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
- 59
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2001
Opened by NHTSA
44% of complaints
Complaints per year
2001: 59 complaints
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.
Electrical system
44% · 26 reportsMost 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, 2024-11-25
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, 2012-11-23
While driving and without warning vehicle shut off completely. Losing all power, resulting in no steering, brakes etc,. Contacted dealer.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-18
Engine and engine cooling
24% · 14 reportsMost 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, 2002-12-05
Fuel system, gasoline
22% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings and fuel pump.
Air bags
7% · 4 reportsShow 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, 2021-10-11
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, 2021-05-17
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, 2014-08-06
Also filed under Structure
Fuel/propulsion system
3% · 2 reportsShow 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, 2019-02-18
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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…
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2005-03-14Fuel system, gasoline04V557000 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…
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2005-04-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-09-23 Engine stall/ engine compartment fires
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2005-12-20Recall queryClosed 2006-04-28 Fuel line leakage
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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…
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2006-05-12Fuel system, gasoline06V126000 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…
Buy-smart checklist
2001 Saab 9-3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 26 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 14 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 13 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 01V168000 · Air bags
- Recall 04V557000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 05V399000 · Electrical system
- Recall 06V126000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
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, 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.