2004 Saab 9-3 problems
Owners have filed 236 complaints about the 2004 Saab 9-3 with NHTSA. Seat belts account for 33.9% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of suspension at 24.2%.
Complaints236
Crashes11
Fires2
Injuries9
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Seat belts 33.9% · 80
Suspension 24.2% · 57
Air bags 8.5% · 20
Electrical system 5.5% · 13
Engine and engine cooling 3.8% · 9
Service brakes, hydraulic 3.0% · 7
Fuel system, gasoline 3.0% · 7
Power train 2.1% · 5
Severity
Of those complaints, 11 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire and 9 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 6 model years of the Saab 9-3 in this data, 2004 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 2003 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 4 in the last three years against 5 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 70,000 miles.
In owners' own words
I drive a 2004 9-3 arc convertible. I pulled the driver side seatbelt to clip in and the retractor failed to retract. The driver side seat belt is now non-functional as it is completely extended. This is the same problem described in nhtsa recall campaign#10v043000 for Saab 9-3 2004 sedans. The dealership said that it only covers sedans and not convertibles, however this is the exact same problem. Seat belts · reported at 140,585 miles
I got in the car to leave for work and when I put my seat belt on it came completely out and now won't retract. I found out there is a gm recall for this issue but all the gm service centers near me refuse to work on Saab vehicles. The nearest Saab service center I can find is approximately 110 miles from my home and I don't feel safe driving that distance with a malfunctioning seat belt. Seat belts · reported at 130,994 miles
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. Seat belts
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…