The problem
General motors is recalling certain model year 2004 Saab 9-3 sedans. Some of these vehicles were produced with front seat belt retractors that, over time, could fail to retract.
The risk
Using a seat belt that has not retracted, and in the event of a crash, a seat occupant May not be properly restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER SIDE RETRACTOR FREE OF CHARGE. IF THE FRONT PASSENGER RETRACTOR WERE TO FAIL TO RETRACT, GM WILL REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER RETRACTOR FREE OF CHARGE UNDER A SPECIAL COVERAGE THAT WILL BE RELEASED FOR THE SAME POPULATION FOR 10 YEARS FROM NEW VEHICLE DATE OF SALE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT SAABPARTS.COM/US. Note: In June 2014, GM expanded the special coverage from 10 years to be for the lifetime of the vehicle.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 10V-043 (10V043000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | E090273 |
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Seat belts › Front › Retractor |
| Report date | February 18, 2010 |
| Owners notified | May 15, 2010 |
| Vehicles affected | 14,126 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the seat belts
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 10V-043 repair free?
Yes. Saab dealers will fix the problem at no cost: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER SIDE RETRACTOR FREE OF CHARGE. IF THE FRONT PASSENGER RETRACTOR WERE TO FAIL TO RETRACT, GM WILL REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER RETRACTOR FREE OF CHARGE UNDER A SPECIAL COVERAGE THAT WILL BE RELEASED FOR THE SAME POPULATION FOR 10…
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 14,126 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.