VehicleVerdict

2000 Saab 9-3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2000 Saab 9-3 sits mid-pack among 9-3 years: 72 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 77, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 43% of all reports (31 of 72), far ahead of engine at 14.

72

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other 9-3 years?

9-3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted323 complaints1994: 1 complaints1999: 80 complaints2000: 72 complaints2001: 74 complaints2002: 52 complaints2003: 323 complaints2004: 236 complaints2005: 114 complaints2006: 227 complaints2007: 182 complaints2008: 218 complaints2009: 46 complaints2010: 31 complaints2011: 33 complaints
9-3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 9-3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 Saab 9-3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System3143%
Engine1419%
Airbags1014%
Fuel System46%
Seat Belts34%
Tires & Wheels23%
Other23%
Transmission11%
Brakes11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Lighting11%
Seats11%
Speed Control11%

Does the 2000 Saab 9-3 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

05V399000Electrical SystemSeptember 14, 2005 · 103,202 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

01V168000AirbagsMay 18, 2001 · 43,073 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THE AIR BAG ALERT LABELS MAY NOT BE PERMANENTLY AFFIXED AS REQUIRED BY THIS STANDARD.

Consequence

THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL CLEAN THE SUNVISOR SURFACE AND APPLY A NEW AIR BAG ALERT LABEL ON BOTH SUNVISORS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 30, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE IGNITION SWITCH IS LOCATED IN THE CENTER CONSOLE OF THE VEHICLE. A CHILD, KNEELING IN THE PASENGER SEAT (NO ONE ELSE WAS INVEHICLE) TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH ON, THE CAR STARTED IN REVERSE AND JERK BACKWORDS TROWING THE CHILD FROM THE VEHICLE, HITTING HIM WITH THE PASSENGER DOOR, HITTING THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 25, 2000 · crash

“CONSUMER'S 2002 SAAB 9-3'S ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE IT WAS BEING DRIVEN. *KB THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THEY REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 13, 2006 · fire

“MY SON AND HIS GIRLFRIEND WERE IN A SERIOUS ROLL OVER CAR ACCIDENT IN HER 2000 SAAB HATCHBACK. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, NEITHER FRONT NOR SIDE, EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS SUBSTANTIAL IMPACT AND DAMAGE ON FRONT AND SIDES.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 20, 2004 · crash

“2000 SAAB 9-3 FUEL LINE DISCONNECTED AT THE TANK ON THE PRESSURIZED SIDE OF THE FUEL PUMP DUE TO A BROKEN PLASTIC TAB WHICH HODS THE FUEL LINE IN PLACE ( A TERRIABLE DESIGN) ALLOWING THE FUEL PUM DO DISCHARGE THE FUEL DIRECTLY ON TOP OF THE GAS TANK AT THE MAXIMUM DISCHARGE RATE OF THE FUEL PUMP…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 23, 2007

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SAAB 9-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT WAS NOT RETRACTING PROPERLY WHICH PREVENTED HIM FROM BEING PROPERLY SECURED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO WEAR THE SEAT BELT SINCE IT WAS NOT LONG ENOUGH TO CONNECT TO THE LATCH BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · February 8, 2014

2000 Saab 9-3 — common questions

Is the 2000 Saab 9-3 reliable?

It is close to typical for the 9-3: 72 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2000 9-3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (31 complaints), engine (14 complaints), airbags (10 complaints).

Does the 2000 Saab 9-3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2000 Saab 9-3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2000 Saab 9-3 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Saab 9-3 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 9-3 years to avoid are 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2010. The cleanest record among 9-3 years belongs to 1994.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.