MotorDeets

2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible: 1 recall, 24 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
24owner complaints
1mention a crash
22best combined mpg
2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible
Photo: DieselFordMondeo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Fuel system Vehicle recall #04V557000 · 2004 · 17,394 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production.

Why it matters: Over time, this could cause the fuel lines to loosen from the pump resulting in fuel leakage. If an ignition source were present, the fuel May ignite resulting in a vehicle fire.

The fix: 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 March 14, 2005. Owners should contact Saab at 1-800-955-9007.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical8
Fuel system6
Engine & cooling3
Brakes (hydraulic)2
Wheels2
Tires2
Transmission & drivetrain2
Suspension1

What owners describe

The 2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible has 24 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 4 9-3 Convertible model years for complaints (1.6× the average 9-3 Convertible year). Complaints peaked in 2004 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 70,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (12 complaints, 1 recalls), 2002 (9 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.0 L 4-cyl turboManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive192822Premium
2.0 L 4-cyl turboManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive192622Regular
2.0 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive182521Regular
2.0 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive192621Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible manual

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FAQ

Does the 2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible problems?

Owners have filed 24 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (8), fuel system (6), engine & cooling (3).

What gas mileage does the 2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible get?

EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other 9-3 Convertible years

1999200020012002