Saab

9-3 Wagon (2009)

2009 · Midsize Sedan · 1 engine
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (3.1)
43 NHTSA Complaints
3 Recalls
0 Fire Reports
1 Crash Reports
View all 4 generations of the Saab 9-3 Wagon → 📋 Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (12.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

Saab 9-3 Wagon Unidentified Engine

⚠️ Caution (3.1)
43 complaints 43.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
17
engine
13
fuel system
4
brakes
3
interior
2

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (17 complaints)
Engine Issues (13 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (4 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Saab 9-3 Wagon regardless of engine variant.

Safety Systems Issues (17 complaints)
safety_systems cosmetic
Engine Issues (13 complaints)
engine cosmetic

Recalls (3)

16V063000Mar 1, 2016critical
Air Bags

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.

14V318000Dec 5, 2014serious
Seat Belts

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.

11E009000Feb 27, 2011serious
Fuel System

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.

Alternatives in Midsize Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2009-2009 Saab 9-3 Wagon problems?

The 2009-2009 Saab 9-3 Wagon has accumulated 43 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Engine, Fuel System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Saab 9-3 Wagon engine is most reliable?

The 2009-2009 Saab 9-3 Wagon was offered with 1 engine option. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Saab 9-3 Wagon Unidentified Engine has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2009-2009 Saab 9-3 Wagon a good used car?

The 2009-2009 Saab 9-3 Wagon can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 43 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009-2009 Saab 9-3 Wagon have?

The 2009-2009 Saab 9-3 Wagon has 43 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2009-2009 Saab 9-3 Wagon?

There are 3 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2009-2009 Saab 9-3 Wagon vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Saab 9-3 Wagon?

Before buying a used Saab 9-3 Wagon, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Safety Systems, Engine, Fuel System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the 9-3 Wagon?

The 2009 Saab 9-3 Wagon received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 4 stars (12.7% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 43 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-05-20.

© 2026 The Weekly Driver