2008 Saab 9-3 problems
Owners have filed 218 complaints about the 2008 Saab 9-3 with NHTSA. Air bags account for 32.6% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of engine at 30.3%.
Complaints218
Crashes7
Fires2
Injuries10
Deaths2
What owners report breaking
Air bags 32.6% · 71
Engine 30.3% · 66
Fuel/propulsion system 6.0% · 13
Suspension 5.0% · 11
Electrical system 5.0% · 11
Power train 4.6% · 10
Seat belts 4.6% · 10
Vehicle speed control 1.8% · 4
Severity
Of those complaints, 7 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire, 10 report an injury and 2 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 6 model years of the Saab 9-3 in this data, 2008 draws comparatively few complaints; 2003 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 5 in the last three years against 17 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 80,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 Saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. Air bags
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 Saab 9-3. The contact received notification for nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. Air bags
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 Saab 9-3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v063000 (air bags); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. Air bags
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…