MYRModel Year Report

2002 Saab 9-3

▲ Better than typical
2002 Saab 9-3
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:43:42.451Z

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
37
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 2002

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

43% of complaints

Complaints per year

1994: 1 complaint 1994 1999: 64 complaints 2000: 50 complaints 2000 2001: 59 complaints 2002: 37 complaints 2002 37 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 2001: 59 complaints 2001 2002: 37 complaints 2002 37 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 2001: 59 complaints 2001 2002: 37 complaints 2002 37 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

2002: 37 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

43% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing module and ignition.

FIRE
Show 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, 2005-03-30

The soft top is faulty and the rear lights are as well.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-02-16

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, 2014-06-13

Engine and engine cooling

16% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing catalytic convertor and turbo/supercharger.

Power train

14% · 5 reports

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-04-08

Fuel system, gasoline

11% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings and fuel pump.

Seat belts

8% · 3 reports
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, 2019-11-26

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. R
    2001-09-28Steering01V314000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2005-04-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-09-23 Engine stall/ engine compartment fires
  4. 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 →

  5. R
    2007-06-13Fuel system, gasoline07V087000 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2002 Saab 9-3 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 16 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 01V314000 · Steering
  • Recall 04V557000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 05V399000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 07V087000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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.