Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 179 of 179 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 90 of 179 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Air bags
87 complaint records5 crash reports
"TAKATA RECALL: THE MANUFACTURER HAS FAILED OR IS UNABLE TO REMEDY THIS SAFETY RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE IN A TIMELY MANNER...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Brakes
34 complaint records3 crash reports
"BRAKE VACUUM PIPE CHECK VALVE BROKE APART, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF BRAKING POWER AND CHECK ENGINE FAULT. CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE AFTER INCIDENT. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
16 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"FOR THE SECOND TIME IN 24 HOURS THE COOLANT TANK HAS FAILED. THIS TIME IT REQUIRED THE CAR TO BE TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. TANK LEAKED ALL THE COOLANT FROM THE SYSTEM DUE TO TANK FAILURE. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA21002 opened Sep 2021 | OPEN | Air Bags | Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture 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. |
| EA08026 opened Dec 2008 | closed Jun 2010 | Suspension | 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... |
| PE08051 opened Aug 2008 | closed Dec 2008 | Suspension | 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... |
| PE08005 opened Jan 2008 | closed Jun 2008 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | REDUCED BRAKE POWER-ASSIST SAAB AUTOMOBILE AB, A SUBSIDIARY OF GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM), MANUFACTURED 12,317 SUBJECT VEHICLES THROUGH FEBRUARY 15, 2008, EQUIPPED WITH THE HIGH FEATURE V6 TURBOCHARGED ENGINE IDENTIFIED BY REGULAR PRODUCTION OPTION LP9.A TANDEM VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16V063000 | Air Bags | 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... | Normally free |
| 14V318000 | Seat Belts | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible vehicles manufactured July 30, 2003, to February 15, 2011. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016052 2016-02-03 | Airbag | 17,962 | On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. |
| 2014228 2014-06-12 | Seats And Restraints | 961 | On certain convertible model vehicles, the tensioning cable in the driver's seat belt retractor may break, causing the belt to fail to retract. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIP5601C Jul 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC. | |
| PIT5074R May 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. | |
| 02-00-89-002X Sep 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only). | |
| PIT3271P Sep 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. | |
| General Communication Aug 2024 | SERVICE CAMPAIGN | Electrical System | Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01-06-01-011P Aug 2024 | Engine | This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption. | |
| 16-NA-383 Jun 2024 | Engine | This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up. | |
| 18-NA-099 Jun 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim. | |
| 24-NA-098 Jun 2024 | Electrical System | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information. | |
| 08-07-30-035H May 2024 | Power Train | This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid. | |
| 09-00-89-008G May 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process. | |
| 06-00-89-029V May 2024 | Seats | This service bulletin includes information on Interior Cleaning - Instrument Panel (IP), Hard or Plastic Surfaces, Seats, Carpet, Leather, Vinyl, Fabric Cleaner, Stain Remover, Restorer - Product Availability. | |
| 13-08-116-001J Apr 2024 | Electrical System | The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them. | |
| 00-03-10-006P Apr 2024 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Tire Radial Force Variation (RFV). | |
| 18-NA-094 Apr 2024 | Air Bags | This service bulletin provides information on Takata Air Bag Courtesy Transportation Reimbursement Program - Applicable to GM Recalls listed in bulletin. | |
| 10-08-45-001H Mar 2024 | Electrical System | This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish. | |
| 16-NA-383 Mar 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up. | |
| 07-00-89-037S Mar 2024 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs. | |
| 18-NA-094 Feb 2024 | Air Bags | This service bulletin provides information on Takata Air Bag Completion Rate Improvement Program - Applicable to GM Recalls 14491, 14735,15040, 15041, 15043,15044, 15045, 15046, 15406,15438, 15442, 15815, 15816,15817, 15818, 15826, 17009, 17476, 17477, 28810, 28811,17478, 18015,... | |
| 22-NA-074 Feb 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system. | |
| 02-08-42-001J Jan 2024 | Exterior Lighting | This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage. | |
| PI1394B Jan 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine. | |
| PI0592I Jan 2024 | Electrical System | This preliminary information (PI) provides information om Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes (E4398, E4399, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491 or E6961). | |
| 03-00-91-001I Nov 2023 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns. | |
| 01-06-01-011O Oct 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption. | |
| 17-NA-170 Oct 2023 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement. | |
| 02-00-89-002W Sep 2023 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only). | |
| 10-00-89-006J Sep 2023 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only). | |
| 18-NA-073 Aug 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement. | |
| 01-06-01-011N Jun 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption. | |
| 13-08-116-001I Jun 2023 | Electrical System | The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them. | |
| 02-00-89-002V Jun 2023 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. Dealers Only). | |
| 12-03-10-001E May 2023 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Vibration Shortly After Tires are Mounted/Preventing Vibration from Wheel Slip (Tire Sliding on Wheel). | |
| 17-NA-170 Apr 2023 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement. | |
| 19-NA-219 Apr 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue. | |
| 12-03-10-001D Apr 2023 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Vibration Shortly After Tires are Mounted/Preventing Vibration from Wheel Slip (Tire Sliding on Wheel). | |
| 08-07-30-035G Apr 2023 | Power Train | This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid. | |
| 19-NA-219 Mar 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue. | |
| 22-NA-009 Mar 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| 17-NA-073 Feb 2023 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| 01-08-42-001O Feb 2023 | Exterior Lighting | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines. | |
| 02-00-89-002U Jan 2023 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. Dealers Only). | |
| 09-00-89-008F Dec 2022 | Equipment | This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process. | |
| PIT3271N Nov 2022 | Wheels | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. | |
| 22-NA-074 Nov 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system. | |
| 10-00-89-006I Oct 2022 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only). | |
| 06-00-89-031H Sep 2022 | Power Train | This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification. | |
| 13-08-116-001H Sep 2022 | Electrical System | The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them. | |
| 22-NA-009 Sep 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| 01-06-01-011M Sep 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption. | |
| 22-NA-009 Jun 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| 12-00-89-003B May 2022 | Engine | This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only). | |
| 01-00-89-010P Apr 2022 | Equipment | This informational bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern. | |
| 22-NA-074 Mar 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system. | |
| 22-NA-009 Mar 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| PIT3271M Mar 2022 | Wheels | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. | |
| 22NA009 Jan 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| 010842001N Jun 2021 | Exterior Lighting | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines. | |
| 16NA338 Apr 2021 | Power Train | This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle service record retention and proper... | |
| 020089002T Apr 2021 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. Dealers Only). |
Showing 60 of 139 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Saab 9-3 →