FaultScore

FaultScore report

2004 Saab 9-3 problems

Owners have filed 236 complaints about the 2004 Saab 9-3 with NHTSA between 2003 and 2024. The largest single group is the seat belts. Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 13 worst.

D

FaultScore 65/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Saab 9-3.

How this is worked out

The numbers

236

Complaints

11

Crashes reported

2

Fires reported

8

Injuries reported

71,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

16%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 91 vs 50 Severity 46 vs 50 Early failure 27 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 91
Against the median year of the Saab 9-3. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 46
8.9% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 27
16% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2004 compares with every other Saab 9-3

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2004 Saab 9-3

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Seat Belts 80 33.9%

Median failure at 85,000 miles

Suspension 57 24.2%

Median failure at 64,000 miles

Airbags 20 8.5%

5 crashes, 0 fires · median 79,000 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 53,500 mi

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 20,664 mi

Median failure at 79,000 miles

Brakes 8 3.4%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 8,000 mi

Lights 5 2.1%

Median failure at 44,000 miles

Transmission & Drivetrain 5 2.1%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 89,887 mi

Other & Unspecified 4 1.7%

Median failure at 112,000 miles

Tires 4 1.7%

Median failure at 73,137 miles

Steering 4 1.7%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 79,500 mi

Equipment & Accessories 3 1.3%

Median failure at 82,499 miles

Seats 3 1.3%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 76,100 mi

Doors, Latches & Locks 2 0.8%

Median failure at 60,500 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 2 0.8%

Median failure at 23,500 miles

Body & Structure 2 0.8%

Median failure at 116,000 miles

Wheels 1 0.4%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 1 0.4%

Median failure at 107,643 miles

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Front 29 47.5%
Retractor 11 18.0%
Coil Springs 10 16.4%
Engine 3 4.9%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings 2 3.3%
Front 2 3.3%
Module 2 3.3%
Frontal 2 3.3%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 5 2.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 13 6.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 6 3.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 26 13.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 53 27.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 38 19.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 42 21.9%
150,000+ miles 9 4.7%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.

Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
2004 Saab 9-3 Convertible w/SAB
2004 Saab 9-3 w/SAB

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Dec 2003 peak 9 Jul 2024

NHTSA investigations into the 2004 Saab 9-3

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

PE09048 Opened 30 Sep 2009 Closed 25 Feb 2010 SEAT BELTS:FRONT

SEAT BELT RETRACTOR

ODI HAS RECEIVED EIGHT COMPLAINTS OF FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTORS BREAKING ON MODEL YEAR 2004 SAAB 9-3 VEHICLES.A COMMON FAILURE SCENARIO INVOLVES THE DRIVER HEARING A NOISE AND THE BELT SUDDENLY LOSING TENSION.A NON-FUNCTIONING SEAT BELT INCREASES THE RISK AND SEVERITY OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. GENERAL MOTORS INITIATED A RECALL IN MAY 2004 (04V226) TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS BECAUSE OF A SIMILAR PROBLEM IN 25,355 MODEL YEAR 2003 AND 5,980 MODEL YEAR 2004 SAAB 9-3 SEDANS.THE RETRACTORS CONTAINED AN AUTOMATIC TENSIONING SYSTEM (ATS), A DESIGN FEATURE AND MECHANISM TO ENHANCE OCCUPA...

EA08026 Opened 22 Dec 2008 Closed 4 Jun 2010 SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture

To date, ODI is aware of 142 non-duplicative complaints related to the alleged defect.In addition, ODI is aware of 2,626 subject vehicles with one or more warranty claims related to the alleged defect.In total, ODI is aware of 2,714 unique subject vehicles that have experienced one or more front suspension coil spring fractures.ODI is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the alleged defect.The engineering design and testing data supplied by GM, along with the frequency of consumer complaints and warranty claims related to the alleged defect, tends to support the position that, in ge...

PE08051 Opened 28 Aug 2008 Closed 23 Dec 2008 SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURE

ON AUGUST 28, 2008, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE08-051) TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURES IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-2004 SAAB 9-3 VEHICLES SOLD OR REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES.(NOTE: FOR PURPOSES OF THIS INVESTIGATION, THE SALT BELT INCLUDES CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN).SUBSEQUENT ANALYSIS OF DATA...

Recalls on the 2004 Saab 9-3

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2014228 961 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

On certain convertible model vehicles, the tensioning cable in the driver's seat belt retractor may break, causing the belt to fail to retract. If a crash were to occur with a seat belt in this condition, it could increase the risk of injury to the driver. Correction: Dealers will replace seat belt retractor assemblies.

Recall 2010039 665 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

On certain vehicles, the Automatic Tensioning System (ATS) cable of the seatbelt retractors could fail. Should this occur, the webbing spooled out by the user would not retract. If the spool cable were to break while the belt is being worn, the belt would function normally in a crash. It would then be obvious to the occupant that the belt needs repair as soon as possible. Correction: Dealers will replace the driver's seatbelt retractor.

Recall 2004160 1,368 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

On certain vehicles, the Automatic Tensioning System (ATS) cable in the seatbelt retractor could break, causing webbing spooled out by the user to not retract. With this condition in the event of a vehicle crash, a front seat occupant may receive more severe injuries. Correction: Dealers will replace the seatbelt retractor assemblies.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 104,000 miles Campbell Hall, NY Crash 1 injured

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 SAAB 9-3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING COLUMN JAMMED AND RESULTED IN A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED AWAY. THE DRIVER WAS INJURED AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FIELD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.

NHTSA complaint #10730942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles Midlothian, VA Crash

AIR BAGS

SAAB 9-3 REAR ENDED A DODGE SPRINTER VAN AT ~5MPH AND PASSENGER AB DEPLOYED. PASSENGER SEAT WAS COMPLETELY EMPTY. VEHICLE NORMALLY DISPLAYS SEAT BELT WARNING WHEN SEAT HAS A HEAVY BAG (OR PASSENGER) IN IT AND WARNING WAS NOT DISPLAYED. ONLY EXTERIOR DAMAGE WAS TO FRONT FASCIA. NO DAMAGE TO HOOD OR EITHER QUARTER PANEL. ACCIDENT OCCURRED AT A 3 WAY INTERSECTION WITH A YIELD SIGN. VEHICLE IN FRONT OF SAAB STARTED TO PROCEED AND THEN ABRUPTLY STOPPED. DRIVER OF THE SAAB WAS LOOKING BEHIND THEM TO INSURE TRAFFIC WAS CLEAR, LOOKED UP TO NOTICE VEHICLE IN FRONT HAD STOPPED, AND SLAMMED ON BRAKES. THE VEHICLE IN FRONT (DODGE SPRINTER VAN) DID HAVE A LARGE TOW HITCH WITH A SMALL ALUMINUM DIAMOND PLATE STEP.

NHTSA complaint #10456675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Seekonk, MA Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VEHICLE OWNER PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AND STOPPED, SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. OWNER REPORTED THAT THE SMOKE BECAME BLACK AND A FIRE ERUPTED. FIRE ORIGIN IN RIGHT REAR OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CAUSE UNDETERMINED. VEHICLE HAS 2.0 LITER TURBOCHARGED 4-CYLINDER ENGINE.

NHTSA complaint #10406957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 84,150 miles Noblesville, IN Fire

SEATS

I WAS USING MY CAR'S SEAT WARMER AND THE SEAT BEGAN TO GET VERY HOT IN ONE SPOT ON THE SEAT. I ALSO NOTICED A BURNING SMELL THAT SMELLED LIKE BURNING LEAD OR RUBBER. THE LEVEL OF HEAT THAT WAS COMING FROM THE SPOT ON THE SEAT LEAD ME TO LIFT MYSELF OFF OF THE SEAT IN ORDER TO PREVENT BURNING MY LEG. I TURNED THE SEAT WARMER OFF, WHICH SEEMED TO MAKE THE BURNING SUBSIDE. THIS SEQUENCE CONTINUED UNTIL ABOUT A WEEK LATER WHEN THE SEAT WARMER STOPPED WORKING. ABOUT A MONTH LATER, WITH THE HELP OF A FAMILY FRIEND I REMOVED THE SEAT FROM THE CAR AND REMOVED THE UPHOLSTERY IN ORDER TO INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE AND TRY TO FIX IT. UPON REMOVING THE UPHOLSTERY, WE FOUND THAT THE WIRING OF THE SEAT WARMER HAD STARTED A SMALL FIRE IN THE SEAT CUSHION AND BURNED A HOLE (3 INCHES WIDE AND 1 INCH DEEP) IN THE CUSHION. THE BACKING OF THE LEATHER THAT COVERS THE CUSHION HAD ALSO BEEN BURNED THROUGH. THE WIRING WAS NOT RECOGNIZABLE AND REPAIR WAS NOT POSSIBLE WITHOUT PROFESSIONAL SERVICE. WE LEFT THE SEAT AS IT IS FOR NOW UNTIL WE CAN FIGURE OUT HOW TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE, AND FIGURE OUT HOW TO PREVENT THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION FROM OCCURRING AGAIN.

NHTSA complaint #10299803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 48,000 miles Salt Lake City, UT Crash

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

SEVERAL MONTHS AGO I HAD PLACED MY 2004 9-3 SAAB IN PARK AND LEFT THE CAR RUNNING TO GET OUT AND TURN OFF MY SPRINKLERS. WHILE OUT OF THE CAR THE VEHICLE ROLLED UP THE DRIVEWAY AND HEADED TO WARDS MY GARAGE NARROWLY MISSING MY HOUSE. I RAN AFTER THE CAR AND JUMPED IN THE DRIVERS SEAT JUST AS THE CAR MADE CONTACT WITH THE GARAGE DOOR. I WAS ABLE TO PUT ON THE BRAKE AND STOP THE CAR BEFORE IT KNOCKED DOWN THE WHOLE GARAGE. I CONTACTED SAAB IMMEDIATELY AND THEY HAD THE CAR CHECKED BY THEIR MECHANICS WHO SAID THEY COULD FIND NOTHING. I KNOW THAT I HAD PUT THE CAR IN PARK BEFORE EXITING. THE CAR ALSO WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE AND INSTEAD OF ROLLING BACKWARDS HAD IT NOT BEEN IN PARK IT ACTUALLY ROLLED UP THE DRIVEWAY AS IF IT WENT FROM PARK INTO DRIVE. I WAS UNAWARE OF THE ISSUE UNTIL I HEARD THAT GM HAS OTHER CARS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. SINCE THEY ARE TRYING TO SELL SAAB I AM SURE THEY ARE TRYING TO HIDE THAT THIS PROBLEM MAY ALSO EXIST IN THE SAABS AS WELL.

NHTSA complaint #10269619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 42,000 miles Sarasota, FL Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH; HOWEVER, HIS AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO SERIOUS INJURIES, BUT THE DRIVER AND HIS SPOUSE COMPLAINED OF ACHES AND PAINS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE DEALER WAS INFORMED OF THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 42,000. UPDATED 5/27/09

NHTSA complaint #10265421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Columbus, OH

SEAT BELTS

Retractor won't pull driver side seat belt back in

NHTSA complaint #11602156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ellicott City, MD

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11467557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 119,000 miles Woodinville, WA

SEAT BELTS

******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE THE CONSUMER PLACED THE REQUEST*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******

NHTSA complaint #11458819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 110,000 miles Tampa, FL

SEAT BELTS

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 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.

NHTSA complaint #11321112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Billings, MT

SEAT BELTS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11165716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 164,000 miles Amarillo, TX

SEAT BELTS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11121019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 95,000 miles LOS Angeles, CA

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11081728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Hollister, CA

AIR BAGS

AIR BAG MALFUNCTION LIGHT

NHTSA complaint #11079992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 95,411 miles Wallingford, CT

SEAT BELTS

I HAVE A RECALL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT. IT WAS BROKEN AND IS UNSPOOLED.

NHTSA complaint #11042242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 106,000 miles Phoenix, AZ

SEAT BELTS

FRONT DRIVER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR HAS FAILED WHEN I WENT TO FASTEN MY SEAT BELT.

NHTSA complaint #10918609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 1,855 miles Hopedale, MA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10894074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 1,855 miles Hopedale, MA

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #10894074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 79,000 miles Miami, FL

AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL? MY CAR KEEPS GIVING ME THE FOLLOWING ALERT: AIRBAG MALFUNCTION. HOW CAN I VERIFY IT IS PART OF THE RECALL?

NHTSA complaint #10893219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 79,000 miles Miami, FL

SUSPENSION

TAKATA RECALL? MY CAR KEEPS GIVING ME THE FOLLOWING ALERT: AIRBAG MALFUNCTION. HOW CAN I VERIFY IT IS PART OF THE RECALL?

NHTSA complaint #10893219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 79,000 miles Miami, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

TAKATA RECALL? MY CAR KEEPS GIVING ME THE FOLLOWING ALERT: AIRBAG MALFUNCTION. HOW CAN I VERIFY IT IS PART OF THE RECALL?

NHTSA complaint #10893219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Willowbrook, IL

SEAT BELTS

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. 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.

NHTSA complaint #10882779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Willowbrook, IL

AIR BAGS

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. 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.

NHTSA complaint #10882779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wynnewood, PA

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10876736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Indianapolis, IN

AIR BAGS

2004 SAAB 9-3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DRIVER AIRBAG INFLATOR RECALL NOTICE. *SMD

NHTSA complaint #10875104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pleasantville, NJ

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10865396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Canton, MA

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10864436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Livingston, NJ

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10863998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bellevue, WA

AIR BAGS

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 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.

NHTSA complaint #10855050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wayne, PA

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10854013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wadsworth, OH

AIR BAGS

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 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,

NHTSA complaint #10853718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.