NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2002 Saab 9-3; the most frequently affected component is fuel system, gasoline — hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Owners filed 37 complaints, most often about electrical system. Among the 3 model years of this model in the database, 2002 ranks #2 for number of recalls.
Fuel system, gasoline — Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCampaign 07V087000 · 07 Mar 2007
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 june 13, 2007. This is an expansion of previous recall campaigns - see 04v557 and 06v126. 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.
Steering — Tie rod assemblyCampaign 01V314000 · 03 Oct 2001
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The tie rod end retaining nuts may not have been properly tightened at the factory.
Risk: The nut could loosen and fall off resulting in a sudden reduction or loss of steering control.
Remedy: All vehicles will be inspected and corrected prior to customer delivery. No owner notification will be required.
What owners complain about
Share of the 37 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.
Electrical system14 · 38%
Engine and engine cooling6 · 16%
Power train5 · 14%
Fuel system4 · 11%
Gasoline4 · 11%
Seat belts3 · 8%
Unknown or other3 · 8%
Equipment3 · 8%
When complaints were filed
20023
20032
20041
20054
20066
20075
20081
20091
20102
20111
20131
20143
20153
20161
20191
20232
From owner complaints
My 2002 saab 9-3 convertible starts fine once it start moving goes off,then i starts it again,then when i stop it goes off and keep on doing it again and again. The first time i had the idea it was cold,but i noticed it doesn't matter it do it every time i stop at any light or stop sign,then i called the manufacturer…
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saab 9-3. When the contact attempted to utilize the seat belt, the retractor failed and would not operate. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that there was a recall placed on certain types of saab vehicles for the same failure. The contact discovered…
The radiator exploded, spewing fluids everywhere, overheating my vehicle without warning when I was driving 45 mph, almost causing a multi-car crash.
The saab 9-3 2002 stalled suddenly while idling on an exit ramp on the highway. The car failed to restart and had to be towed. The ignition module had been replaced 4 years early as part of a prior recall. The car is current at a gas station and the mechanic has diagnosed that the replaced ignition module has again…
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.