- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production.
- The risk
- 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 may 12, 2006. Owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.
Vehicle safety record
2001 Saab 9-3 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 59 complaints about the 2001 Saab 9-3 with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (23) and the fuel system (16). Those complaints describe 1 crash, 1 fire, 3 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in April 2006 for the hoses, lines / piping, and fittings. For comparison, the 2000 has 50 and the 2002 has 37.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical 9-3 year, for its age
#114 most complained-about 2001 vehicle
- Complaints
- 59
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 3
- Deaths
- 1
Most common 2001 Saab 9-3 problems
Share of all 59 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2001 Saab 9-3 recalls 4
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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 their vehicles in to the dealers to have the idm replaced by letter dated march 13, 2006. Owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production.
- The risk
- 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.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with requirements of fmvss no. 208, "Occupant crash protection." The air bag alert labels may not be permanently affixed as required by this standard.
- The risk
- 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. 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.
What owners say
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59 complaints about the 2001 Saab 9-3
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 3.
The contact owns a 2001 Saab 9-3. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. A mobile independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 05V399000 (Electrical System) and 06V126000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
unexpected and unrequested deployment of driver side seat air bag. i was driving the vehicle at a speed of 0-5mph attempting to back the vehicle into a parking spot when the driver seat air bag deployed. a report was made with the local police department. no indicator or failure lights were present, the vehicle is able to be inspected at this time for further information. It is unknown about any other inspections by anyone other than the local police department.
I left my home with my daughter in the afternoon to go to the bank and hardware store. I drove to the bank to make a deposit. We had to wait for quite awhile in the drive-through line at the bank, so I turned off my engine a couple of times rather than having the car idle. After making the deposit at the bank, I pulled out of the bank lot and began driving to the hardware store. I had driven for about two minutes and was driving along at approximately 25-30 miles an hour, and suddenly there was a terrible...
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explosion at my left ear and massive pain in my left arm. I thought the car had been shot at and my arm hit. I was terrified we were still being shot at and looked at my daughter whose hands were over her ears. I could tell by that time that I was not bleeding and so was worried that the bullet had hit her. I could hear only faintly out of my left ear. There was smoke and the smell of an explosion. I could see by this time that an airbag had come out of my driver's seat and thought that it had been hit too. My daughter told me she was o.k. and to pull the car over so that we could see what had happened. I was shaking with fear and pain in my arm but finally calmed down enough to park the car and get out to see what had happened. It became clear that the car had not been shot at and that the driver's side seat airbag had simply spontaneously exploded without any warning whatsoever. The driver's seat side seam was completely ripped, multiple pieces of seat foam were lying about, and the air bag in the seat was out and ripped. The seat was still smoking. Luckily I had had my window completely down, or the explosion would have been louder in the car, and my arm and left side could have been more badly injured. I called my longtime Saab repairman who told me that what happened to me was extremely rare. He said I would need a new seat and that the computer system would need to be reset for the airbag system to work again. Insurance will examine soon. I may try GM too.
NO INCIDENT
Excessive leaking. Was driving on e-way and engine stopped or something occured where it sounded as if the car turned off. The battery was working but, when I pressed on accelerator it didn't propel forward. I carefully steered with hazard lights to side of the road. Ignition cranks but, car won't turn over. Replaced direct ignition coil, crankshaft sensor but, issue seems to be the fuel pump. A recall was issued regarding this: recall 06v126000 affected cars saab 9-3 2001 engine, may 12, 2006 original...
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recall from the nhtsa manufacturer's report date may 12, 2006 nhtsa action number rq05003 potential number of units affected 11,886 nhtsa campaign id number 06v126000 component fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings summary on certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production. Consequence 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.
When I changed the battery of the car key, its doors and trunk stopped lock and unlock. The belt of the gas tank was broken also. I replaced also the fuel tank.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saab 9-3. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start while the battery warning indicator was illuminated. In addition, the vehicle would stall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition discharge module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 05v399000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.
Tl * the contact owned a 2001 saab 9-3. The contact was involved in a crash and the air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was destroyed. The driver died and a police report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified. The speed was 40-45 mph. The failure mileage was 98,000. Updated 09/11/14*lj the consumer stated the 7 year old passenger was rushed to the hospital. The a pillar as well as the roof caved in. Police determined vehicle speed was not a factor. Updated 1/13/2015 *js
When coming to a stop at an intersection, the drivers side seat belt locks repeatedly making it impossible to lean forward to see if the intersection is clear. Even after slowly leaning all of the way back and trying to lean forward again, it locks. The seat belt must be removed to avoid being held back in the seat and unable to see. In addition, when trying to remove the seat belt, the button sticks and must be pressed several times before it releases. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saab 9-3 convertible. The contact stated while attempting to engage the brake pedal, the accelerator pedal extended to the floor with out any warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 108,000.
Brought my 2001 saab 9-3 for campaign recall 05v399000 idm to dirito brothers saab of walnut creek, california. Dealer stated not required to change the idm. If my idm fails at a later date, I could be susceptible to injury or death. Need to know if dealer is required to change idm. *Tr
Saab 93 - heated driver seat melted a hole in the seat. *Tr
At approximately 75,000 miles, driving on the interstate around 70mph, oil light begins flickering. After slowing down to 60 the light stopped flickering and instead stayed on. From the time I was able to slow down to pull off the road a knocking sound could be heard from the engine progressively getting louder. The car was then taken home and inspected. Removing the oil pan revealed that the oil pick-up tube was clogged and the pan was caked with burnt oil. A local mechanic estimated $3,000 to repair the...
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internal damage. Called saab, they said the car was beyond any warranty and that it was my fault for not turning the car off immediately after seeing the light. Furthermore after researching this issue, I spoke with 3 saab representatives who claimed to know nothing of this oil sludge issue and were not able to bring it up as it does not have a recall number, a fourth one was able to pull up a record based on my v.I.N. Showing that this known oil sludge problem was "repaired" back in 2006 under the name "special policy" which was good for 8 years after the in service date so long as all records of the car were kept. According to this report my argument was pointless considering I was approximately 5 months out of warranty and did not have the required service logs. *Tr
Driving on freeway on ramp, without warning vehicle lost all power in the middle of traffic, almost causing a serious crash. Took vehicle to mechanic and it was discover that there was a faulty throttle body. Part was replaced. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saab 9-3. While driving at approximately 30 mph, the oil pressure light illuminated. The contact turned the vehicle off and the light turned off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis and the mechanic flushed the oil sludge out. The current mileage was approximately 102,500. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. Updated 07/15/10 *bf the consumer stated he received a letter from saab acknowledging a problem with several year models regarding internally...
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lubricated engine parts. The letter stated they were extending the warranty for a total of eight years from the service date with unlimited mileage. The consumer stated his coverage expired. The cost to repair the problem was $2500. Updated 07/19/10*jb
Nhtsa campaign id # 04v557000 and 06v126000 are recalls which necessitated saab to inspect the fuel pump brackets. The 2001 saab 9-3, which I own, was first repaired because the fuel lines were corrupted and caused fuel to pump out into the open on top of the gas tank. This was repaired under warranty and was not under recall at that time. Much later, I received a recall notice for an inspection of the fuel pump bracket to make sure the a "new" bracket had been installed. These two inspections required the...
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lowering of the fuel tank. I received a code 0442 a few months later and had the saab dealer inspect possible cause. It was discovered that the vent hose filler pipe has a leak as determined by a "smoke" check. Later, at a different shop, while having a tire rotation, the technician had me come out and check the right wheel area with the wheel assembly removed. What was revealed was a "rub" hole in the vent hose caused by contact with the shock absorber. I have digital photos of the damage. The damaged vent line is either 1) poor engineering of the vent line in relation to the shock absorber, or 2) the damage was the act of poor re-installment of the fuel tank either on the repair or later inspection. My question is this, " has there been any reports of shock absorbers, or other parts, causing holes in the vent lines which pass near the right wheel assembly?" Saab has not been very helpful in trying to resolve this issue. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saab 9-3. While driving at any speed, the instrument panel stopped functioning and the brake pedal had to be applied with more pressure than normal to stop the vehicle. The failure occurs every time the vehicle is driven. The contact did not notice any differences in the vehicle prior to the failure. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The vin was unknown. The current mileage was 70,000 and failure mileage was 60,000.
The direct ignition cassette has been replaced four different times. The initial replacement was only 8,000 miles into the original ownership. The last two were in 2006 with 80,000 miles. It is apparent continued problems have been experienced with this vehicle. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saab 9-3. While driving 70 mph, the check engine light illuminated. The contact drove to the dealer and they stated that the ignition cassette failed. She then found a recall on her vehicle for the same failure her vehicle was experiencing; however, the dealer stated that her vin was not included. The contact believes that her vehicle should be included in the recall because it is experiencing the same failure. The recall number was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 82,347. Updated 05/20/08. *Lj the door handle was replaced. Updated 05/20/08
2001 Saab 9-3 with oil light illuminated. Consumer states that the vehicle would not restart when pulled to the side of the road. Consumer stated that there were a lot of reports of oil sludge on this make and model. *Kb the consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer and was informed the vehicle needed a new engine, due to sludge build-up in the oil pan.
No warning. Oil light goes on while driving on the highway. Vehicle towed to saab dealership. Engine seized. Sludge found in the oil pickup pan. Perfect service records. Saab/gm will not honor extended 8 year warranty. For known sludge problem. *Tr
ENGINE SEIZED. *TR
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saab 9-3. While driving approximately 45 mph, the contact noticed smoke rising from under the driver seat. Her legs became extremely hot so she pulled over and shut off the seat warmer. The vehicle became engulfed with smoke and a hole was burned into the driver seat. Shortly after the seat warmer was shut off, the smoke ceased. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 94,000.
Tl* - the contact owns a 2001 saab 93. The contact stated that there was safety recall on the ignition discharge module. The first time he took the vehicle to the dealer to have the safety recall repair work done was 04/17/2006. The contact drove back home at 60 mph for approximately 40 miles, and during that time and for the first time, the engine light turned on. The contact went back a second time on 05/11/2006 because the engine light stayed on and, there were gas fumes in the vehicle. The contact went...
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back to the dealer on 06/08/2006 because there were overwhelming gas fumes in the vehicle. Currently the engine on light stayed on consistently. The contact was told that he would be charged for repairs. The failure mileage was 15,949 and the current mileage was 17,900. *Ak the consumer provided the invoices for repairs and documents for the saab dealership. Update 4/25/07 *tr
Car taken to dealer twice because "check engine light" on intermittently; told there were "no problems" and instructed on how to clear message. "Check engine light" and "oil" light began to flicker intermittently; taken to 2 independent mechanics for check; both stated there was oil in the pan, oil in the engine, no obvious problem. "Check engine" and "oil" lights came on and stayed on; car began making noise. Pulled over and had towed to independent mechanic who stated bearings were shot and new engine needed. ...
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Saab usa has persisted in denying culpability despite letter and mechanic's statement. Told me car was under warranty resulting in towing from independent shop to dealer; dealer then said car was not under warranty. Bbb complaint filed; now saab usa insists engine must be torn down to diagnose problem and I must accept risk that if the problem is not theirs, I will owe $1500 for tear-down; dealer wants storage charges. Car out of service now 43 days and counting. *Jb
Saab 9-3: every year compared
All 9-3 years2001 Saab 9-3 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 Saab 9-3 | 59 | 4 | C | |
| 2001 Saab 9-5 | 82 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible | 24 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 2001 Saab 95 | 22 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 2001 Saab Aero | 11 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 2001 Saab 952 | 3 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2001 Saab Saab | 3 | 0 | D | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2001 Saab 9-3
Does the 2001 Saab 9-3 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2001 Saab 9-3: hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (April 2006); module (September 2005); hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (November 2004); air bags (May 2001). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Saab 9-3?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (23), fuel system (16), engine & cooling (15).
How many complaints has the 2001 Saab 9-3 had?
59 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on August 18, 2002 and the latest on November 25, 2024. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 3 injuries and 1 death.
Is the 2001 Saab 9-3 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 52 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Saab 9-3 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Saab 9-3 years have the most complaints?
2003 (214), 2004 (207), 2008 (184). See every Saab 9-3 year compared.
What should I do if my 2001 Saab 9-3 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data