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2005 Saab 9-3 Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 95 complaints about the 2005 Saab 9-3 with NHTSA, most often about the suspension (29) and the seats & seat belts (26). Those complaints describe 4 crashes, 2 fires and 9 injuries. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in June 2014 for the retractor. For comparison, the 2004 has 207 and the 2006 has 179.

NHTSA data checked

DMore problems than a typical 9-3 year, for its age

#110 most complained-about 2005 vehicle

Complaints
95
Recalls
3
Crashes
4
Fires
2
Injuries
9
Deaths
0

Most common 2005 Saab 9-3 problems

Share of all 95 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2005 Saab 9-3 recalls 3

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

Seat belts: retractor

14V31800028,789 vehicles affected

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.

Fuel system: fuel pump

11E0090004,887 vehicles affected

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.

Service brakes: hoses, lines / piping, and fittings

05V23600068,654 vehicles affected

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.

What owners say

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95 complaints about the 2005 Saab 9-3

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 4.

Seats & seat belts

The contact owns a 2005 Saab 9-3. The contact stated that the front passenger's side seat belt failed to latch. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V318000 (Seat Belts). The vehicle was not repaired. There was no further information provided. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 11536267
Fuel system

It happened to me twice.. While driving the gas gauge will drop to empty and when pressing on the gas il just rev there be a cut off due to the fuel level sensor in which it's a common in all saabs I don't know why this issue hasn't become a recall. It's dangerous the cut off is around 2-3 seconds. I almost cause an accident due to the lost of power. I was entering the free way and an 18 wheeler had to switch lanes and passed I was going around 45 mph merging . The second time I was going 25 mph and it felt like...

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the engine shut of and gather speed. There is a recall for the fuel pump and my vehicle has the same symptoms others have describe. It feels like the car has issues but their not parts to difficult to change but if you take the car to a mechanic theyl charge you ridiculous for labor almost $1200 just in changing the drive belt?

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11382978
Electrical system

Altornator keep malfunctioning happend multiple time

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11278465
Fuel systemFire

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 saab 9-3. The contact stated while trying to start the vehicle, he heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated he saw smoke coming the hood. The contact stated no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated he exited the vehicle and was informed fire was coming from a fuel leak on the front passenger side. The contact stated a bystander came with a fire extinguisher and extinguish the fire. The contact stated there were no injuries or medical attention needed. The vehicle was towed to...

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an independent mechanic. The contact called the local dealer flikkema saab located at 2424 176th st, lansing, il 60438, (708) 474-1933, and were made aware of failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired as of yet. The manufacturer had been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 74,000. *Dt *jb

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11242006
Seats & seat belts

Nhtsa 14v318000 was a recall for seat belts that fails to retract. When I get into my car and pull it out to fasten it often remains slack. That event caused me to do research and find the recall. But it did not extend to my car which has the exact same problem. It appears to me that the recall was too narrow.

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 11202805
SteeringElectrical systemDriver assistance

My car won't start and no mechanic can figure out exactly why due to there not being any saab dealers near the area I'm stuck in... I have been living out of my car for 3 months cuz I don't want anyone to steal my car

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical system · Electronic stability control (ESC)NHTSA 11123274
AirbagsSeats & seat belts

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2005 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 14v318000 (seat belts) and 16v063000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. West county volvo (14410 manchester rd, manchester, mo) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. The vin was not provided.

Filed Incident Air bags · Seat beltsNHTSA 11073037
Seats & seat belts

The driver's seat-belt has stopped retracting. The item has a recall but parts are not available

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 11058400
Seats & seat belts

Power seat tracks on both driver and passenger slide back and forth such that when stopping quickly the seat slides forward about an inch. It's a known problem on saabs.

Filed Incident SeatsNHTSA 11057996
Electrical system

Horn does not blow, please wait light stays on. And burns the battery out over a day or so while car is stationary have to recharge.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11056947
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags) for the driver frontal air bag inflator. The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle had an appointment after receiving the letter six weeks later to take the vehicle to the dealer (schumacher buick gmc of west palm beach located on 3031 okeebhobee blvd west palm beach,...

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fl, 33409). Once the contact arrived for the appointment, she was informed that the vehicle could not be serviced because the parts were not available. The saab manufacturer was contacted at 1-800-955-9007, but the phone disconnected. The contact also informed general motors at 1-800-462-8782 who stated that nothing could be done because they were no longer affiliated with saab and offered no additional assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10995167
LightsAcceleration & cruise controlFuel system

Frequently the car stalls suddenly in traffic, looses power I can't accelerate this is very dangerous potential to get hit. The other problem is the car vibrates and all of sudden a lot of smoke comes out from back and rich gasoline smell comes and the speed turns to 0. I turn it off for five minutes and restart sometimes it starts ok sometimes it vibrates again. This happens very frequently

Filed Incident Exterior lighting · Vehicle speed control · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10955386
Seats & seat belts

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 saab 9-3. While driving 30 mph, the front passenger side seat belt failed to retract without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v318000 (seat belts). The failure mileage was 128,000.

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 10904619
Airbags

Takata recall why aren't parts available to fix this problem. How long can I expect to wait for a solution to this serious problem? Who is responsible if someone is injured as a result of this recall. Why isn't more being done about it. Why is this company still allowed to be in business?

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10894067
Airbags

Per gm, the 2005 saab 9-3 was deleted from the takata airbag recall. I want the defective takata airbag serial numbers to ensure my saab is safe.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10876964
Airbags

What are the serial numbers for the takata recall airbags?

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10876820
Airbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v63000 (air bags); however, the part needed to perform the repair was unavailable. 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. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10863434
Airbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the part was unavailable to perform the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The vin was unavailable.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10853571
Airbags

I received a safety recall from saab about the possibility of the inflator of the airbag rupturing and metal fragments could pass through the cushion. They do not currently have a solution to the problem. What can I do about this? How long do I have to wait til it is fixed or something happens? Can they take as much time as they need to fix the car without having any responsibilities? Any information will help. Thank you. *Tr

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10852091
AirbagsCrash2 injuries

Takata recall driver in front was in motion and came to an abrupt stop at the yellow signal light. I was not able to stop in time. There was a direct impact front end collision to my car. The force of collision activated my passenger airbag to inflate, but my driver's airbag did not...Updated 05/09/16 *bf *tr

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10840391
Airbags

Takata recall cant trust my car if I have takata airbags

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10839801
Suspension

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 saab 9-3. The contact stated that the passenger strut was bent. The contact mentioned that the strut was replaced but was concerned that the failure would recur. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the struts needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. The vin was not provided.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10836946
Suspension

While driving on the street at 30 mph I hear a bang! I start to lose control of the steering wheel I immediately put my hazard lights on and pulled over safely once I gained control when I get out the car to inspect it my passengers side front spring is broken in two and my passenger side tire is blown. I could have been very badly injured or killed! Saab you need to do a recall this is life threatening!

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10824229
Seats & seat belts

Much like nhtsa campaign id number: 14v318000 (gm recall number 14222), the driver's seat belt does not retract. This occurs every time the belt is pulled out. In the event of a crash, the belt would not be close enough to the driver to retract, since it is too loose.

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 10816874
Seats & seat belts

Recall 14222/15027. Received safety recall notice to replace driver's side seatbelt mechanism. Upon making service appointment with local gm dealer they stated they do not have a technician to do it. I tried calling the 800 number on the recall notice and got a recording that the number was no longer in service. How can I find out who can perform this recall service?

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 10816415

Saab 9-3: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
200943310AirbagsB
2008184351AirbagsF
2007155325AirbagsD
20061793113AirbagsF
200595342SuspensionD
20042076102Seats & seat beltsF
20032145126Electrical systemF
200237401Electrical systemB
200159411Electrical systemC
All 9-3 years

2005 Saab 9-3 vs rivals

VehicleComplaintsRecallsCrashesGrade
2005 Saab 9-39534D
2005 Saab 9-2X11141-Compare
2005 Saab 9-7X2520CCompare
2005 Saab 9-51122CCompare

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.

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Questions about the 2005 Saab 9-3

Does the 2005 Saab 9-3 have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 Saab 9-3: retractor (June 2014); fuel pump (February 2011); hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (May 2005). 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 2005 Saab 9-3?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the suspension (29), seats & seat belts (26), airbags (12).

How many complaints has the 2005 Saab 9-3 had?

95 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on April 28, 2005 and the latest on August 3, 2023. Of these, 4 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 9 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2005 Saab 9-3 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 38 out of 100 (grade D: 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 2005 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

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