2002 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
43% of complaints: electrical system — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing module and ignition.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
MY 2002 SAAB 9-3 STALLED IN TRAFFIC AND COULD NOT BE STARTED AGAIN. THE DIRECT IGNITION MODULE HAD BURNT OUT SUDDENLY, AND SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING OUT OF THE CONNECTOR WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050330
The soft top is faulty and the rear lights are as well.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230216
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I JUST PURCHASED MY 2002 SAAB 9-3 FROM KARZ AND MORE IN LONGVIEW WA. IN NOVEMBER 2012 AND DROVE ABOUT ONE MILE WENT INTO A STORE CAME OUT AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE THERMOSTAT AND THE IGNITION COIL PACK WERE BAD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140613
16% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing catalytic convertor and turbo/supercharger.
14% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
THIS IS THE SECOND SAAB, 1993 WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION THAT WILL REQUIRE REPLACING THAT I HAVE OWNED.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020408
11% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings and fuel pump.
8% of complaints: seat belts — 3 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SAAB 9-3. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO UTILIZE THE SEAT BELT, THE RETRACTOR FAILED AND WOULD NOT OPERATE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191126
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE ROD END RETAINING NUTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TIGHTENED AT THE FACTORY.
Remedy: ALL VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND CORRECTED PRIOR TO CUSTOMER DELIVERY. NO OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE REQUIRED.
Campaign 01V314000 — 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
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 JUNE 13, 2007. THIS IS AN EXPANSION OF
Campaign 07V087000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Saab 9-3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 01V314000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V557000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V399000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07V087000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Saab 9-3 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Saab 9-3 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Saab 9-3?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 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.