2008 Saab 9-3 recalls and problems
The 2008 Saab 9-3 has 2 safety recalls and 184 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saab dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2008 Saab 9-3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2008 Saab 9-3 recalls
Recall 16V-063: Air Bags
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Saab 9-3 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2002, to February 15, 2011, 2006-2009 Saab 9-5 vehicles manufactured June 7, 2005, to May 28, 2009, and 2008-2009 Saturn Astra vehicles manufactured April 11, 2007, to July 24, 2008. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator on Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles and will replace the driver's frontal airbag module on Saturn Astra vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on March 1, 2017. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 28810.
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.
2008 Saab 9-3 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 71 | |
| Engine | 66 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 13 | |
| Electrical System | 11 | |
| Suspension | 11 | |
| Power Train | 10 | |
| Seat Belts | 10 | |
| Unknown or Other | 4 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | |
| Structure | 3 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 2 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
- Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum — 1
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 1
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch — 1
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 77,000 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 2008 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 2008 Saab 9-3 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 Saab 9-3: 16V-063 (air bags), 14V-318 (seat belts). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Saab 9-3?
Owners report air bags problems most often (71 reports), followed by engine (66). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 77,000 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.