MYRModel Year Report

2005 Saab 9-3

◆ Worse than typical
2005 Saab 9-3
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:51:44.352Z

This year had 30% to 100% more 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
95
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2005

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Suspension

34% of complaints

Complaints per year

1994: 1 complaint 1994 1999: 64 complaints 2000: 50 complaints 2000 2001: 59 complaints 2002: 37 complaints 2002 2003: 212 complaints 2004: 207 complaints 2005: 95 complaints 2005 95 2006: 179 complaints 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 2004: 207 complaints 2004 2005: 95 complaints 2005 95 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 2004: 207 complaints 2004 2005: 95 complaints 2005 95 2006: 179 complaints 2006 2007: 155 complaints 2007 2008: 184 complaints 2008 2009: 43 complaints 2009 2010: 30 complaints 2010 2011: 30 complaints 2011

2005: 95 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.

Suspension

34% · 32 reports

Most commonly citing front and coil springs.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Saab 9-3. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the front passenger side suspension coil spring fractured and punctured the front passenger tire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-02

The front-right coil spring has broken (When turning 180 degree, at 3 or 5 MPH);

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-22

Seat belts

23% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly and front.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Seat belt repair problem re 2005 Saab 9.3 VIN [xxx] purchased dec '04, involved in accident aug '05. No repair parts stocked in USA, therefore ordered from sweden.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-10-25

Air bags

13% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Takata recall driver in front was in motion and came to an abrupt stop at the yellow signal light. I was not able to stop in time. There was a direct impact front end collision to my car.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-03-07

Electrical system

9% · 9 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Horn does not blow, please wait light stays on. And burns the battery out over a day or so while car is stationary have to recharge.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-27

Fuel/propulsion system

5% · 5 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Saab 9-3. The contact stated while trying to start the vehicle, he heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated he saw smoke coming the hood. The contact stated no warning lights illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-08-06

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. ▮
    2005Complaint volume 95 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. 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 →

  3. I
    2008-08-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 2008-12-23 Front suspension coil spring fracture
  4. I
    2008-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2010-06-04 Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture
  5. 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 →

  6. R
    2015-10-06Seat belts14V318000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible vehicles manufactured July 30, 2003, to February 15, 2011.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt retractor, free of charge. The recall began on October 6, 2015. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007. GM's number for this recall is 14222.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2005 Saab 9-3 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Suspension: 32 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 22 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 12 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 05V236000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 11E009000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 14V318000 · Seat belts
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2005 Saab 9-3 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Saab 9-3 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Saab 9-3?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Saab 9-3 have?
3 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.