2003 Saab 9-3: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Saab 9-3: 4 recalls, 212 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
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Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #04V226000 · 2004 · 31,335 vehicles
What's wrong: Some sport sedans were built with seat belt retractors that were damaged during the manufacturing process. If damaged, over time, the automatic tensioning system (ats) cable in the seat belt retractor could break causing the belt webbing to not retract.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, a front seat occupant May receive more severe injuries.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat belt retractor assemblies. The recall began on January 24, 2005. Owners should contact Saab at 1-800-955-9007.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #04V540000 · 2004 · 12,249 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the engine management system software May cause engine hesitation or stalling.
Why it matters: If the vehicle stalls as a result of this condition, it can be restarted immediately.
The fix: Dealers will update the engine management system.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #05V236000 · 2005 · 68,654 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain sport sedan and convertible passenger vehicles were produced with a vacuum pipe check valve for the brake booster that May fail from exposure to elevated temperatures. This could result in sudden loss of power brake assist, usually with little or no warning.
Why it matters: If this condition were to occur when minimum stopping distance is required, a crash could occur.
The fix: Dealers will install a new redesigned check valve. The recall began on March 17, 2006. Owners should contact Saab at 1-800-955-9007.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #07V087000 · 2007 · 94,377 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 June 13, 2007. This is an expansion of previous recall campaigns - see 04v557 and 06v126.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #11E009000 · 2011 · 4,887 vehicles
What's wrong: The defective fuel pump May seize, stopping the fuel flow to the engine creating a stalling condition.
Why it matters: A vehicle crash could occur should the engine stall while in use.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 6 mention a fire, 17 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (46): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (20), electrical failure (18), door / lock issues (9).
- Suspension (42): the most common themes are noise or vibration (14), rust / corrosion (6).
- Engine & cooling (32): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (24), warning light on (6).
- Transmission & drivetrain (32): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (16), stalls / loses power (11).
The 2003 Saab 9-3 has 212 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 14 9-3 model years for complaints (2.2× the average 9-3 year). Complaints peaked in 2003 (34 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 49,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (37 complaints, 4 recalls), 2004 (207 complaints, 5 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 | 29 | 23 | 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 2003 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.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Saab 9-3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Saab 9-3, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. 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 2003 Saab 9-3 problems?
Owners have filed 212 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (46), suspension (42), engine & cooling (32).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Saab 9-3 get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 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.