2011 Saab 9-3 recalls and problems

The 2011 Saab 9-3 has 3 safety recalls and 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saab dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
30
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2011 Saab 9-3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2011 Saab 9-3 recalls

Recall 16V-063: Air Bags

Reported Feb 3, 2016 · 113,716 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

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

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 11V-015: Fuel System, Other

Reported Jan 19, 2011 · 4,400 vehicles affected · SAAB CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: Saab is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 passenger vehicles manufactured from june 2010 through december 2010. Certain fuel pumps installed as original equipment may have internal components with incorrect specifications.

Risk: The subject fuel pumps can seize causing the engine to stall which increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Saab will notify owners and replace the defective fuel pumps free of charge. The safety recall began on march 3, 2011. Owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.

2011 Saab 9-3 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags25
Seat Belts3
Power Train1
Service Brakes1
Unknown or Other1
Suspension1
Engine1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 90,000 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 2011 Saab 9-3 complaints

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

Air Bags · at 103,000 miles · reported Jun 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2011 saab 9-3. The contact stated that while driving, the air bag sensor warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer and local dealer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.
Engine · at 120,000 miles · reported Nov 15, 2018
The contact owns a 2011 saab 9-3. The contact detected a strong odor of coolant inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the vehicle was leaking coolant and screws were missing that connected the transmission to the motor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not made ware of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Air Bags · reported Jun 29, 2017
Letter is response to the recall of a defective air bag; seeking help for this dilemna NHTSA campaign id number 16v063. The consumer stated the recall exceeded a reasonable amount of time. Updated 06/29/2017
Air Bags · reported Jun 2, 2017
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v063000 (Air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Dorshal automotive was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and initially informed the contact that the part was being sent; however, the contact still was not able to get the recall remedied due to the lack of part…
Air Bags · reported Apr 27, 2017
Takata recall. The recall issue has been known for several years now yet no remedy is available for this model vehicle. Considering the danger and gravity behind this known issue, it is unacceptable that a remedy is not available for all vehicles to ensure the safety the persons involved.

Other Saab 9-3 years

Compare all Saab 9-3 years · All Saab models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Saab 9-3 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2011 Saab 9-3: 16V-063 (air bags), 14V-318 (seat belts), 11V-015 (fuel system, other). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Saab 9-3?

Owners report air bags problems most often (25 reports), followed by seat belts (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 90,000 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.