Saab 9-3 reliability
The Saab 9-3 fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 37.6% of 43,257 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
10 DVSA recalls for the Saab 9-3
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Right hand front seat may not lock correctly
It has been established that due to a process problem at a sub supplier the right hand side front seat recliner mechanism may fail. This will result in that the back-rest can't be moved back into the locking position. The condition is very obvious but if ignored and the vehicle is involved in a crash the seat belt which is integral to the seat structure will not restrain the occupant as designed.
Fix: The seat should be inspected and if necessary replaced.
Recalled models: 9-3 · 121 vehicles
Handbrake may fail
It has been identified that due to a manufacturing deviation the handbrake cables on certain 9-3s may deform under load. Should this occur a reduced or non-existent handbrake force will ensue.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the handbrake cables replaced with quality assured items.
Recalled models: 9-3 · 320 vehicles
Reduced braking performance
It has been identified that under certain conditions a valve within the brake servo may have a shortened service life due to high ambient and engine bay temperatures. This could affect the functioning of the servo resulting in reduced braking performance
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the subject valve checked and replaced if necessary.
Recalled models: 9-3 · 21,613 vehicles
Rear axle hub may not be to specification
The hardening process applied to the rear wheel bearing inner ring may be incorrect. There is a possibility that a rumbling noise may become apparent which if not checked could in extreme circumstances result in the detachment of the hub and severely impaired road holding/handling.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the date stamp on the rear wheel hubs. Where necessary replace the hub bearing assembly.
Recalled models: 9-3 · 571 vehicles
Fuel pump mounted pipe retaining tabs may fail
The fuel pipe plastic retaining tabs mounted on the fuel pump may fail and possibly result in a fuel leak.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and install a new securing bracket made of steel to hold the fuel pipes in place.
Recalled models: 9-3 · 7,124 vehicles
Seat belt may not retract
The front seat belt retractors may malfunction with the effect that the spooled out portion of the webbing will not retract.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the seat front seat belts replaced.
Recalled models: 9-3 · 9,322 vehicles
Possible fault in the locking mechanism of the front seat recliner.
The front seat recliner locking mechanism could have abnormal free play which may result in an unsatisfactory locking function. Because the seat belt is integrated in the seat back failure of the locking mechanism would affect the crash safety protection.
Fix: Check the front seat production number and where necessary install a new seat assembly.
Recalled models: 93 · 1,279 vehicles
Detachable tow bar may become insecure.
Under certain conditions the detachable tow bar may work loose resulting in the tow bar becoming detached from the vehicle.
Fix: Replace the tow ball and housing with a calibrated unit.
Recalled models: 93 · 596 vehicles
Towball came adrift from towbar
A combination of internal and external forces caused the towball to prematurely detach itself from the towball housing resulting in separation of the trailer from the drawing unit.
Fix: All towballs and housing will initially be modified and then replaced with calibrated units at a later date.
Recalled models: 93 · 596 vehicles
Possible contamination of brake fluid
As a result of a production process concern a specific batch of brake calliper pistons may release hot hydrogen gas into the braking system fluid.
Fix: Affected vehicles are being recalled for a check on the brake calliper batch numbers. Vehicles equipped with calliper units from the affected batch will have these replaced with quality assured examples.
Recalled models: 9-3 · 405 vehicles
Checking a Saab 9-3 before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.