repaired · 2017 Q1
Front: retractor
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.
2005 Saab 9-3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 95 owner complaints about the 2005 Saab 9-3, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-318 the manufacturer reports only 33% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 3, 2023. Updated daily. Photo: OSX, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2005 Saab 9-3 has problems
95 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
29Suspension
22Seat belts1 crash/fire/injury
12Air bags3 crash/fire/injury
9Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
5Fuel/propulsion system
4Engine and engine cooling
4Fuel system, gasoline
4Seats
3Power train
179 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 29 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 22 | 1 |
| Air bags | 12 | 3 |
| Electrical system | 9 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 5 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 4 | 0 |
| Seats | 4 | 2 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| 9 other systems | 17 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2005 Saab 9-3 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. IF THIS CONDITION WERE TO OCCUR WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE IS REQUIRED, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Saab.
Mileage at failure
When do suspension problems start?
65kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 27 suspension complaints. 85% were reported before 100,000 miles.
0under 30k miles23under 100k miles4100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2005 vs. every other 9-3 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 9-3 median. How we score
'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2005 Saab 9-3 safety ratings
2005 Saab 9-3 Convertible w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2005 Saab 9-3, and the recalls they led to.
- Front Suspension Coil Spring FractureNo recall
- FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURENo recall
In owners' words
What 9-3 owners report
Recent suspension complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER STRUT WAS BENT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE STRUT WAS REPLACED BUT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE…
WHILE DRIVING ON THE STREET AT 30 MPH I HEAR A BANG! I START TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL I IMMEDIATELY PUT MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON AND PULLED OVER SAFELY ONCE I GAINED CONTROL WHEN I GET OUT THE CAR TO INSPECT IT MY PASSENGERS SIDE FRONT SPRING IS BROKEN IN TWO AND MY PASSENGER SIDE TIRE IS…
JUST PUT 2005 SAAB 9-3 INTO SHOP FOR NEW BREAKS AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER COIL SPRING WAS BROKEN. PARTS ARE UNAVAILABLE. I HAVE NO RECOLLECTION AS TO WHEN THIS MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED. THANKFULLY IT WAS NOT ON FREEWAY. *TR
Own a 2005 9-3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.