MYRModel Year Report

1999 Saab 9-3

● Typical for this model
1999 Saab 9-3
RENDERED 2026-09-16T19:14:33.621Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Saab 9-3 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1999 highlighted. 1994: 1 complaints 1994 1999: 64 complaints 1999 2000: 50 complaints 2000 2001: 59 complaints 2002: 37 complaints 2002 2003: 212 complaints 2004: 207 complaints 2004 2005: 95 complaints 2006: 179 complaints 2006 2007: 155 complaints 2008: 184 complaints 2008 2009: 43 complaints 2010: 30 complaints 2010 2011: 30 complaints 2011
1999: 64 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19941
199964
200050
200159
200237
2003212
2004207
200595
2006179
2007155
2008184
200943
201030
201130

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 34%

34% of complaints: electrical system — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing module and ignition.

AIR BAGS 28%

28% of complaints: air bags — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASH INJURY
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, 20210228

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, 20180719

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, 20180629

SUSPENSION 9%

9% of complaints: suspension — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing shock absorber and front.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 8%

8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine.

VISIBILITY 6%

6% of complaints: visibility — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing electrical heating element and defroster/defogger/hvac system.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19980901 — equipment

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.

Campaign 98V139000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19991015 — seats

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.

Campaign 99V246000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20000130 — equipment

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.

Campaign 99V362000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20050407 — PE (closed 20050923)

ENGINE STALL/ ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1999 Saab 9-3 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (22 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (18 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 98V139000 (equipment) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 99V246000 (seats) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 99V362000 (equipment) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2010 ▲ 2011 ▲ 2002

WORST YEARS

■ 2003 ■ 2004 ■ 2008

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.