1999 Saab 9-3
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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.
- Complaints
- 64
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 1999
Opened by NHTSA
34% of complaints
Complaints per year
1999: 64 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1999 | 64 |
| 2000 | 50 |
| 2001 | 59 |
| 2002 | 37 |
| 2003 | 212 |
| 2004 | 207 |
| 2005 | 95 |
| 2006 | 179 |
| 2007 | 155 |
| 2008 | 184 |
| 2009 | 43 |
| 2010 | 30 |
| 2011 | 30 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
34% · 22 reportsMost commonly citing module and ignition.
Air bags
28% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-02-28
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-19
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-06-29
Suspension
9% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing shock absorber and front.
Engine and engine cooling
8% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing engine.
Visibility
6% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing electrical heating element and defroster/defogger/hvac system.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1998-09-01Equipment98V139000 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."
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.
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R
1999-10-15Seats99V246000 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.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new cable and spring assembly.
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R
2000-01-30Equipment99V362000 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."
Remedy: Owners will be mailed labels and installation instructions.
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I
2005-04-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-09-23 Engine stall/ engine compartment fires
Buy-smart checklist
1999 Saab 9-3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 22 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 18 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 6 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 98V139000 · Equipment
- Recall 99V246000 · Seats
- Recall 99V362000 · Equipment
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1999 Saab 9-3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Saab 9-3 is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1999 Saab 9-3?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1999 Saab 9-3 have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-08-10 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.