MYRModel Year Report

2008 Saab 9-3

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2008 Saab 9-3
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:45:23.480Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Saab 9-3 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2008 highlighted. 1994: 1 complaints 1994 1999: 64 complaints 2000: 50 complaints 2000 2001: 59 complaints 2002: 37 complaints 2002 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 2011
2008: 184 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19941
199964
200050
200159
200237
2003212
2004207
200595
2006179
2007155
2008184
200943
201030
201130

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

AIR BAGS 39%

39% of complaints: air bags — 71 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

I have been trying to get this recall done for many years and with no luck. Most recently June 26th 2026 I was informed my recall was not fixable again and I hope for the last time. Enough is enough!

NHTSA ODI report, 20260626

Hello, I know the Takata airbag has to be replaced on my car. However now I do live abroad, in Gothenburg Sweden in Europe. How do I get the replacement done? Should I go to GM here in Europe? Thanks

NHTSA ODI report, 20251206

The contact owns a 2008 Saab 9-3. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V318000 (Seat Belts) and 16V063000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240830

ENGINE 36%

36% of complaints: engine — 66 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

THE ENGINE LOST TOTAL COMPRESSION DUE TO WHAT THE MECHANIC SAID WAS A WELL-DOCUMENTED CASE OF INTAKE VALVE FAILURE, HAPPENED IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.

NHTSA ODI report, 20150824

CAR STARTS AND SHUTS OFF.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171106

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 7%

7% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 13 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

CAR STARTS AND SHUTS OFF.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171106

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6%

6% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

ACCIDENT HAPPENED AFTER HEADLIGHT LOW-BEAM FAILED.WAS TOLD AND SHOWN A MELTED HEADLIGHT MODULE THAT OVERHEATED AND CAUSED THE LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS TO GO OUT. THE ENTIRE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. AS WERE OTHER CRASH INVOLVED PARTS

NHTSA ODI report, 20180603

2008 SAAB 93 2.0T SEDAN STALLED (NO SPUTTER OR BUCK, BUT JUST A LOSS OF POWER) WHILE DRIVING. RESULTED IN A COLLISION. INITIAL DEALERSHIP MECHANICS HAVE "NO FINDINGS" - THEY WILL HAVE A FIELD ENGINEER INVESTIGATE TOMORROW. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20081201

SUSPENSION 5%

5% of complaints: suspension — 10 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2008 — complaint volume: 184
I 20080128 — PE (closed 20080603)

REDUCED BRAKE POWER-ASSIST

R 20110222 — fuel system, gasoline

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

R 20151006 — seat belts

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

R 20170301 — air bags

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Saab 9-3 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2002, to February 15, 2011, 2006-2009 Saab 9-5 vehicles manufactured June 7, 2005, to May 28, 2009, and 2008-2009 Saturn Astra vehicles...

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator on Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles and will replace the driver's frontal airbag module on Saturn Astra vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on March 1, 2017.

Campaign 16V063000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20210917 — EA (open)

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2008 Saab 9-3 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (71 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (66 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (13 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 11E009000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 14V318000 (seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 16V063000 (air bags) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2010 ▲ 2011 ▲ 2002

WORST YEARS

■ 2003 ■ 2004 ■ 2006

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2008 Saab 9-3 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Saab 9-3 is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Saab 9-3?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 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.