2005 Saab 9-3
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.
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
21% of complaints: seat belts — 20 distinct reports on file.
16% of complaints: suspension — 15 distinct reports on file.
15% of complaints: suspension — 14 distinct reports on file.
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, 20120402
THE FRONT-RIGHT COIL SPRING HAS BROKEN (WHEN TURNING 180 DEGREE, AT 3 OR 5 MPH); *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120322
11% of complaints: air bags — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20160307
9% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20171227
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 SU
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.
Campaign 05V236000 — check if this car was fixed
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURE
Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture
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 DEFECTIVE
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 CONTACT
Campaign 11E009000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 14V318000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Saab 9-3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 05V236000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11E009000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V318000 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 seat belts, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Saab 9-3 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.