2000 Saab 9-3 recalls and problems

The 2000 Saab 9-3 has 2 safety recalls and 50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saab dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

4 / 1

Injuries / deaths

9 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2000 Saab 9-3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2000 Saab 9-3 recalls

Recall 05V-399: Electrical System

Reported Sep 14, 2005 · 103,202 vehicles affected · SAAB CARS USA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: Overheating of the igbt occurs most often at engine start-up, but it may also occur while the engine is running. Engine stalling may occur, which could result in a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 01V-168: Air Bags

Reported May 18, 2001 · 43,073 vehicles affected · SAAB CARS USA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: These vehicles do not comply with the requirements.

Fix: 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.

2000 Saab 9-3 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	31
Engine and Engine Cooling	14
Air Bags	10
Seat Belts	3
Fuel System, Gasoline	2
Fuel System, Other	2
Equipment	2
Vehicle Speed Control	1
Power Train	1
Exterior Lighting	1
Parking Brake	1
Wheels	1

Most reported parts

Electrical System › Ignition › Module — 12
Electrical System › Ignition — 9
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys — 2
Power Train › Clutch Assembly › Pedal/Hand Lever(Motorcycle) — 1
Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger — 1
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 94,000 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 2000 Saab 9-3 complaints

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

Air Bags · reported Aug 1, 2024

The driver's side, side air bag deployed spontaneously. There was no apparent reason or cause, ie no side impact of any kind, no door slamming or other provocation. The car was parked in a garage for six hours before I sat in the car, closed the door, then BLAM! Temperature was moderate, where as the car is often parked on a city street in direct sun. Air bag deployment was a loud bang followed by smoke from an explosive, and a sting on my neck and shoulder where the bag hit me. Bits of foam from the seat interior, where the air bag was located, blew around the car interior. I suffered…

Air Bags · at 123,000 miles · reported Jul 11, 2020

In neutral parked in traffic at a red light / intersection waiting for green, the driver side airbag in my seat deployed/ exploded causing injury and bruising to left arm.

Air Bags · at 222,620 miles · reported Sep 27, 2018

I got into my parked vehicle as normal, closed the door and fastened my seatbelt. I then depressed the clutch pedal and inserted the key into the ignition. As I turned the key to start the car, the drivers seat side impact airbag deployed spontaneously causing temporary loss of hearing, a ringing sound in the ears, and injury to my left arm. I removed the key from the ignition and exited the vehicle. The vehicle was parked, and off/not running, in a parking lot at a local shopping mall. The vehicle was not hit, damaged, or used in any other way out of ordinary operation. There were no warning…

Air Bags · at 92,000 miles · reported Oct 17, 2016

The contact owns a 2000 saab saab 9-3. The contact stated that the back passenger side air bag deployed without any rear impact or warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 92,000.

Air Bags · at 139,000 miles · reported Oct 20, 2014

Side airbag on driver's side (Located in outside edge of driver's seat) deployed while the car was parked and running. This was clearly a malfunction -- there was no external event or damage that would cause an airbag to deploy. Significant bruising to driver's left arm, temporary hearing loss; did not require medical attention.

Other Saab 9-3 years

2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 20012000

Compare all Saab 9-3 years · All Saab models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2000 Saab 9-3 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2000 Saab 9-3: 05V-399 (electrical system), 01V-168 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2000 Saab 9-3?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (31 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (14). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 94,000 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.