2002 Saab 9-3
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Saab 9-3 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 42 on record.
2002 Saab 9-3 at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
2002 Saab 9-3 recalls 4
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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 THE…
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.
Fix: 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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE ROD END RETAINING NUTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TIGHTENED AT THE FACTORY.
Fix: ALL VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND CORRECTED PRIOR TO CUSTOMER DELIVERY. NO OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE REQUIRED.
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.
2002 Saab 9-3 common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
2002 Saab 9-3 MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.
What's a 2002 Saab 9-3 worth?
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2002 Saab 9-3 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($1,518) with the same model 3 model-years older ($765), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2002 Saab 9-3 — ranges cover the 6 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 2005An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 55
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 55.
This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
Bulletin PIP5601C · Jul 2025Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exc…
Bulletin General Communication · Electrical System · Aug 2024This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce c…
Bulletin 16-NA-383 · Fuel/propulsion System, Engine · Jun 2024This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
Bulletin 18-NA-099 · Jun 2024This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
Bulletin 24-NA-098 · Electrical System · Jun 2024This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
Bulletin 10-08-45-001H · Electrical System · Mar 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce…
Bulletin 16-NA-383 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
Bulletin 22-NA-074 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
Bulletin PI1394B · Engine And Engine Cooling, Power Train · Jan 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
Bulletin 02-08-42-001J · Exterior Lighting · Jan 2024Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 9-3. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 5
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2002 Saab 9-3. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production. Over time, this could cause the fuel lines to loosen from the pump resulting in fuel leakage. If an ignition source were present, the fuel may ignite resulting in a vehicle fire. Correction: Dealers will install a bracket that will secure the fuel lines to the fuel pump even…
Transport Canada #2007059 · Mar 2007Electrical
Certain 2000-2002 Saab 9-3 and 9-5 model vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder gasoline engines, and 2001-2003 9-5 models equipped with 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. Overheating of the IGBT occurs most o…
Transport Canada #2005271 · Sep 2005Fuel System
On certain Saab 9-3 convertible and 9-3 Viggen vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production. Over time, this could cause the fuel lines to loosen from the pump resulting in fuel leakage. If an ignition source were present, the fuel may ignite resulting in a vehicle fire. Correction: Dealers will install a bracket that will secure…
Transport Canada #2004427 · Dec 2004Brakes
On certain vehicles the brake calipers have received the wrong surface treatment. As a result, when the brake caliper becomes hot, hydrogen gas can form, diminishing braking performance. Correction: Dealers will inspect and replace calipers if necessary.
Transport Canada #2002095 · May 2002Steering
Certain passenger vehicles the tie rod end retaining nuts may not have been properly tightened at the factory. The nuts could loosen and fall off resulting in a sudden reduction or loss of steering control. Correction: All vehicles will be inspected and corrected prior to customer delivery . No owner notification will be required.
Transport Canada #2001235 · Mar 2001Source: 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.
2002 Saab 9-3 trims & engines on record
2002 Saab 9-3 vehicles on record
2002 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF58K522031859
2002 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF58K922007631
2002 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF78K027015731
2002 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF58K822025084
2002 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF55K922024949
2002 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF55K222030429
2002 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF58K022029694
2002 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF78K727006220
2002 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF58K622014018
2002 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF58K722000354
2002 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF55K222009970
2002 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF58KX22011722
2002 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF78K627011019
2002 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF78K027005393
2002 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF78K027008746
2002 Saab 9-3YS3FB45DX31019475
2002 Saab 9-3YS3FB45D331018748
2002 Saab 9-3YS3FD45FX31020721
2002 Saab 9-3YS3FF49SX31023376
2002 Saab 9-3YS3DF58C222034551
2002 Saab 9-3YS3FF45F131004790
2002 Saab 9-3YS3FF45S631012249
2002 Saab 9-3YS3FB49F631015385
2002 Saab 9-3YS3FB45D331025408