The problem
On certain passenger vehicles, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) is designed to sense and discriminate frontal impact events, command air bag and seat belt pretensioner deployments in a timely manner, and perform continuous diagnostics of the air bag system in the vehicle. Due to the possible insufficient sealing of the bottom of an electrolyte capacitor, it is possible for it to leak electrolyte within the air bag ECU. Also, in high humidity environments, the operation of the vehicle air conditioner can cause rapid cooling of the ECU, which in turn May cause the formation of condensation with the unit.
The risk
If this moisture comes into contact with the electrolyte from the capacitor, it forms a highly conductive material that could create an electrical short circuit. This electrical short could trigger the air bags and seat belt pretensioners.
The fix
Dealers will install a new air bag ECU. Owner notification began April 4, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Saab at 1-800-955-9007.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 02V-308 (02V308000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 15012 |
| Manufacturer | SAAB CARS USA, INC. |
| Component | Air bags |
| Report date | November 14, 2002 |
| Owners notified | April 4, 2003 |
| Vehicles affected | 20,476 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the air bags
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 02V-308 repair free?
Yes. Saab dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will install a new air bag ECU. Owner notification began April 4, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Saab at…
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 20,476 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.