2003 Saab 9-3 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Suspension:front (25) · Electrical System (22) · Power Train:automatic Transmission (18)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Saab 9-3 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
167 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (1)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump 2011-02-28 · campaign 11E009000 · 4,887 vehicles
Defect: TI AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN FUEL PUMPS, PART NUMBERS TU456 AND TU303, SOLD UNDER VARIOUS BRAND NAMES AS AFTERMARKET AND REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE MOTOR VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MAY SEIZE, STOPPING THE FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE CREATING A STALLING CONDITION.
Risk: A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE IN USE.
Fix: TI AUTOMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE ANY DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP WITH A NEW OR REWORKED FUEL PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TI AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-866-867-3759 OR LOG ON TO WWW.RECALLRESPONSE.COM.
Service bulletins (92)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2025-07-18 · PIP5601C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this pi communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from tac.
Unknown Or Other 2024-09-06 · PIT3271P · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. general motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. technician s
Electrical System 2024-08-26 · General Communication · Service Campaign
vehicle wide programming (vwp) is a new process to update software on gm vehicles. it provides the ability via a single selection within techline connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). the updating of modules is com
Fuel/Propulsion System 2024-06-28 · 16-NA-383 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, crank no start, extended crank or misfire, mil with dtcs, and explains how top tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
Unknown Or Other 2024-06-17 · 18-NA-099 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin provides information for use on a product assistance claim (pac), which is formerly known as a product allegation resolution (par) claim.
Electrical System 2024-06-06 · 24-NA-098 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on service programming system (sps) error codes e4398, e4399, e4401, e4403, m4404, m4413, m6954, m6955, e4414, e4423, e4491, e4492, or e6961 and resolution information.
Showing the 6 most recent of 92 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2021-01-20 · Air Bags · 130,000 mi“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, …”
2020-01-07 · Steering · 130,000 mi“tl* 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) 47…”
2019-05-17 · Engine · 102,000 mi“tl* 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.…”
2018-12-07 · Power Train · 99,989 mi“ecu in car becomes completely fried because of the location it is mounted from the factory because of heat soak…”
2018-09-07 · Electrical System · 85,000 mi“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?…”
2018-06-22 · Air Bags · 168,000 mi“takata recall. driver's seat airbag deployed while waiting at a red light this morning.…”
2018-01-03 · Air Bags“2003 saab. consumer writes in regards to airbag inflator safety recall. *ld the consumer stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time completing the recall repair. *js…”
2017-06-17 · Air Bags · 180,000 mi · 💥 crash“i was driving at about 15 - 20 mph trying to enter hwy i-75. upon routine braking,the airbag deployed, causing an accident.after i hit the car in front of me,the second airbag deployed. i am hurt. the vehicle was deemed totalled because the airbags deployed, and taken away.…”
2016-08-31 · Air Bags“takata recall i was notified by saab in march 2016 that i have takata airbags installed and are subject to recall. it is now six (6) months since the notification. i have had no further communication from saab. i feel that the recall should take place immediately before i get killed from the airbag inflating. six months should be more than ade…”
2016-06-10 · Air Bags“takata recall i do not have a date for or my saab air bag recall. this clearly sends a message about gm. "don't buy gm, and from those companies which place people at risk of air bag failure"…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.