2009 Saab 9-3
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2009 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 2009 Saab 9-3. Newest first.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Saab 9-3 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2002, to February 15, 2011, 2006-2009 Saab 9-5 vehicles manufactured June 7, 2005, to May 28, 2009, and 2008-2009 Saturn Astra vehicles manufactured April 11, 2007, to July 24, 2008. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator on Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles and will replace the driver's frontal airbag module on Saturn Astra vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on March 1, 2017. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 28810.
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.
Owner complaints
43 complaints1 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
My 2009 saab 9-3 started and ran fine on the way to work, but at lunch it started for a couple seconds and shut off. The car cranks, but IS audibly too free spinning. a local shop said compression in the engine was very low, and after multiple calls it seems that my car has the infamous "soft…
My 2009 saab 9-3 started and ran fine on the way to work, but at lunch it started for a couple seconds and shut off. The car cranks, but IS audibly too free spinning. a local shop said compression in the engine was very low, and after multiple calls it seems that my car has the infamous "soft intake valves" problem that has been a widespread plague for these cars for model years 07-11. This car only has 78,000 miles on it, and has always had the oil changed with the correct gm spec oil. I would think an engine should last much longer than this.
- Engine
Misfires when cold, resulting in rough low idle speed and possible stalling after cold start.
- Engine
My car has fallen victim to the soft intake valve issue. my car was parked in my driveway, it ran perfectly well the night before. I attempted to move it on christmas eve morning 12/24/2017 but it would not start. I then had it towed to my local saab mechanic, automotion in billerica, ma- the…
My car has fallen victim to the soft intake valve issue. my car was parked in my driveway, it ran perfectly well the night before. I attempted to move it on christmas eve morning 12/24/2017 but it would not start. I then had it towed to my local saab mechanic, automotion in billerica, ma- the owner said this IS a well known issue he has seen on a number of occasions; he said he saw it so many times he purchased new equipment to be prepared for the volume of customers. this IS being well documented at the saabcentral forum found at www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=329066 my 2009 9-3 IS about to hit 70,000 miles; mechanic IS currently working to fix the intake valve issue at a cost of $2,245.00 plus tax. there are 35 pages of documented instances at saabcentral. it absolutely should be investigated whether or not gm allowed these faulty engines to be in production and sold to customers. it has been stated that gm allowed soft, non-heat hardened intake valves to be used; these intake valves will deform overtime and lead to the combustion chamber not having a perfect seal.
- Engine
The intake valves are worn on the engine this started around 80,000 miles and has progressively gotten worse. the car will not start on very cold days. if it does, it idles very rough and hard. date below IS an estimate of when this started.
- Fuel/propulsion system
I have owned my 2008 saab 9-3 for about a year now and I have had an ongoing rough running issue that seems to be getting worse. When I start my car up in the morning it runs very rough. Ihave gotten it diagnosed and it IS misfiring dramatically like 6000 on one cylinder and 1081 on another . I…
I have owned my 2008 saab 9-3 for about a year now and I have had an ongoing rough running issue that seems to be getting worse. When I start my car up in the morning it runs very rough. Ihave gotten it diagnosed and it IS misfiring dramatically like 6000 on one cylinder and 1081 on another . I have done some research and had this problem diagnosed, several times, as having bad intake valves. After doing more research on this problem, I have come to find this IS a rather common issue with this specific year make and model. This IS concerning because I have had this repair quoted at over $2500.00. I am very familiar with manufacturer recalls and have been told by multiple dealerships to submit a complaint in order for this problem to be covered under a manufacturer recall due to faulty parts. There IS only 80,000 miles on the car!!!!!!!!!!!
- Air bags
I was first notified of the recall in 2016, but told that the replacement parts not available. When I got the notice early this year that parts available, I called the authorized dealer several times and never got a response. On one occasion I spoke to someone who said he would call me back but…
I was first notified of the recall in 2016, but told that the replacement parts not available. When I got the notice early this year that parts available, I called the authorized dealer several times and never got a response. On one occasion I spoke to someone who said he would call me back but never did, and who told me that my car doesn't have the tamara airbag (which it appears it does), and that nothing had happened with any saab. He was very dismissive of the risk.
- Air bags
Takata recall I was informed in a letter that gm IS working on airbag recall for my car. it stated that in case of an accident my airbag can explode and I may die. they also said that in another letter they will specify when the replacement part IS available. it has been a while and I have not…
Takata recall I was informed in a letter that gm IS working on airbag recall for my car. it stated that in case of an accident my airbag can explode and I may die. they also said that in another letter they will specify when the replacement part IS available. it has been a while and I have not heard anything back so I decided to do my own research. after calling local cadillac dealer here in nashville, I was informed that the only place in tennessee that still does saab warranty work in in memphis. after calling that dealership, they said that the parts have been available for a while. I believe this IS a very serious matter since my life can be at danger every time I drive my car. I feel like gm IS acting negligent in this case. I understand that they do not produce saabs anymore, but they should still do their best to support the product that they have produced.
- Air bags
Takata recall - my complaint IS that absolutely nothing has happened, and that the status of the recall issued approximately one year ago IS: "recall incomplete. Remedy not yet available". people are still dying out there because takata has not yet solved this problem. those of us who own…
Takata recall - my complaint IS that absolutely nothing has happened, and that the status of the recall issued approximately one year ago IS: "recall incomplete. Remedy not yet available". people are still dying out there because takata has not yet solved this problem. those of us who own vehicles that are under this recall can't just stop driving them while we wait for this part to become available. so, instead, we expose ourselves to risk of injury and death from an air bag that IS supposed to protect us in a crash. this IS totally unacceptable!!! *tr
- Air bags
Takata recall. I was notified of the recall in may 2016. There has been no follow-up or fix available to this date. This IS a driver-side airbag recall. I cannot safely drive my car until this IS fixed. I live in austin, texas where it IS hot and humid much of the year. This IS an important factor that increases the danger related to this recall.
- Air bags
Takata recall--it's been 9 months since I was notified of the recall, and called my local dealer. but I've received no further word. I love this car, however, I am very concern, since my wife uses this car ever day to go to work. if, god forbid, someone hits the car and the air bag implodes and she IS injured or dies, you will be sued. when IS the problem going to be fixed? very concern owner and husband!!!!!
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2009 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The air bag warning…
TL* the contact owns a 2009 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The air bag warning indicator was illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
It IS public information that takata's airbags carry a very high risk since the inflator propellant degrades to the point of braking the steel housing and throwing it to the occupant causing severe injuries or death. in spite of all these facts, the manufacturer has not initiated a recall and does…
It IS public information that takata's airbags carry a very high risk since the inflator propellant degrades to the point of braking the steel housing and throwing it to the occupant causing severe injuries or death. in spite of all these facts, the manufacturer has not initiated a recall and does not provide answers after several calls to their customer office. my vehicle has a takata airbag according to nhtsa's database, the inflator must be replaced.
- Air bags
Takata recall I have been aware of my vehicle's recall for greater than 6 months and my manufacturer has not yet presented a safe solution.
- Air bags
Takata recall--it's been 5 months since I was notified of the recall, but I've received no further word. saab's are no longer being manufactured and sold as new cars, and therefore I expect I'm at the bottom of the list. but I just put a great deal of maintenance into the car, it has 60,000 miles…
Takata recall--it's been 5 months since I was notified of the recall, but I've received no further word. saab's are no longer being manufactured and sold as new cars, and therefore I expect I'm at the bottom of the list. but I just put a great deal of maintenance into the car, it has 60,000 miles and I'm not in the market for a new car. however, I'm terrified to take a passenger or drive the car myself. when I want to know will my cincinnati or columbus, oh dealer have a new airbag to install.
- Air bags
Takata recall: gm announced this recall 6 months ago. still no remedy and no communication. my children are about to start learning to drive - I don't want to risk their lives by allowing them to drive the saab - I need a new airbag. sorry if this IS the wrong form - I followed the safer links.
- Air bags
Takata recall - it has been over six months since this recall was issued, and the parts are still not available to fix a potentially life threatening condition. it IS difficult to drive a vehicle that may kill me if I am involved in an accident. when will the replacement air bags be available?…
Takata recall - it has been over six months since this recall was issued, and the parts are still not available to fix a potentially life threatening condition. it IS difficult to drive a vehicle that may kill me if I am involved in an accident. when will the replacement air bags be available? why IS the manufacturer not mandated to fix this problem within a reasonable amount of time? I personally think that six months IS more than sufficient time to have this issue rectified.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 sabb 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags). The part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. Updated 10/05/16*lj *tr
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags) and stated that the part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair. The dealer did not give a specific date for when the part…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags) and stated that the part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair. The dealer did not give a specific date for when the part would become available. The manufacturer could not provide an estimated date for when the contact's vehicle would receive the recall repair. The contact was not experiencing a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2009 saab 9-3. The contact stated that nhtsa campaign number: 15v338000 (air bags) exceeded a reasonable time for repair. The manufacturer stated that the part to perform the repair would not be available for over six months. The vin was unknown. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 saab 9-3. The contact received a notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the part or remedy for the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 saab 9-3. The contact received a notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the part or remedy for the recall repair was not available. 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.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
The intake valves are bad on this car and it has 100K miles on this. This IS a $2000 plus job that comes out of pocket. It seems to be this IS a common problem with saabs and it appears there are several complaints on here. This needs to be recalled and paid for by gm, because they did not property build this engine if so many are failing. My car will turn over and not start in the cold weather.
- Engine
Car went into "limp-home" mode. upon mechanic inspection, failed compression test and had bad intake valves. out-of-pocket fix, car running fine now. kept all parts replaced, edges of valves are as sharp as a knife. similar experience as documented by other saab owners at link below. http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=329066
- Fuel/propulsion system
The cylinder valves are all having to be replaced though the car only has 77K miles. I have now researched and learned that this was a problem on the 2007,2008, and 2009 saabs and nothing has been done to recall the cars. the resulting problem IS that the car will not start when cold and the…
The cylinder valves are all having to be replaced though the car only has 77K miles. I have now researched and learned that this was a problem on the 2007,2008, and 2009 saabs and nothing has been done to recall the cars. the resulting problem IS that the car will not start when cold and the compression during a cold start IS half of what it should be. the valves are faulty and the repair IS $4000 at my local dealer, who IS authorized to work on saab. this IS a manufacturing issue and IS not being recognized as such.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant…
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
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.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 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).
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 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.
- 11007116This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007095This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006682This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
- 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.
- 11004727This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 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.
- 11001325This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information to cover GMs policy on performing GM covered vehicle services and maintenance on vehicles originating/sold in Canada.
- 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.
- 11000160This service bulletin provides information on proper use of floor mats.
- 11000158This service bulletin includes information on Interior Cleaning - Instrument Panel (IP), Hard or Plastic Surfaces, Seats, Carpet, Leather, Vinyl, Fabric Cleaner, Stain Remover, Restorer - Product Availability.
- 11000119This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10254240Information on COAX Repair Kit Availability.
- 10253770This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Tire Radial Force Variation (RFV).
- 10253632Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots.
- 10252974This service bulletin provides information on Takata Air Bag Courtesy Transportation Reimbursement Program - Applicable to GM Recalls listed in bulletin.
- 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.
- 10251888This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 10251345This service bulletin provides information on Takata Air Bag Completion Rate Improvement Program - Applicable to GM Recalls 14491, 14735,15040, 15041, 15043,15044, 15045, 15046, 15406,15438, 15442, 15815, 15816,15817, 15818, 15826, 17009, 17476, 17477, 28810, 28811,17478, 18015, N192273760, N192278940, N212328760, N212328770, N212328780, N212328790, N212328800, N242437050, N242437060, N242437070.
- 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.
- 10250244This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 10250013High Voltage Safety ? High Voltage Disabling
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249535This preliminary information (PI) provides information om Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes (E4398, E4399, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491 or E6961).
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248493Bluetooth Stays Connected After RAP Is Canceled.
- 10248492Bluetooth Stays Connected After RAP Is Canceled.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247716J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
Every Saab 9-3 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.