2002 Saab 9-3 recalls and problems
The 2002 Saab 9-3 has 4 safety recalls and 37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saab dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2002 Saab 9-3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2002 Saab 9-3 recalls
Recall 07V-087: Fuel System, Gasoline
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 june 13, 2007. This is an expansion of previous recall campaigns - see 04v557 and 06v126. Owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.
Recall 05V-399: Electrical System
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
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-314: Steering
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The tie rod end retaining nuts may not have been properly tightened at the factory.
Risk: The nut could loosen and fall off resulting in a sudden reduction or loss of steering control.
Fix: All vehicles will be inspected and corrected prior to customer delivery. No owner notification will be required.
2002 Saab 9-3 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 16 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 6 | |
| Power Train | 5 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 4 | |
| Unknown or Other | 3 | |
| Seat Belts | 3 | |
| Air Bags | 2 | |
| Seats | 2 | |
| Equipment | 2 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | |
| Visibility | 1 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Electrical System › Ignition › Module — 5
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 4
- Air Bags › Side/Window — 2
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. — 2
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 2
- Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1
- Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 63,000 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 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Saab 9-3 years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2002 Saab 9-3 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2002 Saab 9-3: 07V-087 (fuel system, gasoline), 05V-399 (electrical system), 04V-557 (fuel system, gasoline), 01V-314 (steering). 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?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (16 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 63,000 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.