1999 Saab 9-3 Convertible
Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 16 |
| 2000 | 12 |
| 2001 | 24 |
| 2002 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
5 of 16 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing module and switch.
Show complaint excerpts
BATTERY CABLE CORROSION AND BATTERY LEAKAGE. SINCE JUNE 1999 WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE POSITIVE LEAD BATTERY CABLE HAS CORRODED TOTALLY THROUGH FOUR TIMES. TWICE SNAPPING IN HALF AND LEAVING ME ON THE ROAD REQUIRING A TOW.
NHTSA ODI report, 20031026
4 of 16 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing side/window and frontal.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DRIVING ON ROAD AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED ON ITS OWN IN AFTERNOON OF FRIDAY, APRIL 27TH. NO PASSENGER WAS IN THE SEAT. SAAB WAS IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED. CAR WAS TAKEN TO SAAB DEALER MONDAY MORNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070501
I WAS TRAVELING ALONG ON THE INTERSTATE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SIDE CURTAIN DRIVER AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. IT NEARLY CAUSED ME TO WRECK FROM THE LOUD POP WHICH BLURRED MY VISION AS WELL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150818
3 of 16 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140923
1 of 16 total reports mentions: wheels, most commonly citing rim.
Show complaint excerpts
IN THE LAST 10 MONTHS THE FUNDAMENTAL RIMS THAT CAME WITH OPTIONAL STEALTH PACKAGE ARE WEAK. THREE RIMS HAVE BENT DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. LOCAL FL DEALERSHIP WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE A DEFECT IN THE RIMS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20010202
1 of 16 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing pump.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
ENGINE STALL/ ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1999 Saab 9-3 Convertible — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (3 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 1999 Saab 9-3 Convertible reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Saab 9-3 Convertible?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Saab 9-3 Convertible have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-08-10 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.