1999 Saab 9-3
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 1999 Saab 9-3. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1999 Saab 9-3. Newest first.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the brake reservoir label was omitted. this does not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 135, "passenger car brake systems."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without this label, someone may use the incorrect specification brake fluid, get dirt into the reservoir, or allow moisture into the brake fluid, resulting in less effective braking and possibly a crash.
Remedy
Owners will be mailed labels and installation instructions.
Vehicle description: passsenger vehicles. failures of the "easy entry" cable in the front driver or passenger manual seats can cause the seat fore/aft adjustable mechanism to be unlocked.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Since the anchor points for the lap portion of the front safety belts are attached to the seat assembly, release of the fore/aft locking mechanism reduces the restraint capability of the safety belts in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new cable and spring assembly.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the air bag alert label on the driver side visor was omitted. this does not conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 208, "occupant crash protection."
Risk and remedy
Risk
The vehicle occupant may not properly understand the operation of the air bag system and the need to use seat belts.
Remedy
Owners will be provided with an alert label to be installed on the visible side of the driver's sun visor. if an owner so desires, their dealer can install the label for them.
Owner complaints
64 complaints5 involved a crash10 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
Today, shortly after starting the car, an airbag deployed. the car was parked in my driveway and not in motion, and there was no impact. the airbag deployed from the outboard side of the passenger seat. I was seated in the driver's seat. The passenger seat was unoccupied and its seat belt was unfastened, however a laptop and some other lightweight objects were in the passenger seat.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1999 saab 9-3. While driving approximately 25 mph, the driver side air bag erroneously deployed without warning or impact. The contact indicated that the vehicle had not crashed or driven over a road bump when the deployment occurred. The driver sustained an injured right…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 saab 9-3. While driving approximately 25 mph, the driver side air bag erroneously deployed without warning or impact. The contact indicated that the vehicle had not crashed or driven over a road bump when the deployment occurred. The driver sustained an injured right arm, shoulder, and torso, which did not require medical attention. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 154,000. *Tt
- Air bags
Just as I parked my car, my side air bag on the driver's side of my car deployed/exploded without any warning. the left side of my face/left ear and neck were injured.
- Air bags
While parked, I put my key in the ignition and started the car. my passenger side side impact airbag deployed/exploded upon engine starting. I suffered a concussion, tinnitus, and inner ear damage from the airbag exploding. Took car to a gm dealership with a saab technician to have car diagnosed…
While parked, I put my key in the ignition and started the car. my passenger side side impact airbag deployed/exploded upon engine starting. I suffered a concussion, tinnitus, and inner ear damage from the airbag exploding. Took car to a gm dealership with a saab technician to have car diagnosed to explain why the airbag deployed/exploded. No diagnosis made. But they did read error code saying airbag sensor communication failure after airbag deployed/exploded. No warning lights were lit prior to incident. There were no service codes prior to incident either. (I had car checked 1 week prior to incident)
- Air bags
Car was sitting idling at kerbside while dropping my kids off at school. The passenger side door was open. I was talking to my child who was just outside the door. passenger seat side airbag deployed by itself with no impacts previous impacts or any movement other than one minute previous the seat…
Car was sitting idling at kerbside while dropping my kids off at school. The passenger side door was open. I was talking to my child who was just outside the door. passenger seat side airbag deployed by itself with no impacts previous impacts or any movement other than one minute previous the seat was tilted forward and then back to let kids out of backseat. This was seconds and inches away from resulting in a death.
- Air bags · Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 1999 saab 9-3. While backing out of the driveway at 5 mph, the driver side seat air bag deployed without warning. The contact also stated that the driver side seat belt fractured as a result of the air bag deployment. The contact sustained burns on the left arm, but did not…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 saab 9-3. While backing out of the driveway at 5 mph, the driver side seat air bag deployed without warning. The contact also stated that the driver side seat belt fractured as a result of the air bag deployment. The contact sustained burns on the left arm, but did not seek medical attention. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.
- Seat belts
Drivers seat belt stuck in retracted position. Unable to use stuck belt. Airbag light IS on as a result of this. No seatbelt or airbag. This IS a convertible not covered in the current recall but has the same problem. *tr
- Seat belts
The driver's seat belt retractor locked and would not release. since driving the vehicle without seat belts IS dangerous, the vehicle IS unusable. *tr
- Air bags
Got into my car, turned on the ignition and then the passenger airbag deployed and cracked the windshield. The car was parked, the airbag just went off for no reason. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Premature dic failure. Consistantly burns out spark plugs. *tr
- Electrical system
For my 1999 saab 9-3, base engine, I replaced the direct ignition cassette, at 128,800 miles on the odometer. the part alone was $488 and the total installation cost and parts (including a hose and four spark plugs) was $760. model years 2000 through 2002 were recalled for this part. *Tr
- Air bags · Electrical system
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 saab 9-3. while driving approximately 55 mph in the snow, the driver's side air bag suddenly deployed without an impact or crash occurring. there were no injuries. later that day, the air bag indicator illuminated. her mechanic stated that the air bags would not…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 saab 9-3. while driving approximately 55 mph in the snow, the driver's side air bag suddenly deployed without an impact or crash occurring. there were no injuries. later that day, the air bag indicator illuminated. her mechanic stated that the air bags would not function properly and ensure maximum protection in the event of a crash. the vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic for diagnostic testing and the wiring was determined to be the cause of the failure. the manufacturer would not assist because the vehicle was no longer under warranty. the current mileage was approximately 141,000 and failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
- Electrical system › Ignition
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 saab 9-3. the contact attempted to start his vehicle, but was unsuccessful. the vehicle cranked, but he received no spark. he attempted to change the fuel pump, which did not repair the failure. he also removed the spark plug wires and noticed that various parts were…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 saab 9-3. the contact attempted to start his vehicle, but was unsuccessful. the vehicle cranked, but he received no spark. he attempted to change the fuel pump, which did not repair the failure. he also removed the spark plug wires and noticed that various parts were cracked underneath the ignition. a junkyard mechanic stated that the ignition was the cause of the malfunction. the contact discovered nhtsa campaign ID number 05v399000 (electrical system:ignition:module), which pertained to the 2000-2002 saab 9-3'S. the dealer stated that the repair would cost $464. the failure mileage was 118,356.
- Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler
Enabled driver side seat heater for first time since last winter/spring. while driving, left side of my lower body started burning, and I smelled smoke. parked car. dime sized hole with smoldering edges was present on my drivers seat. upon touching it, my finger tip was burned. immediately…
Enabled driver side seat heater for first time since last winter/spring. while driving, left side of my lower body started burning, and I smelled smoke. parked car. dime sized hole with smoldering edges was present on my drivers seat. upon touching it, my finger tip was burned. immediately disabled seat heater and stopped car. contacted saab USA. referred me to dealer where I am taking car tomorrow. they will diagnose the problem, and decide if this IS a product defect. in my opinion, and based on complaints I've read from others, it IS. very scary situation. *jb
- Electrical system
I have a 1999 saab 9-3 with manual climate control. the blower switch was erratic for a few weeks (on/off position shifted) but last night during a short journey the blower would not turn off and a bad odor became present in the cabin. this morning I investigated and found that the blower switch…
I have a 1999 saab 9-3 with manual climate control. the blower switch was erratic for a few weeks (on/off position shifted) but last night during a short journey the blower would not turn off and a bad odor became present in the cabin. this morning I investigated and found that the blower switch and wiring connector and wires have melted. it IS likely that if the journey had been longer a fire would have resulted. the switch and connector and wires need to be replaced, and the reason for the blower switch erratic behavior needs to be investigated. *jb
- Air bags › Frontal · Seat belts › Rear/other › Buckle assembly
The driver of the 1999 saab 9-3 was driving in the left lane on ma rte. 128 south. her son was in a child carseat tightly belted into the driver's side passenger seat, the seat directly behind the driver. the switch on the belt buckle was set to the "child seat" setting. The driver signaled and…
The driver of the 1999 saab 9-3 was driving in the left lane on ma rte. 128 south. her son was in a child carseat tightly belted into the driver's side passenger seat, the seat directly behind the driver. the switch on the belt buckle was set to the "child seat" setting. The driver signaled and began to change lanes to the middle lane which was clear of traffic. as she was shifting lanes, another vehicle, a light-colored sedan, began to move sharply into the middle lane from the right. the driver was forced to swerve to the left to avoid collision with the other vehicle, and her car went out of control. the car went off the road to the left and hit the guardrail in a front-end collision. the driver was thrown forward but was wearing her seatbelt, which held her. her airbag did not inflate. her son's car seat did not remain in place, but went forward and tipped over on its side, facing the middle of the car, so that when the driver opened the passenger door to check on her son, at first she couldn't see him, and she had trouble extracting the car seat. an off-duty fireman stopped to help, cut the seat belt and extracted the seat. the driver was taken to the hospital and treated for whiplash; her son does not appear to have sustained injury. the car was declared a total loss by the insurer, and the insurer towed the car and wants to dispose of it. we (the driver and her husband) contacted saab several times to ask that the vehicle be examined prior to disposal to address concerns about the performance of the rear seat belt and the driver's airbag; saab was unhelpful. *Jb
- Air bags › Frontal
On the morning of december 6, 2006, my 1999 saab 9-3 was parked in the driveway of my house when I started the car to warm it up to take my five year old to school. My 5 year old sat in the front passenger seat as the car was warming up. Without notice or provocation the front passenger side airbag…
On the morning of december 6, 2006, my 1999 saab 9-3 was parked in the driveway of my house when I started the car to warm it up to take my five year old to school. My 5 year old sat in the front passenger seat as the car was warming up. Without notice or provocation the front passenger side airbag deployed in my 5 year olds face. This violent explosion caused a scratch and redness on my daughters face. Upon speaking with saab I was informed that they have never heard of this happening, and upon their instruction - I took the car the local saab dealer, who upon examining the car said that the reason for this happening IS inconclusive. They also stated that they have never seen this happen before. Saab IS giving us the runaround, and we need someone to hold them accountable for this incident. I am hoping that filing this complaint will help. *jb
- Unknown or other
The knobs for the heat, air, and where the heat and air goes breaks off! I have replaced each one once, and the cost was 135.00. *Jb
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
While driving at freeway speeds for about 20 minutes, my 1999 saab 9-3 experienced a loss of power and the engine stopped running. There was no warning of a probem until a single "clunking noise" was detected and then there was no power in 5TH or 4TH gear. by the time I downshifted to 3RD gear…
While driving at freeway speeds for about 20 minutes, my 1999 saab 9-3 experienced a loss of power and the engine stopped running. There was no warning of a probem until a single "clunking noise" was detected and then there was no power in 5TH or 4TH gear. by the time I downshifted to 3RD gear, the engine had stalled and the check engine, battery/alternator, and oil pressure warning lights lit. the car was not able to be resarted. I was able to bring the car to the distress lane and summon help (911). the car needed to be towed for repairs. the local saab dealer determined the ignition discharge module (idm) had failed (burned up). the dealer also informed me of a recent recall (i believe it's 05v-399) for the 2000 - 2002 model years and that perhaps the idm on my car had a similar defect. the dealer installed a new idm (replacement part 55-561-132) and 4 new spark plugs which had been fouled from my repeated efforts to restart the car. I did not receive old parts back.
- Electrical system › Ignition · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Power train › Automatic transmission › Torque converter
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle stalled while driving 45-50 mph on a snow covered highway. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined the recognition cassette module failed. the dealership was not notified. there were no prior problems with the vehicle. the check…
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle stalled while driving 45-50 mph on a snow covered highway. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined the recognition cassette module failed. the dealership was not notified. there were no prior problems with the vehicle. the check engine light illuminated at the time of the incident. updated 11/3/2006 - on 11/24/05 the vehicle's direct ignition cassette failed without warning which caused the vehicle to stall while being driven in the snow. after replacement of the direct ignition cassette the repair facility also had to replace two oxygen sensors and the catalytic converter. the technician said it was possible that raw fuel damaged the catalytic converter during the initial failure of the direct ignition cassette. *nm
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
Direct ignition cassette failed on my 1999 saab 9-3. A recall has been issued for 2000-2002 saab 9-3 and I feel this recall should include the '99 model as well because this part has a less than reasonable life. *Jb
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
The direct ignition failed on my 1999 saab 93. it IS not covered under the recall. the "service engine soon" light came on which alerted us to the problem. my authorized saab mechanic informed me that it was the wisest course to replace this faulty part before it failed completely. the cost to do so $500 out of my own pocket to replace this inherently faulty part. *jb
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
1999 saab 9-3 ignition cassette failure. *jb
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
I believe my 1999 saab 9-3 should have been included in recent saab ignition module recalls, my ignition module IS no different than the 2000 models, the recent failure of this part involves safety factors same as the 2000 models, replacement cost IS over 400.00 and should be reimbursed. *Jb
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
Direct ignition cassette (ignition discharge module) failed. engine would not start after being turned off. car was towed, evaluated, and the ignition discharge module was replaced. the ignition discharge module that failed was identical to the idm that IS currently under recall for 2000-2002…
Direct ignition cassette (ignition discharge module) failed. engine would not start after being turned off. car was towed, evaluated, and the ignition discharge module was replaced. the ignition discharge module that failed was identical to the idm that IS currently under recall for 2000-2002 model years. I am requesting that the recall be extended to include the 1999 model year. I have retained the failed part. *nm
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine stall/ engine compartment fires
Odi opened pe05-017 based on 35 reports of alleged engine stalling due to the failure of the idm cassette on the subject vehicles.all complainants reported that the engine shut down suddenly without warning and most reported that the vehicle would not restart.in 3 incidents, the complainants reported smoke and/or fire…
Odi opened pe05-017 based on 35 reports of alleged engine stalling due to the failure of the idm cassette on the subject vehicles.all complainants reported that the engine shut down suddenly without warning and most reported that the vehicle would not restart.in 3 incidents, the complainants reported smoke and/or fire resulted from the idm failure.during pe05-017, additional failure data was identified as noted in the failure report summary above.the complaint data represents incidents where the complainants alleged a stall or fire.on september 13, 2005, general motors (gm) notified nhtsa of a safety defect on 95,081 my 2000-2002 saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles with 4-cylinder gasoline engines and 8,117 my 2001 9-5 vehicles with 6- cylinder gasoline engines (recall 05v-399).the notification stated that certain vehicles within these populations may experience overheating and burnout of the isolated gated bipolar transistor (igbt) within the idm due to increased susceptibility to electrical loads.overheating of the igbt occurs most often at engine start-up for both a 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engine, but it may also occur while the engine IS running.when the idm fails on a 4-cylinder while it IS running, the engine may stall without warning, with no ability to be restarted.when the idm fails on a 6-cylinder engine while it IS running, the driver will initially experience reduced power and rough operation because the engine will only be running on three cylinders.the check engine light will flash.if the driver continues, unburnt fuel in the exhaust can cause thermal damage to the catalytic converter.the engine may stall and not restart.thermal damage to other underhood components and the underbody may also result from prolonged driving.the recall population encompasses 84% of the stalling and fire complaints (215 for vehicles with 4-cylinder engines and 36 for vehicles with 6-cylinder engines).the 36 months in service (mis) stalling rates for each model year of recalled vehicles with 4-cylinder engines were all greater than two percent.although the 36 mis stall rate for the recalled my 2001 vehicles with V6 engines was lower, at 1.3 percent, these vehicles also had the highest rate of confirmed (open flame verified) fires at 62 per 100,000 vehicles.gm will instruct owners to bring their vehicles to a dealer for idm inspection and replacement, if necessary.consequently, this investigation IS closed.odi will monitor the effectiveness of the scope and remedy of gm's action and take further action if warranted.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10190934Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
- 10190933Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
- 10190932Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
- 10190931Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
- 10082506This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient temperature areas due to calibration concerns.
- 10020715Noise from the timing chain and oil sludge in the engine.
- 10012036Reduced performance and diagnostic trouble codes for the turbo control valve.
- 10004713Addressing customer complaints of popping noise from front suspension.
- 621490Subject regarding customer complaints of test brake lights message deleted from sid replacement units.
- 621485On some viggen models from M99 to M01 vin 17016680, the outer brackets of the rear spoiler can warp, causing the spoiler to vibrate and rattle.
- 621482Some convertible models up to and including vin 17004113 may exhibit a soft top that may stop halfway during closing or opening and the sid unit shows a check soft top message.
- 619562To address an external oil or coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket when no engine overheating or other running complaints have occurred.
- 619554Subject regarding new update kit for manual transmissions.
- 618671Subject regarding campaign instructions for recall 724 on replacing the engine control module (ecm).
- 618669Information on replacing shear pins and locking pins on certain convertibles.
- 614915On certain cars within vin ranges x7020001 - x7063257, the rear oxygen sensor cable may be lying too close to the intermediate shaft, which means that the cable sheathing and insulation can be damaged.
- 614914Some vehicles within certain vin ranges may exhibit a sticking check valve for the crankcase ventilation, pressurizing the crankcase, and forcing engine oil into the combustion chamber and / or the flow of coolant through the turbo unit may be reduced resulting in the temperature becoming so high that the engine oil crystallizes (builds carbon deposits) around the turbine-side bearing.
- 614096Customer satisfaction campaign 482 regarding noise from power steering system. The check valve mounted inside the power steering banjo bolt may loosen and create power steering noise. Other possible symptoms are high fluid level in the fluid reservoir, or that the fluid gets abnormally warm on vehicles within certain vin ranges.
- 614093Subject regarding updated campaign instructions for customer satisfication campaign 482 on noise from power steering system. The check valve mounted inside the power steering banjo bolt may loosen and create power steering noise. Other possible symptoms are high fluid level in the fluid reservoir, or that the fluid gets abnormally warm on vehicles within certain vin ranges.
- 612511Some convertibles within certain vin ranges may exhibit a twisted seat belt(s) in the strap guide.
- 610538Some vehicles within vin range x7020001 - x7020941 may exhibit a cable tie used to secure the connection to the electrically heated rear window can be mounted in such a way as to chafe against the headlining.
- 610155Subject regarding the spare parts programming of miu.
- 610149Some convertible vehicles up to and including vin x7024103 may experience a rattling noise from inside the first bow and latch handle difficult to operate.
- 610146Customer satisfaction campaign 473 regarding replacement of shift lock solenoid on vehciles within vin serial no. Ranges x2000001 - x2023753 or x7000001 - x7020971.
- 610145On certain convertibles M99 up to and including vin x7050382 it has been noted that the plastic holder for the headlining to the third bow comes undone and the headlining sags.
- 610144Some customers may complan that the soft top cover does not open or first bow hits soft top cover.
- 610137Subject regarding a voluntary safety-related recall campaign affecting early convertible and 3-door cars with manually adjustable front seats.
- 608402Customers may complain that top stops moving during 5TH bow movement. *Mjs
- 608360Customer may complain of the horn sounding on its own or the steering wheel radio controls operating intermittently.
- 608356Customers may address concerns about interference or poor radio reception when listening to am stations.
- 608081Information addressing complaints of excessive noise, low power assist, leakage, or overheating of the power steering system.
- 608074Convertibles within vin interval x7023727 - x7050589 may exhibit air in the hydraulic system.
- 607547Subject on replacing the anti-theft system siren.
- 607546Information on deleting daytime running lights at customer' request.
- 605785Brief voice mail message regarding port and dealer campaign.
- 605129E-mail information on product news and 1999 warranty & service record booklets.
- 604279Incorrect engine bearing cap torque specifications.
Every Saab 9-3 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.