- The problem
- Ti automotive is recalling certain fuel pumps, part numbers tu456 and tu303, sold under various brand names as aftermarket and replacement equipment for the motor vehicles listed above. The defective fuel pump may seize, stopping the fuel flow to the engine creating a stalling condition.
- The risk
- 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. Owners may contact ti automotive at 1-866-867-3759 or log on to www.Recallresponse.Com.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Saab 9-3 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 214 complaints about the 2003 Saab 9-3 with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (46) and the suspension (42). Those complaints describe 12 crashes, 6 fires and 17 injuries. It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in February 2011 for the fuel pump. For comparison, the 2002 has 37 and the 2004 has 207.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical 9-3 year, for its age
#65 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 214
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 12
- Fires
- 6
- Injuries
- 17
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Saab 9-3 problems
Share of all 214 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Saab 9-3 recalls 5
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
- 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 june 13, 2007. This is an expansion of previous recall campaigns - see 04v557 and 06v126. Owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles, the engine management system software may cause engine hesitation or stalling.
- The risk
- If the vehicle stalls as a result of this condition, it can be restarted immediately.
- The fix
- Dealers will update the engine management system. Owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
What owners say
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214 complaints about the 2003 Saab 9-3
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 9.
I was driving my 2003 saab 9-3 se convertible to the nearby publix supermarket. The car has never been in an accident or hit. I parked it in the lot with the top down and went into the store for approximately 10 minutes. It was a warm dry day in florida about 85 degrees. I came out and put the key in the ignition and turned it to start the car, and the passenger side airbag exploded for no known reason. I called gm, they took the car to a gm facility and inspected it, and then came back a week later and said...
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the unexplained deployment of the airbag was not a manufacturers defect and they would not repair it. I find that difficult to believe. The airbag should not deploy arbitrarily when the ignition key is turned.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saab 9-3. The contact stated that with the key fob in the ignition, the power steering wheel lock malfunction warning light illuminated. The contact manually turned the ignition key to the left to right in order to have the vehicle started. The vehicle was taken to flikkema saab (2424 176th st, lansing, il 60438 (708) 474-19330) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the column integrated module (cim) needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred several times. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saab 9-3. When the vehicle decelerated, it shut off without warning at will. The contact also stated that the vehicle decelerated when driving up a hill. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 102,000.
Ecu in car becomes completely fried because of the location it is mounted from the factory because of heat soak
I am receiving an onstar not available error - there was a recall 08089-b part # 10027804 - I want my onstar disabled. Who do I contact?
Takata recall. Driver's seat airbag deployed while waiting at a red light this morning.
2003 Saab. Consumer writes in regards to airbag inflator safety recall. *Ld the consumer stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time completing the recall repair. *Js
I was driving at about 15 - 20 mph trying to enter hwy i-75. Upon routine braking,the airbag deployed, causing an accident.After I hit the car in front of me,the second airbag deployed. I am hurt. The vehicle was deemed totalled because the airbags deployed, and taken away.
Takata recall I was notified by saab in march 2016 that I have takata airbags installed and are subject to recall. It is now six (6) months since the notification. I have had no further communication from saab. I feel that the recall should take place immediately before I get killed from the airbag inflating. Six months should be more than adequate to resolve the problem. I ask that saab be compelled to immediately make the necessary repairs!
HIT CONCRETE WALL
Takata recall I do not have a date for or my saab air bag recall. This clearly sends a message about gm. "Don't buy gm, and from those companies which place people at risk of air bag failure"
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the part for the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Coil spring brok caused tire to come off turnded sideways under firewall causing us to crash into concrete barrier
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Takata recall...I am advised that there is risk of injury/death due to deployment of air bags. Asking for repair advised today 4/4/2016 by (general motors) they are not now doing/cannot do same. Unacceptable safety.
Tl* the contact owned a 2003 saab 9-3. While driving approximately 55 mph, the steering lost power. The driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a concrete wall. The driver side tire became stuck under the driver seat without warning. The driver and passenger side air bags deployed. Both the driver and passenger received injuries that required medical attention. The police was at the scene, but did not file a report. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The insurance company totaled the vehicle. The...
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manufacturer was not notified of the failure. One day after the failure, the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags). The failure mileage was 71,810.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saab 9-3. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked when the brake pedal was depressed and stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The failure recurred intermittently. In addition, it took multiple attempts to open the driver side door. The vehicle was taken to an independently mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,171.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saab 9-3. While driving approximately 30 mph, smoke emitted underneath the hood. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road. The contact mentioned that smoke emitted from the battery compartment. There were no flames visible. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the failure was contributed to the electrical system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 158,000. The vin was unavailable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saab 9-3. While driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning and was able to be restarted. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was not diagnosed; however, the mechanic replaced the dic and the crankshaft sensor. The vehicle was repaired and the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic and the dic was replaced. The failure persisted and it took several attempts to start the vehicle. The...
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manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the failure mirrored nhtsa action number: ea04008 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 45,000. Updated 02/23/16*lj *cn
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saab 9-3. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 mph, the vehicle failed to accelerate and decelerated independently without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormal odor and smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact pulled over and discovered that oil was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was...
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diagnosed that the valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 184,000. ...Updated 01/07/16 *bf the consumer stated the vehicle failed to accelerate when entering traffic from the driveway, it moves out of gear, and the vehicle had an electrical glitch that caused the headlights to go out often needing to be replaced. *Js
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saab 9-3. After the vehicle was started, the steering wheel lock warning light illuminated and the doors of the vehicle failed to lock. On another occasion, the ignition key failed to move into the on position. A tow truck operator stated that the vehicle could not be moved because the wheels were locked. The vehicle was restarted; however, the contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saab 9-3. The contact stated that the key refused to turn to the on position and a steering wheel lock malfunction message appeared. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
[[redacted]] BOUGHT JUST IN MAY. *TR
Driving steady pace, sid fades out, radio shuts off, gauges turn off, and engine shut off. Pulled over and white smoke came out from engine bay. It was from the solenoid on the starter. I got a new starter and the battery was dead. I then bought a new battery and the same issue occurred. I had to charge the battery up to 100% to get the car started. The alternator was fine so my belief is there is an open circuit somewhere in the car. Just recently the same situation happened again, starter motor burned up and battery drained. *Tr
As I was driving in the middle lane of the 3 northbound lanes of u.S. 23, The engine suddenly stalled. I was going about 62 mph. I activated my emergency flashers, shifted the automatic transmission to neutral, and shut off the ignition key. I then turned the ignition key to restart the engine and it restarted. This is about the 5th time this has happened in the past 5 months. This vehicle should be included in gms ignition recall!!! *Tr
Saab 9-3: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 155 | 3 | D |
| 2006 | 179 | 3 | F |
| 2005 | 95 | 3 | D |
| 2004 | 207 | 6 | F |
| 2003 | 214 | 5 | F |
| 2002 | 37 | 4 | B |
| 2001 | 59 | 4 | C |
| 2000 | 50 | 2 | C |
| 1999 | 64 | 3 | C |
2003 Saab 9-3 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Saab 9-3 | 214 | 5 | F | |
| 2003 Saab 9-5 | 49 | 4 | F | 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 2003 Saab 9-3
Does the 2003 Saab 9-3 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2003 Saab 9-3: fuel pump (February 2011); hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (March 2007); hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (May 2005); engine and engine cooling (October 2004) and more. 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 2003 Saab 9-3?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (46), suspension (42), engine & cooling (40).
How many complaints has the 2003 Saab 9-3 had?
214 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 6, 2002 and the latest on January 20, 2021. Of these, 12 describe a crash and 6 a fire, and together they report 17 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Saab 9-3 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 16 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than 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 2003 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