Filed Jun 12, 201428,789 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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.
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.
Filed Feb 18, 201014,126 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 SAAB 9-3 SEDANS. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTORS THAT, OVER TIME, COULD FAIL TO RETRACT.
Risk. USING A SEAT BELT THAT HAS NOT RETRACTED, AND IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, A SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER SIDE RETRACTOR FREE OF CHARGE. IF THE FRONT PASSENGER RETRACTOR WERE TO FAIL TO RETRACT, GM WILL REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER RETRACTOR FREE OF CHARGE UNDER A SPECIAL COVERAGE THAT WILL BE RELEASED FOR THE SAME POPULATION FOR 10 YEARS FROM NEW VEHICLE DATE OF SALE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT SAABPARTS.COM/US. Note: In June 2014, GM expanded the special coverage from 10 years to be for the lifetime of the vehicle.
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.
Filed Dec 10, 20031,658 vehiclesSaab Cars USA, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS." THE BACKREST LOCKING MECHANISM ON SOME FRONT SEATS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE THE SEAT BACK TO FOLD FORWARD IN A FRONTAL CRASH, RESULTING IN INJURY TO THE DRIVER AND/OR FRONT SEAT PASSENGER.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE'S FRONT SEATS TO DETERMINE IF THEY ARE EQUIPPED WITH THE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED COMPONENT. IF EITHER OR BOTH OF THE SEATS HAVE THIS COMPONENT, THEY WILL BE REPLACED. THE DEALER MAY NEED TO ORDER A COMPLETE NEW SEAT OR SEATS (INCLUDING MATCHING UPHOLSTERY) AND THE PARTS MAY TAKE UP TO TWO TO FOUR WEEKS TO ARRIVE. SAAB WILL PROVIDE A RENTAL CAR FOR THE OWNER UNTIL THE NEW SEAT(S) IS (ARE) AVAILABLE AND INSTALLED BY THE DEALER. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
All 6 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Seat Belts
Filed Jul 15, 2024OH
Retractor won't pull driver side seat belt back in
Electrical System
Filed Jun 4, 2022MD
Constant random recurrence of error codes P2122 and P2138 (either together or on their own) which results in the car switching to low power mode, with very low acceleration which makes it very dangerous to merge into traffic, pull out of stops, red lights, etc. Technically supposed to require changing the throttle pedal sensor, but changing it does not solve the issue, which is electrical. This is a known issue for GM cars.
Seat Belts
Filed Mar 29, 2022119,000 milesWA
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE THE CONSUMER PLACED THE REQUEST*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
Seat Belts
Filed Apr 14, 2020110,000 milesFL
CALLED DEVOE AUTOMOTIVE IN NAPLES TO HAVE RECALLED SEATBELT FIXED, IT JUST FAILED TO RETRACT. I SENT A PICTURE OF THE VIN. AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT FIND IT AND COULD NOT HELP US WITH OUT A LETTER WITH OUR VIN ON IT SAYING THE BROKEN SEATBELT WAS RECALLED, JUST BECAUSE IT WILL NOT RETRACT THAT DIDN'T MEAN IT WAS A RECALL ISSUE. I ASTKED HOW I WOULD GET A LETTER BUT RECEIVED NO GUIDANCE. I WAS ALSO TOLD SAAB IS OUT OF BUSINESS AND THEY WILL HELP KNOWN CUSTOMERS AND SINCE WE WERE IN TAMPA THEY COULDN'T HELP IT WAS SO FAR FOR US TO TRAVEL. I STATED THEY ARE ONE OF FIVE DEALERSHIP WHO WAS LISTED TO FIX THIS RECALL. ALSO TOLD THEM TAMPA REPAIR MAN WAS SICK WITH CARONA VIRUS AND THAT'S WHY I CALLED THEM. SHE TOLD ME ANYONE CAN FIX A BROKEN SEATBELT, BUT THAT'S NOT TRUE AND WE CAN'T FIND ANYONE TO HELP US. BASICALLY BECAUSE WE WERE NOT A LOCAL KNOWN CUSTOMER THIS DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT SUPPORT US UNLESS I PROVED THEY HAD TOO.
Seat Belts
Filed Jan 3, 2019MT
I RECIEVED A LETTER RECALL 15027 DATED DECEMBER 2018. I HAD TO HAVE MY SEATBELT REPAIRED IN JUNE 2016. THE COST OF THE REPAIR WAS $401 AND WAS REPAIRED BY BICKLERS REPAIR. I AM REQUESTING REEMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIR IN 2016. IT IS STILL NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY SO I CURRENTLY HAVE IT IN FOR REPAIRS AT RIMROCK PONTIAC IN BILLINGS.
Seat Belts
Filed Aug 20, 2018164,000 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTONATION CHEVROLET WEST AMARILLO (7300 I-40 FRONTAGE RD, WEST AMARILLO, TX 79106, 806-553-5673) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE REPAIRS WERE NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V318000 (SEAT BELTS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000.
Air Bags
Filed Mar 27, 201895,000 milesCA
TAKATA RECALL - GM DEALERS ADVISE MY CAR NOT AFFECTED BUT ON RECALL WEBSITES MY 2004 SAAB 9-3 AERO IS SHOWN TO HAVE A TAKATA AIR BAG.
Air Bags
Filed Mar 17, 2018180,000 milesCA
AIR BAG MALFUNCTION LIGHT
Seat Belts
Filed Nov 1, 201795,411 milesCT
I HAVE A RECALL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT. IT WAS BROKEN AND IS UNSPOOLED.
Seat Belts
Filed Oct 24, 2016106,000 milesAZ
FRONT DRIVER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR HAS FAILED WHEN I WENT TO FASTEN MY SEAT BELT.
Electrical System
Filed Aug 8, 20161,855 milesMA
WHILE DRIVING, WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE CAR ENGINE STALLS. NO WARNING AT ALL!! ONCE IT STOPS, IGNITION KEY WON'T WORK. THE ONLY WAY TO RESTART THE CAR IS TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY. THIS IS ALL DONE IN THE EMERGENCY SHOULDERS, BREAKDOWN LANES, ITS ALSO HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY EXIT RAMPS. LUCKILY EACH TIME THERE WAS A PLACE TO PULL OVER. WE COULD GET KILLED. IT HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES . SOMETIMES IT STALLS 2-3 TIMES A DAY. I AM SO DISAPPOINTED IN THIS CAR. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT, AND HOW CAN I SELL IT KNOWING THAT SOMETHING BAD COULD HAPPEN TO THE NEW OWNER.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 4, 201679,000 milesFL
TAKATA RECALL? MY CAR KEEPS GIVING ME THE FOLLOWING ALERT: AIRBAG MALFUNCTION. HOW CAN I VERIFY IT IS PART OF THE RECALL?
Air Bags
Filed Jul 5, 2016IL
SAAB RECALL. I RECEIVED BOTH SEAT BELT RETRACTOR AND AIRBAG INFLATE DEFECT SAFETY RECALL NOTICE. HOWEVER, IN MY CAR THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MALFUNCTION IS IN THE DRIVER SIDE. I HAVE CALLED THE SAAB OFFICIAL SERVICE CENTER AND THE DEALER FOR BOTH PROBLEMS SEVERAL DAYS UP TODAY AND I HAVE NOT HAD AN ANSWER OR SOLUTION TO THOSE PROBLEMS. BESIDES, I HAVE TRIED TO REPAIR THE SEAT BELT, BUT I CAN'T FIND THE PART. AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE ATTACHED PHOTOS TO DRIVE WITH A SEAT BELT IN THAT CONDITIONS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. HOWEVER, I FEEL THAT I AM NOT SAFE DRIVING MY CAR, AND THAT THE HAZARD HAS INCREASED WITH THIS CAR'S AIRBAG MALFUNCTION. I AM A 79 YEARS OLD MAN WHO HAS THIS CAR AS THE ONLY MEAN OF TRANSPORTATION THAT I HAVE.
Air Bags
Filed Jun 27, 2016PA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V063000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air Bags
Filed Jun 15, 2016IN
2004 SAAB 9-3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DRIVER AIRBAG INFLATOR RECALL NOTICE. *SMD
Air Bags
Filed May 17, 2016NJ
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V063000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Air Bags
Filed May 11, 2016MA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V063000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED WERE UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air Bags
Filed May 9, 2016NJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V063000 (AIR BAGS) IN MARCH OF 2016. THE CONTACT CALLED SAAB TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE NOTIFICATION WAS SENT BY MISTAKE AND THE VIN WAS NO LONGER INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE WOULD RECEIVE A SECOND NOTICE. THE CONTACT DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE AIR BAGS COULD POTENTIALLY DEPLOY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Air Bags
Filed Apr 12, 2016WA
TAKATA RECALL: I CONTACTED MY DEALER AS INSTRUCTED AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE ARE NO PARTS AND NO INFORMATION AS TO WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. I ASKED THEM TO DISCONNECT MY SEEMINGLY MURDEROUS AIRBAG AND THEY SAID IT WAS ILLEGAL. WHY IS IT NOT ILLEGAL TO HAVE TO WAIT FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF TIME TO REPAIR SOMETHING THAT IS POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS OR EVEN FATAL? I BELIEVE TAKATA SHOULD OFFER RENTAL CARS TO THOSE WAITING AND IF THEY HAD TO ASSUME THAT FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY THEY MAY COME UP WITH THE REPAIR PARTS FASTER. IS THERE ANOTHER WAY TO ADDRESS THIS SITUATION? IS ANY ACTION BEING TAKEN TO MOTIVATE TAKATA TO DEAL WITH THIS IN A MORE EFFICIENT MANNER? EVEN IF I WERE TO SELL THE CAR, THE RECALL WOULD MAKE IT UNWANTED BY ANY CUSTOMER. PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW TO RESOLVE THIS.
Air Bags
Filed Apr 7, 2016PA
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 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. UPDATED 05/26/16*LJ UPDATED 06/14/16.*JB
Air Bags
Filed Apr 6, 2016OH
TAKATA INFLATORS: I RECENTLY RECEIVED MY SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR THE DRIVER AIRBAG DEFECT IN MY 2004 SAAB 9-3. I UNDERSTAND THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND THAT THE REPAIR PARTS FOR THIS DEFECT ARE CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THE SEVERE IMPLICATIONS TO THIS DEFECT IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE TALKED TO MY CERTIFIED SERVICE CENTER AND THEY SUGGESTED I REACH OUT TO YOU BECAUSE I WOULD LIKE YOU TO ISSUE ME A WRITTEN APPROVAL TO AUTHORIZE THEM TO DISCONNECT THE AIR BAG TO REMOVE THE RISKS. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT IN THE PAST THEY HAVE RECEIVED REQUESTS TO DISCONNECT PASSENGER AIRBAGS WHEN SOMEONE NEEDED TO USE A CAR SEAT AND THEY DID NOT WANT THE AIRBAG TO EXPLODE ON IMPACT. THIS IS A SIMILAR SITUATION, WHERE I DO NOT WANT THE AIRBAG TO EXPLODE ON IMPACT DUE TO A DEFECTIVE PART. SINCE YOU ARE UNABLE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY, AND I NEED TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR, I CANNOT BE DRIVING A CAR THAT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURIES OR DEATH IF I WERE TO GET IN AN ACCIDENT. THEREFORE, THE ONLY OPTION IS TO DISCONNECT THE HAZARD SO THE CAR CAN STILL BE SAFELY DRIVEN. THE SEATBELT IS IN PLACE, ALONG WITH SIDE AIRBAGS FOR SAFETY. ONCE YOU HAVE SUPPLIED THE PARTS TO FIX THE AIRBAG, THEN IT CAN BE INSTALLED AND RECONNECTED. THANK YOU, *TR
Suspension
Filed Mar 9, 2016150,000 milesIL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SPRINGS AND FRONT STRUTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRACTURE HAPPENED TWICE, ONCE ON EACH SIDE. A MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPRINGS PREMATURELY FRACTURED AND THE FRONT STRUTS AND SPRINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Electrical System
Filed Dec 14, 2015146,000 milesVA
I HAVE A 9-3 SAAB EVERYTIME I STOP AND TURN CAR OFF WHEN I GET BACK IN A PUT KEY IN I GET A STEERING WHEEL LOCK CONTACT SAAB DEALER IT WON'T EVEN LET ME TURN THE KEY I HAVE THE CAR FOR ABOUT YEARS AND NOW IT'S DOING THIS I HAVE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AND RECONNECT FOR THE COMPUTER RESET AND RESTART ME CAR CAN YOU HELP ME WITH THIS THANK YOU ..... *TR
Seat Belts
Filed Dec 8, 2015200,000 milesMA
SEATBELT RETRACTOR ON DRIVER'S SIDE COMPLETELY UNSPOOLED AND WILL NOT RETRACT UNDER NORMAL USE EFFECTING DRIVER'S SAFETY IN EVENT OF A CRASH. WHILE CONVERTIBLE AND PASSEGER SIDE RETRACTORS SEEM TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY WE ARE TOLD OUR CAR IS NOT COVERED AND IT IS $550 TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THIS DOESN'T MAKE SENSE WHEN SO MANY SAABS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THE CAR WAS PARKED WHEN IT UNSPOOLED AND WOULDN'T RETRACT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE IN OPERATING THE VEHICLE.
Engine
Filed Oct 28, 2015117,000 milesWI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP SIGN, THERE WAS A ODOR OF BURNING OIL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VALVE COVER GASKET WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 23, 2015NE
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE SO DIM THAT THE VEHICLE CAN NOT BE SAFELY DRIVEN AT NIGHT. HIGH BEAM WORK GREAT.
Engine
Filed Aug 27, 2015151,000 milesIL
APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES AFTER STARTING, THE CAR STALLED ON A BUSY, 6 LANE ROAD. THE ENGINE WAS NOT ABLE TO START AGAIN, OR EVEN ATTEMPT TO IGNITE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. THE CAR SPENT 2 DAYS IN THE MECHANIC, WHO WAS ABLE TO SOURCE A P1605 ERROR CODE. HOWEVER, HE TOLD US ONLY A LICENSED SAAB TECHNICIAN COULD EXTRACT DETAILS FROM THE CODE. WHILE AT THE SHOP, THE CAR WAS ALSO STARTED BY THE MECHANICS AND APPEARED TO BE WORKING NORMALLY, UPON WHICH THEY DELETED THE ERROR CODE. TWO DAYS AFTER THE INITIAL INCIDENT, WE DROVE IT BACK APPROXIMATELY 12 MILES BACK HOME WITHOUT ANY ISSUES. LATER THAT SAME DAY, THE CAR STALLED A SECOND TIME ON THE EXPRESSWAY AFTER 10-15 MINUTES OF DRIVING; FORTUNATELY I WAS DRIVING IN THE RIGHT-HAND LANE AND WAS EASILY ABLE TO PULL OVER ON THE SHOULDER. AFTER THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A SPECIALIZED SAAB MECHANIC, THEY WERE ABLE TO CONCLUDE THAT THE ISSUES WERE STEMMING FROM A DEFECTIVE ECU (ENGINE CONTROL UNIT). WE EXCHANGED THE ECU WITH A BRAND NEW PART, AT THE COST OF $1400. WHILE CLEARING UP THE FINANCES, I SPOKE WITH A SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE AT THE MECHANIC/DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THAT WHILE MY CAR WAS IN THE SHOP, THERE WERE 2 MORE CARS THAT HAD CAME IN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO, CUSTOMER SERVICE FROM AN ONLINE SAAB PARTS RETAILER INFORMED ME THAT THIS HAS BEEN A KNOWN PROBLEM TO HIM, BASED OFF OTHER CUSTOMERS' EXPERIENCES. THEIR CARS WOULD STALL, BE FINE AFTER COOLING DOWN, BUT WOULD STALL AGAIN LATER.
Seat Belts
Filed Jul 30, 201558,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR BECAME INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:14V318000 (SEAT BELTS); 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 NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
Tires
Filed Jul 27, 201595,000 milesIN
TIRE HAS BULGE IN SIDEWALL. OWNER NOTICED IT AND WAS ABLE TO PREVENT A BLOW OUT. THIS IS NOT AN IMPACT RELATED DAMAGE.
SteeringCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 29, 2015104,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 SAAB 9-3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING COLUMN JAMMED AND RESULTED IN A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED AWAY. THE DRIVER WAS INJURED AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FIELD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.
Suspension
Filed Jun 22, 201555,000 milesMO
THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE KNOWN TO NHTSA AND GM UNDER PE 08051. IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND A RECALL ISSUED. BACKING OUT OF GARAGE I HEARD A POP FROM RIGHT FRONT AREA OF CAR WHEN PUT IN REVERSE. DROVE ABOUT 200 FEET BEFORE I SMELLED BURNING RUBBER. CAR BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. I HAD CAR TOWED TO INDEPENDENT SERVICE GARAGE. IT IS DETERMINED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT SPRING BROKE AND BECAME ENTANGLED IN FRONT SUSPENSION, STEERING AND TIRE. HAD I BEEN GOING AT A SPEED GREATER THAN 20 MILES PER HOUR I WOULD HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO STEER THE CAR TO A SAFE STOP. BOTH GM AND NHTSA KNOW OF THE BREAKING FRONT SPRING IN SALTED ROAD AREAS INCLUDING MISSOURI. THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY 55000 MILES AND IS STORED IN A GARAGE AT HOME AND WORK. PLEASE PUT OUT A RECALL ISSUE IMMEDIATELY, THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE. ALSO A FRONT SEAT BELT RECALL WENT OUT LAST SUMMER. I HAVE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER SEVERAL TIMES, THE REPLACEMENT SEAT BELT IS ALWAYS SEVERAL MONTH OUT. MINE HAS BECOME KNOTTED AND DOES NOT LAY FLAT ACROSS MY BODY BUT IS MORE LIKE A ROLLED ROPE. GM NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AND GET THE PARTS OUT ASAP AS WELL. AGAIN GM NEEDS TO RECALL THE KNOWN ISSUE ON THE FRONT SPRINGS ON 2003 - 2006 SAAB 9-3'S AND FULFILL THEIR CURRENT RECALL ON THE DAMAGED RECALLED SEAT BELT. UPDATED 09/08/15*LJ UPDATED 10/26/2017*CN
Seat Belts
Filed Jun 16, 2015CA
I DO HAVE A 2004 SAAB 9-3 ARC CONVERTIBLE. THERE IS A SEAT BELT RECALL. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO MY GMC TUSTIN DEALER 3 WEEKS AGO. HOWEVER, THEY CANNOT FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE. SINCE IT IS A SEAT BELT ISSUE, I DO NOT LIKE TO DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE OF SAFETY ISSUE. BY LAW, HOW FAST DOES THE MANUFACTURER HAVE TO REPLACE THE PART?
Seat Belts
Filed Apr 24, 2015FL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED AND WOULD NOT RETRACT. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REPORT THE FAILURE TO THE MANUFACTURER TO BE REFERRED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT WAS UNABLE TO GET THROUGH TO SCHEDULE A RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR WITHIN A REASONABLE TIMEFRAME. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO SECURE THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FOR IT TO RETRACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Seat Belts
Filed Apr 7, 201575,000 milesIL
GM SENT ME A RECALL NOTICE DATED 08/2014 REGARDING FAULTY SEAT BELTS IN 2004 SAAB CONVERTIBLES. GM SAFETY RECALL #14222/ SAAB SAFETY RECALL #15027. IT HAS BEEN 8 MONTHS AND NO FURTHER WORD FROM GM ABOUT THE REPAIR. I BELIEVE I MAY BE DRIVING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. ANY UPDATES THANKS, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Seat Belts
Filed Feb 19, 2015100 milesMA
PASSENGERS SIDE SEAT BELT DOESN'T WORK. THERE WAS A RECALL BY NHTSA HOWEVER I HAVE NEVER BEEN CONTACTED REGARDING GETTING THE SEAT BELT FIXED. THIS IS A VERY BIG SAFETY ISSUE. I CANNOT HAVE ANYBODY DRIVE WITH ME. *TR
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed Feb 13, 2015162,000 milesMA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.
Seat Belts
Filed Aug 21, 2014MA
DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED ON A NON ACCIDENT RELATED INCIDENT. WAS REPAIRED APPROXIMATELY 2-3 YEARS AGO, HOWEVER THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT HAS SINCED FAILED. I TRIED TO GET THIS FIXED VIA THE DEALER SHIP, HOWEVER THE DEALERSHIP WAS ADAMANT ABOUT NOT PAYING FOR THE REPAIR. AS I POINTED OUT TO THE DEALERSHIP, THIS WAS A SAFETY FAILURE AND POSSIBLE LAWSUIT IF THE PASSERGER WAS KILLED IN A CAR ACCIDENT. MASSACHUSETTS REQUIRES SEAT BELT USAGE. I CONTACTED THE AG FOR MASSACHUSETTS, BUT THEY COULD NOT HELP ME. THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT IS UNREPAIRED AT THIS TIME. *TR
Seat Belts
Filed Aug 19, 201455,000 milesMD
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED. HAVE INVESTIGATED RECALLS AND FOUND THAT THREE PREVIOUS RECALLS DO NOT COVER THIS VIN NUMBER. HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND A REPLACEMENT PART; HAVE CONTACTED A DEALERSHIP 2+ HOURS AWAY THAT WILL REPLACE THE ENTIRE SEAT AT A COST OF $650. THIS SEEMS TO BE THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE, AND HAVE ONLY OWNED THE CAR 8 MONTHS. GM SHOULD RECALL ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES, AND/OR EXPAND THE JUNE 2014 RECALL TO COVER ADDITIONAL VEHICLES. *TR
Seat Belts
Filed Aug 19, 201479,000 milesUT
I JUST CALLED THE GM SAAB CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER TO ASK ABOUT THE RECENT DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT RECALL. I HAD PAID FOR THAT LAST YEAR AN AM REQUESTING TO BE REIMBURSED BUT WAS TOLD I WILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE NEXT NOTICE COMES OUT SAYING THAT THEY ACTUALLY HAVE THE PARTS. IN THE NOTICE I READ THAT THEY INDICATED THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT BE COVERED HOWEVER IF AN ISSUE ARISES IT WILL BE COVERED. WHEN I ASKED IF SOMEONE COULD BE KILLED SINCE THIS SEAT BELT MIGHT NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY I WAS TOLD YES. WHEN I ASKED WHY IT WAS NOT THEN PART OF THE RECALL I WAS TOLD BECAUSE THEY DO NOT HAVE PARTS. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY OUTRAGEOUS THAT LIVES ARE BEING PUT AT RISK SIMPLY BECAUSE THE PARTICULAR SUPPLIER OF THESE PARTS TO GM IS OUT OF THEM. I HAD NO PROBLEM GETTING THE PART WHEN I HAD TO PAY FOR IT. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR TAKING A RISK LIKE THIS WITH PEOPLES LIVES AND THE DANGER OF HAVING SOMEONE USE THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS NOT MENTIONED IN THE RECALL NOTICE AND ONLY ACKNOWLEDGED WHEN I ASKED. I AM A TRAINED EMS PROVIDER AND FIND THIS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE. *TR
Seat Belts
Filed Aug 18, 201450,000 milesPA
THE AUTOMATIC TENSIONING SYSTEM CABLE IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTORS BROKE. THIS CAUSED THE SAT BELT WEBBING TO BE SPOOLED OUT AND NOT RETRACT. *TR WE TOOK THE CAR TO A SAAB DEALER AND AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS THEY SAID THEY HAD NO IDEA WHEN THEY WOULD HAVE THE PARTS TOOK THE CAR TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THEY REPLACED THE FAULTY BELT COMPONENTS. WE JUST RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE (14222/SAAB SAFETY RECALL 15027) FROM GM ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, STATING THERE ARE NO PARTS AVAILABLE AND WILL NOTIFY US WHEN PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. HOW DO WE RECOVER THE $532 WE SPENT FIXING THIS PROBLEM 2 YEARS AGO?
Seat Belts
Filed Jul 26, 2014734,000 milesCT
SAAB AERO 9-3 WITH ONLY 73K DRIVER SEAT BELT WORKED FINE ON SATURDAY THE NEXT DAY I NOTICED IT WAS NOT RETRACTED SO PULLED ON IT AND IT UNRAVELED IN MY LAP. CALL GM MONDAY AFTER RESEARCHING RECALLS ONLINE. MY VIN IS NOT COVERED?... IF IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND THE BUYER EXPERIENCES THE ISSUE -WOULDN'T YOU THINK THAT GM WOULD REPAIR IT??? *TR
Suspension
Filed Jun 22, 201494,484 milesIN
I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR A BLOWER MOTOR MALFUNCTION AND A BRAKE JOB TO MY REGULAR MECHANIC WHO WORKS ON ALL MY VEHICLES. WHILE THEY HAD THE VEHICLE UP ON THE LIFT, HE NOTICED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT SPRING HAD BROKEN AND GOUGED THE TIRE LEAVING THE TIRE DAMAGED AND THE CAR INOPERABLE. WHEN THEY CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO ORDER A NEW SPRING FROM SAAB, THE PARTS DEPARTMENT SAID THAT B/C OF MILEAGE AND AGE IT WOULD BE COVERED UNDER A SERVICE BULLETIN. YEAH! SO, I CALLED DEALERSHIP AND INQUIRED ABOUT HAVING THE VEHICLE TOWED (100 MILES) AND THE SAAB DEALERSHIP DO THE WORK. MILEAGE ON 9-3, 94,484 GOOD! 6 MONTHS PAST THE "TIME" LIMIT! BAD! NEEDLESS TO SAY, AFTER $700 LATER I HAVE REPLACED BOTH FRONT SPRINGS AS WELL AS THE $175 DAMAGED TIRE. THE SPRING COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE CAR, OCCUPANTS AS WELL AS OTHERS IF I WAS DRIVING WHILE THE DAMAGED TIRE GAVE OUT, DUE TO THE SPRING BREAKING! THE VEHICLE DROVE PERFECTLY & I WAS NOT AWARE OF THE BROKEN SPRING! THIS IS NOT MY ONLY VEHICLE AND I HONESTLY FEEL THAT SAAB SHOULD HONOR THE MILEAGE BEFORE THE "TIME" B/C THE AMOUNT OF THE VEHICLE BEING DRIVEN IS WHAT SEEMS TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE OF THE SPRINGS.
Seat Belts
Filed Jun 16, 201473,000 milesCA
UPON COMING TO A STOP AT A STOP SIGN THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT CAME UNRAVELLED FROM THE SEAT BACK AND WILL NOT RETRACT. I LOOKED UP THE VEHICLE FOR RECALLS AND FOUND THEIR IS A VIN SPECIFIC RECALL ON THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR BUT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE VIN SPECIFIC. MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN KNOWN TO GM AND SAAB SINCE 2010 AND NOT ONLY WAS I NOT NOTIFIED SO I HAVE BEEN DRIVING IN A POTENTIALLY. UNSAFE VEHICLE BUT NOW I AM BEING TOLD MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *TR
Seat Belts
Filed Jun 3, 201494,000 milesGA
DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. AFTER GOOGLING I READ THAT THERE ARE 2 RECALLS ON THE SAAB 9-3 2004 DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTORS NOT WORKING. TODAY I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER CURRENTLY SERVICING SAAB'S (JIM ELLIS MAZDA) THAT THIS VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. IF THAT IS TRUE, THE RECALL NEEDS TO BE EXTENDED TO OTHER VIN'S SINCE THIS ONE FAILED TOO. PLEASE HELP!!!!!! *TR
Suspension
Filed May 9, 201480,000 milesNV
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS OVER TURBULENT ROAD CONDITIONS OR WHEN MAKING A TURN, THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT A CREAKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT END. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT AN ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN FIRST STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NO LONGER IN BUSINESS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Suspension
Filed May 6, 201480,000 milesMD
RIGHT FRONT SPRING BROKE OFF DURING TRAVEL. 2ND INCIDENT. NOTE BROKEN COILS REPLACED IN 2010. *TR
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 31, 2014UT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FUEL FILTER HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Suspension
Filed Mar 6, 2014141,000 milesWI
THE LEFT FRONT STRUT SPRING SNAPPED AND THE RIGHT FRONT STRUT SPRING IS MOVING (CIRCULAR BACK AND FORTH MOTION). *TR
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Feb 25, 2014WA
DURING THE TIME FRAME THAT I FIRST RECEIVED THE NOTICE OF THE RECALL OF THE FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTORS FOR MY VEHICLE THE REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTORS (LEFT-SIDE PASSENGER BEHIND THE DRIVER) ON MY VEHICLE HAD FAILED TO RETRACT PROPERLY. WHEN I INITIALLY TOOK MY VEHICLE IN TO REPLACE THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTORS I INQUIRED AS TO THE REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTORS AND I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE REAR SEAT BELTS AT THAT TIME HOWEVER, I SHOULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR SAAB WEBSITE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL SEATBELT RECALLS. AS OF DATE I HAVE NOT LOCATED ANY ADDITIONAL RECALL NOTICES FROM SAAB REGARDING THE SEAT BELTS ON THE 2004 9-3 AERO. FOR SAFETY REASONS I NO LONGER USE THE LEST SIDE PASSENGER SEAT IN MY VEHICLE AS NOW THE SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT AT ALL. *TR
Suspension
Filed Jan 29, 2014140,000 milesWI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC, WHO REPLACED THE DAMAGED TIRE AND ALSO ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY FRACTURED COIL SPRINGS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Complaints 1-50 of 207, 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: Jun 12, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.