Model year guide

1999 Saab 9-3

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1999 Saab 9-3 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 28 on record.

1999 Saab 9-3 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1999 Saab 9-3 at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints67
Combined19–21 mpg
Typical price$765

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1999 Saab 9-3 recalls 3

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #99V362000 · manufacturer #718 · 29/12/1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE RESERVOIR LABEL WAS OMITTED. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS."

Fix: OWNERS WILL BE MAILED LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.

Seats NHTSA Campaign #99V246000 · manufacturer #710 · 13/09/1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSSENGER VEHICLES. FAILURES OF THE "EASY ENTRY" CABLE IN THE FRONT DRIVER OR PASSENGER MANUAL SEATS CAN CAUSE THE SEAT FORE/AFT ADJUSTABLE MECHANISM TO BE UNLOCKED.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW CABLE AND SPRING ASSEMBLY.

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #98V139000 · 23/06/1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAG ALERT LABEL ON THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR WAS OMITTED. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."

Fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ALERT LABEL TO BE INSTALLED ON THE VISIBLE SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SUN VISOR. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, THEIR DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1999 Saab 9-3 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 67 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.

1999 Saab 9-3 MPG & running costs

Combined19–21 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,617
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume90 cu ft
Cargo volume22 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$6,083 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 1999 Saab 9-3 worth?

Low
$600
Typical price
$765
High
$900

From 13 comparable 1999 Saab 9-3 listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1999 Saab 9-3 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,085
Fuel only$18,085
Per mile$0.24

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
181.9 in
Width
67.3 in
Height
56.3 in
Wheelbase
102.8 in
Curb weight
2,987–3,197 lb
Front track
57.1 in
Rear track
56.7 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1999 Saab 9-3 — ranges cover the 3 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

ENGINE STALL/ ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES Closed

ODI OPENED PE05-017 BASED ON 35 REPORTS OF ALLEGED ENGINE STALLING DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE IDM "CASSETTE" ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. ALL COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING AND MOST REPORTED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. IN 3 INCIDENTS, THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED SMOKE AND/OR FIRE RESULTED FROM THE IDM FAILURE. DURING PE05-017, ADDITIONAL FAILURE DATA WAS IDENTIFIED AS NOTED…

NHTSA #PE05017 · Electrical System · opened Apr 2005 · closed Sep 2005

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 47

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 47.

NOISE FROM THE TIMING CHAIN AND OIL SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. *KB

Bulletin 2102554 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2006

REDUCED PERFORMANCE AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES FOR THE TURBO CONTROL VALVE. *EH

Bulletin 2912494 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2004

ADDRESSING CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS OF POPPING NOISE FROM FRONT SUSPENSION. *TT

Bulletin 632 · Suspension · Dec 2002

ON SOME VIGGEN MODELS FROM M99 TO M01 VIN 17016680, THE OUTER BRACKETS OF THE REAR SPOILER CAN WARP, CAUSING THE SPOILER TO VIBRATE AND RATTLE. *TT

Bulletin 8452282 · Structure · Sep 2001

SOME CONVERTIBLE MODELS UP TO AND INCLUDING VIN 17004113 MAY EXHIBIT A SOFT TOP THAT MAY STOP HALFWAY DURING CLOSING OR OPENING AND THE SID UNIT SHOWS A CHECK SOFT TOP MESSAGE. *TT

Bulletin 8112295 · Structure · Jul 2001

SUBJECT REGARDING CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS OF TEST BRAKE LIGHTS MESSAGE DELETED FROM SID REPLACEMENT UNITS. *TT

Bulletin 381 · Jun 2001

TO ADDRESS AN EXTERNAL OIL OR COOLANT LEAK FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET WHEN NO ENGINE OVERHEATING OR OTHER RUNNING COMPLAINTS HAVE OCCURRED. *TT

Bulletin 211 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2001

SUBJECT REGARDING NEW UPDATE KIT FOR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. *TT

Bulletin 471 · Power Train · Mar 2001

INFORMATION ON REPLACING SHEAR PINS AND LOCKING PINS ON CERTAIN CONVERTIBLES. *TT

Bulletin 811 · Structure · Oct 2000

SOME VEHICLES WITHIN CERTAIN VIN RANGES MAY EXHIBIT A STICKING CHECK VALVE FOR THE CRANKCASE VENTILATION, PRESSURIZING THE CRANKCASE, AND FORCING ENGINE OIL INTO THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER AND / OR THE FLOW OF COOLANT THROUGH THE TURBO UNIT MAY BE REDUCED RESULTIN…

Bulletin 2912217ED3 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2000

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 9-3. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 1

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1999 Saab 9-3. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Seats And Restraints

On certain Saab 9-3 convertible and 9-3 hatchback, a failure of the "Easy Entry" cable in the front driver or passenger manual seats can cause the seat fore/aft adjustable mechanism to be unlocked. Correction: Dealers will install a new cable and spring assembly.

Transport Canada #1999167 · Sep 1999

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Saab 9-3

The Saab 9-3 is a compact executive car initially developed and manufactured by the Swedish automaker Saab.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1999 Saab 9-3 trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · SE · SE HO
Engines
2.0L

1999 Saab 9-3 vehicles on record

1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF78N5X7001034 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 BaseYS3DD55NXX2062813 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF78N2X7050692 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 BaseYS3DD55N5X2050729 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 BaseYS3DD55NXX2060267 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 SE HOYS3DF75P4X7058105 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 SE HOYS3DF75P5X7052085 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 BaseYS3DD78N5X7053964 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 BaseYS3DD58N9X2059235 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 SE HOYS3DF75P5X7057948 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 BaseYS3DD75N3X7058827 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF58N0X2072238 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF58N1X2079697 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 BaseYS3DD78N7X7003518 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 BaseYS3DD55N9X2053696 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF58N8X2026883 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3 BaseYS3DD58N4X2006023 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3YS3DD55J8X2086038 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3YS3DF75P5X7055875 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3YS3DD55T5X2066556 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3YS3DE55T3X2058033 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3YS3DD55D1Y2008812 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3YS3DF55D6X2076290 1999 Saab 9-3 1999 Saab 9-3YS3DD58N6X2069317

Other Saab 9-3 model years

2014 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1998

1999 Saab 9-3 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1999 Saab 9-3 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 1999 Saab 9-3. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1999 Saab 9-3?

Across all 67 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, air bags, suspension.

What gas mileage does the 1999 Saab 9-3 get?

The 1999 Saab 9-3 has U.S. EPA estimates of 19–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (3 versions).

How much is a 1999 Saab 9-3 worth?

Comparable 1999 Saab 9-3 listings run roughly $600–$900, typically around $765 (from 13 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.