2008 Saab 9-3 recalls
Air Bags · NHTSA 16V063000 · Feb 3, 2016
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Saab 9-3 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2002, to February 15, 2011, 2006-2009 Saab 9-5 vehicles manufactured June 7, 2005, to May 28, 2009, and 2008-2009 Saturn Astra vehicles manufactured April 11, 2007, to July 24, 2008. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator on Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles and will replace the driver's frontal airbag module on Saturn Astra vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on March 1, 2017. Owners may contact Saab customer service at…
113,716 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Seat Belts · NHTSA 14V318000 · Jun 12, 2014
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible vehicles manufactured July 30, 2003, to February 15, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the driver's side front seat belt retractor may break, causing the seat belt webbing not to retract.
Risk: In the event of a crash, a seat belt that has not retracted may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt retractor, free of charge. The recall began on October 6, 2015. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007. GM's number for this recall is 14222. Note: Special Coverage 10086 will replace the passenger side seat…
28,789 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Problem: Ti automotive is recalling certain fuel pumps, part numbers tu456 and tu303, sold under various brand names as aftermarket and replacement equipment for the motor vehicles listed above. The defective fuel pump may seize, stopping the fuel flow to the engine creating a stalling condition.
Risk: A vehicle crash could occur should the engine stall while in use.
Fix: Ti automotive will notify owners of record and will replace any defective fuel pump with a new or reworked fuel pump free of charge. The safety recall began on february 22, 2011. Owners may contact ti automotive at 1-866-867-3759 or log on to www.recallresponse.com.
4,887 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Latest owner complaints
Air Bags · Jun 26, 2026 · NY
I have been trying to get this recall done for many years and with no luck. Most recently June 26th 2026 I was informed my recall was not fixable again and I hope for the last time. Enough is enough! Van Bortel Chevrolet in Macedon Ny tried again today which is there 2nd attempt. I had to buy a software card to give them the tool they didnât have to fit in there tech 2…
Seat Belts · Jun 26, 2026 · NY
I have been trying to get this recall done for many years and with no luck. Most recently June 26th 2026 I was informed my recall was not fixable again and I hope for the last time. Enough is enough! Van Bortel Chevrolet in Macedon Ny tried again today which is there 2nd attempt. I had to buy a software card to give them the tool they didnât have to fit in there tech 2…
Electrical System · Jun 26, 2026 · NY
I have been trying to get this recall done for many years and with no luck. Most recently June 26th 2026 I was informed my recall was not fixable again and I hope for the last time. Enough is enough! Van Bortel Chevrolet in Macedon Ny tried again today which is there 2nd attempt. I had to buy a software card to give them the tool they didnât have to fit in there tech 2…
Air Bags · Dec 6, 2025 · AK
Hello, I know the Takata airbag has to be replaced on my car. However now I do live abroad, in Gothenburg Sweden in Europe. How do I get the replacement done? Should I go to GM here in Europe? Thanks
Air Bags · Aug 30, 2024 · AL
The contact owns a 2008 Saab 9-3. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V318000 (Seat Belts) and 16V063000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however, the dealer declined to service the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time…
Power Train · Feb 18, 2023 · PA
at about 98,000 miles the starts to fail transmission fails Also when the car gets too cold in the winter it refuses to start and it is not a battery issue. the cylinders get to cold to start. When the warm weather comes back around it starts again.
Seat Belts · Jul 28, 2021 · CO
Driver seat belt fails to retract. When retraction failure occurs, it is obvious to the seat occupant immediately. If a crash were to occur with a seat belt in this condition, the result could increase the risk of injury to the driver. The seat belt retraction failure has been reproduced and confirmed. No warning lamps but, the seat belt showed earlier symptoms of not working…
Air Bags · Jan 25, 2021 · TX
Airbag malfunction contact service
Seats · Jan 25, 2021 · TX
Airbag malfunction contact service
Electrical System · Jan 25, 2021 · TX
Airbag malfunction contact service
Engine · Dec 30, 2020 · NY
Had to have valve job done due to bad /defective/inferior intake valves, from manufacturer. Had to have all intake valves replaced, with modified/upgraded intake valves. Obtained po300 - random misfire codes, had rough idle, checked engine compression, had 45psig in cylinder number 4. Engine had 72862miles, on it, this should be covered under warranty by saab/GM.
Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 3, 2020 · 160,000 miles · NY
My vehicle doesn't start/idle well in the cold due to the air intake manifold bolts slowly becoming loose. **when driving and shifting** the vehicle cannot handle the extra unclean air entering the system and will stall out while going anywheres from 0-60+ MPH, once the engine shuts off all power steering also shuts down. The secondary issue is an acceleration problem because…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2008 Saab 9-3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls covering the 2008 Saab 9-3, the most recent one (16V063000) for air bags. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Saab 9-3?
Based on 184 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are air bags (71), engine (66), fuel/propulsion system (13).
Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 2008 Saab 9-3?
Owners reported 5 crashes, 1 fire, 10 injuries and 2 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.
Is NHTSA investigating the 2008 Saab 9-3?
NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations that include this vehicle, most recently EA21002: Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture.