2002 Saab 9-3 SE
YS3DF58K022029694
Vehicle history report for the 2002 Saab 9-3 SE (VIN YS3DF58K022029694). Black, hatchback/liftback/notchback, 2.0L 4-cyl, gasoline. 132,424 mi reported. Registered in Ca. 4 open safety recalls. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
What's a 2002 Saab 9-3 worth?
What comparable 2002 Saab 9-3 vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
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See this car's exact value →Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN YS3DF58K022029694
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls 4
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.
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.
NHTSA Campaign #04V557000 · 19/11/2004ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
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.
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 TH
NHTSA Campaign #05V399000 · 14/09/2005FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.
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.
NHTSA Campaign #07V087000 · 07/03/2007STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE ROD END RETAINING NUTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TIGHTENED AT THE FACTORY.
Remedy: ALL VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND CORRECTED PRIOR TO CUSTOMER DELIVERY. NO OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE REQUIRED.
NHTSA Campaign #01V314000 · 03/10/2001We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Saab 9-3, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
🔍 Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
🔍 Test all accessories — sunroof, climate, seats, electronics — for proper operation.
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 37
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2002 Saab 9-3.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
The radiator exploded, spewing fluids everywhere, overheating my vehicle without warning when I was driving 45 mph, almost causing a multi-car crash.
NHTSA ODI #11554987ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The soft top is faulty and the rear lights are as well.
NHTSA ODI #11507579SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SAAB 9-3. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO UTILIZE THE SEAT BELT, THE RETRACTOR FAILED AND WOULD NOT OPERATE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL PLACED ON CERTAIN TYPES OF SAAB VEHICLES FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V318000 (SEAT BEL…
NHTSA ODI #11282500STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
SAAB 9-3 2002 FREQUENTLY WILL NOT START EVEN THOUGH IT HAS NEW BATTERY AND NEWER ALTERNATOR- MAY BE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE.
NHTSA ODI #10838086FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SAAB 9-3. WHILE IN PARK, THERE WERE STRONG FUEL FUMES EMITTING FROM THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS FUEL LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TAB ATTACHED TO THE FUEL PUMP AND THE FUEL LINES FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE V…
NHTSA ODI #10767290SEAT BELTS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SAAB 9.3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT CABLE SEPARATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000…
NHTSA ODI #10678241SEAT BELTS
SEAT BELT RETRACTOR CABLE BROKE. CAN NO LONGER BUCKLE SEAT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10678242FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
MY 2002 SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE STARTS FINE ONCE IT START MOVING GOES OFF,THEN I STARTS IT AGAIN,THEN WHEN I STOP IT GOES OFF AND KEEP ON DOING IT AGAIN AND AGAIN. THE FIRST TIME I HAD THE IDEA IT WAS COLD,BUT I NOTICED IT DOESN'T MATTER IT DO IT EVERY TIME I STOP AT ANY LIGHT OR STOP SIGN,THEN I CALLED THE MANUFACTURER NUMBER 1800-9559007 THEY ASKED ME FOR T…
NHTSA ODI #10667622+ 29 more complaints on record.
