2008 Saab 9-3 problems and complaints

Owners have filed 184 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Saab 9-3. The most-reported areas: Air Bags (71), Engine (66), Fuel/Propulsion System (13).

Key takeaways

  • 184 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 5 involve a crash, 1 a fire, 6 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Air Bags7139%
Engine6636%
Fuel/Propulsion System137%
Electrical System116%
Seat Belts105%
Power Train105%
Suspension105%
Unknown Or Other42%
Vehicle Speed Control42%
Exterior Lighting32%
Structure32%
Service Brakes21%

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

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible w/SABNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated
2008 Saab 9-3 4-DR w/SABNot ratedNot ratedNot rated4/5

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Electrical System,air Bags,seat Belts - filed 2026-06-26

I have been trying to get this recall done for many years and with no luck. Most recently June 26th 2026 I was informed my recall was not fixable again and I hope for the last time. Enough is enough! Van Bortel Chevrolet in Macedon Ny tried again today which is there 2nd attempt. I had to buy a software card to give th...

Air Bags - filed 2025-12-06

Hello, I know the Takata airbag has to be replaced on my car. However now I do live abroad, in Gothenburg Sweden in Europe. How do I get the replacement done? Should I go to GM here in Europe? Thanks

Air Bags - filed 2024-08-30

The contact owns a 2008 Saab 9-3. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V318000 (Seat Belts) and 16V063000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however, the dealer declined to service the vehicle. The contact stated tha...

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More for the 2008 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.