VehicleVerdict

2002 Saab 9-3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2002 Saab 9-3 sits mid-pack among 9-3 years: 52 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 76, with 4 recalls and one closed investigation.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 18 reports (35% of the total).

52

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other 9-3 years?

9-3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 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, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 9-3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Saab 9-3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1835%
Engine713%
Fuel System612%
Transmission510%
Other36%
Seat Belts36%
Airbags24%
Seats24%
Latches & Locks12%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Steering12%
Suspension12%
Brakes12%
Lighting12%

Does the 2002 Saab 9-3 have recalls?

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

07V087000Fuel SystemMarch 7, 2007 · 94,377 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

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.

04V557000Fuel SystemNovember 19, 2004 · 17,394 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

01V314000SteeringOctober 3, 2001 · 1,366 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE ROD END RETAINING NUTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TIGHTENED AT THE FACTORY.

Consequence

THE NUT COULD LOOSEN AND FALL OFF RESULTING IN A SUDDEN REDUCTION OR LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

Remedy

ALL VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND CORRECTED PRIOR TO CUSTOMER DELIVERY. NO OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE REQUIRED.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 19, 2005 · fire

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 7, 2007

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 14, 2006

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 5, 2004

“The radiator exploded, spewing fluids everywhere, overheating my vehicle without warning when I was driving 45 mph, almost causing a multi-car crash. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 1, 2023

2002 Saab 9-3 — common questions

Is the 2002 Saab 9-3 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 52 NHTSA complaints, below the typical 9-3 year, with 4 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2002 9-3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (18 complaints), engine (7 complaints), fuel system (6 complaints).

Does the 2002 Saab 9-3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 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 2002 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.