MYRModel Year Report

2000 Saab 9-3

▲ Better than typical
2000 Saab 9-3
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:44:00.118Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
50
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2000

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

62% of complaints

Complaints per year

1994: 1 complaint 1994 1999: 64 complaints 2000: 50 complaints 2000 50 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
1994: 1 complaint 1994 1999: 64 complaints 1999 2000: 50 complaints 2000 50 2001: 59 complaints 2001 2002: 37 complaints 2002 2003: 212 complaints 2003 2004: 207 complaints 2004 2005: 95 complaints 2005 2006: 179 complaints 2006 2007: 155 complaints 2007 2008: 184 complaints 2008 2009: 43 complaints 2009 2010: 30 complaints 2010 2011: 30 complaints 2011
1994: 1 complaint 1994 1999: 64 complaints 1999 2000: 50 complaints 2000 50 2001: 59 complaints 2001 2002: 37 complaints 2002 2003: 212 complaints 2003 2004: 207 complaints 2004 2005: 95 complaints 2005 2006: 179 complaints 2006 2007: 155 complaints 2007 2008: 184 complaints 2008 2009: 43 complaints 2009 2010: 30 complaints 2010 2011: 30 complaints 2011

2000: 50 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

62% · 31 reports

Most commonly citing module and ignition.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The ignition switch is located in the center console of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-09-06

Engine and engine cooling

28% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing belts and associated pulleys and engine.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Consumer's 2002 Saab 9-3's engine caught on fire while it was being driven. *kb the manufacturer was contacted but they refused to provide any assistance because the vehicle was no longer under warranty.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-09-22

Air bags

20% · 10 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show 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, 2020-07-11

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, 2018-09-27

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, 2015-10-09

Seat belts

6% · 3 reports

Fuel system, gasoline

4% · 2 reports

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2001-07-30Air bags01V168000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    2005-04-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-09-23 Engine stall/ engine compartment fires
  3. R
    2006-03-13Electrical system05V399000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2000 Saab 9-3 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 31 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 14 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 10 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 01V168000 · Air bags
  • Recall 05V399000 · Electrical system
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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, accounting for 62% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2000 Saab 9-3 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-08-10 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.