IllustrationTHE GAS GAUGE FLUCTUATES FROM FILLED TO EMPTY, RANDOMLY, EVEN THOUGH THE TANK IS FULL EVERY TIME THE TANK IS FILLED. *TR
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
What owners actually said
207 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NO LONGER RETRACT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE FAILURE AND THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V226000 (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR) BUT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NO LONGER RETRACT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE FAILURE AND THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V226000 (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR) BUT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED TO ASSIST WITH PARTIAL REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE LIABLE FOR THE FAILURE DUE TO THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2004 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE WITH PIRELLI P6 TIRES, LINE SIZE 215/55/16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VALVE STEM WOULD CONTINUOUSLY FRACTURE CAUSING THE TIRE TO DEFLATE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THERE WERE NO FURTHER REPAIRS NOR WERE THE TIRES REPLACED. T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2004 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE WITH PIRELLI P6 TIRES, LINE SIZE 215/55/16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VALVE STEM WOULD CONTINUOUSLY FRACTURE CAUSING THE TIRE TO DEFLATE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THERE WERE NO FURTHER REPAIRS NOR WERE THE TIRES REPLACED. THE ESTIMATED MILEAGE ON THE FAILED TIRE WAS 13,400. THE DOT NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT VEHICLE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
2004 SAAB 9-3. CONSUMER STATES THAT HE RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT TENSIONING MAY FAIL. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED SINCE HE PAID FOR THE REPAIR OUT OF HIS POCKET. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED HE SUBMITTED THE NECESSARY PAPERWORK, BUT HE STILL HAS NOT RECEIVED REIMBURSEMENT. THE CONSUMER STATED…
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2004 SAAB 9-3. CONSUMER STATES THAT HE RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT TENSIONING MAY FAIL. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED SINCE HE PAID FOR THE REPAIR OUT OF HIS POCKET. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED HE SUBMITTED THE NECESSARY PAPERWORK, BUT HE STILL HAS NOT RECEIVED REIMBURSEMENT. THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAS SINCE RECEIVED A SECOND LETTER REGARDING THE RECALL. *JB
THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT FAILS TO RETRACT ON MY 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE SEAT BELT IS USELESS. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM BUT MY VIN# IS NOT COVERED! *TR
DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED ON MY 2004 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE. THIS HAPPENED AT ABOUT 43,000 MILES. SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT AND NO LONGER USABLE. I CONTACTED SAAB AND MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *TR
LEFT WORK PARKING LOT AND FELT SOMETHING RUBBING ON DRIVERS SIDE TIRE. PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG. COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING. STARTED DRIVING AGAIN AND SMELLED A TIRE SMELL AND NOTICED BLUE SMOKE FROM MY REARVIEW MIRROR. STARTED TO PULL OVER AND THE TIRE BLEW. THOUGHT I BLEW A TIRE. GO TO PUT THE SPARE TIRE ON AND SEE THE S…
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LEFT WORK PARKING LOT AND FELT SOMETHING RUBBING ON DRIVERS SIDE TIRE. PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG. COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING. STARTED DRIVING AGAIN AND SMELLED A TIRE SMELL AND NOTICED BLUE SMOKE FROM MY REARVIEW MIRROR. STARTED TO PULL OVER AND THE TIRE BLEW. THOUGHT I BLEW A TIRE. GO TO PUT THE SPARE TIRE ON AND SEE THE SPRING FROM THE STRUT HAD ALMOST CUT MY TIRE OFF THE INSIDE OF THE RIM. CALLED MY LOCAL SAAB DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD REPLACE THE ONE SPRING. AS I WAS LOOKING UP HOW MUCH THIS WAS GOING TO COST ME(BEFORE I FOUND OUT I WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY) EVERY SITE I VISITED SAID THE SAME THING SAAB RECOMMENDS REPLACING BOTH SPRINGS YET THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY WILL ONLY REPLACE THE ONE THAT BROKE AND SHREDDED MY TIRE. LOOKING ON THE INTERNET I SEE THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT HAS NOT TURNED INTO A RECALL. IF I HAD MADE IT TO THE FIRST ROUND ABOUT THE SPEED LIMIT GOES TO 55MPH THE AMOUNT OF FORCE THAT PULLED MY CAR TO THE RIGHT AT 15MPH WAS ALMOST ENOUGH TO HIT AN ON COMING CAR. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT IT WOULD HAVE DONE AT 55MPH ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY. *TR
I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM SAAB DATED FEB 2010 TO OWNERS OF 2003 - 2006 SAAB 9-3S THERE WAS A POTENTIAL PROBLEM OF THE SUSPENSION SPRING CORROSION MAY WEAKEN AND/OR BREAK. 3RD PARAGRAPH BOLD UNDERLINED: DO NOT TAKE YOUR CAR TO THE DEALER AS A RESULT OF THE LETTER UNLESS YOU BELIEVE YOUR CAR HAS THE CONDITION. I DID NOT TAKE IT I…
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I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM SAAB DATED FEB 2010 TO OWNERS OF 2003 - 2006 SAAB 9-3S THERE WAS A POTENTIAL PROBLEM OF THE SUSPENSION SPRING CORROSION MAY WEAKEN AND/OR BREAK. 3RD PARAGRAPH BOLD UNDERLINED: DO NOT TAKE YOUR CAR TO THE DEALER AS A RESULT OF THE LETTER UNLESS YOU BELIEVE YOUR CAR HAS THE CONDITION. I DID NOT TAKE IT IN. ON MAY 18, 2010 THE SPRING ON THE LEFT FRONT BROKE RESULTING IN THE FRONT END DROPPING. DURING THE LOADING ON FLAT BED TOW TRUCK THE OIL PAN WAS DAMAGED WITH A $1055 REPAIR AT MY EXPENSE. NO OIL LEAK PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. *TR
2004 SAAB 9-3 ARC. THE CIRCUIT LOCATED IN THE REAR OF THE CAR, WHICH CONTROLS THE REAR LIGHT CLUSTERS INCLUDING THE TOP MOUNTED BRAKE LIGHT OFTEN FAILS. I HAVE REPLACED IT TWICE IN JUST OVER A YEAR AND IT HAS FAILED AGAIN. IT STARTS WITH ONE BULB FAILING AND THE WARNING MESSAGE SHOWS UP ON THE DISPLAY. THEN IN A SERIES ALL TH…
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2004 SAAB 9-3 ARC. THE CIRCUIT LOCATED IN THE REAR OF THE CAR, WHICH CONTROLS THE REAR LIGHT CLUSTERS INCLUDING THE TOP MOUNTED BRAKE LIGHT OFTEN FAILS. I HAVE REPLACED IT TWICE IN JUST OVER A YEAR AND IT HAS FAILED AGAIN. IT STARTS WITH ONE BULB FAILING AND THE WARNING MESSAGE SHOWS UP ON THE DISPLAY. THEN IN A SERIES ALL THE OTHER BULBS START TO FAIL. THEY EITHER DON'T WORK OR ARE ALWAYS ON EVEN IF THE CAR IS SWITCHED OFF AND LOCKED. THE ENTIRE CIRCUIT BOARD WAS REPLACED TWICE AT A PRICE OF OVER $700 INC OF LABOR. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEATBELT MADE A POPPING SOUND AND NO LONGER RETRACTED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 10V043000 (SEAT BELTS: FRONT: RETRACTOR). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 60,000.
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.