MYRModel Year Report

2003 Saab 9-3

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2003 Saab 9-3
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints 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
212
Recalls
5

Campaigns on file for 2003

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

24% of complaints

Complaints per year

1994: 1 complaint 1994 1999: 64 complaints 2000: 50 complaints 2000 2001: 59 complaints 2002: 37 complaints 2003: 212 complaints 2003 212 2004: 207 complaints 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 2003: 212 complaints 2003 212 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 2003: 212 complaints 2003 212 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

2003: 212 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

24% · 51 reports

Most commonly citing front underhood and ignition.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Saab 9-3. While driving approximately 30 MPH, smoke emitted underneath the hood. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road. The contact mentioned that smoke emitted from the battery compartment.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-12-07

I am receiving an onstar not available error - there was a recall 08089-b part # 10027804 - I want my onstar disabled. Who do I contact?

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-09-07

Suspension

21% · 45 reports

Most commonly citing front and coil springs.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

At 65 MPH the vehicle pulls to the right and left very hard even at the slightest turn.this pulling is really violent. Consumer has to drive at low speeds to control vehicle. Dealer suggested consumer to get skinnier tires.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-05-06

Power train

15% · 32 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and column shift assembly.

CRASHINJURY

Engine and engine cooling

15% · 32 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gas recirculation valve (egr valve).

CRASHINJURY

Steering

9% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing anti-theft device and electric power assist system.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owned a 2003 Saab 9-3. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the steering lost power. The driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a concrete wall. The driver side tire became stuck under the driver seat without warning.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-04-04

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. ▮
    2003Complaint volume 212 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2003-12-30Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-03-19 Engine stall
  3. R
    2004-01-15Engine and engine cooling04V540000 On certain passenger vehicles, the engine management system software may cause engine hesitation or stalling.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the engine management system. Owners may contact Saab at 1-800-955-9007.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2004-03-19Engineering analysisClosed 2004-10-27 Engine stall
  5. R
    2005-01-24Seat belts04V226000 Some sport sedans were built with seat belt retractors that were damaged during the manufacturing process. If damaged, over time, the automatic tensioning system (Ats) cable in the seat belt…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat belt retractor assemblies. The recall began on January 24, 2005. Owners should contact Saab at 1-800-955-9007.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2006-03-17Service brakes, hydraulic05V236000 Certain sport sedan and convertible passenger vehicles were produced with a vacuum pipe check valve for the brake booster that may fail from exposure to elevated temperatures. This could result in…

    Remedy: Dealers will install a new redesigned check valve. The recall began on March 17, 2006. Owners should contact Saab at 1-800-955-9007.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. 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 →

  8. I
    2008-08-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 2008-12-23 Front suspension coil spring fracture
  9. I
    2008-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2010-06-04 Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture
  10. R
    2011-02-22Fuel system, gasoline11E009000 Ti automotive is recalling certain fuel pumps, part numbers TU456 and TU303, sold under various brand names as aftermarket and replacement equipment for the motor vehicles listed above. The…

    Remedy: Ti automotive will notify owners of record and will replace any defective fuel pump with a new or reworked fuel pump free of charge. The safety recall began on February 22, 2011. Owners may…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Saab 9-3 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 51 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 45 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 32 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 04V540000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 04V226000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 05V236000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 07V087000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 11E009000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2003 Saab 9-3 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Saab 9-3 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Saab 9-3?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Saab 9-3 have?
5 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.