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…
2008 Saab 9-3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 184 owner complaints about the 2008 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 June 26, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Saab 9-3 has problems
184 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
71Air bags
66Engine1 crash/fire/injury
13Fuel/propulsion system
11Electrical system
10Power train
10Seat belts
10Suspension
4Vehicle speed control
3Exterior lighting
149 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 71 | 0 |
| Engine | 66 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 13 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 11 | 2 |
| Power train | 10 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 10 | 1 |
| Suspension | 10 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | 0 |
| 9 other systems | 14 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2008 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.
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Engine
18 owners mentioned a cost$2,265median
Middle half: $2,000 – $3,000
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2008 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
2008 Saab 9-3 safety ratings
2008 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 2008 Saab 9-3, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
- REDUCED BRAKE POWER-ASSISTNo recall
In owners' words
What 9-3 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I have been trying to get this recall done for many years and with no luck. Most recently June 26th 2026 I was informed my recall was not fixable again and I hope for the last time. Enough is enough! Van Bortel Chevrolet in Macedon Ny tried again today which is there 2nd attempt. I had to buy a…
Hello, I know the Takata airbag has to be replaced on my car. However now I do live abroad, in Gothenburg Sweden in Europe. How do I get the replacement done? Should I go to GM here in Europe? Thanks
The contact owns a 2008 Saab 9-3. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V318000 (Seat Belts) and 16V063000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however, the dealer declined to service the vehicle.…
Own a 2008 9-3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.