2001 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 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
44% of complaints: electrical system — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing module and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2001 Saab 9-3. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241125
Also filed under FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
BROUGHT MY 2001 SAAB 9-3 FOR CAMPAIGN RECALL 05V399000 IDM TO DIRITO BROTHERS SAAB OF WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA. DEALER STATED NOT REQUIRED TO CHANGE THE IDM. IF MY IDM FAILS AT A LATER DATE, I COULD BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO INJURY OR DEATH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121123
WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. LOSING ALL POWER, RESULTING IN NO STEERING, BRAKES ETC,. CONTACTED DEALER.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020918
24% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE ENGINE SHUT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER STEERING. TS
NHTSA ODI report, 20021205
22% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings and fuel pump.
7% of complaints: air bags — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
unexpected and unrequested deployment of driver side seat air bag. i was driving the vehicle at a speed of 0-5mph attempting to back the vehicle into a parking spot when the driver seat air bag deployed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20211011
I left my home with my daughter in the afternoon to go to the bank and hardware store. I drove to the bank to make a deposit.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210517
TL * THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DRIVER DIED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE SPEED WAS 40-45 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140806
Also filed under STRUCTURE
3% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 2 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
EXCESSIVE LEAKING. WAS DRIVING ON E-WAY AND ENGINE STOPPED OR SOMETHING OCCURED WHERE IT SOUNDED AS IF THE CAR TURNED OFF. THE BATTERY WAS WORKING BUT, WHEN I PRESSED ON ACCELERATOR IT DIDN'T PROPEL FORWARD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190218
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
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL DEVELOP A SECURING BRACKET THAT WILL SECURE THE FUEL LINES TO THE FUEL PUMP EVEN IF THE PLASTIC RETAINING TABS SHOULD BREAK. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 14, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SAA
Campaign 04V557000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE STALL/ ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
FUEL LINE LEAKAGE
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
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL DEVELOP A SECURING BRACKET THAT WILL SECURE THE FUEL LINES TO THE FUEL PUMP EVEN IF THE PLASTIC RETAINING TABS SHOULD BREAK. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 12, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT
Campaign 06V126000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Saab 9-3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 01V168000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V557000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V399000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V126000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2001 Saab 9-3 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Saab 9-3 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Saab 9-3?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Saab 9-3 have?
4 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.