9-3 Convertible years

20022001 2000

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

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Saab 9-3 Convertible have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 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 2002 Saab 9-3 Convertible?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (4 reports), followed by structure (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 40,000 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.