Model year guide

2003 Saab 9-3

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Saab 9-3 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 138 on record.

2003 Saab 9-3 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Saab 9-3 at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints214
Typical price$1,862

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

2003 Saab 9-3 recalls 5

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #11E009000 · 28/02/2011

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.

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #07V087000 · manufacturer #07052 · 07/03/2007

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #05V236000 · manufacturer #15019 / 05057 · 19/05/2005

CERTAIN SPORT SEDAN AND CONVERTIBLE PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH A VACUUM PIPE CHECK VALVE FOR THE BRAKE BOOSTER THAT MAY FAIL FROM EXPOSURE TO ELEVATED TEMPERATURES. THIS COULD RESULT IN SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST, USUALLY WITH LITTLE OR NO WARNING.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REDESIGNED CHECK VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 17, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

Engine And Engine Cooling NHTSA Campaign #04V540000 · manufacturer #CSC15419 · 20/10/2004

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE MAY CAUSE ENGINE HESITATION OR STALLING.

Fix: DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

Seat Belts:front:retractor NHTSA Campaign #04V226000 · manufacturer #15017 · 11/05/2004

SOME SPORT SEDANS WERE BUILT WITH SEAT BELT RETRACTORS THAT WERE DAMAGED DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. IF DAMAGED, OVER TIME, THE AUTOMATIC TENSIONING SYSTEM (ATS) CABLE IN THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR COULD BREAK CAUSING THE BELT WEBBING TO NOT RETRACT.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 24, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

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.

2003 Saab 9-3 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 214 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.
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.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.

What's a 2003 Saab 9-3 worth?

Low
$800
Typical price
$1,862
High
$3,000

From 52 comparable 2003 Saab 9-3 listings.

Dimensions & weight

Length
182.3–182.7 in
Width
67.3–70.5 in
Height
55.9–57.9 in
Wheelbase
102.8–105.5 in
Curb weight
3,031–3,219 lb
Front track
57.1–59.8 in
Rear track
56.7–59.4 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2003 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 4

Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture Closed

To date, ODI is aware of 142 non-duplicative complaints related to the alleged defect. In addition, ODI is aware of 2,626 subject vehicles with one or more warranty claims related to the alleged defect. In total, ODI is aware of 2,714 unique subject vehicles that have experienced one or more front suspension coil spring fractures. ODI is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the alleged defect. The engineer…

NHTSA #EA08026 · Suspension · opened Dec 2008 · closed Jun 2010

FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURE Closed

ON AUGUST 28, 2008, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE08-051) TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURES IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-2004 SAAB 9-3 VEHICLES SOLD OR REGISTERED IN "SALT BELT" STATES. (NOTE: FOR PURPOSES OF THIS INVESTIGATION, THE "SALT BELT" INCLUDES CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAN…

NHTSA #PE08051 · Suspension · opened Aug 2008 · closed Dec 2008

ENGINE STALL Closed

ON DECEMBER 30, 2003, ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-059) TO INVESTIGATE 16 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING ENGINE STALL WHILE DRIVING IN MODEL YEAR 2003 SAAB 9-3 SPORT SEDANS WITH 2.0L TURBOCHARGED ENGINES. ON JANUARY 15, 2004, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) ADVISED ODI THAT GM AND SAAB HAD DECIDED TO CONDUCT A GLOBAL CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN TO CORRECT TWO DISTINCT ENGINE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE CONDITIONS THAT COULD RESULT…

NHTSA #EA04008 · Electrical System, Engine And Engine Cooling · opened Mar 2004 · closed Oct 2004

ENGINE STALL Closed

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND TURBOCHARGED ENGINES WITH TWO DIFFERENT POWER OUTPUTS, 175 HP AND 210 HP. SAAB HAS MODIFIED THE ELECTONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) SOFTWARE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TO CORRECT PROBLEMS THAT COULD RESULT IN ENGINE STALL IN BOTH ENGINES. IN JANUARY 2003, SAAB DISABLED THE DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL (DMF) PROTECTION (INTENDED ONLY FOR MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLES) IN…

NHTSA #PE03059 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Electrical System · opened Dec 2003 · closed Mar 2004

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

Manufacturer service bulletins 93

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 93.

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

Bulletin PIP5601C · Jul 2025

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in que…

Bulletin PIT3271P · Sep 2024

Vehicle 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 2024

This 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 2024

This 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 2024

This 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 2024

This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.

Bulletin 09-00-89-008G · May 2024

This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.

Bulletin 10-08-45-001H · Electrical System · Mar 2024

This 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 2024

This 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 2024

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

Canadian recalls 2

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2003 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 2007

Seats And Restraints

On certain vehicles, the Automatic Tensioning System (ATS) cable in the seatbelt retractor could break, causing webbing spooled out by the user to not retract. With this condition in the event of a vehicle crash, a front seat occupant may receive more severe injuries. Correction: Dealers will replace the seatbelt retractor assemblies.

Transport Canada #2004160 · May 2004

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.

2003 Saab 9-3 trims & engines on record

Trims
Linear · SE · Arc · Vector
Engines
2.0L · 2.0L 4-cyl

2003 Saab 9-3 vehicles on record

2003 Saab 9-3 2003 Saab 9-3 ArcYS3FD49Y931051096 2003 Saab 9-3 2003 Saab 9-3 LinearYS3FB49S631003881 2003 Saab 9-3 2003 Saab 9-3 LinearYS3FB49S631037464 2003 Saab 9-3 2003 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF78K437000151 2003 Saab 9-3 2003 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF78KX37006925 2003 Saab 9-3 2003 Saab 9-3 LinearYS3FB49S031035676 2003 Saab 9-3 2003 Saab 9-3 ArcYS3FD49Y631046194 2003 Saab 9-3 2003 Saab 9-3 ArcYS3FD49Y631028648 2003 Saab 9-3 2003 Saab 9-3 LinearYS3FB49S631058413 2003 Saab 9-3 2003 Saab 9-3 ArcYS3FD49Y031063864 2003 Saab 9-3 2003 Saab 9-3 ArcYS3FD46Y531055554 2003 Saab 9-3 2003 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF78K737006915 2003 Saab 9-3 2003 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF78K937003966 2003 Saab 9-3 2003 Saab 9-3 ArcYS3FD46Y931035484 2003 Saab 9-3 2003 Saab 9-3 LinearYS3FB45S131008251 2003 Saab 9-3 2003 Saab 9-3 LinearYS3FB49S131035945 2003 Saab 9-3 2003 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF78K537002460 2003 Saab 9-3 2003 Saab 9-3 LinearYS3FB49S531064199 2003 Saab 9-3 2003 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF78KX37001420 2003 Saab 9-3 2003 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF78K337006989 2003 Saab 9-3 2003 Saab 9-3 LinearYS3FB49S531008408 2003 Saab 9-3 2003 Saab 9-3 LinearYS3FB45S731060760 2003 Saab 9-3 2003 Saab 9-3 LinearYS3FB49S131052342 2003 Saab 9-3 2003 Saab 9-3 SEYS3DF78KX37000154

Other Saab 9-3 model years

2014 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998

2003 Saab 9-3 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Saab 9-3 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2003 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 2003 Saab 9-3?

Across all 214 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, suspension, engine and engine cooling.

How much is a 2003 Saab 9-3 worth?

Comparable 2003 Saab 9-3 listings run roughly $800–$3,000, typically around $1,862 (from 52 vehicles).

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