2000 Saab 9-3
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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 PER YEAR
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
24% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file.
20% of complaints: air bags — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
IN NEUTRAL PARKED IN TRAFFIC AT A RED LIGHT / INTERSECTION WAITING FOR GREEN, THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG IN MY SEAT DEPLOYED/ EXPLODED CAUSING INJURY AND BRUISING TO LEFT ARM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200711
I GOT INTO MY PARKED VEHICLE AS NORMAL, CLOSED THE DOOR AND FASTENED MY SEATBELT. I THEN DEPRESSED THE CLUTCH PEDAL AND INSERTED THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180927
I WAS RETURNING FROM THREE DAYS OF AIR TRAVEL AND REACHED MY CAR WHICH WAS PARKED IN A SECURE CORPORATE AIRPORT PARKING LOT WITH NO OTHER CARS AROUND IT. I PLACED MY LUGGAGE IN THE TRUNK, ENTERED THE CAR AND PUT ON MY SEAT BELT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20151009
18% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE IGNITION SWITCH IS LOCATED IN THE CENTER CONSOLE OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20000906
18% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file.
16% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THE AIR BAG ALERT LABELS MAY NOT BE PERMANENTLY AFFIXED AS REQUIRED BY
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CLEAN THE SUNVISOR SURFACE AND APPLY A NEW AIR BAG ALERT LABEL ON BOTH SUNVISORS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 30, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AG
Campaign 01V168000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE STALL/ ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH B205/B235 4-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES AND B308 6-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE OVERHEATING AND BURNOUT OF THE ISOLATED GATED BIPOLAR TRANSISTOR (IGB
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE WHAT VERSION IDM IS IN THE VEHICLE AND REPLACE THE IDM IF IT IS A VERSION BUILT PRIOR TO THE INTRODUCTION OF QP3. AN INTERIM LETTER WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS IN OCTOBER 200
Campaign 05V399000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2000 Saab 9-3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 01V168000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V399000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2000 Saab 9-3 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2000 Saab 9-3 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Saab 9-3?
The most-reported component is electrical system:ignition:module, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2000 Saab 9-3 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.