Model year guide

2006 Saab 9-3

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2006 Saab 9-3 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 143 on record.

2006 Saab 9-3 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2006 Saab 9-3 at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints179
Typical price$3,670

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

2006 Saab 9-3 recalls 3

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module NHTSA Campaign #16V063000 · manufacturer #28810 and 28811 · 03/02/2016

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.

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 1-800-955-9…

Seat Belts:front:retractor NHTSA Campaign #14V318000 · manufacturer #14222, 15027 · 12/06/2014

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.

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 …

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.

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.

2006 Saab 9-3 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 179 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

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.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

What's a 2006 Saab 9-3 worth?

Low
$1,800
Typical price
$3,670
High
$5,700

From 61 comparable 2006 Saab 9-3 listings.

Dimensions & weight

Length
182.7–183.1 in
Width
68.9–70.5 in
Height
56.3–57.9 in
Wheelbase
105.5 in
Curb weight
3,175–3,699 lb
Front track
59.4–59.8 in
Rear track
59.1–59.4 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2006 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 4

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture Open

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deploymen…

NHTSA #EA21002 · Air Bags · opened Sep 2021

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

REDUCED BRAKE POWER-ASSIST Closed

SAAB AUTOMOBILE AB, A SUBSIDIARY OF GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM), MANUFACTURED 12,317 SUBJECT VEHICLES THROUGH FEBRUARY 15, 2008, EQUIPPED WITH THE "HIGH FEATURE" V6 TURBOCHARGED ENGINE IDENTIFIED BY REGULAR PRODUCTION OPTION LP9. A TANDEM VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY PROVIDES BRAKE POWER-ASSIST. THE ENGINE IS THE PRIMARY VACUUM SOURCE TO THE BOOSTER AND ITS EFFECT IS AMPLIFIED BY A VENTURI. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, S…

NHTSA #PE08005 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Jan 2008 · closed Jun 2008

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

Manufacturer service bulletins 146

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 146.

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 the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

Bulletin PIT5074R · May 2025

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

Bulletin PIT5074R · May 2025

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

Bulletin PIT5074R · May 2025

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).

Bulletin 02-00-89-002X · Sep 2024

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 provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.

Bulletin 01-06-01-011P · Engine · 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

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

Canadian recalls 2

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2006 Saab 9-3. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Airbag

On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airba…

Transport Canada #2016052 · Feb 2016

Seats And Restraints

On certain convertible model vehicles, the tensioning cable in the driver's seat belt retractor may break, causing the belt to fail to retract. If a crash were to occur with a seat belt in this condition, it could increase the risk of injury to the driver. Correction: Dealers will replace seat belt retractor assemblies.

Transport Canada #2014228 · Jun 2014

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.

2006 Saab 9-3 trims & engines on record

Trims
2.0T · Aero · 2.0T SportCombi · Aero SportCombi
Engines
2.0L · 2.8L

2006 Saab 9-3 vehicles on record

2006 Saab 9-3 2006 Saab 9-3 2.0TYS3FD79Y766100305 2006 Saab 9-3 2006 Saab 9-3 AeroYS3FH41U161021480 2006 Saab 9-3 2006 Saab 9-3 2.0TYS3FD79Y466007287 2006 Saab 9-3 2006 Saab 9-3 AeroYS3FH46U661112012 2006 Saab 9-3 2006 Saab 9-3 2.0TYS3FD45YX61003293 2006 Saab 9-3 2006 Saab 9-3 2.0TYS3FD45Y761022321 2006 Saab 9-3 2006 Saab 9-3 2.0TYS3FD79Y066104843 2006 Saab 9-3 2006 Saab 9-3 2.0TYS3FD75Y666105937 2006 Saab 9-3 2006 Saab 9-3 2.0TYS3FD49Y161140097 2006 Saab 9-3 2006 Saab 9-3 2.0TYS3FD49Y461034257 2006 Saab 9-3 2006 Saab 9-3 AeroYS3FH41UX61148986 2006 Saab 9-3 2006 Saab 9-3 2.0TYS3FD79Y666101574 2006 Saab 9-3 2006 Saab 9-3 AeroYS3FH71U266003915 2006 Saab 9-3 2006 Saab 9-3 AeroYS3FH41U061147734 2006 Saab 9-3 2006 Saab 9-3 AeroYS3FH71UX66003399 2006 Saab 9-3 2006 Saab 9-3 AeroYS3FH41U661008045 2006 Saab 9-3 2006 Saab 9-3 AeroYS3FH46U561114639 2006 Saab 9-3 2006 Saab 9-3 2.0TYS3FD49Y261144496 2006 Saab 9-3 2006 Saab 9-3 2.0TYS3FD45Y161130496 2006 Saab 9-3 2006 Saab 9-3 2.0TYS3FD49Y061133478 2006 Saab 9-3 2006 Saab 9-3 2.0TYS3FD49Y761130433 2006 Saab 9-3 2006 Saab 9-3 2.0TYS3FD49Y561035160 2006 Saab 9-3 2006 Saab 9-3 2.0TYS3FD45Y761110186 2006 Saab 9-3 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero SportCombiYS3FH51U461108814

Other Saab 9-3 model years

2014 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998

2006 Saab 9-3 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Saab 9-3 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2006 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 2006 Saab 9-3?

Across all 179 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, service brakes, hydraulic.

How much is a 2006 Saab 9-3 worth?

Comparable 2006 Saab 9-3 listings run roughly $1,800–$5,700, typically around $3,670 (from 61 vehicles).

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