NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2001 Saab 9-3; the most frequently affected component is fuel system, gasoline — hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Owners filed 59 complaints, most often about electrical system. Among the 3 model years of this model in the database, 2001 ranks #1 for number of recalls.
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production.
Risk: 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 may 12, 2006. Owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.
Electrical system — ModuleCampaign 05V399000 · 14 Sep 2005
Problem: 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 to electrical loads.
Risk: Overheating of the igbt occurs most often at engine start-up, but it may also occur while the engine is running. Engine stalling may occur, which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect to see what version idm is in the vehicle and replace the idm if it is a version built prior to the introduction of qp3. An interim letter will be mailed to owners in october 2005, informing them of the condition. Parts are now available and owners will be notified to bring their vehicles in to the dealers to have the idm replaced by letter dated march 13, 2006. Owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.
Fuel system, gasoline — Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCampaign 04V557000 · 19 Nov 2004
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production.
Risk: 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.
Air bagsCampaign 01V168000 · 18 May 2001
Problem: Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with requirements of fmvss no. 208, "occupant crash protection." the air bag alert labels may not be permanently affixed as required by this standard.
Risk: These vehicles do not comply with the requirements.
Remedy: Dealers will clean the sunvisor surface and apply a new air bag alert label on both sunvisors. Owner notification began july 30, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.
What owners complain about
Share of the 40 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.
Electrical system15 · 38%
Fuel system9 · 22%
Gasoline9 · 22%
Engine and engine cooling9 · 22%
Air bags4 · 10%
Seats2 · 5%
Fuel/propulsion system2 · 5%
Service brakes2 · 5%
When complaints were filed
20058
20067
20073
20087
20103
20111
20121
20131
20142
20162
20191
20201
20212
20241
From owner complaints
2001 9-3 engine light illuminated due to a cracked cylinder. *ts when the consumer took the vehicle to the dealership, she was told the serial number on the module was not the one that would be replaced. A few months had passed and the service technician determined that the problem was from the recalled part which had…
The contact owns a 2001 Saab 9-3. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. A mobile independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 05V399000 (Electrical…
Brought my 2001 saab 9-3 for campaign recall 05v399000 idm to dirito brothers saab of walnut creek, california. Dealer stated not required to change the idm. If my idm fails at a later date, i could be susceptible to injury or death. Need to know if dealer is required to change idm. *tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saab 9-3. While driving approximately 45 mph, the contact noticed smoke rising from under the driver seat. Her legs became extremely hot so she pulled over and shut off the seat warmer. The vehicle became engulfed with smoke and a hole was burned into the driver seat. Shortly after the seat…
Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.