2002 Saab 9-3 Convertible: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Saab 9-3 Convertible: 1 recall, 9 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.

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. 3 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Body & structure (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (2): the most common themes are fire / smoke (2).
- Airbags (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine & cooling (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2002 Saab 9-3 Convertible has 9 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 4 9-3 Convertible model years for complaints (well below the 15 average). Complaints peaked in 2004 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 29,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (24 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 30 | 24 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Premium |
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 2002 Saab 9-3 Convertible.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2002 Saab 9-3 Convertible have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2002 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 2002 Saab 9-3 Convertible problems?
Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (2), electrical (2), airbags (2).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Saab 9-3 Convertible get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 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.