Saab Saab 9-3 2002

• Recall 45526 [USA]: Over time, this could cause the fuel lines to loosen from the pump resulting in fuel leakage. if an ignition source were present, the fuel may ignite resulting in a vehicle fire.
  On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production.
  dealers will develop a securing bracket that will secure the fuel lines to the fuel pump even if the plastic retaining tabs should break. The recall began on june 13, 2007. This is an expansion of previous recall campaigns - see 04v557 and 06v126. Owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.
  saab recall no. 07052 (15018, 06033). Customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.Safercar.Gov.

• Recall 61995 [USA]: Overheating of the igbt occurs most often at engine start-up, but it may also occur while the engine is running. engine stalling may occur, which could result in a crash.
  Certain passenger vehicles equipped with b205/b235 4-cylinder gasoline engines and b308 6-cylinder gasoline engines may experience overheating and burnout of the isolated gated bipolar transistor (igbt) within the ignition discharge module (idm) due to increased susceptibility to electrical loads.
  dealers will inspect to see what version idm is in the vehicle and replace the idm if it is a version built prior to the introduction of qp3. An interim letter will be mailed to owners in october 2005, informing them of the condition. Parts are now available and owners will be notified to bring their vehicles in to the dealers to have the idm replaced by letter dated march 13, 2006. Owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.
  saab recall no. 05087.Customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.Safercar.Gov.

• Recall 55889 [USA]: Over time, this could cause the fuel lines to loosen from the pump resulting in fuel leakage. if an ignition source were present, the fuel may ignite resulting in a vehicle fire.
  On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production.
  dealers will develop a securing bracket that will secure the fuel lines to the fuel pump even if the plastic retaining tabs should break. The recall began on march 14, 2005. Owners should contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.
  saab recall no. 15018 (gm recall no. 04101).Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

• Recall 2708 [USA]: The nut could loosen and fall off resulting in a sudden reduction or loss of steering control.
  Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The tie rod end retaining nuts may not have been properly tightened at the factory.
  all vehicles will be inspected and corrected prior to customer delivery. No owner notification will be required.
  

• Recall R/2005/021 [UK]: 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.
  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.

• Recall R/2006/047 [UK]: 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
  recalled vehicles will have the subject valve checked and replaced if necessary.

• Recall 2007059 [Canada]: Fuel supply
  On certain vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production. Over time, this could cause the fuel lines to loosen from the pump resulting in fuel leakage. If an ignition source were present, the fuel may ignite resulting in a vehicle fire. Correction: dealers will install a bracket that will secure the fuel lines to the fuel pump even if the plastic retaining tabs should break.

• Recall 2005271 [Canada]: Electrical
  Certain 2000-2002 saab 9-3 and 9-5 model vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder gasoline engines, and 2001-2003 9-5 models equipped with 6-cylinder gasoline engines may experience overheating and burnout of the isolated gated bipolar transistor (igbt) within the ignition discharge module (idm) due to increased susceptibility to electrical loads. Overheating of the igbt occurs most often at engine start-up but may also occur while the engine is running. When the idm fails on a 4-cylinder while it is running, the engine may stall without warning, with no ability to be restarted. When the idm fails on a 6-cylinder engine while it is running, the driver will initially experience reduced power and rough operation because the engine will only be running on three cylinders. The check engine light will flash. If the driver continues, unburnt fuel in the exhaust can cause thermal damage to the catalytic converter. The engine may stall and not restart. Correction: dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the idm.

• Recall 2004427 [Canada]: Fuel supply
  On certain saab 9-3 convertible and 9-3 viggen vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production. Over time, this could cause the fuel lines to loosen from the pump resulting in fuel leakage. If an ignition source were present, the fuel may ignite resulting in a vehicle fire. Correction: dealers will install a bracket that will secure the fuel lines to the fuel pump even if the plastic retaining tabs should break.

• Recall 2002095 [Canada]: Brakes
  On certain vehicles the brake calipers have received the wrong surface treatment. As a result, when the brake caliper becomes hot, hydrogen gas can form, diminishing braking performance. Correction: dealers will inspect and replace calipers if necessary.

• Recall 2001235 [Canada]: Steering
  Certain passenger vehicles the tie rod end retaining nuts may not have been properly tightened at the factory. The nuts could loosen and fall off resulting in a sudden reduction or loss of steering control. Correction: all vehicles will be inspected and corrected prior to customer delivery . No owner notification will be required.

To ensure accuracy and for your safety, it is recommended to do a free VIN recall check here or here [USA] - UK - Canada.

Bulletins are notices put out by manufacturers in conjunction with the NHTSA to notify the public of manufacturing issues or changes.

• Engine stall/ engine compartment fires investigation as of 20050407

  There is no summary currently available
  

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Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saab 9-3. When the contact attempted to utilize the seat belt, the retractor failed and would not operate. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that there was a recall placed on certain types of saab vehicles for the same failure. The contact discovered nhtsa campaign number: 14v318000 (seat belts). The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that the recall was only related to 2004-2011 models. The contact spoke with mayors saab (6001 northern boulevard, woodside, ny 11377, (718) 274-2300) and jim ellis audi of marietta (1715 cobb pkwy s, marietta, ga 30060-9253, 770-590-4450) and was informed that the parts to repair the vehicle were not available. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 184,000.

Saab 9-3 2002 frequently will not start even though it has new battery and newer alternator- may be ignition discharge module.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saab 9-3. While in park, there were strong fuel fumes emitting from the exterior of the vehicle. The contact noticed that there was fuel leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the tab attached to the fuel pump and the fuel lines fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was aware of nhtsa campaign number: 07v087000 (fuel system, gasoline) but the vin was not included. The failure mileage was 65,000.

Seat belt retractor cable broke. Can no longer buckle seat. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 saab 9.3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the driver's side seat belt cable separated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that seat belt assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

My 2002 saab 9-3 convertible starts fine once it start moving goes off,then i starts it again,then when i stop it goes off and keep on doing it again and again. The first time i had the idea it was cold,but i noticed it doesn't matter it do it every time i stop at any light or stop sign,then i called the manufacturer number 1800-9559007 they asked me for the vin # [xxx] the customer service representative told me that vehicle doesn't have any recalls they can't do anything about it,then i told her if my vehicle is suffering the same problems in the recall description it should be repaired by the manufacturer,but she told me that unless your vehicle gets on fire or accident they can't include it in any recalls. They should do something about it since this is a manufacturer problem according to the rest of vehicles included in the recalls,then she told me she checked my vehicle vin number again and that repair was done,but my car is just giving me that problem constantly. What can i do. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(b)(6). *tr

My dic failed for a second time! I hear its an extremely common issue with these vehicles. *js

I just purchased my 2002 saab 9-3 from karz and more in longview wa. In november 2012 and drove about one mile went into a store came out and the vehicle would not start. The thermostat and the ignition coil pack were bad. Replaced the thermostat just once and the ignition coil pack twice. Car is still not running i have died on the freeway, in town, too many times to even count the car will start with a jump but wont run for very long before it dies. Frustrated and at my witts end! Had a full diagnostic....Showed nothing no one seems to know the problem. Its ran about a week since i have had the car ugh! *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saab 93. The contact stated that all of the automatic door locks would activate independently as soon the doors were opened. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who could not duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 117,000.

I have a 2002 saab 93 and the dic cassette on those car always good bad. They are defective there was a recall on those cars and i called the dealer and asked them and they said there wasn't no such recall, they denied it because the parts is expensive. *tr

1. Use of high beams 2. If i do not use the high beams the low beam lights never fail 6 month trial just finished. 3. Replaced the headlight failure relay as this is what my mechanic does for all his customers with no satisfactory results. When using highbeams replacing 6 bulbs every six months i have replaced 14 bulbs since i bought the car last jan. 09 my wife's 2004 saab 9-3 has the same problem. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 saab 9-3. While the vehicle was undergoing an oil change, the mechanic discovered that the catalytic converter rubbed against the oil pan and cut a 1/4 inch groove in the pan. He moved the catalytic converter over to avoid a major failure and repaired the oil pan. The manufacturer advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer, located three hours away. The current mileage was approximately 113,000 and failure mileage was approximately 110,000. Updated 03/18/09. *lj updated 03/18/09. *jb

The check engine light came on at approximately 79,900 miles. Upon diagnosis by the saab dealer, they said the ignition cassette was failing. Replacement was necessary as when the part ceased to function the car would not run. This is the fourth time this part has been replaced. : dates the ignition cassette was replaced -- 6/30/08 (82,903 mi), 3/21/07 (56,231 mi.), 12/15/05 (32,671 mi.), 8/17/04 (18,720mi.). The replaced part is available. *tr

This car has died 3 times while driving and required a tow. The first time the ignition module was replaced for free (recall). The 2nd time the car mysteriously re-started before the tow truck arrived. The most recent incident resulted in a tow to the nearest dealer and the (defective) throttle body being replaced at a cost of $714. Also, the catalytic converters had to be replaced (non-warranty) after the ignition module (recall). At approx. 118,000 miles the transmission was replaced. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 saab 9-3. While driving 30 mph, the vehicle began to hesitate as if the emergency brake was engaged. The contact also heard a grinding noise coming from the vehicle. She was unable to drive more than 20 mph. When the mechanic attempted to test drive the vehicle, it failed to shift into gear. The mechanic stated that the gears inside the transmission exploded into little pieces. For three weeks, the mechanic attempted to repair the transmission, however, the transmission was diagnosed and repaired by another transmission specialist. The contact is requesting that saab pay the cost to repair the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 60,000. Updated 02-01-08. *kb the consumer stated the transmission light illuminated once again and is presently in the shop. Updated 02/01/08 *tr

Saab information display (sid) is losing its pixels and is unreadable. This is the second time unit has failed. The first was replaced under warranty in may 2005. Sid provides engine information and maintenance updates as well as general information such as time, radio/cd player operation ,and hands free telephone (constar) information. I have not replaced the second unit since it was approximately $400 to replace and required a saab certified technician with special equipment to mate with the car. *ak

Malfunction of automatic transmission on a car with 50000 miles on. Transmission specialist indicated malfunction began at least 5000 miles prior to the breakdown. *jb

On 1/26/07 the water pump of my car was replaced because it was leaking. I have come to realize this is the third time the water pump needed to be changes. It was also changed by the manufacturer/dealer on 11/10/04 & 2/25/03. Hence the car has gone through three water pumps in 44510 miles. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated an odor of fuel was detected while driving and while stopped a puddle was noticed on the ground. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop who determined the vehicle had leaked fuel. The vehicle was taken to the dealership who determined the retainer tabs holding the fuel line were defective and they were replaced. There was a nhtsa recall, #04v557000, pertaining to the fuel lines. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin.

Dt*: the contact stated the air conditioner and the defroster has been repaired multiple times due to a sensor problem. The engine was replaced a few months ago but the replacement engine was noisy.

Filled my car with gas on wednesday. Noticed a strong gas odor and quickly dropping fuel level. Took my car to local garage. They identified broken tabs/brackets holding fuel lines. Contacted saab dealer in dublin about a recall on this item - dealer informed them it didn't apply. I called saab customer service and was told my vin number didn't fall within the saab recall #15018 (gm recall 04101). It obviously isn't a coincidence my 2002 9-3 has the same problem being recalled on other 2002 9-3s. *nm

Noticed blue smoke on engine start-up. Dealer said turbo charge had failed seal. Replaced turbo. 28,000 miles on car. Seems to be a fairly common failure on saabs since around 1999. *jb

2002 saab 93, manufacturer refuses to reimburse consumer. *kb the ignition discharge module broke while driving. The consumer had the repairs made before the recall was received. The consumer was assured he would received reimbursement within 60 days (recall 05v399000). *jb

Dt: the consumer stated that 2002 saab 93se had a fuel leak. The fuel pump retaining tab was defective. It broke and caused one fuel line to disengage ands spill fuel all over the underside of the car. With the car idling a large pool of gas would gather under the car. The fire department was called for road side assistance. The car was deemed unsafe to start, and was towed to the dealer, who repaired the vehicle under warranty. The owner contacted saab, and they were contacting the dealer. *ak

2002 9-3 saab stalled on 2 different occasions while driving. *ts the consumer requested reimbursement since he discovered the problem he experienced was recall related. *jb updated

Dt: the consumer was driving slowly suddenly the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an auto repair facility. They replaced the ignition module. *jb the vehicle stalled suddenly and without warning. The radio and cd player stopped working. The consumer heard tire noise. The vehicle was taken tot he dealer who determined that the tires were cupped and causing the vehicle to pull to the right. The alignment was ok on the front but the rear could not be adjusted, the pirelli tires were changed to yokohama but the vehicle continued to pull to the right. *nm

My 2002 saab 9-3 stalled in traffic and could not be started again. The direct ignition module had burnt out suddenly, and smoke was seen coming out of the connector when i tried to start the car. The module failed with no warning at all, and i was lucky to have been in heavy, but slow traffic. The module was replaced and the car is running. The car has less than 50,000 miles on it, so the sudden failure of such a critical component is surprising and disconcerting. I have little faith that this will not happen again, without any warning.*ak

Transmission failed at 45 mph. Consumer stated transmission locked up. Consumer but managed to pull vehicle to the side of the road. No accident occurred. This incident occurred several times before. Consumer had vehicle towed to a dealer. *ak

The blower on the air conditioner was not working. In addition i went in twice to have them look at the heating unit or climate control. The third time they replaced it, but it still turns off and sets to zero. Now the heat will come on whereas it didn't before. I recently (last week feb. 16) down shifted in traffic because there was an accident ahead. I down shifted for five to four to three and the car turned off and i drifted to the side. I had the car towed to the dealer and they looked at it later the following week. I had to call the sales department to get someone from service to call me (my salesman has since quit). When the call was returned, the manager of sales todd aluded to the fact that this repair would not be covered under warranty. He said that the problem was diagnosed as non-mechanical (implying it was driver error or neglance) and saab usa would not hold to the warranty. The car was purchased on april 12, 2002 and has less that 25k miles; i have driven for over 23 years and had several manual cars and had always been able to downshift to slow the car in any situation. I believe i have a lemon. There are other issues with the car such as the tcs and braking system in rain and snow, yet the dealership tells me the noise and locking that is felt under my feet is normal.

The driver side side-curtain air bag deployed without vehicle being in an accident. This caused injuries to the driver. Mr at the time of the incident, consumer experienced ringing in the ears and some apparent hearing loss which now has been determined to be permanent. Also, the lumbar in the driver seat seems to be too high. *jg

The drivers seat seems to be defective. It is cocked in a manner that forces the driver to sit at an angle to the steering wheel. The seat cushion is not aligned with the seat back and forces the driver to sit almost across the seat to be able to face straight forward. Also the lumbar support is uneven and only suports the left side. This further adds to the "twist" that the driver has to endure in order to safely operate the vehicle. The company tech rep told me the solution is to not use the lumbar function. Also the seat bottom seems to collapse on the left side when turning or cornering to the right. This has caused me to almost lose control many times on the highway and on off-ramps and when taking evasive actions. I have been forced to add my own padding to the left side of the seat cushion in order to be able to drive the car somewhat normally. I am now concerned that the side air bag will not function properly if i am in a collision. The company and the dealer seem umwilling to do anything about this. Additionally, this is creating back and hip problems for me. I believe this is an unsafe situation that will eventually cause an accident or in the least, contribute to additional injuries if i am in and accident. I chose this car for it's safety record which seems somewhat ironic.*ak

This is the second saab, 1993 with a manual transmission that will require replacing that i have owned.*ak

The rear view miirror on the passenger side does not move far enought to the left (9 p'clock) to permit adjustment so that there is a serious blind spot on cars moving up toward the left rear of the vehicle. So i conclluded there i a a serious design flaw in the mirror mechanism.... I talked to gary rhine, the dealer service advisor, and he said there was nothing that can be done about it . I have never owned a vehicle wherein the driver's rear view mirror could not be a adjusted all the way outward satisfactorily... I believe a recall is appropriate..........................................................................Left rear of the vehicle. Attempts to adjust many itimes faile, so i conclude there is a design failure this failure nearly caused 2 accidents as i started to miove into th e left lane.. I talked to gary rhine. *ak

Wet braking performance: wet braking performance in terrible in my 2002 saab 93. There is literally no braking response for the first 2-3 seconds after applying significant pressure tothe brake pedal when driving in wet conditions. There is obviously water building up on the brake discs that is causing the delayed brake response. Creates a very dangerous situation.