Model year
2003 Saab 9-3
NHTSA lists 4 recalls and 212 complaints for the 2003 Saab 9-3 (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (36), SUSPENSION:FRONT (27), POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (23). NHTSA lists 4 investigations. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 21–23 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,900–$3,900, 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.
05V236000 · May 19, 2005
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
CERTAIN SPORT SEDAN AND CONVERTIBLE PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH A VACUUM PIPE CHECK VALVE FOR THE BRAKE BOOSTER THAT MAY FAIL FROM EXPOSURE TO ELEVATED TEMPERATURES. THIS COULD RESULT IN SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST, USUALLY WITH LITTLE OR NO WARNING.
04V540000 · Oct 20, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE MAY CAUSE ENGINE HESITATION OR STALLING.
04V226000 · May 11, 2004
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
SOME SPORT SEDANS WERE BUILT WITH SEAT BELT RETRACTORS THAT WERE DAMAGED DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. IF DAMAGED, OVER TIME, THE AUTOMATIC TENSIONING SYSTEM (ATS) CABLE IN THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR COULD BREAK CAUSING THE BELT WEBBING TO NOT RETRACT.
Complaints
212 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 12, fire flag on 6, injury field 17, 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.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE03059 | ENGINE STALL · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | Dec 30, 2003 | Mar 19, 2004 |
| EA04008 | ENGINE STALL · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | Mar 19, 2004 | Oct 27, 2004 |
| PE08051 | FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURE · SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS | Aug 28, 2008 | Dec 23, 2008 |
| EA08026 | Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture · SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS | Dec 22, 2008 | Jun 4, 2010 |
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 | 29 | 23 | — | — | $3,550 |
| 9-3 Sport Sedan · 2L · Automatic 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 19 | 28 | 23 | — | — | $2,900 |
| 9-3 Sport Sedan · 2L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 20 | 29 | 23 | — | — | $2,900 |
| 9-3 Sport Sedan · 2L · Automatic 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 18 | 27 | 21 | — | — | $3,900 |
| 9-3 Sport Sedan · 2L · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 19 | 28 | 22 | — | — | $3,750 |
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 2003 Saab 9-3 at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.