MYRModel Year Report

2001 Saab 9-3

● Typical for this model
2001 Saab 9-3
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:00:28.314Z

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, 2001 highlighted. 1994: 1 complaints 1994 1999: 64 complaints 2000: 50 complaints 2000 2001: 59 complaints 2001 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
2001: 59 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19941
199964
200050
200159
200237
2003212
2004207
200595
2006179
2007155
2008184
200943
201030
201130

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 15%

15% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 14%

14% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 8 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 14%

14% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file.

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

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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 12%

12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 10%

10% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

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

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20010730 — air bags

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

R 20050314 — fuel system, gasoline

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

I 20050407 — PE (closed 20050923)

ENGINE STALL/ ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

I 20051220 — RQ (closed 20060428)

FUEL LINE LEAKAGE

R 20060313 — electrical system

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

R 20060512 — fuel system, gasoline

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 (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 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.
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 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:ignition:module, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2001 Saab 9-3 have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.