- 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.
Vehicle safety record
2011 Saab 9-3 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 30 complaints about the 2011 Saab 9-3 with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (25) and the seats & seat belts (3). Those complaints describe 1 crash. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in February 2016 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2010 has 30.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical 9-3 year, for its age
#150 most complained-about 2011 vehicle
- Complaints
- 30
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2011 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.
2011 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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 2011 Saab 9-3
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.
driver side seat belt not retracting, there is a recall but does not include this vin number.
Drivers side airbag spontaneously deployed while in motion on a city street going in a forward, straight motion.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 saab 9-3. The contact stated that while driving, the air bag sensor warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer and local dealer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 saab 9-3. The contact detected a strong odor of coolant inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the vehicle was leaking coolant and screws were missing that connected the transmission to the motor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not made ware of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
PUMP ON REAR XWD FAILURE
Letter is response to the recall of a defective air bag; seeking help for this dilemna nhtsa campaign id number 16v063. *Ld the consumer stated the recall exceeded a reasonable amount of time. Updated 06/29/2017 *js
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, 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 dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted at 800-955-9007. The contact asked the manufacturer to have the dealer nearby repair the air bags. The manufacturer referred the contact to dealer that was 60 miles away from the contact's residence. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Dorshal automotive was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and initially informed the contact that the part was being sent; however, the...
Read the full complaint
contact still was not able to get the recall remedied due to the lack of part availability. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. Updated 08/29/17*lj *cn
Takata recall. The recall issue has been known for several years now yet no remedy is available for this model vehicle. Considering the danger and gravity behind this known issue, it is unacceptable that a remedy is not available for all vehicles to ensure the safety the persons involved.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 saab 9-3. The contact stated that the recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000(air bags) was received in february of 2016. After contacting the dealer and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed for the recall remedy were still not available and no estimated time for receiving the parts could be provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Takata recall. I have been waiting a long time for the airbag to be fixed on my car. I check every month for the status of the recall and every month I see no action. This could seriously injure me or my family. An unknown time frame for resolution on an issue known to injure people is unacceptable.
Takata recall. I need an immediate solution to the safety hazard this recall presents. What are my options for getting a manufacturer buyout on my vehicle?
TAMARA RECALL NO REPLACEMENT YET
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 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. The manufacturer was made aware of the issues. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available and parts distribution disconnect. Updated 02/21/17*lj updated 03/01/17.*Jb
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 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. We received notice, by mail, of the airbag recall in march 2016. It is now 8 months later and we are told there are no parts available.
Hi all, we receive a notice several months ago regarding a recall to the airbags in our car. At the time they said there was currently no rememdy. I just checked safecar.Gov to check if there were any updates and it says "recall incomplete. Remedy not yet available " we are worried about using this car as recently an eleventh person was killed by these airbags. Is there some way to expedite the replacement of the airbags? Thanks you so much for any help you might be able to offer. Scott
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags). The part to do the repair was not yet available. 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 was apprised by mail that the airbags on my saab 9-3 need to be replaced, but that the remedy is not yet available. Eight months have passed and the remedy is still not available. Why must I continue to drive a vehicle with airbags that may cause injury or worse? When will replacement airbags be available?
Takata recall. Saab vehicle has been recalled for potentially dangerous airbag, but manufacturer is out of business and previous parent company (gm) has not indicated any timeframe for fixing the defective airbag. This car is now going on 5 years with this defective airbag in place. What can be done?
2011 Saab 9-3. Consumer writes in regards to replacement parts not available to repair recall notice 16v-063. *Smd
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the part for the 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. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 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.
I have contacted wright automotive (wexford pa) multiple times regarding the recall on the airbags. There response to me is "sorry we don't have the part yet. Is there anything that I can do. This is my primary vehicle.
Saab 9-3: every year compared
All 9-3 years2011 Saab 9-3 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Saab 9-3 | 30 | 4 | A | |
| 2011 Saab 9-5 | 9 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2011 Saab 9-4X | 5 | 2 | - | 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 2011 Saab 9-3
Does the 2011 Saab 9-3 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2011 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 2011 Saab 9-3?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (25), seats & seat belts (3), suspension (1).
How many complaints has the 2011 Saab 9-3 had?
30 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on September 6, 2012 and the latest on June 1, 2021. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2011 Saab 9-3 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 77 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 2011 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