Saab 9-3: which year to buy? Recalls and complaints by year
Of 13 model years of the Saab 9-3 on record, 2009 has the most owner complaints at NHTSA (40, most often about air bags). 2004 has the most recall campaigns (6). 2003 has the most complaints mentioning a crash, a fire or an injury (7).
How to read this
Each row counts what official sources have on record for that model year: recall campaigns and owner complaints filed with NHTSA, and how many of those complaints mention a crash, a fire or an injury. We do not rate reliability. Fewer complaints can also mean fewer cars sold or a newer car, so open the year before you decide. 🇺🇸 Local data
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury | Most reported | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 24 MPG |
| 2011 | 4 | 30 | 1 | AIR BAGS | 20 MPG |
| 2010 | 4 | 30 | 0 | AIR BAGS | 21 MPG |
| 2009 | 3 | 40 | 1 | AIR BAGS | 22 MPG |
| 2008 | 3 | 40 | 1 | ENGINE | 20 MPG |
| 2007 | 3 | 40 | 0 | AIR BAGS | 21 MPG |
| 2006 | 3 | 40 | 2 | AIR BAGS | 20 MPG |
| 2005 | 3 | 40 | 2 | SEAT BELTS | 19 MPG |
| 2004 | 6 | 40 | 1 | SEAT BELTS | 20 MPG |
| 2003 | 5 | 40 | 7 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 23 MPG |
| 2002 | 4 | 37 | 2 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 21 MPG |
| 2001 | 4 | 40 | 4 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 21 MPG |
| 2000 | 2 | 40 | 5 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 22 MPG |
Recalls: NHTSA campaigns only, so a defect also recalled in Canada is not counted twice. Stars: NHTSA overall rating. Fuel economy: EPA.
All years of the Saab 9-3Questions
- Which Saab 9-3 year has the most complaints?
- Of 13 model years of the Saab 9-3 on record, 2009 has the most owner complaints at NHTSA (40, most often about air bags).
- Which Saab 9-3 year has the most recalls?
- 2004 has the most recall campaigns (6).
- Which Saab 9-3 years have no complaints or recalls on record?
- 2012. That can also mean fewer cars sold or a newer car, not only a better one.
- How is this comparison made?
- We count, for each model year, the recall campaigns and owner complaints filed with NHTSA, and how many complaints mention a crash, a fire or an injury. We do not rate reliability: raw counts also depend on how many cars were sold and how old they are.