2003 Saab 9-3 recalls and problems

The 2003 Saab 9-3 has 4 safety recalls and 212 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saab dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

212

Crashes / fires

12 / 6

Injuries / deaths

17 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Saab 9-3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Saab 9-3 recalls

Recall 07V-087: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Mar 7, 2007 · 94,377 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 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-236: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported May 19, 2005 · 68,654 vehicles affected · SAAB CARS USA, INC.

Problem: Certain sport sedan and convertible passenger vehicles were produced with a vacuum pipe check valve for the brake booster that may fail from exposure to elevated temperatures. This could result in sudden loss of power brake assist, usually with little or no warning.

Risk: If this condition were to occur when minimum stopping distance is required, a crash could occur.

Fix: Dealers will install a new redesigned check valve. The recall began on march 17, 2006. Owners should contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.

Recall 04V-540: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Oct 20, 2004 · 12,249 vehicles affected · SAAB CARS USA, INC.

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the engine management system software may cause engine hesitation or stalling.

Risk: If the vehicle stalls as a result of this condition, it can be restarted immediately.

Fix: Dealers will update the engine management system. Owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.

Recall 04V-226: Seat Belts

Reported May 11, 2004 · 31,335 vehicles affected · SAAB CARS USA, INC.

Problem: Some sport sedans were built with seat belt retractors that were damaged during the manufacturing process. If damaged, over time, the automatic tensioning system (Ats) cable in the seat belt retractor could break causing the belt webbing to not retract.

Risk: In the event of a crash, a front seat occupant may receive more severe injuries.

Fix: Dealers will replace the seat belt retractor assemblies. The recall began on january 24, 2005. Owners should contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.

2003 Saab 9-3 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	51
Suspension	45
Engine and Engine Cooling	32
Power Train	32
Steering	20
Fuel System, Gasoline	16
Air Bags	15
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	14
Exterior Lighting	13
Seat Belts	12
Tires	9
Equipment	9

Most reported parts

Suspension › Front — 27
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 23
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 14
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs — 8
Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 7
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 4
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood — 4
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 49,000 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 2003 Saab 9-3 complaints

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

Air Bags · at 130,000 miles · reported Jan 20, 2021

I was driving my 2003 saab 9-3 se convertible to the nearby publix supermarket. The car has never been in an accident or hit. I parked it in the lot with the top down and went into the store for approximately 10 minutes. It was a warm dry day in florida about 85 degrees. I came out and put the key in the ignition and turned it to start the car, and the passenger side airbag exploded for no known reason. I called GM, they took the car to a GM facility and inspected it, and then came back a week later and said the unexplained deployment of the airbag was not a manufacturers defect and they would…

Steering · at 130,000 miles · reported Jan 7, 2020

The contact owns a 2003 saab 9-3. The contact stated that with the key fob in the ignition, the power steering wheel lock malfunction warning light illuminated. The contact manually turned the ignition key to the left to right in order to have the vehicle started. The vehicle was taken to flikkema saab (2424 176th st, lansing, il 60438 (708) 474-19330) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the column integrated module (Cim) needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred several times. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The…

Engine · at 102,000 miles · reported May 17, 2019

The contact owns a 2003 saab 9-3. When the vehicle decelerated, it shut off without warning at will. The contact also stated that the vehicle decelerated when driving up a hill. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 102,000.

Electrical System · at 85,000 miles · reported Sep 7, 2018

I AM receiving an onstar not available error - there was a recall 08089-b part # 10027804 - I want my onstar disabled. Who do I contact?

Air Bags · reported Jan 3, 2018

2003 saab. Consumer writes in regards to airbag inflator safety recall. The consumer stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time completing the recall repair.

Other Saab 9-3 years

2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 200420032002 2001 2000

Compare all Saab 9-3 years · All Saab models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Saab 9-3 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Saab 9-3: 07V-087 (fuel system, gasoline), 05V-236 (service brakes, hydraulic), 04V-540 (engine and engine cooling), 04V-226 (seat belts). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Saab 9-3?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (51 reports), followed by suspension (45). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 49,000 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.