NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 214 owner complaints for the 2003 Saab 9-3. Most complaints involve electrical system (46) and suspension (42). The EPA rates it 21–23 mpg combined.
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.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SAAB 9-3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, SMOKE EMITTED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT. THERE WERE NO FLAMES VISIBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.”
“I HAVE ALSO BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION. I WOULD HAVE TO CHECK MY RECORDS, BUT I BELIEVE IT STARTED WHEN THE CAR HAD ABOUT 25K MILES ON IT. THE SPRINGS ARE STILL IN TACT, BUT I WOULD NOTICE A VERY LOUD CREAKING NOISE GOING OVER SPEED BUMPS IN PARKING LOTS, ESPECIALLY IN COLD TEMPERATURES. I BROUGHT IT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEALERSHIP WHILE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY DID NOT OFFER ANY RESOLUTION. AFTER READING THE LARGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS OF BROKEN SPRINGS, I NOW KNOW WHY I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR ON THE FREEWAY. I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO GET THIS FIXED UNDER A RECALL BEFORE IT CAUSES AN ACCIDENT AND SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. *TR”
“VEHICLE WAS STALLING DURING ACCELERATION , THEN FUEL PUMP HAD COMPLETE MALFUNCTION .... AFTER REPLACEMENT, ENGINE HAS ALWAYS RUN POORLY AND ALMOST ALWAYS STALLS DURING ACCELERATION. REPLACED IGNITION COIL , AND IT DIDN'T FIX PROBLEM . I HAVE TALKED TO 4 OTHER SAAB 9-3 OWNERS FOR THIS MODEL YEAR AND 2004 AND EVERY ONE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9-3 Convertible Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | $3,350 | 386 |
| 9-3 Sport Sedan Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, B207L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| 9-3 Sport Sedan Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, B207L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| 9-3 Sport Sedan Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, B207R · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 22 | $3,500 | 404 |
| 9-3 Convertible Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,700 | 423 |
| 9-3 Sport Sedan Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, B207R · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,700 | 423 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
5 safety recalls as of Nov 8, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 214 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (46), suspension (42), engine and engine cooling (33). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2003 Saab 9-3 at 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).