MYRModel Year Report

2008 Saab 9-3

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2008 Saab 9-3
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:52:10.797Z

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
184
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2008

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Air bags

39% 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 2004 2005: 95 complaints 2006: 179 complaints 2006 2007: 155 complaints 2008: 184 complaints 2008 184 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 2006: 179 complaints 2006 2007: 155 complaints 2007 2008: 184 complaints 2008 184 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 2006: 179 complaints 2006 2007: 155 complaints 2007 2008: 184 complaints 2008 184 2009: 43 complaints 2009 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

39% · 71 reports
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, 2026-06-26

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?…

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-12-06

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, 2024-08-30

Engine

36% · 66 reports
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, 2015-08-24

Car starts and shuts off.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-06

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

Fuel/propulsion system

7% · 13 reports

Electrical system

6% · 11 reports
CRASHINJURY
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…

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-06-03

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-12-01

Suspension

6% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing coil springs.

CRASH

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. ▮
    2008Complaint volume 184 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2008-01-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 2008-06-03 Reduced brake power-assist
  3. 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 →

  4. 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 →

  5. R
    2017-03-01Air bags16V063000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Saab 9-3 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 71 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 66 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel/propulsion system: 13 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 11E009000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 14V318000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 16V063000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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 2026-08-10 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.