Page 2 of 5 · complaints 51–100 of 207

2004 Saab 9-3 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2004 record →

Suspension
Filed Jan 16, 201497,000 milesNJ

I WAS TRAVELING AT 50MPH WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POP FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION. AFTER THE POP THE FRONT END WOULD RATTLE OVER BUMPS. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I DISCOVERED THE FRONT RIGHT COIL SPRING HAD CRACKED. AFTER LOOKING AT THE SPRING MORE I FOUND ANOTHER CRACK IN THE SAME SPRING. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Jan 7, 201484,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT OR LATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,200.

Seat Belts
Filed Jan 5, 201493,000 milesFL

I GOT IN MY VEHICLE, WENT TO PUT ON MY SEAT-BELT, AND THE ENTIRE BELT PULLED OUT OF THE UNIT. IT WILL NOT RETRACT AT ALL ANYMORE. UPON RESEARCHING ONLINE, I FOUND THAT THERE WAS AN OPEN RECALL ON MY YEAR/MODEL VEHICLE WITH RESPECT TO THE BROKEN BELT RETRACTORS. I CONTACTED GM AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN NUMBER FALLS OUTSIDE OF THE RECALL RANGE. IT SEEMS THAT IF I HAVE THE SAME YEAR/MODEL VEHICLE BEING RECALLED AND THE SAME ISSUE AS THE VEHICLES BEING RECALLED, GM SHOULD EXPAND THE VIN'S THAT ARE BEING COVERED TO FIX THIS VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY MECHANISM FAILURE. *TR

Power Train
Filed Dec 16, 2013107,775 milesNY

TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB CONVERTIBLE 93. THE CONTACT STATED HE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FORM THE DEALER ON DECEMBER 11, 2013 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN HE TURNED THE IGINATION ON AT THE DEALER AND IT REMAINED ON. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED IT WAS AN IGINATION MALFUNCTION, AND IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,775.LJ

Seat Belts
Filed Dec 3, 2013112,000 milesCO

TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT WAS INQUIRING ABOUT A RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V043000 (SEAT BELTS) AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT HE'S EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM THAT WAS LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000. JR

Seat Belts
Filed Nov 21, 2013115,684 milesNV

SEAT BELT HAS RELEASED INTO MY LAP AS I CAME TO A STOP AND WILL NOT RETRACT. VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE!!! I'M GLAD I WASN'T IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT IS WORTHLESS. THIS IS A RECALL ITEM ON 2004 SAAB'S BUT THE RECALL DOESN'T REACH TO MY VIN #. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Nov 14, 201383,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WEBBING FAILED TO RETRACT WHENEVER IT WAS ENGAGED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 10V043000 (SEAT BELTS) WAS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,000. . ..UPDATED 03-12-14 *BF THE CONSUMER PAID FOR THE REPAIRS OUT OF POCKET. UPDATED 03/20/14

Seat Belts
Filed Nov 12, 201360,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WEBBING FAILED TO RETRACT WHENEVER IT WAS ENGAGED. NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 10V043000 (SEAT BELTS) WAS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Nov 12, 2013140,585 milesNC

I DRIVE A 2004 9-3 ARC CONVERTIBLE. I PULLED THE DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT TO CLIP IN AND THE RETRACTOR FAILED TO RETRACT. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT IS NOW NON-FUNCTIONAL AS IT IS COMPLETELY EXTENDED. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN#10V043000 FOR SAAB 9-3 2004 SEDANS. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT IT ONLY COVERS SEDANS AND NOT CONVERTIBLES, HOWEVER THIS IS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Nov 6, 2013112,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED WHENEVER ENGAGING THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT BELT THE WEBBING FAILED TO RETRACT. NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 10V043000 (SEAT BELT) WAS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Oct 22, 2013140,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR BECAME FRACTURED. THERE WERE TWO RECALLS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V043000 (SEAT BELTS) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V226000 (SEAT BELTS) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN EITHER RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Oct 16, 2013119,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WEBBING FAILED TO RETRACT. THERE WERE TWO RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 10V043000 (SEAT BELTS) AND 04V226000 (SEAT BELTS) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN EITHER RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Oct 2, 201380,102 milesCA

I GOT INTO MY CAR AND THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT GO TIGHT AND KEPT COMING OUT UNTIL IT IS NOW ALL THE WAY OUT. I CALLED SAAB USA ABOUT A RECALL I FOUND FOR 2004 SAAB SEAT BELTS. I WAS TOLD THAT IS ONLY FOR SEDANS AND DID NOT COVER MY CAR SINCE IT'S NOT A SEDAN. THIS MAKES NO SENSE AND OF COURSE IS VERY DANGEROUS. I WILL BE FOLLOWING UP WITH THE LOCAL DEALER, SAAB USA AND NHTSA AS THIS IS CLEARLY A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 12, 201393,000 milesWA

FILLED GAS TANK AND GAUGE READ FULL. AFTER A FEW MINUTES, GAUGE READ EMPTY. BEGAN OCCURRING WHEN GOING AROUND A CORNER, BUT NOW READS EMPTY IMMEDIATELY AFTER FILLING. ONCE 1/8 TO 1/4 OF THE TANK IS USED, GAUGE READS ACCURATELY. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Jun 17, 201389,000 milesCA

I WAS GETTING OUT OF MY DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT AND IT UNWOUND ALL THE WAY OUT AND NOW WILL NOT RETRACT AT ALL. I FOUND ON LINE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT THING ON MY YEAR AND MAKE OF CAR BUT MY VIN# SEEMS TO NOT BE INCLUDED. RECALL #42582- SEAT BELTS: FRONT RETRACTOR. THIS IS A $550 DEALER SERVICE CHARGE AND I CAN NOT AFFORD TO FIX THIS MYSELF. HOW COULD THIS BE? EXACT PROBLEM EXACT YEAR MAKE AND MODEL?? *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Jun 12, 201350,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BECAME DETACHED AND WOULD NOT SECURE AROUND THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 10V043000 (SEAT BELTS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Jun 10, 201360,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V043000 (SEAT BELTS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 9, 201395,112 milesCA

FILLED GAS TANK AND GAUGE READ FULL. AFTER A FEW MINUTES, GAUGE READ EMPTY. ONCE 1/4 OF THE TANK WAS USED, GAUGE POPPED BACK UP TO 3/4 FULL. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed May 28, 2013120,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed May 23, 2013130,994 milesVA

I GOT IN THE CAR TO LEAVE FOR WORK AND WHEN I PUT MY SEAT BELT ON IT CAME COMPLETELY OUT AND NOW WON'T RETRACT. I FOUND OUT THERE IS A GM RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE BUT ALL THE GM SERVICE CENTERS NEAR ME REFUSE TO WORK ON SAAB VEHICLES. THE NEAREST SAAB SERVICE CENTER I CAN FIND IS APPROXIMATELY 110 MILES FROM MY HOME AND I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THAT DISTANCE WITH A MALFUNCTIONING SEAT BELT. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Apr 11, 2013135,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE AERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE RETRACTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V043000 (SEAT BELTS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 138,000. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Apr 1, 2013149,500 milesWV

THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT BRIGHT. TOOK IT TO A SAAB DEALER, WAS TOLD THAT THE WIRING THAT TURNS OF THE HEADLIGHTS WERE BURNT AND READY TO CATCH FIRE. WAS TOLD THIS WOULD COST ABOUT $1000. DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THIS IS NOT ONLY COMMON, BUT EVERY SAAB 9-3 HAS THIS PROBLEM. IF THIS IS SUCH A BAD THING, THEN WHY ARE THERE NO RECALLS AND THIS A CONCERN? *TR

Suspension
Filed Mar 18, 201377,245 milesNY

HEARD STRANGE NOISES IN FRONT END WHILE TURNING. HAD MECHANIC CHECK IT OUT AND FOUND RIGHT FRONT SPRING BROKEN. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A RECALL. CONCERNED WITH HOW TO GET THIS HANDLED BEFORE IT BREAKS ENTIRELY AND CAUSES AN ACCIDENT. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Nov 25, 2012107,364 milesCO

I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO ADJUST MY SEATBELT THERE WAS A POPPING SOUND AND ALL THE TENSION IN THE BELT RELEASED. IT WILL NO LONGER RETRACT AND REMAINS FULLY EXTENDED. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Nov 13, 2012105,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE MECHANIC MADE HER AWARE THAT THE VEHICLE MIGHT BE INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V043000 (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,100.

Seat Belts
Filed Oct 22, 201260,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO UTILIZE THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT, THE SEAT BELT RETRACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE RETRACTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V043000 (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 60,000.

Seat Belts › Front
Filed Sep 17, 2012110,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9.3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT; THEREFORE, SHE WAS UNABLE TO USE IT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT RETRACTOR SENSOR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000. ...UPDATED 10/17/12 *BF UPDATED 10/17/12*JB

Seat Belts
Filed Jul 19, 2012116,000 milesVA

I HAVE NOT HAD ANY PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH ANY OF HTE SEAT BELTS ON MY 2004 93 ARC CONVERTIBLE. I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AS USUAL ON SATURDAY, JUNE 30, 2012 AND WHEN I CAME TO A STOP, I RELEASED MY SEAT BELT AFTER MY CAR WAS IN PARK AND I WAS PREPARING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. INSTEAD OF IT RETRACTING THERE WAS A STRANGE NOISE AND THE ENTIRE BELT CAME UNSPOOLED. I TRIED TO GIVE IT A LITTLE TUG TO REWIND IT, BUT IT CONTINUED TO UNSPOOL AND WOULD NOT RETRACT. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT THERE WAS ANY PROBLEM AT ALL WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT. WHEN I ARRIVED AT HOME I LOOKED ON LINE TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY INFORMATION ON HOW TO REMEDY THIS PROBLEM AND AFTER GOOGLING SAAB SEATBELT 2 RECALLS IMMEDIATELY CAME UP ON 2004 9-3 ARC MODELS; NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V043000 & NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V226000 LISTING (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.) I CONTACTED THE FALLS CHURCH, VA SAAB DEALERSHIP CLOSEST TO ME AND WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR WAS NOT A SEDAN AND THEREFORE WAS NOT A PART OF EITHER RECALL, BUT IT HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AND DESCRIPTION AS WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CARS WHO'S SEAT BELT RETRACTORS WERE RECALLED. I WAS TOLD THAT IF I BRING IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND PAY THEIR MIMINUM AMOUNT THEY WOULD LET ME KNOW HOW MUCH IT WOULD BE TO REPLACE MY DEFECTIVE PART. I AM NOT UNDERSTANDING HOW THE SAME YEAR, SAME MODELS, WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS ARE NO

Seat Belts
Filed Jul 6, 201272,500 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RETRACTOR FOR THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED AND WOULD NOT RETRACT. THE CONTACT REFERENCED TWO RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS:04V226000 AND 10V043000 (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN EITHER OF THE RECALL CAMPAIGNS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,912. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,500.

Seat Belts
Filed Jun 25, 201260,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V043000 (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Seat Belts
Filed May 11, 201258,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 93 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO SECURE THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT, BUT THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT INTO THE PRETENSIONER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 10V043000 (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR) OR 04V226000 (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

Suspension
Filed May 1, 201242,100 milesOH

LOUD CRACKING NOISE WHEN GOING OVER A SMALL BUMP IN ROAD. INSPECTION SHOWED BROKEN RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING. COULD HAVE PUNCTURED TIRE AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *JS UPDATED 08-03-12 *BF

Air BagsCrash
Filed Apr 27, 201280,000 milesVA

SAAB 9-3 REAR ENDED A DODGE SPRINTER VAN AT ~5MPH AND PASSENGER AB DEPLOYED. PASSENGER SEAT WAS COMPLETELY EMPTY. VEHICLE NORMALLY DISPLAYS SEAT BELT WARNING WHEN SEAT HAS A HEAVY BAG (OR PASSENGER) IN IT AND WARNING WAS NOT DISPLAYED. ONLY EXTERIOR DAMAGE WAS TO FRONT FASCIA. NO DAMAGE TO HOOD OR EITHER QUARTER PANEL. ACCIDENT OCCURRED AT A 3 WAY INTERSECTION WITH A YIELD SIGN. VEHICLE IN FRONT OF SAAB STARTED TO PROCEED AND THEN ABRUPTLY STOPPED. DRIVER OF THE SAAB WAS LOOKING BEHIND THEM TO INSURE TRAFFIC WAS CLEAR, LOOKED UP TO NOTICE VEHICLE IN FRONT HAD STOPPED, AND SLAMMED ON BRAKES. THE VEHICLE IN FRONT (DODGE SPRINTER VAN) DID HAVE A LARGE TOW HITCH WITH A SMALL ALUMINUM DIAMOND PLATE STEP. *TR

Suspension
Filed Mar 27, 201262,000 milesIL

I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY GARAGE WHEN I HEARD A LOUD CLUNK COMING FROM THE FRONT LEFT AREA OF MY CAR, ACCOMPANIED BY A BURNING RUBBER SMELL EMANATING FROM SOMEWHERE. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND THOUGHT IT LOOKED A LITTLE LOWER ON THE LEFT SIDE. I FELT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE LOUD NOISE WHEN I PUT IT IN REVERSE, NOT TO MENTION THE SMELL OF BURNING RUBBER. I GOT MY CAR TOWED FOR $75, ONLY TO FIND OUT I WAS CORRECT IN MY ONLINE ASSESSMENT OF THE PROBLEM BEING MY FRONT SUSPENSION COIL BEING BROKEN (AS PER A LOCAL AUTO BODY DIAGNOSTIC), DUE TO THE NUMEROUS AND VERY SIMILAR SOUNDING COMPLAINTS ESPECIALLY FOR THE 2003 AND 2004 SAABS. I'M LUCKY THAT I DIDN'T END UP SHREDDING MY TIRE AND LOSING CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE AS I AS ABOUT TO EMBARK ON AN HOUR DRIVE, USING HIGHWAYS, TO MEET A FRIEND. HOWEVER, NOW I COME TO FIND OUT THAT SAAB, SINCE GOING BANKRUPT IN MID-DECEMBER OF 2011 NO LONGER IS MANUFACTURING OR RELEASING ANY PARTS - SO I AM LEFT WITH A CAR THAT IS NOT DRIVE-ABLE UNTIL I CAN FIND A SOLUTION TO THIS VERY FRUSTRATING PROBLEM. *TR

Suspension
Filed Mar 25, 2012145,000 milesMN

FRONT RIGHT TIRE STARTED SMOKING, FOLLOWED QUICKLY BY BLOWOUT. AFTER REMOVING TIRE, DISCOVERED THE SPRING PART OF THE SUSPENSION HAD FRACTURED INTO 2 PIECES, ONE PIECE LOOSE AND UNATTACHED, THE OTHER STILL INTACT WITH THE CAR. THE PIECE STILL ATTACHED TO THE CAR WAS OUT OF PLACE AND IN THE WAY OF THE TIRE WHICH CAUSED IT TO RUB UP AGAINST THE TIRE AND CAUSED IT TO BLOW OUT AFTER CUTTING THROUGH THE ENTIRE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE TIRE. *TR

Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed Feb 24, 2012NJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SABB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER IN REGARDS TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V043000 (SEAT BELTS: FRONT: RETRACTOR) BUT WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 112,000. UPDATED 03/30/12

Suspension
Filed Feb 16, 201282,888 milesIN

COIL SPRINGS BROKEN, CAMPAIGN 15917, INSPECT AND REPLACE BROKEN COIL SPRINGS. *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Feb 13, 2012116,000 milesIN

THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR DOESN'T ALWAYS LOCK OR UNLOCK USING THE KEYFOB. IT SOMETIMES CLICKS LIKE IT'S TRYING TO LOCK/UNLOCK, BUT IS ALWAYS .5-1 SECOND SLOWER THAN THE OTHER DOORS. *TR IT DOES NOT HAVE A KEY SLOT TO UNLOCK THE DOOR VIA A KEY. THE DOOR CAN BE LOCKED/UNLOCKED USING THE PUSH/PULL ROD ON THE INTERIOR - UNTIL THE ACTUATOR FULLY FREEZES, THEN IT CAN'T BE LOCKED OR UNLOCKED AT ALL.

Seat Belts
Filed Jan 19, 2012NY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V043000 (SEAT BELTS: RETRACTOR) BUT THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE COULD ONLY BE REPAIRED BY AN AUTHORIZED SAAB DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE NO SAAB DEALERS IN THE AREA AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE REPAIRED. THE INITIAL DEALER OFFERED TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR BUT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT AUTHORIZE THE DEALER TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 13, 2012100,000 milesCO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE FUEL GAUGE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS ALSO FUNCTIONING ERRATICALLY WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Suspension
Filed Jan 9, 201255,400 milesOH

BROKEN FRONT COIL SPRINGS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BE UNSAFE TO OPERATE. BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SPRINGS ARE BROKEN WITH SPRING MATERIAL EXTENDING TOWARDS THE TIRE. WILL REQUIRE TOW FOR SERVICE. TIRE FAILURE IS LIKELY IF DRIVEN. *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 29, 2011NY

I DRIVE ON I 80 NYC TO WILLIAMSPORT, PA DURING WEEK DAYS AND THERE NO TRAVEL I WOULD RECORD WITHOUT AN INCIDENT INVOLVING HIGH SPEEDING TRUCKS (ESPECIALLY FROM OUT OF NY STATE) WHICH ENDANGERED MY LIFE IN MANY OCCASIONS. I AM COMPELLED TO REPORT THIS TYPE OF SPEED ANOMALY SINCE LAST TIME WHEN DRIVING WEST ON I80, ON THE LEFT LANE PASSING ANOTHER TRUCK AT 68 MPH, WHEN A TRAILER-TRUCK FROM OUT OF STATE TAILGATED ME SO CLOSE HE ALMOST TOUCHED ME WHILE TRYING TO FORCE ME TO OVERSPEED. SCARED TO DEATH I CONTINUOUSLY BLEW THE HORN WHICH RATHER HAD HIM CONTINUE CLOSING-IN TO THE POINT OF CONTACT. ANOTHER TIME A TRAILER COMING FROM RIGHT LANE WHILE I WAS PARALLEL TO HIM HE STARTED CHANGING TO LEFT LANE AND PUSHED ME OUT ON THE SHOULDER (LUCKY TO HAVE ENOUGH SPACE) AND CONTINUED WITHOUT ANY SIGN OF TRYING TO AVOID A COLLISION. PLEASE CONSIDER INTRODUCING NATIONAL LEGISLATION TO REDUCE THE TRUCK HIGHWAY SPEED BY AT LEAST 10 MPH LOWER THAN THE MAXIMUM ALLOWED FOR ALL OTHER VEHICLES. THIS IS COMMON STANDARD IN EUROPE AND SAVES LIFES. *KB

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 29, 2011NY

I DRIVE ON I 80 NYC TO WILLIAMSPORT, PA DURING WEEK DAYS AND THERE IS NO TRAVEL I WOULD RECORD WITHOUT AN INCIDENT INVOLVING HIGH SPEEDING TRUCKS (ESPECIALLY FROM OUT OF NY STATE) WHICH ENDANGERED MY LIFE IN MANY OCCASIONS. I AM COMPELLED TO REPORT THIS TYPE OF SPEED ANOMALY SINCE LAST TIME WHEN DRIVING WEST ON I80, ON THE LEFT LANE PASSING ANOTHER TRUCK AT 68 MPH, WHEN A TRAILER-TRUCK FROM OUT OF STATE TAILGATED ME SO CLOSE HE ALMOST TOUCHED ME WHILE TRYING TO FORCE ME TO OVER-SPEED-PEED. SCARED TO DEATH I CONTINUOUSLY BLEW THE HORN WHICH RATHER HAD HIM CONTINUE CLOSING-IN TO THE POINT OF CONTACT. ANOTHER TIME A TRAILER COMING FROM RIGHT LANE WHILE I WAS PARALLEL TO HIM HE STARTED CHANGING TO LEFT LANE AND PUSHED ME OUT ON THE SHOULDER (LUCKY TO HAVE ENOUGH SPACE) AND CONTINUED WITHOUT ANY SIGN OF TRYING TO AVOID A COLLISION. PLEASE CONSIDER INTRODUCING NATIONAL LEGISLATION TO REDUCE THE TRUCK HIGHWAY SPEED BY AT LEAST 10 MPH LOWER THAN THE MAXIMUM ALLOWED FOR ALL OTHER VEHICLES. THIS IS COMMON STANDARD IN EUROPE AND SAVES LIFES. *KB

Seat Belts
Filed Oct 25, 201192,000 milesVT

PUT MY SEAT BELT ON AND IT WOULD NOT RETRACT. DRIVERS SIDE ONLY. *TT

Seat Belts
Filed Oct 23, 201167,025 milesKY

THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AS IT NO LONGER FUNCTIONS. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Oct 20, 201152,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9- 3 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT BACK IN PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED THAT THE VIN DID NOT QUALIFY FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V043000 (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,321.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 18, 201135,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WERE PROGRESSIVELY BECOMING MORE DIM OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS, REDUCING VISIBILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THIS FAILURE WAS A KNOWN ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Seat Belts
Filed Aug 4, 201130,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SECURE THE SEAT BELT BUT THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT. THE CONTACT HAD PREVIOUSLY NOTICED THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS SLOW WHEN RETRACTING BEFORE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V043000 (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR) BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

Visibility
Filed Jul 29, 2011107,643 milesOH

I HAVE A 2004 SAAB 9-3. TODAY, I EXITED MY CAR AND WHEN I CLOSED THE DOOR, THE ADHESIVE HOLDING THE GLASS TO MY SIDE VIEW MIRROR FAILED(THE MIRROR/GLASS FELL TO THE GROUND). THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS CONCERN BECAUSE I USE MY MIRRORS ALL THE TIME WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING SAFE LANE CHANGES. I NOW HAVE A DRIVERS SIDE MIRROR(GLASS) THAT IS NO LONGER THERE. I FEEL THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. MANY PEOPLE HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL ISSUES THAT WILL NOT ALLOW THEM TO COMPLETELY TURN THEIR NECK/TORSO TO THE LEFT TO VIEW ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHILE TRYING TO MERGE. IF A PERSON WITH SAID PROBLEM LOST THE ABILITY TO VIEW THEIR MIRROR THEY WILL BE FORCED TO BLINDLY MERGE INTO LANES THAT THEY CANNOT BE SURE ARE CLEAR AND SAFE. FURTHERMORE, I LOOKED INTO REPLACING THE MENTIONED MIRROR AND CAME UPON THIS WEBSITE. (HTTPS://WWW.INTERNETGLASSNETWORK.COM/SSL/SAAB/9_3.HTM) YOU CAN CLEARLY READ THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Jul 28, 201159,000 milesFL

MY SAAB CONVERTIBLE ONLY HAS 59000 MILES ON IT AND MY SEAT BELT SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK. SAAB AND ITS DEALERSHIPS REFUSE TO FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY CLAIM IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND ONLY SELECTED VINS WERE COVERED FOR RECALLS-EVEN THOUGH THE PART IS THE SAME (DEFECTIVE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR). AS I UNDERSTAND, BY FEDERAL LAW, THEY ARE REQUIRED TO COVER THE REPAIRS OF THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM FOR TEN YEARS DESPITE THEIR CRAPPY VEHICLE WARRANTY. MY MECHANIC SAYS HE HAS HAD THE SAME SITUATION WITH OTHER CUSTOMERS. I NEED SOME HELP! *TR

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2004 Saab 9-3 → · Every 9-3 year → · How the figures are calculated →