The 2006 SAAB 9-3 has 3 safety recalls and 179 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (87 complaints).
Recalls3safety recalls
Complaints179filed by owners
Crashes · fires11 · 3reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths4 · 0reported in complaints
Safety recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
NHTSA recall 16V063000 · Feb 3, 2016 · 113,716 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Saab 9-3 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2002, to February 15, 2011, 2006-2009 Saab 9-5 vehicles manufactured June 7, 2005, to May 28, 2009, and 2008-2009 Saturn Astra vehicles manufactured April 11, 2007, to July 24, 2008. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator on Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles and will replace the driver's frontal airbag module on Saturn Astra vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on March 1, 2017. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 28810.
Seat belts › Front › Retractor
NHTSA recall 14V318000 · Jun 12, 2014 · 28,789 vehicles
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible vehicles manufactured July 30, 2003, to February 15, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the driver's side front seat belt retractor may break, causing the seat belt webbing not to retract.
Risk: In the event of a crash, a seat belt that has not retracted may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt retractor, free of charge. The recall began on October 6, 2015. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007. GM's number for this recall is 14222. Note: Special Coverage 10086 will replace the passenger side seat belt retractor if it fails, free of charge, for the life of the vehicle.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
NHTSA recall 11E009000 · Feb 28, 2011 · 4,887 vehicles
Problem: TI AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN FUEL PUMPS, PART NUMBERS TU456 AND TU303, SOLD UNDER VARIOUS BRAND NAMES AS AFTERMARKET AND REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE MOTOR VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MAY SEIZE, STOPPING THE FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE CREATING A STALLING CONDITION.
Risk: A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE IN USE.
Fix: TI AUTOMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE ANY DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP WITH A NEW OR REWORKED FUEL PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TI AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-866-867-3759 OR LOG ON TO WWW.RECALLRESPONSE.COM.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2006 Saab 9-3 4-DR w/SAB
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
2006 Saab 9-3 Convertible w/SAB
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
9-3 Sport Sedan
23mpg combined
City / highway
20 / 28 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel
9-3 Sport Sedan
23mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 29 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S5) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel
9-3 SportCombi
23mpg combined
City / highway
20 / 28 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel
9-3 SportCombi
23mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 29 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S5) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel
9-3 Convertible
21mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel
9-3 Convertible
20mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S5) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel
9-3 Convertible
19mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2.8 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel
9-3 Convertible
19mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2.8 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel
9-3 Sport Sedan
19mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2.8 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel
9-3 Sport Sedan
19mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2.8 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel
9-3 SportCombi
19mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2.8 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel
9-3 SportCombi
19mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2.8 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Air bags Frontal › Sensor/control module
87
5
0
3
93,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Power assist › Vacuum
26
2
0
0
21,200 mi
Seat belts Front › Retractor
15
1
1
0
103,927 mi
Electrical system Ignition; Ignition › Module
14
1
2
1
30,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling Cooling system; Engine
11
1
1
1
30,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system
10
1
0
0
105,000 mi
Steering Column
8
2
0
2
34,000 mi
Suspension Front
7
1
0
1
51,901 mi
Power train Automatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
7
0
0
0
27,000 mi
Service brakes
7
1
0
0
78,000 mi
Vehicle speed control Cruise control
6
1
0
0
4,880 mi
Electronic stability control (esc)
5
1
0
1
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Aug 6, 2025 · 160,000 milesFuel system, gasoline The contact owns a 2006 SAAB 9-3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and shut off, the contact attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact also noticed a fuel odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Sep 26, 2021Air bags Warning message that airbag is not working. Loud hissing sound immediately in front of dashboard, as if air is escaping. We cannot drive the car for fear of the airbag inflating. We are going to have to towed to a repair shop to be fixed and will keep all paperwork.
Jan 16, 2020Electronic stability control (esc) ECU ISSUES, LOSS POWER WHEN DRIVING.
Nov 30, 2019Air bags I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIND A DEALERSHIP TO FIX MY RECALL BUT GENERAL MOTORS STATED THEY DO NOT FIX IT. I AM RECEIVING CALLS AND LETTERS EVERY OTHER WEEK. WHO WILL FIX THIS ISSUE ??? I AM LOCATED IN THE WILKES BARRE PA 18705 AREA. PLEASE ADVISE THANK YOU
Jun 6, 2019 · 3 milesFuel/propulsion system WHEN I USED MY CRUISE CONTROL SOMETIMES IT ENGAGES AND DOES NOT ENGAGE. IT DID THIS FOR OVER A MONTH. WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR, I DID MY RESEARCH ON IT AND IT SAID THAT IT HAS A STEERING FLUID LOSS PROBLEM, BECAUSE THE QUALITY IS POOR. I AM CURIOUS TO WHY THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL ON IT YET.
Mar 28, 2019 · 109,000 milesSteering TAKATA RECALL. THE STEERING PUMP IS LEAKING AND I TOOK MY CAR TO GM AND THEY REFUSED TO WORK ON MY 2006 SAAB 9-3. THE STEERING LEAKING IS SAFETY ISSUE, AND IF I LOSE CONTROL OF MY STEERING..I CAN END UP HURTING MYSELF. PLEASE TAKE THIS INTO CONSIDERATION AND MAKE GM FIX MY STEERING PUMP!
Mar 1, 2013 · 120,000 milesEngine TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SAAB 9-3. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHO REPLACED THE FUEL CAP, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.
Jan 9, 2018 · 130,000 milesAir bags TAKATA RECALL, I TOOK MY 06 SAAB 93 AERO INTO BELLEVUE WASHINGTON CADILLAC DEALERSHIP TO GET MY AIR BAG RECALL FIXED, AFTER I HOT THE RECALLED AIRBAG REPLACED THEY RESET MY ECM AND NOW MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON INTERMITTENTLY AND DRAINS MY BATTERY DEAD OVER NIGHT! I HAVE CALLED BELLEVUE CADILLAC AND THEY REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE DAMAGE THEY DID TO MY CAR BY REPLACING THE RECALLED AIRBAG WITH ANOTHER BAD AIRBAG! THEY LISTED IN THEIR COMPUTERS THAT THEY FIXED MY CAR AND NEVER DID SO NOW I AM STUCK WITH ANOTHER BAD FAULTY AIRBAG AND NOW A BATTERY DRAIN ISSUE FROM IT. MY CAR HAS BEEN LITERALLY UNDRIVEABLE SINCE THE DAY THEY REPLACED THE RECALLED AIRBAG. THE CAR ALSO HAS A FAILED GAS GAUGE…
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021 · openDesiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled…
EA08026 · opened Dec 22, 2008 · closed Jun 4, 2010Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture To date, ODI is aware of 142 non-duplicative complaints related to the alleged defect.In addition, ODI is aware of 2,626 subject vehicles with one or more warranty claims related to the alleged defect.In total, ODI is aware of 2,714 unique subject vehicles that have experienced one or more front suspension coil spring fractures.ODI is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the alleged defect.The engineering design and testing data supplied by GM, along with the frequency of consumer complaints and warranty claims related to the alleged defect, tends to support the position that, in general, the coil springs that fractured on many subject vehicles did not achieve the expected service life.However, in regard to the subject vehicles, a front suspension coil spring fracture itself has little safety consequence, as evidenced by the minimal impact on vehicle ride and handling and by…
PE08051 · opened Aug 28, 2008 · closed Dec 23, 2008FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURE ON AUGUST 28, 2008, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE08-051) TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURES IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-2004 SAAB 9-3 VEHICLES SOLD OR REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES.(NOTE: FOR PURPOSES OF THIS INVESTIGATION, THE SALT BELT INCLUDES CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN).SUBSEQUENT ANALYSIS OF DATA PROVIDED BY GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM) HAS LED THE AGENCY TO EXPAND THE SCOPE OF THIS INVESTIGATION TO INCLUDE ALL MY 2003-2006 SAAB 9-3 VEHICLES SOLD OR REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES. TO DATE, ODI IS AWARE OF 53 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS AND/OR FIELD REPORTS THAT ALLEGE COIL SPRING FRACTURE IN…
PE08005 · opened Jan 28, 2008 · closed Jun 3, 2008REDUCED BRAKE POWER-ASSIST SAAB AUTOMOBILE AB, A SUBSIDIARY OF GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM), MANUFACTURED 12,317 SUBJECT VEHICLES THROUGH FEBRUARY 15, 2008, EQUIPPED WITH THE HIGH FEATURE V6 TURBOCHARGED ENGINE IDENTIFIED BY REGULAR PRODUCTION OPTION LP9.A TANDEM VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY PROVIDES BRAKE POWER-ASSIST.THE ENGINE IS THE PRIMARY VACUUM SOURCE TO THE BOOSTER AND ITS EFFECT IS AMPLIFIED BY A VENTURI.UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, SUCH AS A COLD ENGINE START OR AT HIGH ALTITUDES, AN ELECTRIC VACUUM PUMP (EVP) SUPPLEMENTS ENGINE VACUUM.A PRESSURE SWITCH MEASURES BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM AND COMMANDS THE EVP WHEN TO TURN ON/OFF.CHECK VALVES ARE LOCATED AT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, VENTURI, AND PRESSURE SWITCH. GM IDENTIFIED TWO ISSUES THAT AFFECT EVP PERFORMANCE: CORROSION OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS INSIDE THE PUMP CAUSED BY MOISTURE INGRESS THROUGH THE AIR OUTLET WHEN THE EVP SHUTS OFF AND THE VACUUM IN A SECTION OF…