2002 Saab 9-3
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2002 Saab 9-3. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2002 Saab 9-3. Newest first.
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production.
Risk and remedy
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.
Certain passenger vehicles equipped with b205/b235 4-cylinder gasoline engines and B308 6-cylinder gasoline engines may experience overheating and burnout of the isolated gated bipolar transistor (igbt) within the ignition discharge module (idm) due to increased susceptibility to electrical loads.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Overheating of the igbt occurs most often at engine start-up, but it may also occur while the engine IS running. engine stalling may occur, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect to see what version idm IS in the vehicle and replace the idm if it IS a version built prior to the introduction of QP3. an interim letter will be mailed to owners in october 2005, informing them of the condition. parts are now available and owners will be notified to bring their vehicles in to the dealers to have the idm replaced by letter dated march 13, 2006. owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production.
Risk and remedy
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 march 14, 2005. owners should contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the tie rod end retaining nuts may not have been properly tightened at the factory.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The nut could loosen and fall off resulting in a sudden reduction or loss of steering control.
Remedy
All vehicles will be inspected and corrected prior to customer delivery. no owner notification will be required.
Owner complaints
37 complaints1 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Unknown or other
The radiator exploded, spewing fluids everywhere, overheating my vehicle without warning when I was driving 45 mph, almost causing a multi-car crash.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
The soft top is faulty and the rear lights are as well.
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 2002 saab 9-3. When the contact attempted to utilize the seat belt, the retractor failed and would not operate. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that there was a recall placed on certain types of saab vehicles for the same failure. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 saab 9-3. When the contact attempted to utilize the seat belt, the retractor failed and would not operate. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that there was a recall placed on certain types of saab vehicles for the same failure. The contact discovered nhtsa campaign number: 14v318000 (seat belts). The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that the recall was only related to 2004-2011 models. The contact spoke with mayors saab (6001 northern boulevard, woodside, ny 11377, (718) 274-2300) and jim ellis audi of marietta (1715 cobb pkwy s, marietta, ga 30060-9253, 770-590-4450) and was informed that the parts to repair the vehicle were not available. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 184,000.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Steering
Saab 9-3 2002 frequently will not start even though it has new battery and newer alternator- may be ignition discharge module.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2002 saab 9-3. While in park, there were strong fuel fumes emitting from the exterior of the vehicle. The contact noticed that there was fuel leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the tab attached to the fuel pump…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 saab 9-3. While in park, there were strong fuel fumes emitting from the exterior of the vehicle. The contact noticed that there was fuel leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the tab attached to the fuel pump and the fuel lines fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was aware of nhtsa campaign number: 07v087000 (fuel system, gasoline) but the vin was not included. The failure mileage was 65,000.
- Seat belts
Seat belt retractor cable broke. Can no longer buckle seat. *tr
- Seat belts
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 saab 9.3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the driver's side seat belt cable separated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that seat belt assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
My 2002 saab 9-3 convertible starts fine once it start moving goes off,then I starts it again,then when I stop it goes off and keep on doing it again and again. The first time I had the idea it was cold,but I noticed it doesn't matter it do it every time I stop at any light or stop sign,then I…
My 2002 saab 9-3 convertible starts fine once it start moving goes off,then I starts it again,then when I stop it goes off and keep on doing it again and again. The first time I had the idea it was cold,but I noticed it doesn't matter it do it every time I stop at any light or stop sign,then I called the manufacturer number 1800-9559007 they asked me for the vin # [xxx] the customer service representative told me that vehicle doesn't have any recalls they can't do anything about it,then I told her if my vehicle IS suffering the same problems in the recall description it should be repaired by the manufacturer,but she told me that unless your vehicle gets on fire or accident they can't include it in any recalls. They should do something about it since this IS a manufacturer problem according to the rest of vehicles included in the recalls,then she told me she checked my vehicle vin number again and that repair was done,but my car IS just giving me that problem constantly. what can I do. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Electrical system
I just purchased my 2002 saab 9-3 from karz and more in longview wa. In november 2012 and drove about one mile went into a store came out and the vehicle would not start. The thermostat and the ignition coil pack were bad. Replaced the thermostat just once and the ignition coil pack twice. Car IS…
I just purchased my 2002 saab 9-3 from karz and more in longview wa. In november 2012 and drove about one mile went into a store came out and the vehicle would not start. The thermostat and the ignition coil pack were bad. Replaced the thermostat just once and the ignition coil pack twice. Car IS still not running I have died on the freeway, in town, too many times to even count the car will start with a jump but wont run for very long before it dies. Frustrated and at my witts end! Had a full diagnostic....showed nothing no one seems to know the problem. Its ran about a week since I have had the car ugh! *js
- Electrical system
My dic failed for a second time! I hear its an extremely common issue with these vehicles. *js
- Latches/locks/linkages
TL* the contact owns a 2002 saab 93. The contact stated that all of the automatic door locks would activate independently as soon the doors were opened. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who could not duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 117,000.
- Electrical system · Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.
I have a 2002 saab 93 and the dic cassette on those car always good bad. They are defective there was a recall on those cars and I called the dealer and asked them and they said there wasn't no such recall, they denied it because the parts IS expensive. *Tr
- Electrical system
The saab 9-3 2002 stalled suddenly while idling on an exit ramp on the highway. the car failed to restart and had to be towed. the ignition module had been replaced 4 years early as part of a prior recall. the car IS current at a gas station and the mechanic has diagnosed that the replaced ignition module has again failed. *Tr
- Exterior lighting
1. Use of high beams 2. If I do not use the high beams the low beam lights never fail 6 month trial just finished. 3. Replaced the headlight failure relay as this IS what my mechanic does for all his customers with no satisfactory results. When using highbeams replacing 6 bulbs every six months I have replaced 14 bulbs since I bought the car last jan. 09 my wife's 2004 saab 9-3 has the same problem. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 saab 9-3. while the vehicle was undergoing an oil change, the mechanic discovered that the catalytic converter rubbed against the oil pan and cut a 1/4 inch groove in the pan. he moved the catalytic converter over to avoid a major failure and repaired the oil pan. the…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 saab 9-3. while the vehicle was undergoing an oil change, the mechanic discovered that the catalytic converter rubbed against the oil pan and cut a 1/4 inch groove in the pan. he moved the catalytic converter over to avoid a major failure and repaired the oil pan. the manufacturer advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer, located three hours away. the current mileage was approximately 113,000 and failure mileage was approximately 110,000. updated 03/18/09. *lj updated 03/18/09. *Jb
- Electrical system
The check engine light came on at approximately 79,900 miles. Upon diagnosis by the saab dealer, they said the ignition cassette was failing. Replacement was necessary as when the part ceased to function the car would not run. This IS the fourth time this part has been replaced. : dates the…
The check engine light came on at approximately 79,900 miles. Upon diagnosis by the saab dealer, they said the ignition cassette was failing. Replacement was necessary as when the part ceased to function the car would not run. This IS the fourth time this part has been replaced. : dates the ignition cassette was replaced -- 6/30/08 (82,903 mi), 3/21/07 (56,231 mi.), 12/15/05 (32,671 mi.), 8/17/04 (18,720mi.). The replaced part IS available. *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor · Power train › Automatic transmission
This car has died 3 times while driving and required a tow. the first time the ignition module was replaced for free (recall). the 2ND time the car mysteriously re-started before the tow truck arrived. the most recent incident resulted in a tow to the nearest dealer and the (defective) throttle…
This car has died 3 times while driving and required a tow. the first time the ignition module was replaced for free (recall). the 2ND time the car mysteriously re-started before the tow truck arrived. the most recent incident resulted in a tow to the nearest dealer and the (defective) throttle body being replaced at a cost of $714. Also, the catalytic converters had to be replaced (non-warranty) after the ignition module (recall). At approx. 118,000 miles the transmission was replaced. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
On 1/26/07 the water pump of my car was replaced because it was leaking. I have come to realize this IS the third time the water pump needed to be changes. it was also changed by the manufacturer/dealer on 11/10/04 & 2/25/03. hence the car has gone through three water pumps in 44510 miles. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Malfunction of automatic transmission on a car with 50000 miles on. transmission specialist indicated malfunction began at least 5000 miles prior to the breakdown. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 saab 9-3. while driving 30 mph, the vehicle began to hesitate as if the emergency brake was engaged. the contact also heard a grinding noise coming from the vehicle. she was unable to drive more than 20 mph. when the mechanic attempted to test drive the vehicle, it…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 saab 9-3. while driving 30 mph, the vehicle began to hesitate as if the emergency brake was engaged. the contact also heard a grinding noise coming from the vehicle. she was unable to drive more than 20 mph. when the mechanic attempted to test drive the vehicle, it failed to shift into gear. the mechanic stated that the gears inside the transmission exploded into little pieces. for three weeks, the mechanic attempted to repair the transmission, however, the transmission was diagnosed and repaired by another transmission specialist. the contact IS requesting that saab pay the cost to repair the vehicle. the current and failure mileages were 60,000. updated 02-01-08. *kb the consumer stated the transmission light illuminated once again and IS presently in the shop. Updated 02/01/08 *tr
- Electrical system
Saab information display (sid) IS losing its pixels and IS unreadable. this IS the second time unit has failed. the first was replaced under warranty in may 2005. sid provides engine information and maintenance updates as well as general information such as time, radio/cd player operation…
Saab information display (sid) IS losing its pixels and IS unreadable. this IS the second time unit has failed. the first was replaced under warranty in may 2005. sid provides engine information and maintenance updates as well as general information such as time, radio/cd player operation ,and hands free telephone (constar) information. I have not replaced the second unit since it was approximately $400 to replace and required a saab certified technician with special equipment to mate with the car. *ak
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling
Dt*: the contact stated the air conditioner and the defroster has been repaired multiple times due to a sensor problem. The engine was replaced a few months ago but the replacement engine was noisy.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Dt*: the contact stated an odor of fuel was detected while driving and while stopped a puddle was noticed on the ground. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop who determined the vehicle had leaked fuel. the vehicle was taken to the dealership who determined the retainer tabs…
Dt*: the contact stated an odor of fuel was detected while driving and while stopped a puddle was noticed on the ground. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop who determined the vehicle had leaked fuel. the vehicle was taken to the dealership who determined the retainer tabs holding the fuel line were defective and they were replaced. there was a nhtsa recall, #04v557000, pertaining to the fuel lines. the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
2002 saab 93, manufacturer refuses to reimburse consumer. *Kb the ignition discharge module broke while driving. The consumer had the repairs made before the recall was received. The consumer was assured he would received reimbursement within 60 days (recall 05v399000). *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Other fuel types › Turbo/supercharger
Noticed blue smoke on engine start-up. Dealer said turbo charge had failed seal. Replaced turbo. 28,000 miles on car. Seems to be a fairly common failure on saabs since around 1999. *jb
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.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10235802This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10234141This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10232136This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10227056This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10224820This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10222796This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10214869This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10209980This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10209921This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 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.
- 10190512OnStar Voice Fallback Number Update Some customers may have received a letter from OnStar stating that "We recently tried to provide a software update to the OnStar hardware in your vehicle. However, your system could not be updated remotely. As a result, some of your OnStar system functions may not be working as expected." The customer is further instructed in this letter to "Please contact your dealer or any dealer near you as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for this no-cost software update. Your dealer will reprogram your OnStar module with an update. This is for vehicles that have previously received the Canada upgrade as described in Service Bulletin #15-08-44-001F."
- 10083898This preliminary information communication advises the technician if unable to place an onstar call in the ignition on mode after the onstar canada upgrade, to contact the gm technical assistance center onstar group for further assistance.
- 10083884This preliminary information communication advises the technician on the steps for diagnosing the concern. The vehicle may be unable to connect to onstar using the white, blue or red onstar buttons.
- 10083509This preliminary information communication advises the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair the concern. The vehicle's xm radio only has xm preveiw channels.
Every Saab 9-3 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.