Filed Feb 28, 20114,887 vehiclesTi Group Automotive Systems, LLC
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.
Remedy. 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings07V087000
Filed Mar 7, 200794,377 vehiclesSaab Cars USA, Inc.
Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.
Risk. OVER TIME, THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL LINES TO LOOSEN FROM THE PUMP RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, THE FUEL MAY IGNITE RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL DEVELOP A SECURING BRACKET THAT WILL SECURE THE FUEL LINES TO THE FUEL PUMP EVEN IF THE PLASTIC RETAINING TABS SHOULD BREAK. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 13, 2007. THIS IS AN EXPANSION OF PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGNS - SEE 04V557 AND 06V126. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings05V236000
Filed May 19, 200568,654 vehiclesSaab Cars USA, Inc.
Defect. 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.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REDESIGNED CHECK VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 17, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
Filed May 11, 200431,335 vehiclesSaab Cars USA, Inc.
Defect. 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.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 24, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Jan 20, 2021130,000 milesFL
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, AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG EXPLODED FOR NO KNOWN REASON. I CALLED GM, THEY TOOK THE CAR TO A GM FACILITY AND INSPECTED IT, AND THEN CAME BACK A WEEK LATER AND SAID THE UNEXPLAINED DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG WAS NOT A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AND THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR IT. I FIND THAT DIFFICULT TO BELIEVE. THE AIRBAG SHOULD NOT DEPLOY ARBITRARILY WHEN THE IGNITION KEY IS TURNED.
Steering
Filed Jan 7, 2020130,000 milesIL
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) 474-19330) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE COLUMN INTEGRATED MODULE (CIM) NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Engine
Filed May 17, 2019102,000 milesPA
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.
Power Train
Filed Dec 7, 201899,989 milesSC
ECU IN CAR BECOMES COMPLETELY FRIED BECAUSE OF THE LOCATION IT IS MOUNTED FROM THE FACTORY BECAUSE OF HEAT SOAK
Electrical System
Filed Sep 7, 201885,000 milesPA
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?
Air Bags1 injured
Filed Jun 22, 2018168,000 milesFL
TAKATA RECALL. DRIVER'S SEAT AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE WAITING AT A RED LIGHT THIS MORNING.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 3, 2018WA
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
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 17, 2017180,000 milesFL
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.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 31, 2016ME
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 ADEQUATE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. I ASK THAT SAAB BE COMPELLED TO IMMEDIATELY MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS!
SteeringCrash2 injured
Filed Aug 16, 201671,810 milesTX
HIT CONCRETE WALL
Air Bags
Filed Jun 10, 2016CT
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"
Air Bags
Filed Jun 9, 2016CA
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V063000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
SteeringCrash2 injured
Filed Apr 27, 201670,000 milesTX
COIL SPRING BROK CAUSED TIRE TO COME OFF TURNDED SIDEWAYS UNDER FIREWALL CAUSING US TO CRASH INTO CONCRETE BARRIER
Air Bags
Filed Apr 21, 2016OH
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V063000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air Bags
Filed Apr 5, 2016CT
TAKATA RECALL...I AM ADVISED THAT THERE IS RISK OF INJURY/DEATH DUE TO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS. ASKING FOR REPAIR ADVISED TODAY 4/4/2016 BY (GENERAL MOTORS) THEY ARE NOT NOW DOING/CANNOT DO SAME. UNACCEPTABLE SAFETY.
SteeringCrash2 injured
Filed Apr 4, 201671,810 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 SAAB 9-3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE STEERING LOST POWER. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE WALL. THE DRIVER SIDE TIRE BECAME STUCK UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER RECEIVED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE POLICE WAS AT THE SCENE, BUT DID NOT FILE A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. ONE DAY AFTER THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V063000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,810.
Structure › Body › Door
Filed Apr 1, 201687,171 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND STALLED. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, IT TOOK MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO OPEN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENTLY MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPARK PLUGS HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,171.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Dec 7, 2015158,000 milesCT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, SMOKE EMITTED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT. THERE WERE NO FLAMES VISIBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine
Filed Nov 19, 201545,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED; HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE DIC AND THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE MECHANIC AND THE DIC WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND IT TOOK SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE MIRRORED NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA04008 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. UPDATED 02/23/16*LJ *CN
Engine
Filed Oct 28, 2015184,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR AND SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND DISCOVERED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VALVE COVER GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 184,000. ...UPDATED 01/07/16 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN ENTERING TRAFFIC FROM THE DRIVEWAY, IT MOVES OUT OF GEAR, AND THE VEHICLE HAD AN ELECTRICAL GLITCH THAT CAUSED THE HEADLIGHTS TO GO OUT OFTEN NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. *JS
Electrical System
Filed Oct 22, 201590,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-3. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE DOORS OF THE VEHICLE FAILED TO LOCK. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE IGNITION KEY FAILED TO MOVE INTO THE ON POSITION. A TOW TRUCK OPERATOR STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE MOVED BECAUSE THE WHEELS WERE LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Steering
Filed Jun 29, 2015160,000 milesWI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY REFUSED TO TURN TO THE ON POSITION AND A STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION MESSAGE APPEARED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Nov 11, 201492,000 milesID
[XXX] BOUGHT JUST IN MAY. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Sep 17, 2014132,000 milesNJ
DRIVING STEADY PACE, SID FADES OUT, RADIO SHUTS OFF, GAUGES TURN OFF, AND ENGINE SHUT OFF. PULLED OVER AND WHITE SMOKE CAME OUT FROM ENGINE BAY. IT WAS FROM THE SOLENOID ON THE STARTER. I GOT A NEW STARTER AND THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. I THEN BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY AND THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRED. I HAD TO CHARGE THE BATTERY UP TO 100% TO GET THE CAR STARTED. THE ALTERNATOR WAS FINE SO MY BELIEF IS THERE IS AN OPEN CIRCUIT SOMEWHERE IN THE CAR. JUST RECENTLY THE SAME SITUATION HAPPENED AGAIN, STARTER MOTOR BURNED UP AND BATTERY DRAINED. *TR
Engine
Filed Aug 30, 2014109,560 milesOH
AS I WAS DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF THE 3 NORTHBOUND LANES OF U.S. 23, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLED. I WAS GOING ABOUT 62 MPH. I ACTIVATED MY EMERGENCY FLASHERS, SHIFTED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO NEUTRAL, AND SHUT OFF THE IGNITION KEY. I THEN TURNED THE IGNITION KEY TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND IT RESTARTED. THIS IS ABOUT THE 5TH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN THE PAST 5 MONTHS. THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN GMS IGNITION RECALL!!! *TR
Engine
Filed Aug 21, 2014106,145 milesOH
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLED. SLOWED AND STOPPED VEHICLE OFF SIDE OF ROAD. TURNED KEY TO OFF POSITION, THEN RE-STARTED VEHICLE WHEN TURNED KEY TO ON. CAR RAN FINE AFTER RE-STARTED. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. SUSPECT DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH, BUT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. *TR
Suspension
Filed Jun 11, 201460,000 milesCO
I HAVE ALSO BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION. I WOULD HAVE TO CHECK MY RECORDS, BUT I BELIEVE IT STARTED WHEN THE CAR HAD ABOUT 25K MILES ON IT. THE SPRINGS ARE STILL IN TACT, BUT I WOULD NOTICE A VERY LOUD CREAKING NOISE GOING OVER SPEED BUMPS IN PARKING LOTS, ESPECIALLY IN COLD TEMPERATURES. I BROUGHT IT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEALERSHIP WHILE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY DID NOT OFFER ANY RESOLUTION. AFTER READING THE LARGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS OF BROKEN SPRINGS, I NOW KNOW WHY I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR ON THE FREEWAY. I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO GET THIS FIXED UNDER A RECALL BEFORE IT CAUSES AN ACCIDENT AND SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. *TR
Tires1 injured
Filed May 18, 201440,000 milesCT
MICHELIN PILOT SPORT A/S 3 DOT: B9N) 11RX 3213 THESE TIRES HAVE TO BE DEFECTED!!!! WITH NO WARNING, THE PILOT SPORT A/S 3 TIRE JUST BLEW! BAM CAR PULLED HARD TO THE SIDE OF THE FLAT TIRE AND DRIVER STEERED OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF I95 THE TIRE'S THREADS COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM BOTH THE INNER & OUTER WALLS OF THE TIRE. THE RIM WAS STILL HOLDING ONTO A THIN STRIP OF THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE TIRE- WHERE THE RIM AND TIRE CONNECT. A WEEK PRIOR TO THE INCIDENCE THE CAR HAD THE 40K SERVICE INCLUDING TIRES ROTATION. NITROGEN AIR WAS AT THE CORRECT INFLATION LEVEL AS WELL. AND THE DAY PRIOR TO THE BLOW OUT. NEW BREAKS WERE INSTALLED AND ALL THE TIRES AND ALIGNMENT WERE CHECKED AGAIN-- WITH NO PROBLEMS TO BE FOUND. JUST PULLING OUT OF A SERVICE STATION THAT INSPECTED THE TIRES TO NOTE ONLY MINOR WEAR. LOW MILES ON THE TIRES AND NOT HITTING ANYTHING TO CAUSE A FLAT= SOMETHING WRONG NOT RIGHT WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THIS TIRE. TIRES WERE: 6 MONTHS OLD, FROM COSTCO, WITH ABOUT 5,000 MILES TOPS. THE DOT CODE STATES THAT IT WAS A 2013 TIRE. THOSE LITTLE TIRE NUBS HAVEN'T EVEN HAD A CHANCE TO WEAR DOWN YET. PLEASE LOOK INTO THESES TIRES!! I GO TO COSTCO TOMORROW FOR A REPLACEMENT. I AM AFRAID THAT THESE ARE DEFECTED TIRES AND I HAVE 3 MORE ON THE CAR. I WILL KEEP THE SHREDDED TIRE IN CASE IT IS NEEDED FOR INVESTIGATION PURPOSES. *JS
Electrical System
Filed Mar 30, 2014102,545 milesPA
I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR SHUT DOWN 2 TIMES WHILE DRIVING. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND IT IS A KNOW PROBLEM THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH ON THE 2003 SAAB 9-3 CAUSES STALLING AND LOCK SYSTEM FAILURES. IF FACT AT ONE POINT THE IGNITION SWITCHES WERE BACK ORDERED FOR THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A SPORADIC PROBLEM AND COMES AND GOES. *TR
Suspension
Filed Mar 6, 201494,304 milesVA
DRIVING DOWN STREET AT 30 MPH. LEFT SIDE FRONT SPRING BROKE. SPRING STUCK OUT AND SHREDDED TIRE. LEFT SIDE OF CAR DROPPED, WHICH THEN CAUSED RIGHT SIDE SPRING TO COME OFF AND CUT RIGHT SIDE TIRE. HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRING / STRUT ASSEMBLIES, AND REPLACE 2 TIRES. RESEARCHED PROBLEM, FOUND THAT GM MANUFACTURED THESE CARS IN 2003 - 2006 AND WAS OFFERING A WARRANTY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. MY SAAB IS SEVERAL MONTHS PAST THE WARRANTY DATES BUT NOT THE MILEAGE LIMIT. HOWEVER, MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THE ORIGINAL PARTS WERE FAULTY OR DEFECTIVE. VERY DANGEROUS, AS IF CAR WERE TRAVELING FASTER IT COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I WOULD HOPE GM WOULD CORRECT OR PAY FOR A TRUE SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Engine
Filed Aug 14, 2013107,000 milesCA
THE VEHICLE WILL BECOME ALMOST IMMOBILE IN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR (MANUAL TRANSMISSION). ONCE IN THIRD GEAR, PERFORMANCE IS BACK TO NORMAL. IF DRIVER IS NOT AWARE OF SITUATION (CRUISE LIGHT OFF IS ONLY INDICATION IF CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM IS TURNED ON), DRIVER CAN EASILY GET INTO BAD SITUATION AS CAR WILL NOT PERFORM AS USUAL (VERY SIGNIFICANT DEGRADATION OF PERFORMANCE). ALL THAT IS NEEDED TO RESET PROBLEM IS TO TURN THE KEY OFF AND RESTART THE ENGINE AND THE CONDITION WILL GO AWAY FOR AS LITTLE AS 10 MINUTES OR UP TO AS MUCH AS 2 HOURS OF DRIVING. IT IS SUSPECTED THAT THIS PROBLEM COULD BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE AIR MASS SENSOR AS REPLACING AIR MASS SENSOR WITH USED PART, PROBLEM DISAPPEARED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE IF DRIVER IS NOT AWARE AND TRIES TO MAKE A QUICK MANEUVER INVOLVING TIGHT TRAFFIC (LEFT TURN WHEN PERFORMANCE IS PARAMOUNT). WHATEVER THIS CONDITION IS THAT THE ELECTRONICS/ENGINE CONTROLS IS/ARE ENTERING IS UNACCEPTABLE AND THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER IN A RECALL. *TR
Seat Belts
Filed Apr 25, 201387,000 milesMI
MY VEHICLE WAS COVERED UNDER A SEAT BELT RECALL, AND WAS SERVICED IN 2005. I PURCHASED THE CAR USED, BUT ACCORDING TO THE PREVIOUS OWNER, THE SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HAS BEEN BROKEN FOR AT LEAST A YEAR. THE REPLACEMENT DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE, IN THIS CASE. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Nov 18, 201190,000 milesFL
THE SAAB WILL INTERMITTENTLY FAIL TO START. WHEN THE KEY IS TURNED IN THE IGNITION, ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OPERATE AS DESIGNED, HOWEVER THE CAR WILL NOT TURN OVER. THIS IS NOT A BATTERY OR STARTER PROBLEM. THE CAR DOES NOT MAKE ANY CRANKING SOUNDS OR STARTER CLICKS. RATHER, THERE IS NO ENGINE TURN OVER AT ALL. AFTER WAITING FOR 30 - 60 MINUTES, THE CAR WILL START AS IF THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WHATEVER. THE ISSUE APPEARS TO BE THE NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH. THERE IS NO ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS NOT "RECREATABLE." IT IS 100% UNPREDICTABLE AS TO WHEN IT WILL OCCUR. A SEARCH OF THE INTERNET FOR "SAAB 9-3 (OR S900) INTERMITTENT START" WILL RETURN THOUSANDS OF POSTS FROM DRIVERS DESCRIBING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. FIXES INCLUDE POURING WATER OR SNOW ON TOP OF THE NSS, DRILLING A HOLE IN THE DASHBOARD AND RUNNING A BY-PASS SWITCH TO THE STARTER, AND REPLACING THE NSS. DEALERSHIP WILL TRY TO REPLACE STARTERS, BATTERIES, ECT AND CLAIM THEY HAVE NOT HEARD OF THE NSS PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Mar 15, 201185,000 milesVA
VEHICLE WAS STALLING DURING ACCELERATION , THEN FUEL PUMP HAD COMPLETE MALFUNCTION .... AFTER REPLACEMENT, ENGINE HAS ALWAYS RUN POORLY AND ALMOST ALWAYS STALLS DURING ACCELERATION. REPLACED IGNITION COIL , AND IT DIDN'T FIX PROBLEM . I HAVE TALKED TO 4 OTHER SAAB 9-3 OWNERS FOR THIS MODEL YEAR AND 2004 AND EVERY ONE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 10, 201165,300 milesMA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE AND MESSAGE DISPLAY BOARD WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REFUSED TO MAKE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,300.
Electrical System
Filed Feb 5, 2011131,000 milesMN
PASSENGER AND I WERE DRIVING AND ACTIVATED BOTH FRONT HEATED SEATS ON THE HIGHEST SETTING. SOON AFTER, BOTH OF US DETECTED A BURNING SMELL AND IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF BOTH HEATED SEATS. UPON ARRIVAL, WE EXITED AND VISUALLY OBSERVED A SMALL BURN MARK WHERE THE PASSENGER'S LEFT SHOULDER WOULD BE. IT BURNED THROUGH THE LEATHER AND SINGED THE HAIR OF THE PASSENGER. THE BURN MARK IS ABOUT THE SIZE OF A NICKEL AND WE CAN NO LONGER USE THE HEATED SEAT FUNCTION. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Dec 7, 201076,000 milesMI
1.) ALL THE WIRING ISSUES STARTED OCCURRING SINCE FEB 2009- CURRENTLY. 2.) MY 2003 SAAB 9-3 LINEAR WIRING IS DYSFUNCTIONAL CAUSING MANY WIRING/ELECTRICAL ISSUE FAILURES TO OCCUR THROUGHOUT MY VEHICLE. -MY ALARM WILL GO OFF WHENEVER IT WANTS TO WHILE I AM AT WORK OR AT HOME SO I HAD TO UNPLUG MY HORN (WHICH IS DANGEROUS AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT SINCE I CAN'T USE MY HORN TO WARN PEOPLE OF AN ACCIDENT.) -ALSO, ON MY DISPLAY UNIT SHOWS "A RED NO PRESSURE" FOR MY PASSENGER SIDE SEAT SEAT WHICH HAS ME ALWAYS HAVING TO LEAVE IT BUCKLED WHEN NO ONE IS IN THE CAR IN ORDER FOR THE DISTRACTING LIGHT TO GO OFF. - MY RADIO WORKED FINE UNTIL MY BACK AMP COMPLETELY QUIT ABOUT 1 MONTH AGO FOR NO REASON. I NEVER PLAY MY MUSIC LOAD AND DO NOT USE BASE AND TO GET THIS FIXED WILL COST ME OVER $900. - THE ELECTRICAL ISSUES HAVE ALSO AFFECTED MY ELECTRICAL WINDOWS AS WELL. I WILL BE DRIVING AND PUT MY WINDOW DOWN AND IT WILL NOT GO BACK UP AND STICK TO WEAR I HAVE TO STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO MANUALLY PULL IT UP WITH MY HANDS. 3.) I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE INTO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS TO HAVE THEM FIND OUT WHAT THE CORE ISSUE OF MY WIRING/ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ARE AND THEY BOTH CAME BACK AND TOLD ME THAT THEY HOOKED MY VEHICLE UP TO THE COMPUTER BUT THEY CAN'T FIND WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT? THIS IS VERY ODD BECAUSE I KNOW IT'S NOT MY IMAGINATION AND IT SEEMS LIKE EACH WEEK, SOMETHING GOES WRONG "ELECTRICAL" AND THE FACT THEY CAN NOT FIND THE SOURCE IS A LITTLE RIDICULOUS CONSIDERING IT'S A SAAB DE
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed Dec 2, 201065,000 milesOH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 93. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT GOING TO COVER THE COST ASSOCIATED WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED AND REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V226000 (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR) YET THE FAILURE PERSISTED FOLLOWING REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. UPDATED 01/18/11 *BF UPDATED 01/31/11
Seat Belts
Filed Oct 26, 201049,000 milesIL
I JUST BOUGHT A 2003 SAAB 9-3 VECTOR. AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, I NOTICED THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT PROPERLY AND DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET. I THEN FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL ABOUT THAT EXACT THING AND TOOK THE CAR TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHICH COULD PERFORM SERVICE. THEY TOLD ME IT HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACED, AND THAT IT WOULD COST A FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS TO DO IT AGAIN, EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A RECALL OUT ON IT. I HAVE A HARD TIME BELIEVING IT WAS REPLACED ONCE AND THEN IT WENT BAD AGAIN, AND I SHOULD SAY THAT THE CAR ONLY WENT OVER 50000 MILES THIS EVENING ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK. THE DEALER SHOULD REPAIR THIS FAULTY ITEM FOR FREE AND THEN BE REIMBURSED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TR
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Aug 4, 201090,108 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT WAS HAVING AN UNRELATED REPAIR PERFORMED AT THE DEALER WHEN HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN NEED OF ADDITIONAL REPAIRS. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED HAVING REPAIRS TO THE ENGINE AND SERVICE BRAKES. THE REPAIRS WERE NOT PERFORMED. THE CONTACT LOCATED TWO RECALLS FOR THE REPAIRS RECOMMENDED BY THE DEALER (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 04V540000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 05V236000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: POWER ASSIST: VACUUM: HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS). THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THAT CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED WITH EITHER RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THEY WOULD SPEAK WITH THE DEALER TO DETERMINE IF THE REPAIR NEEDED WAS ASSOCIATED WITH THE REPAIR LISTED IN THE RECALLS. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF HIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED WITH THE RECALL OR NOT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,180.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 14, 201070,000 milesCT
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, FOLLOWED BY AN EXTREMELY SLOW DELAYED RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENT WHICH PROGRESSED TO AN ENGINE STALL. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART AFTER STALLING. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V540000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL EXPIRED AND WERE UNABLE TO HONOR THE RECALL DEFECT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed May 5, 2010118,000 milesPA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-3. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE BRAKE AND AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. SECONDS LATER, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY WERE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 118,000.
Tires
Filed Apr 15, 20101,856 milesSC
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, TIRE SUDDENLY LOST PRESSURE, STEEL BELT SEPARATED INTERNALLY. TIRE IS INTACT AND STILL MOUNTED ON WHEEL. *TR
Seat Belts
Filed Apr 12, 2010ME
2003 SAAB 9-3 FRONT SEATBELTS DO NOT RETRACT. REPORTED TO DEALER PRIOR TO APRIL 2010 AND WAS INFORMED THAT THIS RECALL WAS FIXED. APPARENTLY THE DEALER THAT CLAIMED THEY REPLACED THESE SEATBELTS HAD NOT. QUITE A SAFETY ISSUE TO NOT HAVE PROPERLY WORKING FRONT SEAT BELTS. *TR
Suspension › Front
Filed Mar 4, 201076,000 milesKY
THIS IS ON A 2003 SAAB 9-3 2.0T LINEAR MODEL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES THIS TIME BUT THE POTENTIAL IS VERY MUCH THERE. MY WIFE WAS PULLING OUT FROM A STOP LIGHT AND HEAR A LOUD POP FOLLOWED BY A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. SHE PULLED OFF IMMEDIATELY. WHEN I ARRIVED ON SCENE, I FOUND THAT THE DRIVERS FRONT WHEEL WAS PUSHED UP INTO THE WHEEL WELL. WHEN I REMOVED THE TIRE I FOUND THAT THE SPRING HAD BROKEN IN TWO (THE BOTTOM LAST RING BROKE OFF) AND HAD DROPPED DOWN TO WHERE THE JAGGED END (STILL ATTACHED/WRAPPED AROUND THE SHOCK) WAS POKING INTO THE TIRE. IT HAD LEFT A RELATIVELY DEEP GOUGE ALL THE WAY AROUND THE TIRE. I AM SURE I DON'T HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO YOU WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF THE SPRING WERE TO BREAK ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70MPH AND PUNCTURE THE TIRE. I AM QUITE CERTAIN THAT IF MY WIFE WOULD HAVE KEPT DRIVING ANY DISTANCE THAT THE SPRING WOULD HAVE DUG ITS WAY THROUGH THE SIDE WALL AND PUNCTURED IT. REMEMBER, WE CANT ALWAYS JUST PULL OFF THE INTERSTATE OR STOP AT THE DROP OF A HAT. IF YOU HAVE EVER DRIVEN THROUGH ATLANTA YOU WILL KNOW THIS TO BE TRUE ;) ANYWAY, WENT DIGGING ON THE INTERNET TRYING TO PURCHASE REPLACEMENT SPRINGS AND FOUND OUT THAT SAAB HAD ISSUED A SPECIAL WARRANTY FOR SPRING FAILURES ON SOME OF THE 9-3'S (INCLUDING MINE). APPARENTLY,SAAB IS AWARE THAT ROAD DEBRIS CAN GET JAMMED IN THE SPRING MOUNT AND EAT AT THE COATING AWAY ON THE BOTTOM COIL AND ALLOW CORROSION TO WORK ITS MAGIC RESULTING IN THE SPRINGS BREAKING/FAILING. SO, I CALL SAAB. THEY TELL ME THAT I AM NOT C
Suspension › Front
Filed Feb 12, 201071,000 milesOH
NO EVENTS LEADING TO FAILURE. PASSENGER FRONT SPRING BROKE AT 71,000 MILES. BROKE PREVIOUSLY AT 35,000 MILES. CURRENT BRAKE AT 71,000, BROKEN SPRING DUG INTO PASSENGER FRONT TIRE AND PREVENT THE CAR FROM STEERING TO THE LEFT. SPRINGS WERE REPLACED BY THE DEALER AFTER THE 35,000 MILE FAILURE. SPRINGS AND STRUTS WERE REPLACED WITH AFTERMARKET PARTS AFTER THE 71,000 FILE FAILURE. *TR
Suspension › Front › Stabilizer Bar
Filed Dec 31, 200983,000 milesMD
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH SHE HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SWAY BAR FAILED BECAUSE OF THE RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING. THE MANUFACTURER TOOK A REPORT. THE MANUFACTURER WANTED TO OFFER $100.00 TOWARDS THE COST FOR REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 83,000.
Suspension › Front
Filed Oct 30, 200975,000 milesKY
PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SPRING BROKE ABOUT 4" UP FROM THE BOTTOM. CAR MILEAGE APPRX. 75K. PROBLEM WAS INDICATED BY CLUNKING NOISE AND ODDNESS IN THE STEERING. *TR
Suspension › Front
Filed Oct 24, 200947,843 milesNJ
RETURNED FROM 2 WEEK VACATION WHERE CAR WAS PARKED IN AN OUTDOOR AIRPORT PARKING LOT. WHEN CAR WAS PUT INTO REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF PARKING SPACE, EXTRA GAS WAS REQUIRED TO START MOVEMENT, THEN LOUD BANG / POP AND THE CAR STARTED TO MOVE. (SOMETIMES AFTER A RAIN, THE DISK BRAKES SEEM TO RUST / WELD TO THE ROTORS AND REQUIRE EXTRA EFFORT TO BRAKE LOOSE. BUT THIS BANG / POP WAS LOUDER THAN NORMAL.) STARTED TO DRIVE OUT OF PARKING LOT, THEN ONTO STREET TO GET ONTO INTERSTATE. SMELLED RUBBER BURNING ODOR. OTHER DRIVERS INDICATED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM RIGHT WHEEL WELL AREA. STOPPED TO INVESTIGATE AND FOUND RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING BROKEN AND CUTTING A GROOVE IN THE SIDE WALL OF TIRE. CAR HANDLED NORMALLY, SO WE WERE GLAD WE HADN'T ENTERED INTERSTATE AND GOTTEN UP TO HIGHWAY SPEED. CAR TOWED TO MECHANIC. HE SAID ONLY RIGHT SIDE HAD PHYSICALLY BROKEN, BUT FELT THE LEFT SIDE WAS ABOUT TO BREAK ALSO. HE REPLACED BOTH LEFT / RIGHT STRUTS, SPRINGS, BRACKET, SUPPORT STRUTS, SWAY BAR LINKS AND RIGHT FRONT TIRE. *TR
Suspension › Front
Filed Sep 9, 2009200,000 miles00
2003 SAAB 9-3 LINEAR. OEM FRONT SPRING BROKEN (PASSENGER SIDE). NOTICED WHEN DOING BRAKES ONE DAY. NO DAMAGE TO VEHICLE OR ANY PROPERTY, BUT STILL A HUGE PROBLEM. *TR
Complaints 1-50 of 212, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Feb 28, 2011. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.