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2010 Saab 9-3 Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 30 complaints about the 2010 Saab 9-3 with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (22) and the fuel system (3). It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in February 2016 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2009 has 43 and the 2011 has 30.

NHTSA data checked

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

#181 most complained-about 2010 vehicle

Complaints
30
Recalls
4
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Most common 2010 Saab 9-3 problems

Share of all 30 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2010 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

Air bags: inflator module

16V063000113,716 vehicles affected

The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Saab 9-3 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2002, to February 15, 2011, 2006-2009 Saab 9-5 vehicles manufactured June 7, 2005, to May 28, 2009, and 2008-2009 Saturn Astra vehicles manufactured April 11, 2007, to July 24, 2008. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
The risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator on Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles and will replace the driver's frontal airbag module on Saturn Astra vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on March 1, 2017. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 28810.

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.

Fuel system: fuel pump

11V0150004,400 vehicles affected

The problem
Saab is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 passenger vehicles manufactured from june 2010 through december 2010. Certain fuel pumps installed as original equipment may have internal components with incorrect specifications.
The risk
The subject fuel pumps can seize causing the engine to stall which increases the risk of a crash.
The fix
Saab will notify owners and replace the defective fuel pumps free of charge. The safety recall began on march 3, 2011. Owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.

What owners say

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30 complaints about the 2010 Saab 9-3

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.

Fuel 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
Fuel system

Fuel pump deficiency. When I start the car in the morning to warm up before using it I notice and ear that it stall. After a second it accelerate to a normal rpm. It happens all the time since new (2010). I never received a fuel pump recall notice!

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11185692
Engine & cooling

Had a compression test after weak starting. All 4 cylinders read 100.Need valve replacement and understand this is a known problem in 2007-2011 saab 4 cylinder cars. No warranty or recall regarding this use of flawed valves

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11079175
Seats & seat belts

The nhtsa announced a recall pertaining to the drivers side seatbelt not retracting. Recall #14v318000. As of 3/10/17, my 2010 saab 9.3 Sedan is experiencing the same issue as the recall but, the recall only stipulates the convertible model. My question relates to how did the nhtsa determine it was only that model and not the others? Right now my seatbelt doesn't retract when extended in the normal operating extended position. I feel this is an extreme safety issue which could potentially involve all other 2010 models. Please clarify.

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 11052487
Airbags

I have called viking saab and registered on their web site months ago to have my airbag replaced as they are the only authorized saab place in houston, texas, to replace it. They have not contacted me. I don't know what else to do. When I called there they told me to register on their web site. I did that and nothing has happened.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11040772
Electrical systemAirbags

2010 Saab 9-3. Consumer writes in regards to takata airbag recall. *Ld the consumer stated after having the recall completed the key would no longer turn in the ignition. The cim was replaced and two new keys were had to be programmed. Two broken front coil springs were discovered. The consumer requested a reimbursement for the costs accumulated from having to purchase a rental vehicle. Updated 10/03/2017*js

Filed Incident Electrical system · Air bagsNHTSA 11029632
Airbags

Takata recall-i received a recall notice in march 2016. I have contacted the saab service center on four different occasions to try to determine when the air bag will be replaced. I have always received the same response: "we have no idea when we will be able to replace your air bag". I have also been told that they, the manufacturer, do not believe that there is a safety issue. People have been hurt and killed. There is a safety issue. They have told me that older vehicles located in the higher humidity zones...

Read the full complaint

take priority. I have explained that my car is a 2010 and is located in zone b. I understand that this is not the highest humidity zone but it is the second most and it is much older than most cars that are receiving replacement air bags. I know 4 people who have already had the air bags in their vehicles replaced and they are in the same zone and are much newer than my vehicle. Even though this vehicle is in my name, I purchased it for my 18 year old daughter and everyday she is in this car, I have major anxiety issues. The reason that I am contacting you is to determine why the manufacturer has no idea when they will be able to replace this faulty air bag. I find this response unacceptable. I also have a hard time accepting the fact that newer vehicles in the same area have already had their air bags replaced and I am still waiting. I contacted a one of your representatives today about this issue and they advised me to submit a complaint. I would greatly appreciate any help that you can provide in order to correct this issue so that I can be assured that my daughter is safe when she is driving this vehicle. Thank you very much [[redacted]] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10948597
Airbags

Takata recall - I received a letter over a year ago that my saab 93 was on the recall list for airbags. Looking for an update as to when the replacements will be available.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10946646
Airbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10935287
Airbags

Takada recall. I have been told by the service manager at the cadillac dealership in norwood, massachusetts that he does not know when or even if gm will replace the air bag. Gm has not contacted delearship with any information.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10934374
Airbags

I received a recall for the subject car back in march 2016. I am being told that they have no idea when they will be able to replace this faulty air bag. I have called several times and they still cannot give me a time frame. I realize that this recall is very large however my daughter drives this car and this makes me very uncomfortable. I have asked if they would supply a loaner car and they said no because they believe that the car is safe to drive. If it was safe to drive why is there a recall. I would like to know what other recourse I have until the replacement parts are available.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10928261
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 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 not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10927647
Airbags

I received a notice dated march 16 regarding the airbag and that inflation may result in injury or death - there is currently no resolution for this issue. In the event of an inflator rupture, metal fragments could pass through the air bag cushion material, which may result in injury or death to vehicle occupants. Parts are not available, but in the mean time I could be killed

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10926318
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 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 notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10925896
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 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 notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10924625
Airbags

Takata recall notice march, 2016. To date general motors has made no effort to repair or replace the airbag. I have been unsuccessful in having the vehicle repaired.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10911014
Airbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags). The vehicle was taken to a dealer for repair; 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.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10907596
Airbags

Takat recall. Have not been replaced and gm and dealership refuse to provide loaner vehicle. The dealership service rep told me it was still safe to drive the vehicle even though the vehicle has spent 6 years in a hot, humid climate. Gm's hotline rep promised a return call from supervisor but no one ever called. I have no vehicle to drive and cannot afford to buy another vehicle; and I can't sell this vehicle because of the defective airbag. Nhtsa website says the recall was issued in may but I received my recall notice in march 2016. It has been over six months.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10905602
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 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 10/18/16 *bf updated 03/14/17*jb

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10903303
Airbags

Takata recall - recall announced in february 2016, and dealership still unable to remedy problem. I have no assurance that there is any intention to fix this potentially deadly problem.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10895344
Airbags

Takata recall. Given that these devices are potentially dangerous, possibly inflicting great harm or death, why are instructions not being given to disable the bags until corrective action has been implemented? The gm dealer I first approached said they were not authorized to disable the bags. The second said the same but added " you know they are fuzed don't you?" . Din my view disabling the bags [whle awaiting the repair should be the option of the owner. Request comment/guidance.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10884673
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the parts for the recall were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10876818
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 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 notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10874015
Airbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags) and felt that the part expected availability date was unreasonable. 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 10860524
Airbags

G.M. Has no information when a safe replacement will be a available. Not acceptable, the older the car is the more susceptible it is for the defect, another death has just been reported in a honda and g.M. Expects me to drive the car. How many more people have to die because certain companies are allowed to build garbage? I have an idea make them make their cars as safe as a tesla.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10854357

Saab 9-3: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
201130410AirbagsA
201030400AirbagsA
200943310AirbagsB
2008184351AirbagsF
2007155325AirbagsD
20061793113AirbagsF
All 9-3 years

2010 Saab 9-3 vs rivals

VehicleComplaintsRecallsCrashesGrade
2010 Saab 9-33040A
2010 Saab 9-3 Wagon3000ACompare
2010 Saab 9-5200ACompare

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 2010 Saab 9-3

Does the 2010 Saab 9-3 have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2010 Saab 9-3: inflator module (February 2016); retractor (June 2014); fuel pump (February 2011); fuel pump (January 2011). 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 2010 Saab 9-3?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (22), fuel system (3), seats & seat belts (2).

How many complaints has the 2010 Saab 9-3 had?

30 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on April 12, 2011 and the latest on January 17, 2024. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2010 Saab 9-3 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 78 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer 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 2010 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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