2000 Saab 9-3: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2000 Saab 9-3: 2 recalls, 50 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
_Aero_convertible_(10992343696).jpg){kind=link}
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #01V168000 · 2001 · 43,073 vehicles
What's wrong: 208, "occupant crash protection." the air bag alert labels May not be permanently affixed as required by this standard.
Why it matters: These vehicles do not comply with the requirements.
The fix: Dealers will clean the sunvisor surface and apply a new air bag alert label on both sunvisors. Owner notification began July 30, 2001.
Electrical Vehicle recall #05V399000 · 2005 · 103,202 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain passenger vehicles equipped with b205/b235 4-cylinder gasoline engines and b308 6-cylinder gasoline engines May experience overheating and burnout of the isolated gated bipolar transistor (igbt) within the ignition discharge module (idm) due to increased susceptibility to electrical loads.
Why it matters: Overheating of the igbt occurs most often at engine start-up, but it May also occur while the engine is running. Engine stalling May occur, which could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect to see what version idm is in the vehicle and replace the idm if it is a version built prior to the introduction of qp3. An interim letter will be mailed to owners in October 2005, informing them of the condition. Parts are now available and owners will be notified to bring…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 9 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (23): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (12), electrical failure (4).
- Engine & cooling (13): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (4).
- Airbags (10): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Seat belts (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2000 Saab 9-3 has 50 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 14 9-3 model years for complaints (well below the 96 average). Complaints peaked in 2006 (8 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 93,559 miles. Neighboring years: 1999 (64 complaints, 3 recalls), 2001 (59 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 23 | 20 | Regular |
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 2000 Saab 9-3.
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.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2000 Saab 9-3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2000 Saab 9-3. 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 2000 Saab 9-3 problems?
Owners have filed 50 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (23), engine & cooling (13), airbags (10).
What gas mileage does the 2000 Saab 9-3 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 2000 Saab 9-3 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.