Model year
2002 Saab 9-3
NHTSA lists 4 recalls and 37 complaints for the 2002 Saab 9-3 (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). NHTSA also lists 1 recall and 9 complaints under 9-3 CONVERTIBLE. Those counts are separate from the numbers above. The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE (5), POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (4). NHTSA lists 1 investigation. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 20–24 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $3,400–$4,100, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 50 complaints
- 2001 59 complaints
- 2002 37 complaints
- 2003 212 complaints
- 2004 207 complaints
- 2005 95 complaints
- 2006 179 complaints
- 2007 155 complaints
- 2008 184 complaints
- 2009 43 complaints
- 2010 30 complaints
- 2011 30 complaints
- 2012 0 complaints
Recalls
07V087000 · Mar 7, 2007
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.
05V399000 · Sep 14, 2005
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH B205/B235 4-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES AND B308 6-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE OVERHEATING AND BURNOUT OF THE ISOLATED GATED BIPOLAR TRANSISTOR (IGBT) WITHIN THE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE (IDM) DUE TO INCREASED SUSCEPTIBILITY…
04V557000 · Nov 19, 2004
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.
01V314000 · Oct 3, 2001
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE ROD END RETAINING NUTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TIGHTENED AT THE FACTORY.
Complaints
37 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 0, fire flag on 1, injury field 1, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Other NHTSA names
These names matched the same EPA model but are not included in the headline counts above.
| Name | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 9-3 CONVERTIBLE | 1 | 9 |
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE05017 | ENGINE STALL/ ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Apr 7, 2005 | Sep 23, 2005 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9-3 Convertible · 2L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 18 | 27 | 21 | — | — | $3,900 |
| 9-3 Convertible · 2L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 20 | 30 | 24 | — | — | $3,400 |
| 9-3 Viggen Convertible · 2.3L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 17 | 26 | 20 | — | — | $4,100 |
| 9-3 · 2L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 18 | 27 | 21 | — | — | $3,900 |
| 9-3 · 2L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 20 | 30 | 24 | — | — | $3,400 |
| 9-3 Viggen · 2.3L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 17 | 26 | 20 | — | — | $4,100 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2002 Saab 9-3 at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.