2006 Saab 9-3 problems and complaints

Owners have filed 179 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Saab 9-3. The most-reported areas: Air Bags (87), Service Brakes (31), Hydraulic (23).

Key takeaways

  • 179 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 11 involve a crash, 3 a fire, 4 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Air Bags8749%
Service Brakes3117%
Hydraulic2313%
Seat Belts158%
Electrical System137%
Engine And Engine Cooling116%
Fuel/Propulsion System106%
Steering84%
Suspension74%
Power Train74%
Vehicle Speed Control63%
Electronic Stability Control (esc)53%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2006 Saab 9-3 4-DR w/SABNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated
2006 Saab 9-3 Convertible w/SABNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Fuel System, Gasoline - filed 2025-08-06

The contact owns a 2006 SAAB 9-3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and shut off, the contact attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact also noticed a fuel odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. ...

Air Bags - filed 2021-10-01

Warning message that airbag is not working. Loud hissing sound immediately in front of dashboard, as if air is escaping. We cannot drive the car for fear of the airbag inflating. We are going to have to towed to a repair shop to be fixed and will keep all paperwork.

Vehicle Speed Control,electronic Stability Control (esc),fuel/Propulsion System - filed 2020-02-12

ECU ISSUES, LOSS POWER WHEN DRIVING.

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More for the 2006 Saab 9-3

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.