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2007-2010 · 4 model years

Saab 9-3 Wagon Problems by year

Owners have filed 412 complaints about the Saab 9-3 Wagon across 4 model years, and it has 0 recalls. The 2008 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (184), while 2009, 2010 have far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the airbags, followed by the engine & cooling.

Most complaints for its age2008184 complaints · 0 recallsSee the 2008
Complaints
412
Recalls
0
Crashes
8
Fires
6
Injuries
10
Deaths
1

9-3 Wagon complaints by model year

Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
201030000AirbagsA
200943010AirbagsA
2008184051AirbagsD
2007155025AirbagsD

Most common 9-3 Wagon problems

Latest 9-3 Wagon complaints

2008 Saab 9-3 WagonElectrical systemAirbagsSeats & seat belts

I have been trying to get this recall done for many years and with no luck. Most recently June 26th 2026 I was informed my recall was not fixable again and I hope for the last time. Enough is enough! Van Bortel Chevrolet in Macedon Ny tried again today which is there 2nd attempt. I had to buy a software card to give them the tool they didn't have to fit in there tech 2 scanner and even with the card they were unable to fix. It's a major safety issue I have been more than patient with and can't even begin to tell you over the years how much time and money spent trying to fix. I think at this point they need to replace car with similar or purchase from me.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Air bags · Seat beltsNHTSA 11746834
2008 Saab 9-3 WagonAirbags

Hello, I know the Takata airbag has to be replaced on my car. However now I do live abroad, in Gothenburg Sweden in Europe. How do I get the replacement done? Should I go to GM here in Europe? Thanks

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11703471
2008 Saab 9-3 WagonAirbags

The contact owns a 2008 Saab 9-3. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V318000 (Seat Belts) and 16V063000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however, the dealer declined to service the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11611827
2010 Saab 9-3 WagonFuel system

The contact owns a 2010 Saab 9-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V015000 (Fuel System, Other) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the fuel gauge failed to accurately provide fuel level in the vehicle. The contact stated that while the tank was a half tank full, the fuel gauge would drop to 0 gallons. The failure occurred...

Read the full complaint

intermittently. The check engine warning light was illuminated with a message indicating a fuel pump failure. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 104,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Fuel system, otherNHTSA 11566115
2008 Saab 9-3 WagonTransmission & drivetrain

at about 98,000 miles the starts to fail transmission fails Also when the car gets too cold in the winter it refuses to start and it is not a battery issue. the cylinders get to cold to start. When the warm weather comes back around it starts again.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11508009
2008 Saab 9-3 WagonSeats & seat belts

Driver seat belt fails to retract. When retraction failure occurs, it is obvious to the seat occupant immediately. If a crash were to occur with a seat belt in this condition, the result could increase the risk of injury to the driver. The seat belt retraction failure has been reproduced and confirmed. No warning lamps but, the seat belt showed earlier symptoms of not working properly, by not engaging when hard braking occurred. I will have the tensioner replaced.

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 11426755

Questions about the Saab 9-3 Wagon

Which Saab 9-3 Wagon years have the most problems?

By the number of complaints owners filed with NHTSA: 2008 (184), 2007 (155), 2009 (43). Allowing for how long each has been on the road, the 2008 stands out most. Complaint counts also rise with sales, so compare years of the same model rather than different models.

Which Saab 9-3 Wagon years have the fewest complaints?

Among model years that have been on the road for at least three years, 2010, 2009 have the best Safety Index - the fewest complaints, crashes and recalls for their age compared with other 9-3 Wagon years. Always check the exact vehicle's recalls by VIN before you buy.

What are the most common Saab 9-3 Wagon problems?

Across every model year, owners report problems with the airbags (175), engine & cooling (107), suspension (35) most often.

How many recalls does the Saab 9-3 Wagon have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for any Saab 9-3 Wagon model year on file.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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