Saab Hub Recall 03V006000 (71K Vehicles)

The problem

On certain passenger vehicles, if an owner changes their wheels/tires between summer and winter using a steel wheel in the winter and an alloy wheel in the summer, it is possible for rust and contamination to build up on the wheel hub during the steel wheel usage. If this occurs and the contamination is not removed, it is possible that after the tire change service, some of this contamination could flake or grind away resulting in reduced clamping force of the wheel to the hub. Over several seasons, it is possible that this reduced force could result in fractures developing in the wheel bolts due to wheel to hub movement.

The risk

These fractures would result in wheel bolt breakage, allowing the wheel to detach from the wheel hub, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Owners will be contacted by mail and asked whether they change between steel and alloy wheels. If they do engage in this practice, they will be instructed to bring their cars to an authorized dealer. The dealer will remove the wheels, clean any contamination from the wheel and wheel hub, and replace the wheels using new improved bolts with attached washers. Owner notification began march 31, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.

Contacts

Saab recall no. 15013. Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

What to do

Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
Call a dealer. Any authorized Saab dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 03V006000.
Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.

Vehicle	Complaints	Recalls	Grade
1999 Saab 9-5	117	2	F
2000 Saab 9-5	102	3	F
2001 Saab 9-5	82	4	F
2002 Saab 9-5	65	6	F
2003 Saab 9-5	49	4	F

Vehicle

Complaints

Recalls

Grade

117

102

Questions

Is the 03V006000 recall repair free?

Yes. Federal law requires the manufacturer to fix safety recalls free of charge. SAAB CARS USA, INC.'s dealers do the work; the remedy is described above.

How do I know if my vehicle is part of recall 03V006000?

Not every vehicle of a listed model year is included. Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or call a dealer with your VIN.

When was recall 03V006000 announced?

SAAB CARS USA, INC. reported it to NHTSA on January 13, 2003. Owners are usually notified by mail within about two months.

Wheels: hub Saab recall