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…
2009 Saab 9-3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 43 owner complaints about the 2009 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 March 14, 2019. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2009 Saab 9-3 has problems
43 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
17Air bags
12Engine
4Fuel/propulsion system
2Service brakes
2Seat belts
1Engine and engine cooling
1Wheels
1Electrical system
1Service brakes, hydraulic
55 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 17 | 0 |
| Engine | 12 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 1 | 0 |
| 5 other systems | 5 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2009 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
2009 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
2009 Saab 9-3 safety ratings
2009 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
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2009 Saab 9-3, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What 9-3 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I WAS FIRST NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL IN 2016, BUT TOLD THAT THE REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. WHEN I GOT THE NOTICE EARLY THIS YEAR THAT PARTS AVAILABLE, I CALLED THE AUTHORIZED DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND NEVER GOT A RESPONSE. ON ONE OCCASION I SPOKE TO SOMEONE WHO SAID HE WOULD CALL ME BACK BUT…
TAKATA RECALL I WAS INFORMED IN A LETTER THAT GM IS WORKING ON AIRBAG RECALL FOR MY CAR. IT STATED THAT IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT MY AIRBAG CAN EXPLODE AND I MAY DIE. THEY ALSO SAID THAT IN ANOTHER LETTER THEY WILL SPECIFY WHEN THE REPLACEMENT PART IS AVAILABLE. IT HAS BEEN A WHILE AND I HAVE NOT…
TAKATA RECALL - MY COMPLAINT IS THAT ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAS HAPPENED, AND THAT THE STATUS OF THE RECALL ISSUED APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO IS: "RECALL INCOMPLETE. REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE". PEOPLE ARE STILL DYING OUT THERE BECAUSE TAKATA HAS NOT YET SOLVED THIS PROBLEM. THOSE OF US WHO OWN VEHICLES…
Own a 2009 9-3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.