NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 30 owner complaints for the 2010 Saab 9-3. Most complaints involve air bags (22) and fuel system, other (2). The EPA rates it 21–24 mpg combined.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“I HAVE CALLED VIKING SAAB AND REGISTERED ON THEIR WEB SITE MONTHS AGO TO HAVE MY AIRBAG REPLACED AS THEY ARE THE ONLY AUTHORIZED SAAB PLACE IN HOUSTON, TEXAS, TO REPLACE IT. THEY HAVE NOT CONTACTED ME. I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO. WHEN I CALLED THERE THEY TOLD ME TO REGISTER ON THEIR WEB SITE. I DID THAT AND NOTHING HAS HAPPENED.”
“The contact owns a 2010 Saab 9-3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V015000 (Fuel System, Other) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the fuel gauge failed to accurately provide fuel level in the vehicle. The contact stated that while the tank was a half tank full, the fuel gauge would drop to 0 gallons. The failure occurred intermittently. The check engine warning light was illuminated with a message indicating a fuel pump failure. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 104,000. Parts distribution disconnect.”
“HAD A COMPRESSION TEST AFTER WEAK STARTING. ALL 4 CYLINDERS READ 100.NEED VALVE REPLACEMENT AND UNDERSTAND THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM IN 2007-2011 SAAB 4 CYLINDER CARS. NO WARRANTY OR RECALL REGARDING THIS USE OF FLAWED VALVES”
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 Sport Sedan Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 31 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| 9-3 SportCombi Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 31 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| 9-3 Convertible Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| 9-3 Sedan AWD Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| 9-3 Convertible Auto (S5), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,850 | 404 |
| 9-3 Sedan AWD Auto (S5), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,500 | 404 |
| 9-3 Sport Sedan Auto (S5), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 22 | $2,850 | 404 |
| 9-3 SportCombi Auto (S5), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,850 | 404 |
| 9-3 Sedan AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 21 | $2,950 | 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 |
4 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 30 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (22), fuel system, other (2), engine (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2010 Saab 9-3 at 21–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (9 versions rated).