2005 Saab 9-3 recalls and problems

The 2005 Saab 9-3 has 2 safety recalls and 95 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saab dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
95
Crashes / fires
4 / 2
Injuries / deaths
9 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Saab 9-3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 Saab 9-3 recalls

Recall 14V-318: Seat Belts

Reported Jun 12, 2014 · 28,789 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

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 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.

2005 Saab 9-3 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Suspension32
Seat Belts22
Air Bags12
Electrical System9
Fuel System, Gasoline5
Fuel/Propulsion System5
Engine and Engine Cooling4
Seats4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3
Vehicle Speed Control3
Power Train3
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)3

Most reported parts

  • Suspension › Front — 15
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 2
  • Service Brakes, Air › Disc › Pads — 2
  • Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery — 1
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Injectors — 1
  • Seat Belts › Front — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 60,000 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 2005 Saab 9-3 complaints

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

Seat Belts · reported Aug 3, 2023
 The contact owns a 2005 Saab 9-3. The contact stated that the front passenger's side seat belt failed to latch. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V318000 (Seat Belts). The vehicle was not repaired. There was no further information provided. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 86,000 miles · reported Dec 11, 2020
It happened to me twice.. While driving the gas gauge will drop to empty and when pressing on the gas il just rev there be a cut off due to the fuel level sensor in which it's a common in all saabs I don't know why this issue hasn't become a recall. It's dangerous the cut off is around 2-3 seconds. I almost cause an accident due to the lost of power. I was entering the free way and an 18 wheeler had to switch lanes and passed I was going around 45 MPH merging . The second time I was going 25 MPH and it felt like the engine shut of and gather speed. There is a recall for the fuel pump and my…
Seat Belts · at 130,000 miles · reported Apr 22, 2019
Nhtsa 14v318000 was a recall for seat belts that fails to retract. When I get into my car and pull it out to fasten it often remains slack. That event caused me to do research and find the recall. But it did not extend to my car which has the exact same problem. It appears to me that the recall was too narrow.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · at 12,000 miles · reported Aug 29, 2018
My car won't start and no mechanic can figure out exactly why due to there not being any saab dealers near the area I'm stuck in... I have been living out of my car for 3 months cuz I don't want anyone to steal my car
Seats · at 110,000 miles · reported Jan 2, 2018
Power seat tracks on both driver and passenger slide back and forth such that when stopping quickly the seat slides forward about an inch. It's a known problem on saabs.

Other Saab 9-3 years

Compare all Saab 9-3 years · All Saab models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Saab 9-3 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2005 Saab 9-3: 14V-318 (seat belts), 05V-236 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Saab 9-3?

Owners report suspension problems most often (32 reports), followed by seat belts (22). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 60,000 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.