The problem
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.
The risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator on Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles and will replace the driver's frontal airbag module on Saturn Astra vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on March 1, 2017. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 28810.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 16V-063 (16V063000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 28810 and 28811 |
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module |
| Report date | February 3, 2016 |
| Owners notified | March 1, 2017 |
| Vehicles affected | 113,716 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
- 2006 Saab 9-3
- 2007 Saab 9-3
- 2008 Saab 9-3
- 2009 Saab 9-3
- 2010 Saab 9-3
- 2011 Saab 9-3
- 2006 Saab 9-5
- 2007 Saab 9-5
- 2008 Saab 9-5
- 2008 Saturn Astra
Plus 2 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.
Owner complaints about the air bags
- 2006 Saab 9-3 airbag problems 87
- 2007 Saab 9-3 airbag problems 65
- 2008 Saab 9-3 airbag problems 71
- 2009 Saab 9-3 airbag problems 17
- 2010 Saab 9-3 airbag problems 22
- 2011 Saab 9-3 airbag problems 25
- 2006 Saab 9-5 airbag problems 13
- 2007 Saab 9-5 airbag problems 12
- 2008 Saab 9-5 airbag problems 19
- 2008 Saturn Astra airbag problems 96
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 16V-063 repair free?
Yes. Saab dealers will fix the problem at no cost: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator on Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles and will replace the driver's frontal airbag module on Saturn Astra vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on March 1, 2017.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 113,716 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.