2004 Saab 9-3 recalls and problems
The 2004 Saab 9-3 has 5 safety recalls and 207 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saab dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2004 Saab 9-3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2004 Saab 9-3 recalls
Recall 14V-318: Seat Belts
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible vehicles manufactured July 30, 2003, to February 15, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the driver's side front seat belt retractor may break, causing the seat belt webbing not to retract.
Risk: In the event of a crash, a seat belt that has not retracted may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt retractor, free of charge. The recall began on October 6, 2015. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007. GM's number for this recall is 14222. Note: Special Coverage 10086 will replace the passenger side seat belt retractor if it fails, free of charge, for the life of the vehicle.
Recall 10V-043: Seat Belts
Problem: General motors is recalling certain model year 2004 saab 9-3 sedans. Some of these vehicles were produced with front seat belt retractors that, over time, could fail to retract.
Risk: Using a seat belt that has not retracted, and in the event of a crash, a seat occupant may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the driver side retractor free of charge. If the front passenger retractor were to fail to retract, GM will replace the front passenger retractor free of charge under a special coverage that will be released for the same population for 10 years from new vehicle date of sale. The safety recall is expected to begin during july 2010. Owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007 or at the owner center at saabparts.com/us. Note: in june 2014, GM expanded the special coverage from 10 years to be for the lifetime of the vehicle.
Recall 05V-236: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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-226: Seat Belts
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.
Recall 03V-514: Seats
Problem: Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 207, "seating systems." the backrest locking mechanism on some front seats may have been installed incorrectly.
Risk: This could cause the seat back to fold forward in a frontal crash, resulting in injury to the driver and/or front seat passenger.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicle's front seats to determine if they are equipped with the improperly installed component. If either or both of the seats have this component, they will be replaced. The dealer may need to order a complete new seat or seats (Including matching upholstery) and the parts may take up to two to four weeks to arrive. Saab will provide a rental car for the owner until the new seat(S) is (Are) available and installed by the dealer. Owner notification is expected to begin during february 2004. Owners should contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.
2004 Saab 9-3 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 80 | |
| Suspension | 57 | |
| Air Bags | 20 | |
| Electrical System | 13 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 9 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 7 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 7 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 5 | |
| Power Train | 5 | |
| Steering | 4 | |
| Tires | 4 | |
| Unknown or Other | 4 |
Most reported parts
- Suspension › Front — 29
- Seat Belts › Front › Retractor — 11
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs — 10
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 3
- Electrical System › Ignition › Module — 2
- Air Bags › Frontal — 2
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 2
- Seat Belts › Front — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 72,000 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 2004 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 2004 Saab 9-3 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2004 Saab 9-3: 14V-318 (seat belts), 10V-043 (seat belts), 05V-236 (service brakes, hydraulic), 04V-226 (seat belts), 03V-514 (seats). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Saab 9-3?
Owners report seat belts problems most often (80 reports), followed by suspension (57). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 72,000 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.