- The problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible vehicles manufactured July 30, 2003, to February 15, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the driver's side front seat belt retractor may break, causing the seat belt webbing not to retract.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash, a seat belt that has not retracted may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
- The fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt retractor, free of charge. The recall began on October 6, 2015. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007. GM's number for this recall is 14222. Note: Special Coverage 10086 will replace the passenger side seat belt retractor if it fails, free of charge, for the life of the vehicle.
Vehicle safety record
2004 Saab 9-3 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 207 complaints about the 2004 Saab 9-3 with NHTSA, most often about the seats & seat belts (82) and the suspension (52). Those complaints describe 10 crashes, 2 fires and 8 injuries. It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in June 2014 for the retractor. For comparison, the 2003 has 214 and the 2005 has 95.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical 9-3 year, for its age
#65 most complained-about 2004 vehicle
- Complaints
- 207
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 10
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 8
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2004 Saab 9-3 problems
Share of all 207 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2004 Saab 9-3 recalls 6
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
- 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.
- The problem
- General motors is recalling certain model year 2004 saab 9-3 sedans. Some of these vehicles were produced with front seat belt retractors that, over time, could fail to retract.
- The risk
- Using a seat belt that has not retracted, and in the event of a crash, a seat occupant may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the driver side retractor free of charge. If the front passenger retractor were to fail to retract, gm will replace the front passenger retractor free of charge under a special coverage that will be released for the same population for 10 years from new vehicle date of sale. The safety recall is expected to begin during july 2010. Owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007 or at the owner center at saabparts.Com/us. Note: in june 2014, gm expanded the special coverage from 10 years to be for the lifetime of the vehicle.
- 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
- 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.
- The problem
- Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 207, "Seating systems." The backrest locking mechanism on some front seats may have been installed incorrectly.
- The risk
- This could cause the seat back to fold forward in a frontal crash, resulting in injury to the driver and/or front seat passenger.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the vehicle's front seats to determine if they are equipped with the improperly installed component. If either or both of the seats have this component, they will be replaced. The dealer may need to order a complete new seat or seats (including matching upholstery) and the parts may take up to two to four weeks to arrive. Saab will provide a rental car for the owner until the new seat(s) is (are) available and installed by the dealer. Owner notification is expected to begin during february 2004. Owners should contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.
What owners say
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207 complaints about the 2004 Saab 9-3
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 9.
Retractor won't pull driver side seat belt back in
Constant random recurrence of error codes P2122 and P2138 (either together or on their own) which results in the car switching to low power mode, with very low acceleration which makes it very dangerous to merge into traffic, pull out of stops, red lights, etc. Technically supposed to require changing the throttle pedal sensor, but changing it does not solve the issue, which is electrical. This is a known issue for GM cars.
******* Delete voq ******* this complaint is being marked for deletion because the consumer placed the request*djr ******* delete voq *******
Called devoe automotive in naples to have recalled seatbelt fixed, it just failed to retract. I sent a picture of the vin. And was told they could not find it and could not help us with out a letter with our vin on it saying the broken seatbelt was recalled, just because it will not retract that didn't mean it was a recall issue. I astked how I would get a letter but received no guidance. I was also told saab is out of business and they will help known customers and since we were in tampa they couldn't help...
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it was so far for us to travel. I stated they are one of five dealership who was listed to fix this recall. Also told them tampa repair man was sick with carona virus and that's why I called them. She told me anyone can fix a broken seatbelt, but that's not true and we can't find anyone to help us. Basically because we were not a local known customer this dealership would not support us unless I proved they had too.
I recieved a letter recall 15027 dated december 2018. I had to have my seatbelt repaired in june 2016. The cost of the repair was $401 and was repaired by bicklers repair. I am requesting reembursement for the repair in 2016. It is still not functioning correctly so I currently have it in for repairs at rimrock pontiac in billings.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saab 9-3. The contact stated that the driver's side seat belt failed to retract without warning. The vehicle was taken to autonation chevrolet west amarillo (7300 i-40 frontage rd, west amarillo, tx 79106, 806-553-5673) and was informed that the repairs were not included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v318000 (seat belts). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 164,000.
Takata recall - gm dealers advise my car not affected but on recall websites my 2004 saab 9-3 aero is shown to have a takata air bag.
AIR BAG MALFUNCTION LIGHT
I have a recall on the driver's side seatbelt. It was broken and is unspooled.
Front driver seat belt retractor has failed when I went to fasten my seat belt.
While driving, without any warning the car engine stalls. No warning at all!! Once it stops, ignition key won't work. The only way to restart the car is to disconnect the battery. This is all done in the emergency shoulders, breakdown lanes, its also happened on the highway exit ramps. Luckily each time there was a place to pull over. We could get killed. It has happened numerous times . Sometimes it stalls 2-3 times a day. I am so disappointed in this car. I am afraid to drive it, and how can I sell it knowing that something bad could happen to the new owner.
Takata recall? My car keeps giving me the following alert: airbag malfunction. How can I verify it is part of the recall?
Saab recall. I received both seat belt retractor and airbag inflate defect safety recall notice. However, in my car the seat belt retractor malfunction is in the driver side. I have called the saab official service center and the dealer for both problems several days up today and I have not had an answer or solution to those problems. Besides, I have tried to repair the seat belt, but I can't find the part. As you can see in the attached photos to drive with a seat belt in that conditions is extremely dangerous....
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However, I feel that I am not safe driving my car, and that the hazard has increased with this car's airbag malfunction. I am a 79 years old man who has this car as the only mean of transportation that I have.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
2004 Saab 9-3. Consumer writes in regards to driver airbag inflator recall notice. *Smd
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 saab 9-3. The contact received a notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the part for the recall was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saab 9-3. The contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags) and stated that the parts needed were unavailable to perform the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saab 9-3. The contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags) in march of 2016. The contact called saab to determine when the parts would be available. The contact was advised that the notification was sent by mistake and the vin was no longer included in the recall. The manufacturer informed the contact that he would receive a second notice. The contact did not feel safe driving the vehicle because the air bags could potentially deploy without warning. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Takata recall: I contacted my dealer as instructed and was informed that there are no parts and no information as to when the parts will be available. I asked them to disconnect my seemingly murderous airbag and they said it was illegal. Why is it not illegal to have to wait for an indefinite period of time to repair something that is potentially very dangerous or even fatal? I believe takata should offer rental cars to those waiting and if they had to assume that financial responsibility they may come up with the...
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repair parts faster. Is there another way to address this situation? Is any action being taken to motivate takata to deal with this in a more efficient manner? Even if I were to sell the car, the recall would make it unwanted by any customer. Please let me know how to resolve this.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 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. Updated 05/26/16*lj updated 06/14/16.*Jb
Takata inflators: I recently received my safety recall notice for the driver airbag defect in my 2004 saab 9-3. I understand the circumstances and that the repair parts for this defect are currently not available. I also understand the severe implications to this defect in case of an accident. I have talked to my certified service center and they suggested I reach out to you because I would like you to issue me a written approval to authorize them to disconnect the air bag to remove the risks. The dealership...
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told me that in the past they have received requests to disconnect passenger airbags when someone needed to use a car seat and they did not want the airbag to explode on impact. This is a similar situation, where I do not want the airbag to explode on impact due to a defective part. Since you are unable to fix this problem immediately, and I need to be able to drive the car, I cannot be driving a car that can cause serious injuries or death if I were to get in an accident. Therefore, the only option is to disconnect the hazard so the car can still be safely driven. The seatbelt is in place, along with side airbags for safety. Once you have supplied the parts to fix the airbag, then it can be installed and reconnected. Thank you, *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saab 9-3. The contact stated that the front springs and front struts failed without warning. The contact stated that the fracture happened twice, once on each side. A mechanic diagnosed that the springs prematurely fractured and the front struts and sprints needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vin was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
I have a 9-3 saab everytime I stop and turn car off when I get back in a put key in I get a steering wheel lock contact saab dealer it won't even let me turn the key I have the car for about years and now it's doing this I have to disconnect the battery and reconnect for the computer reset and restart me car can you help me with this thank you ..... *Tr
Seatbelt retractor on driver's side completely unspooled and will not retract under normal use effecting driver's safety in event of a crash. While convertible and passeger side retractors seem to be covered under warranty we are told our car is not covered and it is $550 to repair the problem. This doesn't make sense when so many saabs have this problem. The car was parked when it unspooled and wouldn't retract. This is a major safety issue in operating the vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saab 9-3. The contact stated that while at a stop sign, there was a odor of burning oil inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the valve cover gasket was leaking. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,000.
Saab 9-3: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 184 | 3 | F |
| 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 |
2004 Saab 9-3 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Saab 9-3 | 207 | 6 | F | |
| 2004 Saab 9-5 | 19 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 2004 Saab 9-5 Wagon | 19 | 0 | C | 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 2004 Saab 9-3
Does the 2004 Saab 9-3 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2004 Saab 9-3: retractor (June 2014); fuel pump (February 2011); retractor (February 2010); hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (May 2005) 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 2004 Saab 9-3?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the seats & seat belts (82), suspension (52), airbags (20).
How many complaints has the 2004 Saab 9-3 had?
207 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on December 22, 2003 and the latest on July 15, 2024. Of these, 10 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 8 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2004 Saab 9-3 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 18 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 2004 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