Saab 9-3 convertible problems

Saab 9-3 convertible years list
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

Social links

https://www.saab.com/

Saab 9-3 convertible model years

Common Saab 9-3 convertible problems

The Saab 9-3 Convertible is a popular choice for those looking for a four-seat open-top motoring experience. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems that potential buyers should be aware of.

Cooler Oil Leaks: Leaks can occur between the lubrication and cooling systems due to the chain, which can lead to oil contamination in the coolant. This issue is one of the more expensive on the list to fix and is a significant concern that should make potential buyers think twice about the purchase.

Hood: The hood of the Saab 9-3 Convertible should be in good working order. Raise and lower it a couple of times to ensure it's working smoothly, and check for any rips or damage.

Interior Heating: One of the most common issues with the Saab 9-3 is with the heating system, specifically the dial controls and knobs. These are known to easily crack off and split, but fortunately, they cost less than £10 each to repair.

Oil Sludge: Petrol-powered 9-3s may experience costly problems with the engine if the previous owner has not been keeping up with regular services or has used thicker oil than is stipulated. Check the service history to ensure the owner has been on the ball.

Strut Mounts: Listen out for a grinding noise on your test drive, particularly as you're going round corners. The likely culprit in this scenario is the mounts and bearings at the top of the McPherson struts in the suspension system.

ABS and Traction Control Failure: Corroded wiring in the front wheel sensors can lead to ABS and traction control failure, which can cause a complete loss of control on slippery or uneven roads. Both parts must be replaced to restore the braking system.

Engine Coolant Loss: The porous engine block of the Saab 9-3 is the source of its low coolant levels, which can lead to engine overheating and damage. This issue affects most Saab 9-3s from 1999 to 2010 and requires professional attention.

Electrical Issues: Saab 9-3s are known for their electrical issues, including problems with the windows, sunroof, and central locking system. These issues can be expensive to fix and may require professional attention.

Suspension Problems: The Saab 9-3's suspension system is known to have issues, including worn-out struts and bushings, which can lead to a rough ride and decreased handling performance. These issues can be expensive to fix and may require professional attention.

In summary, while the Saab 9-3 Convertible is a popular choice for those looking for a four-seat open-top motoring experience, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems before making a purchase. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these issues from becoming significant problems, but potential buyers should be prepared for the possibility of costly repairs.

What is the most common problem with the Saab 9-3?

Many owners have complained about engine failure caused by a faulty direct ignition cassette (DIC). Saab vehicles primarily use a DIC system, with ignition coils that directly go on top of the spark plugs. If there's a problem with the DIC, the engine may crank but not start.

What is the most reliable engine in the Saab 9-3?

Saab 9-3 Saloon engines, drive and performance

Eight-valve single-turbo models (120hp TiD) are generally considered the most reliable, with the 130, 160 and 180hp later twin-turbo 16-valve variants the next choice.

What year of Saab is the most reliable?

The Saab 900 (1994-1998) is a mid-size luxury car produced by the Swedish automaker Saab. It is the fourth generation of the Saab 900 series. Known for its Scandinavian design, innovative features, and solid build quality, the Saab 900 (1994-1998) is considered one of the most reliable Saabs in its lineup.

Why does Saab have a bad reputation?

One of the main reasons for its failure is poor reliability. The 9-5 had a well-constructed body, but its interior doesn't hold up over the years. Wear and tear are relatively noticeable, and the green-backlit LED display became a chore to read with age.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Saab 9-3 convertible years

We have researched Saab problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Saab 9-3 convertible cars and compiled the top 4 most problematic Saab 9-3 convertible model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Saab 9-3 convertible model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Saab 9-3 convertible years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Saab 9-3 convertible car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Saab 9-3 convertible , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

Electrical system problems
Air bags problems
Fuel system problems
Gasoline problems
Seat belts problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Saab 9-3 convertible vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 9-3 convertible model years

A total of 2 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by 9-3 convertible model years

There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by 9-3 convertible model years

There were a total of 4 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 52 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Saab 9-3 convertible . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Saab 9-3 convertible vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Saab 9-3 convertible 2000

Date Of Incident: 2020-05-08
Date Complaint: 2020-05-08
Number Of Injuries: 1
VIN: YS3DD78H8Y7
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: DRIVING ALONG, MAYBE 20-30 MPH AND DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYS FOR NO REASON (SIDE, NOT STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG). . NO CRASH, NO IMPACT, JUST DRIVING STRAIGHT AND, BOOM! MY LEFT EAR IS RINGING AND MY LEFT ARM IS PROBABLY BRUISED. *TR

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Saab 9-3 convertible 2000

Date Of Incident: 2016-03-31
Date Complaint: 2016-12-13
VIN: YS3FD79Y276
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: TAKATA RECALL: I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN MARCH 2016. THE SAAB CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER CONTINUES TO TELL ME THE AIRBAG REPLACEMENT IS NOT AVAILABLE AND "I SHOULD NOT WORRY BECAUSE THERE HAVE BEEN NO ACCIDENTS WITH SAAB VEHICLES." HOWEVER, I OWN OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE SAME RECALL, AND THOSE MANUFACTURERS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO OBTAIN THE REPLACEMENT.

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Saab 9-3 convertible 1999

Date Of Incident: 2015-08-18
Date Complaint: 2015-08-18
VIN: YS3DD78N2X7
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: I WAS TRAVELING ALONG ON THE INTERSTATE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SIDE CURTAIN DRIVER AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. IT NEARLY CAUSED ME TO WRECK FROM THE LOUD POP WHICH BLURRED MY VISION AS WELL.

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Saab 9-3 convertible 1999

Date Of Incident: 2014-02-03
Date Complaint: 2014-09-23
VIN: YS3DD78N2X7
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 10/29/14*CN

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Saab 9-3 convertible 2000

Date Of Incident: 2013-10-01
Date Complaint: 2014-07-08
VIN: YS3DF78K4Y7
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: WHILE DRIVING MY CAR I HAD TO PUSH ON THE BRAKES FAIRLY HARD. THE SEAT BELT RETRACTED AND THEN STAYED RETRACTED. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR A PROPER REPLACEMENT FOR THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT AND HAVE YET TO FIND ONE FOR LESS THAN $200.00 FOR A USED ONE AND OVER $300.00 FOR A REFURBISHED ONE. GM JUST HAPPENS TO HAVE NEW ONES BUT THEY ARE ALMOST $500.00 ACCORDING TO THE REP FROM GM.THESE SEAT BELTS HAVE A CHARGING CYLINDER ON THEM THAT SETS OFF THE AIR BAG. THAT ALONE CAUSES YOU TO HAVE TO SHIP IT AS A HAZARDOUS MATERIAL.IF YOU CAN FIND SOMEONE TO SHIP IT AT A REASONABLE COST. (NOT HAPPENING)IF YOU GO WITH THE "UNIVERSAL" SEAT BELT SOLD BY SOME COMPANIES THEY DON'T EVEN WORK AND YOU ARE TOLD TO JUST CUT THE SEAT BELT TO MAKE IT FIT. KIND OF DESTROYS THE INTEGRITY OF THE SEAT BELT BY DOING THAT I WOULD THINK. I HAVE MADE TWO COMPLAINTS WITH GM ABOUT THIS AND CONSIDERING THEY HAD JUST RECALLED THE 2004-2009 SAAB'S FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE I THOUGHT THEY MIGHT WORK WITH ME TO SOME EXTENT. I KNOW NOW THAT IT IS NOT THE CASE. THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN PROVIDE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR UPDATED 3/13/2015 *JS

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Saab 9-3 convertible 2001

Date Of Incident: 2013-08-22
Date Complaint: 2013-08-23
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: HAD THE ENGINE LIGHT ON FOR THREE MONTHS THEN I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY YESTERDAY AND SUDDENLY THE ENGINE WOULDN'T TAKE GAS. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER OFF THE HIGHWAY SLOWLY AND IT STOPPED COMPLETELY AFTER I MADE THE EXIT. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT I NEED A NEW IGNITION CASSETTE! SO DANGEROUS! *TR

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Saab 9-3 convertible 2000

Date Of Incident: 2013-01-27
Date Complaint: 2013-01-29
VIN: YS3DD75H0Y7
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT AND BECAME TIGHT AROUND THE CONTACT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT BEGAN CHOKING FROM THE PRESSURE OF THE SEAT BELT BECOMING TIGHTER. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE SEAT BELTS WERE NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 112,334.

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Saab 9-3 convertible 1999

Date Of Incident: 2010-12-13
Date Complaint: 2010-12-25
VIN: YS3DD75N0X7
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: DRIVER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED. *TR

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Saab 9-3 convertible 2001

Date Of Incident: 2010-11-20
Date Complaint: 2010-11-24
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 65 MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED; THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 46,000.

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Saab 9-3 convertible 2000

Date Of Incident: 2010-11-12
Date Complaint: 2010-11-12
Fire: 1
VIN: YS3DF78K7Y7
Components: STRUCTURE,INTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: I HAVE A 2000 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE. I WAS CLEANING THE VEHICLE AND HAD THE DRIVER DOOR OPEN. I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE AREA BETWEEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND THE RIGHT DOOR. I OPENED THE RIGHT DOOR TO FIND THE LIGHT FIXTURE IN THE RIGHT QUARTER PANEL HAD FALLEN OUT AND WAS BURNING THE SEAT COVER BY THE AIR BAG. THE LAMP REFLECTOR IS METAL AND BURNED THE SEAT COVER. *TR

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Saab 9-3 convertible 2001

Date Of Incident: 2009-10-11
Date Complaint: 2009-10-12
VIN: YS3DF78K317
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY, MOTOR FAILED DUE TO LACK OF OIL CIRCULATION BROUGHT ON BY PLUGGING OF OIL PUMP INTAKE SCREEN FROM DEGRADATION OF OIL, DUE TO DESIGN OF SAAB 9/3 THAT COOKS OIL IN TURBOCHARGER AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER DIRECTLY BENEATH OIL PAN. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS LONG OIL CHANGE INTERVAL, (10,000 SAAB RECOMMENDATION), VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 7,000 MILES SINCE LAST OIL CHANGE. COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE RESULTED. VEHICLE DISABLED. I HAD IT TOWED TO A PEP BOYS LOCATION AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE LOST 2 CYLINDERS AND NEEDS TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED. *TR

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Saab 9-3 convertible 2001

Date Of Incident: 2009-07-01
Date Complaint: 2009-08-27
VIN: YS3DF78K117
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE. THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ILLUMINATED FOR 3 WEEKS. A MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE FAILURE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THE SPARK PLUGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V399000 PE05017 NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE05017 COMPONENT: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE IS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY RISK AND THE POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED PER THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN NOR YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL OF HER VEHICLE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.

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Saab 9-3 convertible 2001

Date Of Incident: 2009-06-18
Date Complaint: 2009-07-02
VIN: YS3DF78K517
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE. IN 2006, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 103-7-22538. THERE WERE NO FAILURES AT THE TIME; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE TO PREVENT THE RECALL CONSEQUENCE. IN 2007, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT DID NOT FEEL THE NEED TO FILE A COMPLAINT AT THAT TIME. SINCE THE BEGINNING OF 2009, THE VEHICLE HAS FREQUENTLY BEEN STALLING AND IS A MAJOR INCONVENIENCE. ON JUNE 10, 2009, THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR THE STALLING ISSUE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CRANK SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE FEELS THAT HE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR SERVICES THAT WERE PERFORMED IN 2006, WHICH WERE SUPPOSED TO REMEDY THE FAILURES IN THE FIRST PLACE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.

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Saab 9-3 convertible 2000

Date Of Incident: 2009-03-09
Date Complaint: 2009-03-17
Components: TIRES
Summary: MY CAR WAS DAMAGED ON THE WAY TO WK BECAUSE I HIT A POT HOLE ON NEW CONSTRUCTION. WHO WOULD I TALK TO ABOUT THIS. I ALMOST HAD A BLOW OUT & IT WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THE NEW TARRED ROAD HAS A DEEP HOLE & IT'S A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. *TR

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Saab 9-3 convertible 2000

Date Of Incident: 2009-02-16
Date Complaint: 2009-02-16
VIN: YS3DD78H5Y7
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: ENGINE BLEW DO TO EXCESSIVE CARBON BUILD UP, SAAB HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM SINCE 1999 AND OFFERED A EXTENDED WARRANTY TO ORIGINAL BUYERS TILL 8 YEARS AND UNLIMITED MILEAGE. TO FIX, ENGINE HAS TO BE REPLACED. CAR ONLY HAS 100,000 MILES. THE OIL PORTHOLES THAT SQUIRT INTO THE PISTONS ARE CLOGGED BURNING OUT THE CYLINDERS. TO FIX THE CONCERN $4-5,000, IF WE CAN USE THE ENGINE THAT CAME WITH THE CAR, USED ENGINES ARE GOING FOR $2-3000 AND YOU CANNOT BUY A NEW OR REBUILT ONE. *TR

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Recalls Saab 9-3 convertible

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the Saab 9-3 convertible.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

Model: Saab 9-3 convertible 2000
Report Received Date: 2007-03-07
Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.
Consequence: OVER TIME, THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL LINES TO LOOSEN FROM THE PUMP RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, THE FUEL MAY IGNITE RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL DEVELOP A SECURING BRACKET THAT WILL SECURE THE FUEL LINES TO THE FUEL PUMP EVEN IF THE PLASTIC RETAINING TABS SHOULD BREAK. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 13, 2007. THIS IS AN EXPANSION OF PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGNS - SEE 04V557 AND 06V126. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

Model: Saab 9-3 convertible 2001
Report Received Date: 2004-11-19
Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.
Consequence: OVER TIME, THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL LINES TO LOOSEN FROM THE PUMP RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, THE FUEL MAY IGNITE RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL DEVELOP A SECURING BRACKET THAT WILL SECURE THE FUEL LINES TO THE FUEL PUMP EVEN IF THE PLASTIC RETAINING TABS SHOULD BREAK. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 14, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

Model: Saab 9-3 convertible 2002
Report Received Date: 2004-11-19
Manufacturer: SAAB CARS USA, INC.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.
Consequence: OVER TIME, THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL LINES TO LOOSEN FROM THE PUMP RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, THE FUEL MAY IGNITE RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL DEVELOP A SECURING BRACKET THAT WILL SECURE THE FUEL LINES TO THE FUEL PUMP EVEN IF THE PLASTIC RETAINING TABS SHOULD BREAK. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 14, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.