9-3 (2000)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
Every complaint of any kind (brakes, airbags, electrical and the rest) whose VIN names the engine, across all model years. The score above counts only engine, transmission and drivetrain complaints, so its figures for the same engine are smaller. Fire, injury and death figures count complaints that report one.
Saab 9-3 Unidentified Engine
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Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Saab 9-3, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2000 Saab 9-3
On a used 2000 Saab 9-3, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (23), the engine (13) and the cooling system (13). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-09. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 23 owner complaints on the 2000 Saab 9-3 about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 13 owner complaints on the 2000 Saab 9-3 about the engine.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 13 owner complaints on the 2000 Saab 9-3 about the cooling system.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 10 owner complaints on the 2000 Saab 9-3 about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
Recalls (2)
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH B205/B235 4-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES AND B308 6-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE OVERHEATING AND BURNOUT OF THE ISOLATED GATED BIPOLAR TRANSISTOR (IGBT) WITHIN THE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE (IDM) DUE TO INCREASED SUSCEPTIBILITY TO ELECTRICAL LOADS.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THE AIR BAG ALERT LABELS MAY NOT BE PERMANENTLY AFFIXED AS REQUIRED BY THIS STANDARD.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2000-2000 Saab 9-3 complaints?
Owners have filed 50 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2000 Saab 9-3. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the engine and the cooling system.
Is the 2000-2000 Saab 9-3 a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 50 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2000 Saab 9-3. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2000 Saab 9-3 have?
NHTSA has 50 owner complaints on file for the 2000-2000 Saab 9-3 as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2000-2000 Saab 9-3?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls covering some 2000-2000 Saab 9-3 vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Saab 9-3?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the electrical system, the engine and the cooling system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the 9-3 have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2000 Saab 9-3. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 50 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-10-18.