repaired · 2022 Q1
Driver side: inflator module
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…
2006 Saab 9-3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 179 owner complaints about the 2006 Saab 9-3, most often about the air bags. 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 6, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2006 Saab 9-3 has problems
179 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
87Air bags5 crash/fire/injury
23Service brakes, hydraulic2 crash/fire/injury
15Seat belts2 crash/fire/injury
13Electrical system
11Engine and engine cooling
10Fuel/propulsion system
8Steering
7Service brakes
7Power train
3914 other systems7 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 87 | 5 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 23 | 2 |
| Seat belts | 15 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 13 | 3 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 11 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 10 | 1 |
| Steering | 8 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 7 | 1 |
| Power train | 7 | 0 |
| 14 other systems | 39 | 7 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2006 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.
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.
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.
Best & worst years
2006 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
2006 Saab 9-3 safety ratings
2006 Saab 9-3 4-DR 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
4 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2006 Saab 9-3, and the recalls they led to.
- Front Suspension Coil Spring FractureNo recall
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
- REDUCED BRAKE POWER-ASSISTNo recall
- FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURENo recall
In owners' words
What 9-3 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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.
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
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…
Own a 2006 9-3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.