IllustrationPUT MY SEAT BELT ON AND IT WOULD NOT RETRACT. DRIVERS SIDE ONLY. *TT
2004 Saab 9-3
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most 9-3 years
Owner complaints for the 2004 Saab 9-3 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 61.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all 9-3 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
190–25K
2425–50K
4750–75K
3575–100K
36100–150K
9150K+
170 reports with mileage · 37 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Seat Belts. Review the 79 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Suspension. Review the 52 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
10 crash reports2 fire reports7 injury reports
Seat Belts complaints
79 reportsTHE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AS IT NO LONGER FUNCTIONS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9- 3 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT BACK IN PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED THAT THE VIN DID NOT QUALIF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9- 3 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT BACK IN PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED THAT THE VIN DID NOT QUALIFY FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V043000 (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,321.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SECURE THE SEAT BELT BUT THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT. THE CONTACT HAD PREVIOUSLY NOTICED THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS SLOW WHEN RETRACTING BEFORE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SECURE THE SEAT BELT BUT THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT. THE CONTACT HAD PREVIOUSLY NOTICED THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS SLOW WHEN RETRACTING BEFORE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V043000 (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR) BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
MY SAAB CONVERTIBLE ONLY HAS 59000 MILES ON IT AND MY SEAT BELT SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK. SAAB AND ITS DEALERSHIPS REFUSE TO FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY CLAIM IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND ONLY SELECTED VINS WERE COVERED FOR RECALLS-EVEN THOUGH THE PART IS THE SAME (DEFECTIVE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR). AS I UNDERSTAND, BY FEDERAL LAW, THEY…
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MY SAAB CONVERTIBLE ONLY HAS 59000 MILES ON IT AND MY SEAT BELT SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK. SAAB AND ITS DEALERSHIPS REFUSE TO FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY CLAIM IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND ONLY SELECTED VINS WERE COVERED FOR RECALLS-EVEN THOUGH THE PART IS THE SAME (DEFECTIVE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR). AS I UNDERSTAND, BY FEDERAL LAW, THEY ARE REQUIRED TO COVER THE REPAIRS OF THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM FOR TEN YEARS DESPITE THEIR CRAPPY VEHICLE WARRANTY. MY MECHANIC SAYS HE HAS HAD THE SAME SITUATION WITH OTHER CUSTOMERS. I NEED SOME HELP! *TR
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PUT ON SEAT BELT, THE RETRACTOR FAILED AND THE SEAT BELT IS EXTENDED TO IT'S LARGEST CAPACITY AND WILL NOT RETRACT. THIS HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR WAS NOT MOVING. I TOOK THE CAR TO BE REPAIRED AT A REPAIR SHOP FOR SWEDISH CARS AND WAS TOLD THAT FIXING IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE CURRENT RECALL FOR THE DRIVER'S …
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WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PUT ON SEAT BELT, THE RETRACTOR FAILED AND THE SEAT BELT IS EXTENDED TO IT'S LARGEST CAPACITY AND WILL NOT RETRACT. THIS HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR WAS NOT MOVING. I TOOK THE CAR TO BE REPAIRED AT A REPAIR SHOP FOR SWEDISH CARS AND WAS TOLD THAT FIXING IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE CURRENT RECALL FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR. I WAS TOLD THAT RECALL APPLIED TO ONLY SEDANS. I WAS QUOTED A COST OF OVER $800 TO FIX THE PART. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE IN THE 2004 SAABS. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT AFTER HAD BEEN EXTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3 AERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO FASTEN THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT, THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THAT THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3 AERO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO FASTEN THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT, THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THAT THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 109,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT ABRUPTLY DEPRESSED THE BRAKES TO AVOID A CRASH AND THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO TIGHTEN AND RESTRAIN HIM PROPERLY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT ABRUPTLY DEPRESSED THE BRAKES TO AVOID A CRASH AND THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO TIGHTEN AND RESTRAIN HIM PROPERLY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE SEAT BELT UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V043000 (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR)BUT THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. SAAB OFFERED TO PAY FOR THE PARTS AS A GOODWILL GESTURE, BUT WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER BEING INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. UPDATED EVOQ 06/14/11
I HAVE A 2004 SAAB 9-3; THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT SEATBELT RETRACTOR WAS REPLACED UNDER RECALL, BUT I BELIEVE THAT THE RETRACTORS FOR THE REMAINING THREE OUTER SEATBELTS DO NOT FUNCTION WELL, EVEN THOUGH THEY TECHNICALLY RECEIVE LESS USE THAN THE DRIVER'S. I HAVE TO HELP TAKE UP THE SLACK IN THE BELTS TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE SNUG FOR …
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I HAVE A 2004 SAAB 9-3; THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT SEATBELT RETRACTOR WAS REPLACED UNDER RECALL, BUT I BELIEVE THAT THE RETRACTORS FOR THE REMAINING THREE OUTER SEATBELTS DO NOT FUNCTION WELL, EVEN THOUGH THEY TECHNICALLY RECEIVE LESS USE THAN THE DRIVER'S. I HAVE TO HELP TAKE UP THE SLACK IN THE BELTS TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE SNUG FOR BACKSEAT PASSENGERS (IN BOOSTER SEATS), MUCH AS I HAD TO DO WITH THE DRIVER'S SEATBELT BEFORE THE RECALL. *TR
Official recalls
514V318000 · Seat Belts:front:retractor
Jun 12, 2014
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
10V043000 · Seat Belts:front:retractor
Feb 18, 2010
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 SAAB 9-3 SEDANS. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTORS THAT, OVER TIME, COULD FAIL TO RETRACT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: USING A SEAT BELT THAT HAS NOT RETRACTED, AND IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, A SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER SIDE RETRACTOR FREE OF CHARGE. IF THE FRONT PASSENGER RETRACTOR WERE TO FAIL TO RETRACT, GM WILL REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER RETRACTOR FREE OF CHARGE UNDER A SPECIAL COVERAGE THAT WILL BE RELEASED FOR THE SAME POPULATION FOR 10 YEARS FROM NEW VEHICLE DATE OF SALE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT SAABPARTS.COM/US. Note: In June 2014, GM expanded the special coverage from 10 years to be for the lifetime of the vehicle.
05V236000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
May 19, 2005
CERTAIN SPORT SEDAN AND CONVERTIBLE PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH A VACUUM PIPE CHECK VALVE FOR THE BRAKE BOOSTER THAT MAY FAIL FROM EXPOSURE TO ELEVATED TEMPERATURES. THIS COULD RESULT IN SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST, USUALLY WITH LITTLE OR NO WARNING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION WERE TO OCCUR WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE IS REQUIRED, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REDESIGNED CHECK VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 17, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
04V226000 · Seat Belts:front:retractor
May 11, 2004
SOME SPORT SEDANS WERE BUILT WITH SEAT BELT RETRACTORS THAT WERE DAMAGED DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. IF DAMAGED, OVER TIME, THE AUTOMATIC TENSIONING SYSTEM (ATS) CABLE IN THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR COULD BREAK CAUSING THE BELT WEBBING TO NOT RETRACT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, A FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT MAY RECEIVE MORE SEVERE INJURIES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 24, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
03V514000 · Seats:front Assembly:recliner
Dec 10, 2003
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS." THE BACKREST LOCKING MECHANISM ON SOME FRONT SEATS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE SEAT BACK TO FOLD FORWARD IN A FRONTAL CRASH, RESULTING IN INJURY TO THE DRIVER AND/OR FRONT SEAT PASSENGER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE'S FRONT SEATS TO DETERMINE IF THEY ARE EQUIPPED WITH THE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED COMPONENT. IF EITHER OR BOTH OF THE SEATS HAVE THIS COMPONENT, THEY WILL BE REPLACED. THE DEALER MAY NEED TO ORDER A COMPLETE NEW SEAT OR SEATS (INCLUDING MATCHING UPHOLSTERY) AND THE PARTS MAY TAKE UP TO TWO TO FOUR WEEKS TO ARRIVE. SAAB WILL PROVIDE A RENTAL CAR FOR THE OWNER UNTIL THE NEW SEAT(S) IS (ARE) AVAILABLE AND INSTALLED BY THE DEALER. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
3PE09048 · Seat Belt Retractor
Opened Sep 30, 2009 · Closed Feb 25, 2010
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts; Seat Belts:front; Seat Belts:front:retractor
ODI HAS RECEIVED EIGHT COMPLAINTS OF FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTORS BREAKING ON MODEL YEAR 2004 SAAB 9-3 VEHICLES.A COMMON FAILURE SCENARIO INVOLVES THE DRIVER HEARING A NOISE AND THE BELT SUDDENLY LOSING TENSION.A NON-FUNCTIONING SEAT BELT INCREASES THE RISK AND SEVERITY OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. GENERAL MOTORS INITIATED A RECALL IN MAY 2004 (04V226) TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS BECAUSE OF A SIMILAR PROBLEM IN 25,355 MODEL YEAR 2003 AND 5,980 MODEL YEAR 2004 SAAB 9-3 SEDANS.THE RETRACTORS CONTAINED AN AUTOMATIC TENSIONING SYSTEM (ATS), A DESIGN FEATURE AND MECHANISM TO ENHANCE OCCUPANT COMFORT BY REDUCING SHOULDER BELT PRESSURE.INVESTIGATION FOUND THAT THE CABLE IN THE ATS MECHANISM WAS DAMAGED DURING THE SUPPLIER'S MANUFACTURING PROCESS.THE FAILURES OCCURRED WHEN THE CABLE BROKE. RECALL 04V226 DID NOT COVER MODEL YEAR 2004 9-3 SEDANS MANUFACTURED AFTER SEPTEMBER 30, 2004, AND BEFORE MAY 10, 2004, WHICH INCORPORATED MODIFIED ATS MANUFACTURING PROCESSES.THE CURRENT INVESTIGATION FINDS THAT THE ATS ON THE DRIVERS' SEATS ON THE POST-RECALL POPULATION IS FAILING PREMATURELY.THIS IS A DIFFERENT PROBLEM THAN THE MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT LED TO THE ORIGINAL RECALL.GENERAL MOTORS NOW WILL RECALL THE BALANCE OF 2004 SAAB 9-3 SEDAN DRIVER SEATS WITH THE ATS FEATURE.NOT ALL 2004 9-3 SEAT BELT RETRACTORS ARE SUBJECT TO RECALL.THE RETRACTORS ON 9-3 SEDAN PASSENGER SEATS, DUE TO THEIR LESS FREQUENT USE THAN DRIVERS' SEATS, DO NOT HAVE THE SAME RISK OF PREMATURE FAILURE AS THOSE ON THE DRIVERS' SEATS.SAAB WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE RETRACTORS FOR 10 YEARS FROM NEW VEHICLE DATE OF SALE UNDER A SPECIAL COVERAGE PROGRAM.MODEL YEAR 2004 9-3 CONVERTIBLES HAVE A DIFFERENT SEAT/SEAT BELT DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION.SAAB 9-3 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED ON AND AFTER MAY 10, 2004, DO NOT HAVE THE ATS FEATURE AND THEREFORE ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THIS PROBLEM.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Seat Belts:front
ODI HAS RECEIVED EIGHT COMPLAINTS OF FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTORS BREAKING ON MODEL YEAR 2004 SAAB 9-3 VEHICLES.A COMMON FAILURE SCENARIO INVOLVES THE DRIVER HEARING A NOISE AND THE BELT SUDDENLY LOSING TENSION.A NON-FUNCTIONING SEAT BELT INCREASES THE RISK AND SEVERITY OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. GENERAL MOTORS INITIATED A RECALL IN MAY 2004 (04V226) TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS BECAUSE OF A SIMILAR PROBLEM IN 25,355 MODEL YEAR 2003 AND 5,980 MODEL YEAR 2004 SAAB 9-3 SEDANS.THE RETRACTORS CONTAINED AN AUTOMATIC TENSIONING SYSTEM (ATS), A DESIGN FEATURE AND MECHANISM TO ENHANCE OCCUPANT COMFORT BY REDUCING SHOULDER BELT PRESSURE.INVESTIGATION FOUND THAT THE CABLE IN THE ATS MECHANISM WAS DAMAGED DURING THE SUPPLIER'S MANUFACTURING PROCESS.THE FAILURES OCCURRED WHEN THE CABLE BROKE. RECALL 04V226 DID NOT COVER MODEL YEAR 2004 9-3 SEDANS MANUFACTURED AFTER SEPTEMBER 30, 2004, AND BEFORE MAY 10, 2004, WHICH INCORPORATED MODIFIED ATS MANUFACTURING PROCESSES.THE CURRENT INVESTIGATION FINDS THAT THE ATS ON THE DRIVERS' SEATS ON THE POST-RECALL POPULATION IS FAILING PREMATURELY.THIS IS A DIFFERENT PROBLEM THAN THE MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT LED TO THE ORIGINAL RECALL.GENERAL MOTORS NOW WILL RECALL THE BALANCE OF 2004 SAAB 9-3 SEDAN DRIVER SEATS WITH THE ATS FEATURE.NOT ALL 2004 9-3 SEAT BELT RETRACTORS ARE SUBJECT TO RECALL.THE RETRACTORS ON 9-3 SEDAN PASSENGER SEATS, DUE TO THEIR LESS FREQUENT USE THAN DRIVERS' SEATS, DO NOT HAVE THE SAME RISK OF PREMATURE FAILURE AS THOSE ON THE DRIVERS' SEATS.SAAB WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE RETRACTORS FOR 10 YEARS FROM NEW VEHICLE DATE OF SALE UNDER A SPECIAL COVERAGE PROGRAM.MODEL YEAR 2004 9-3 CONVERTIBLES HAVE A DIFFERENT SEAT/SEAT BELT DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION.SAAB 9-3 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED ON AND AFTER MAY 10, 2004, DO NOT HAVE THE ATS FEATURE AND THEREFORE ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THIS PROBLEM.
Seat Belts:front:retractor
ODI HAS RECEIVED EIGHT COMPLAINTS OF FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTORS BREAKING ON MODEL YEAR 2004 SAAB 9-3 VEHICLES.A COMMON FAILURE SCENARIO INVOLVES THE DRIVER HEARING A NOISE AND THE BELT SUDDENLY LOSING TENSION.A NON-FUNCTIONING SEAT BELT INCREASES THE RISK AND SEVERITY OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. GENERAL MOTORS INITIATED A RECALL IN MAY 2004 (04V226) TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS BECAUSE OF A SIMILAR PROBLEM IN 25,355 MODEL YEAR 2003 AND 5,980 MODEL YEAR 2004 SAAB 9-3 SEDANS.THE RETRACTORS CONTAINED AN AUTOMATIC TENSIONING SYSTEM (ATS), A DESIGN FEATURE AND MECHANISM TO ENHANCE OCCUPANT COMFORT BY REDUCING SHOULDER BELT PRESSURE.INVESTIGATION FOUND THAT THE CABLE IN THE ATS MECHANISM WAS DAMAGED DURING THE SUPPLIER'S MANUFACTURING PROCESS.THE FAILURES OCCURRED WHEN THE CABLE BROKE. RECALL 04V226 DID NOT COVER MODEL YEAR 2004 9-3 SEDANS MANUFACTURED AFTER SEPTEMBER 30, 2004, AND BEFORE MAY 10, 2004, WHICH INCORPORATED MODIFIED ATS MANUFACTURING PROCESSES.THE CURRENT INVESTIGATION FINDS THAT THE ATS ON THE DRIVERS' SEATS ON THE POST-RECALL POPULATION IS FAILING PREMATURELY.THIS IS A DIFFERENT PROBLEM THAN THE MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT LED TO THE ORIGINAL RECALL.GENERAL MOTORS NOW WILL RECALL THE BALANCE OF 2004 SAAB 9-3 SEDAN DRIVER SEATS WITH THE ATS FEATURE.NOT ALL 2004 9-3 SEAT BELT RETRACTORS ARE SUBJECT TO RECALL.THE RETRACTORS ON 9-3 SEDAN PASSENGER SEATS, DUE TO THEIR LESS FREQUENT USE THAN DRIVERS' SEATS, DO NOT HAVE THE SAME RISK OF PREMATURE FAILURE AS THOSE ON THE DRIVERS' SEATS.SAAB WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE RETRACTORS FOR 10 YEARS FROM NEW VEHICLE DATE OF SALE UNDER A SPECIAL COVERAGE PROGRAM.MODEL YEAR 2004 9-3 CONVERTIBLES HAVE A DIFFERENT SEAT/SEAT BELT DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION.SAAB 9-3 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED ON AND AFTER MAY 10, 2004, DO NOT HAVE THE ATS FEATURE AND THEREFORE ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THIS PROBLEM.
Seat Belts
ODI HAS RECEIVED EIGHT COMPLAINTS OF FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTORS BREAKING ON MODEL YEAR 2004 SAAB 9-3 VEHICLES.A COMMON FAILURE SCENARIO INVOLVES THE DRIVER HEARING A NOISE AND THE BELT SUDDENLY LOSING TENSION.A NON-FUNCTIONING SEAT BELT INCREASES THE RISK AND SEVERITY OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. GENERAL MOTORS INITIATED A RECALL IN MAY 2004 (04V226) TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS BECAUSE OF A SIMILAR PROBLEM IN 25,355 MODEL YEAR 2003 AND 5,980 MODEL YEAR 2004 SAAB 9-3 SEDANS.THE RETRACTORS CONTAINED AN AUTOMATIC TENSIONING SYSTEM (ATS), A DESIGN FEATURE AND MECHANISM TO ENHANCE OCCUPANT COMFORT BY REDUCING SHOULDER BELT PRESSURE.INVESTIGATION FOUND THAT THE CABLE IN THE ATS MECHANISM WAS DAMAGED DURING THE SUPPLIER'S MANUFACTURING PROCESS.THE FAILURES OCCURRED WHEN THE CABLE BROKE. RECALL 04V226 DID NOT COVER MODEL YEAR 2004 9-3 SEDANS MANUFACTURED AFTER SEPTEMBER 30, 2004, AND BEFORE MAY 10, 2004, WHICH INCORPORATED MODIFIED ATS MANUFACTURING PROCESSES.THE CURRENT INVESTIGATION FINDS THAT THE ATS ON THE DRIVERS' SEATS ON THE POST-RECALL POPULATION IS FAILING PREMATURELY.THIS IS A DIFFERENT PROBLEM THAN THE MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT LED TO THE ORIGINAL RECALL.GENERAL MOTORS NOW WILL RECALL THE BALANCE OF 2004 SAAB 9-3 SEDAN DRIVER SEATS WITH THE ATS FEATURE.NOT ALL 2004 9-3 SEAT BELT RETRACTORS ARE SUBJECT TO RECALL.THE RETRACTORS ON 9-3 SEDAN PASSENGER SEATS, DUE TO THEIR LESS FREQUENT USE THAN DRIVERS' SEATS, DO NOT HAVE THE SAME RISK OF PREMATURE FAILURE AS THOSE ON THE DRIVERS' SEATS.SAAB WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE RETRACTORS FOR 10 YEARS FROM NEW VEHICLE DATE OF SALE UNDER A SPECIAL COVERAGE PROGRAM.MODEL YEAR 2004 9-3 CONVERTIBLES HAVE A DIFFERENT SEAT/SEAT BELT DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION.SAAB 9-3 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED ON AND AFTER MAY 10, 2004, DO NOT HAVE THE ATS FEATURE AND THEREFORE ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THIS PROBLEM.
EA08026 · Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture
Opened Dec 22, 2008 · Closed Jun 4, 2010
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
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 the number of drivers who were unaware of the failure condition for some time until alerted by service personnel.The ratio of tire punctures to coil spring fractures appears low and there are no reports of crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect. A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will continue to monitor this issue and will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.See the EA08-026 Engineering Analysis Closing Report for more details.
PE08051 · Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture
Opened Aug 28, 2008 · Closed Dec 23, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
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 THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, INCLUDING 23 ALLEGING THE FRACTURED SPRING DAMAGED A TIRE, WITH 16 OF THOSE INVOLVING A TIRE PUNCTURE.ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY DATA PROVIDED BY GM IDENTIFIED 1,218 CLAIMS PAID TO REPAIR SUBJECT VEHICLES THAT EXPERIENCED THE ALLEGED DEFECT, OF WHICH 138 VEHICLES ALSO SUFFERED DAMAGE TO THE ADJACENT TIRE AND OF THOSE, 79 VEHICLES EXPERIENCED A TIRE PUNCTURE.ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY CRASHES OR INJURIES RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT. GM MADE SEVERAL DESIGN CHANGES TO THE COIL SPRINGS AND/OR MCPHERSON STRUT ASSEMBLIES USED IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IN AN APPARENT EFFORT TO ADDRESS THE ALLEGED DEFECT CONDITION.HOWEVER, GM MAINTAINS THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES REMAIN WELL CONTROLLED IN THE EVENT OF TIRE PUNCTURE, THAT THE RATE OF TIRE PUNCTURE INCIDENTS RELATED TO COIL SPRING FRACTURES IS LOW, AND THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT DOES NOT POSE AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA08-026) TO FURTHER STUDY THE SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.