2001 Saab 9-3 recalls and problems

The 2001 Saab 9-3 has 4 safety recalls and 59 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saab dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 1

Injuries / deaths

3 / 1

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

2001 Saab 9-3 recalls

Recall 06V-126: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Apr 20, 2006 · 11,886 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 may 12, 2006. Owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.

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 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.

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.

2001 Saab 9-3 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	26
Engine and Engine Cooling	14
Fuel System, Gasoline	13
Air Bags	4
Seats	2
Fuel/Propulsion System	2
Suspension	1
Tires	1
Fuel System, Other	1
Latches/Locks/Linkages	1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	1
Power Train	1

Most reported parts

Electrical System › Ignition › Module — 9
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 8
Electrical System › Ignition — 6
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 4
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 2
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 2
Suspension › Rear — 1
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood — 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 complaints

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

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 150,000 miles · reported Nov 25, 2024

The contact owns a 2001 Saab 9-3. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. A mobile independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 05V399000 (Electrical System) and 06V126000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Air Bags · reported Oct 11, 2021

unexpected and unrequested deployment of driver side seat air bag. i was driving the vehicle at a speed of 0-5mph attempting to back the vehicle into a parking spot when the driver seat air bag deployed. a report was made with the local police department. no indicator or failure lights were present, the vehicle is able to be inspected at this time for further information. It is unknown about any other inspections by anyone other than the local police department.

Air Bags · reported May 17, 2021

I left my home with my daughter in the afternoon to go to the bank and hardware store. I drove to the bank to make a deposit. We had to wait for quite awhile in the drive-through line at the bank, so I turned off my engine a couple of times rather than having the car idle. After making the deposit at the bank, I pulled out of the bank lot and began driving to the hardware store. I had driven for about two minutes and was driving along at approximately 25-30 miles an hour, and suddenly there was a terrible explosion at my left ear and massive pain in my left arm. I thought the car had been shot…

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 119,800 miles · reported Feb 18, 2019

Excessive leaking. Was driving on e-way and engine stopped or something occured where it sounded as if the car turned off. The battery was working but, when I pressed on accelerator it didn't propel forward. I carefully steered with hazard lights to side of the road. Ignition cranks but, car won't turn over. Replaced direct ignition coil, crankshaft sensor but, issue seems to be the fuel pump. A recall was issued regarding this: recall 06v126000 affected cars saab 9-3 2001 engine, may 12, 2006 original recall from the NHTSA manufacturer's report date may 12, 2006 NHTSA action number rq05003…

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · at 114,000 miles · reported Sep 1, 2016

When I changed the battery of the car key, its doors and trunk stopped lock and unlock. The belt of the gas tank was broken also. I replaced also the fuel tank.

Other Saab 9-3 years

2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 200220012000

Compare all Saab 9-3 years · All Saab models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Saab 9-3 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2001 Saab 9-3: 06V-126 (fuel system, gasoline), 05V-399 (electrical system), 04V-557 (fuel system, gasoline), 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 2001 Saab 9-3?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (26 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (14). 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.