2001 Saab 9-3 Reliability Score: 7.9 out of 10

59 NHTSA Complaints

4 Recalls

1 Fire Reports

1 Crash Reports

Reliability Score

7.9 / 10

Reliability score

Fewer owner complaints than similar midsize sedans

A score of 7.0 means as many complaints as similar vehicles. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 31 powertrain complaints. A typical midsize sedan fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 45.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.2 points in the typical case.

Breakdown

Complaints overall31 complaints against about 45 for similar vehicles

7.9

Last three years

n/aNot enough data

Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced6 complaints against about 9 for similar vehicles

8.2

Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating

n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is 7.0, as many complaints as similar vehicles. A line shows a number once similar vehicles would draw at least 5 of its complaints (20 for the last three years).

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record · from NHTSA's files, not reviewed by hand

Recall queryRQ05003

Fuel line leakage · opened 2005, closed 2006, led to recall 06V126

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

59 complaints 59.0 per year

1 fire report 1 complaint reporting a death

View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical

fuel system

engine

cooling

safety systems

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.

Electrical System: 24 owner complaints

Fuel System: 16 owner complaints

Engine: 15 owner complaints

Cooling System: 14 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2001 Saab 9-3

On a used 2001 Saab 9-3, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (24), the fuel system (16) and the engine (15). 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 24 owner complaints on the 2001 Saab 9-3 about the electrical system.
Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 16 owner complaints on the 2001 Saab 9-3 about the fuel system.
Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 15 owner complaints on the 2001 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 14 owner complaints on the 2001 Saab 9-3 about the cooling system.

Open the full inspection checklist for the 2001 Saab 9-3

Recalls (4)

06V126000Apr 20, 2006serious

Fuel System

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.

05V399000Sep 14, 2005serious

Electrical System

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.

04V557000Nov 19, 2004serious

Fuel System

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.

01V168000May 18, 2001cosmetic

Air Bags

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.

All Generations

20002000 20012001 20022002 YS3F2003-2011

Alternatives in Midsize Sedan

Lexus

2013-2018

9.8/10

3 engines / 209 complaints

4 engines / 35 complaints

3 engines / 178 complaints

Lexus

2019-2025

9.6/10

4 engines / 135 complaints

Lexus

2012-2020

9.6/10

5 engines / 99 complaints

2 engines / 134 complaints

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2001-2001 Saab 9-3 complaints?

Owners have filed 59 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001-2001 Saab 9-3. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the fuel system and the engine.

Is the 2001-2001 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 59 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001-2001 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 2001-2001 Saab 9-3 have?

NHTSA has 59 owner complaints on file for the 2001-2001 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 2001-2001 Saab 9-3?

NHTSA lists 4 recalls covering some 2001-2001 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 fuel system and the engine, 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 2001 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. 59 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-10-18.