2005 Saab 9-3
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2005 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 2005 Saab 9-3. Newest first.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
95 complaints4 involved a crash2 involved a fire9 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Seat belts
The contact owns a 2005 Saab 9-3. The contact stated that the front passenger's side seat belt failed to latch. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V318000 (Seat Belts). The vehicle was not repaired. There was no further information provided. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Fuel/propulsion system
It happened to me twice.. While driving the gas gauge will drop to empty and when pressing on the gas il just rev there be a cut off due to the fuel level sensor in which it's a common in all saabs I don't know why this issue hasn't become a recall. it's dangerous the cut off IS around 2-3…
It happened to me twice.. While driving the gas gauge will drop to empty and when pressing on the gas il just rev there be a cut off due to the fuel level sensor in which it's a common in all saabs I don't know why this issue hasn't become a recall. it's dangerous the cut off IS around 2-3 seconds. I almost cause an accident due to the lost of power. I was entering the free way and an 18 wheeler had to switch lanes and passed I was going around 45 mph merging . the second time I was going 25 mph and it felt like the engine shut of and gather speed. There IS a recall for the fuel pump and my vehicle has the same symptoms others have describe. it feels like the car has issues but their not parts to difficult to change but if you take the car to a mechanic theyl charge you ridiculous for labor almost $1200 just in changing the drive belt?
- Electrical system
Altornator keep malfunctioning happend multiple time
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2005 saab 9-3. The contact stated while trying to start the vehicle, he heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated he saw smoke coming the hood. The contact stated no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated he exited the vehicle and was informed fire was coming from a…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 saab 9-3. The contact stated while trying to start the vehicle, he heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated he saw smoke coming the hood. The contact stated no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated he exited the vehicle and was informed fire was coming from a fuel leak on the front passenger side. The contact stated a bystander came with a fire extinguisher and extinguish the fire. The contact stated there were no injuries or medical attention needed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact called the local dealer flikkema saab located at 2424 176th st, lansing, il 60438, (708) 474-1933, and were made aware of failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired as of yet. The manufacturer had been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 74,000. *Dt *jb
- Seat belts
Nhtsa 14v318000 was a recall for seat belts that fails to retract. When I get into my car and pull it out to fasten it often remains slack. That event caused me to do research and find the recall. But it did not extend to my car which has the exact same problem. it appears to me that the recall was too narrow.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Steering
My car won't start and no mechanic can figure out exactly why due to there not being any saab dealers near the area I'm stuck in... I have been living out of my car for 3 months cuz I don't want anyone to steal my car
- Air bags · Seat belts
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2005 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 14v318000 (seat belts) and 16v063000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2005 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 14v318000 (seat belts) and 16v063000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. West county volvo (14410 manchester rd, manchester, mo) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. The vin was not provided.
- Seat belts
The driver's seat-belt has stopped retracting. the item has a recall but parts are not available
- Seats
Power seat tracks on both driver and passenger slide back and forth such that when stopping quickly the seat slides forward about an inch. It's a known problem on saabs.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
Horn does not blow, please wait light stays on. And burns the battery out over a day or so while car IS stationary have to recharge.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags) for the driver frontal air bag inflator. The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags) for the driver frontal air bag inflator. The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle had an appointment after receiving the letter six weeks later to take the vehicle to the dealer (schumacher buick GMC of west palm beach located on 3031 okeebhobee blvd west palm beach, fl, 33409). Once the contact arrived for the appointment, she was informed that the vehicle could not be serviced because the parts were not available. The saab manufacturer was contacted at 1-800-955-9007, but the phone disconnected. The contact also informed general motors at 1-800-462-8782 who stated that nothing could be done because they were no longer affiliated with saab and offered no additional assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Exterior lighting · Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
Frequently the car stalls suddenly in traffic, looses power I can't accelerate this IS very dangerous potential to get hit. The other problem IS the car vibrates and all of sudden a lot of smoke comes out from back and rich gasoline smell comes and the speed turns to 0. I turn it off for five minutes and restart sometimes it starts ok sometimes it vibrates again. This happens very frequently
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 2005 saab 9-3. While driving 30 mph, the front passenger side seat belt failed to retract without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v318000 (seat belts). The failure mileage was 128,000.
- Air bags
Takata recall why aren't parts available to fix this problem. How long can I expect to wait for a solution to this serious problem? Who IS responsible if someone IS injured as a result of this recall. Why isn't more being done about it. Why IS this company still allowed to be in business?
- Air bags
Per gm, the 2005 saab 9-3 was deleted from the takata airbag recall. I want the defective takata airbag serial numbers to ensure my saab IS safe.
- Air bags
What are the serial numbers for the takata recall airbags?
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2005 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v63000 (air bags); however, the part needed to perform 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 issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2005 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the part was unavailable to perform the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The vin was unavailable.
- Air bags
I received a safety recall from saab about the possibility of the inflator of the airbag rupturing and metal fragments could pass through the cushion. They do not currently have a solution to the problem. What can I do about this? How long do I have to wait til it IS fixed or something happens? Can…
I received a safety recall from saab about the possibility of the inflator of the airbag rupturing and metal fragments could pass through the cushion. They do not currently have a solution to the problem. What can I do about this? How long do I have to wait til it IS fixed or something happens? Can they take as much time as they need to fix the car without having any responsibilities? Any information will help. Thank you. *tr
- Air bags
Takata recall driver in front was in motion and came to an abrupt stop at the yellow signal light. I was not able to stop in time. There was a direct impact front end collision to my car. The force of collision activated my passenger airbag to inflate, but my driver's airbag did not...updated 05/09/16 *bf *tr
- Air bags
Takata recall cant trust my car if I have takata airbags
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2005 saab 9-3. The contact stated that the passenger strut was bent. The contact mentioned that the strut was replaced but was concerned that the failure would recur. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the struts needed to be repaired. The vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 saab 9-3. The contact stated that the passenger strut was bent. The contact mentioned that the strut was replaced but was concerned that the failure would recur. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the struts needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. The vin was not provided.
- Suspension
While driving on the street at 30 mph I hear a bang! I start to lose control of the steering wheel I immediately put my hazard lights on and pulled over safely once I gained control when I get out the car to inspect it my passengers side front spring IS broken in two and my passenger side tire IS blown. I could have been very badly injured or killed! Saab you need to do a recall this IS life threatening!
- Seat belts
Much like nhtsa campaign ID number: 14v318000 (gm recall number 14222), the driver's seat belt does not retract. This occurs every time the belt IS pulled out. In the event of a crash, the belt would not be close enough to the driver to retract, since it IS too loose.
- Seat belts
Recall 14222/15027. received safety recall notice to replace driver's side seatbelt mechanism. upon making service appointment with local gm dealer they stated they do not have a technician to do it. I tried calling the 800 number on the recall notice and got a recording that the number was no longer in service. how can I find out who can perform this recall service?
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture
To date, ODI is aware of 142 non-duplicative complaints related to the alleged defect.In addition, ODI is aware of 2,626 subject vehicles with one or more warranty claims related to the alleged defect.In total, ODI is aware of 2,714 unique subject vehicles that have experienced one or more front suspension coil spring…
To date, ODI is aware of 142 non-duplicative complaints related to the alleged defect.In addition, ODI is aware of 2,626 subject vehicles with one or more warranty claims related to the alleged defect.In total, ODI is aware of 2,714 unique subject vehicles that have experienced one or more front suspension coil spring fractures.ODI is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the alleged defect.The engineering design and testing data supplied by GM, along with the frequency of consumer complaints and warranty claims related to the alleged defect, tends to support the position that, in general, the coil springs that fractured on many subject vehicles did not achieve the expected service life.However, in regard to the subject vehicles, a front suspension coil spring fracture itself has little safety consequence, as evidenced by the minimal impact on vehicle ride and handling and by the number of drivers who were unaware of the failure condition for some time until alerted by service personnel.The ratio of tire punctures to coil spring fractures appears low and there are no reports of crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect. A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will continue to monitor this issue and will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.See the EA08-026 Engineering Analysis Closing Report for more details.
- Front suspension coil spring fracture
On august 28, 2008, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe08-051) to investigate alleged front suspension coil spring fractures in certain model year (my) 2003-2004 saab 9-3 vehicles sold or registered in salt belt states.(note: for purposes of this investigation, the salt belt…
On august 28, 2008, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe08-051) to investigate alleged front suspension coil spring fractures in certain model year (my) 2003-2004 saab 9-3 vehicles sold or registered in salt belt states.(note: for purposes of this investigation, the salt belt includes connecticut, delaware, the district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia and wisconsin).subsequent analysis of data provided by general motors corp. (Gm) has led the agency to expand the scope of this investigation to include all my 2003-2006 saab 9-3 vehicles sold or registered in salt belt states. To date, odi IS aware of 53 non-duplicative complaints and/or field reports that allege coil spring fracture in the subject vehicles, including 23 alleging the fractured spring damaged a tire, with 16 of those involving a tire puncture.analysis of warranty data provided by gm identified 1,218 claims paid to repair subject vehicles that experienced the alleged defect, of which 138 vehicles also suffered damage to the adjacent tire and of those, 79 vehicles experienced a tire puncture.odi IS not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the alleged defect. Gm made several design changes to the coil springs and/or mcpherson strut assemblies used in the subject vehicles in an apparent effort to address the alleged defect condition.however, gm maintains that the subject vehicles remain well controlled in the event of tire puncture, that the rate of tire puncture incidents related to coil spring fractures IS low, and that the alleged defect does not pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.accordingly, this investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea08-026) to further study the safety consequences of the alleged defect.
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.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 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.
- 11001321This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 11000162The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 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
- 10247716J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247063A/C Blows Warm Or Poor Performance.
- 10247061J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 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
- 10245395This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
- 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.
- 10244273This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10244200This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers 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.
- 10239102The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 10239101This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 10237841This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. Dealers Only).
- 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.
- 10234619This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 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.
Every Saab 9-3 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.