Owners have filed 31 complaints
about the 2010 Saab 9-3 with NHTSA between 2011 and 2024.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 13 of 13 worst.
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.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 12
Against the median year of the Saab 9-3. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 76
44% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
111.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
222.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
111.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
333.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
222.2%
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.
Apr 2011peak 5Jan 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 2010 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.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Recalls on the 2010 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 2014228961 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.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 104,000 milesCedarville, OH
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #11566115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bayamon, PR
FUEL/PROPULSION 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!
NHTSA complaint #11185692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bethlehem, PA
ENGINE
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
NHTSA complaint #11079175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Essex Junction, VT
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.
NHTSA complaint #11052487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesHouston, TX
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11040772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clifton Park, NY
AIR BAGS
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
NHTSA complaint #11029632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clifton Park, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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
NHTSA complaint #11029632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mullica Hill, NJ
AIR BAGS
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 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 [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10948597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Rapids, MI
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10946646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Henderson, NV
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10935287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norton, MA
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10934374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Millica Hill, NJ
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10928261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Myers Beach, FL
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10927647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
AIR BAGS
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
NHTSA complaint #10926318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marlton, NJ
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10925896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, NY
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10924625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesNEW Haven, CT
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10911014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sewell, NJ
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10907596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10905602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Broadview Hgts, OH
AIR BAGS
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
NHTSA complaint #10903303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boston, MA
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10895344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesMidway, UT
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10884673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, MA
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10876818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Heartland, TX
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10874015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Henderson, NV
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10860524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.