Most common 2001 Saab 9-3 problems
Share of the 83 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Saab 9-3 complaints by model year
Best 9-3 years: 2011, 2010, 2002. Years to avoid: 2003, 2008, 2004, 2007. Compare all years →
2001 Saab 9-3 recalls (4)
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production.
Remedy: Dealers will develop a securing bracket that will secure the fuel lines to the fuel pump even if the plastic retaining tabs should break. The recall began on May 12, 2006. Owners May contact Saab at 1-800-955-9007.
Electrical system › Ignition › Module
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect to see what version idm is in the vehicle and replace the idm if it is a version built prior to the introduction of qp3.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production.
Remedy: Dealers will develop a securing bracket that will secure the fuel lines to the fuel pump even if the plastic retaining tabs should break. The recall began on March 14, 2005. Owners should contact Saab at 1-800-955-9007.
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.
Remedy: Dealers will clean the sunvisor surface and apply a new air bag alert label on both sunvisors. Owner notification began July 30, 2001.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2001 Saab 9-3:
Fuel line leakage
On November 19, 2004 GM notified odi of a defect condition that could result in fuel leakage at the fuel pump connections in approximately 17,400 model year (my) 2001 and 2002 Saab 9-3 passenger vehicles built at the uusikaupunki, finland assembly plant between May 2000 and July 2002 (GM recall no. 14101, NHTSA recall no.
Engine stall/ engine compartment fires
Odi opened pe05-017 based on 35 reports of alleged engine stalling due to the failure of the idm cassette on the subject vehicles.all complainants reported that the engine shut down suddenly without warning and most reported that the vehicle would not restart.in 3 incidents, the complainants reported smoke and/or fire resulted from the idm failure.during pe05-017, additional failure data was identified as noted in…
What 2001 Saab 9-3 owners say
Electrical system all 31 →
The contact owns a 2001 Saab 9-3. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. A mobile independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 05V399000 (Electrical System) and 06V126000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Saab 9-3. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start while the battery warning indicator was illuminated. In addition, the vehicle would stall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition discharge module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 05V399000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.
Fuel & propulsion system all 22 →
The contact owns a 2001 Saab 9-3. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. A mobile independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 05V399000 (Electrical System) and 06V126000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Excessive leaking. Was driving on e-way and engine stopped or something occured where it sounded as if the car turned off. The battery was working but, when I pressed on accelerator it didn't propel forward. I carefully steered with hazard lights to side of the road. Ignition cranks but, car won't turn over. Replaced direct ignition coil, crankshaft sensor but, issue seems to be the fuel pump. A recall was issued regarding this: recall 06V126000 affected cars Saab 9-3 2001 engine, May 12, 2006 original recall from the NHTSA manufacturer's report date May 12, 2006 NHTSA action number rq05003 potential number of units affected 11,886 NHTSA campaign id number 06V126000 component fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings summary on certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production. …
Engine & cooling
At approximately 75,000 miles, driving on the interstate around 70mph, oil light begins flickering. After slowing down to 60 the light stopped flickering and instead stayed on. From the time I was able to slow down to pull off the road a knocking sound could be heard from the engine progressively getting louder. The car was then taken home and inspected. Removing the oil pan revealed that the oil pick-up tube was clogged and the pan was caked with burnt oil. A local mechanic estimated $3,000 to repair the internal damage. Called Saab, they said the car was beyond any warranty and that it was my fault for not turning the car off immediately after seeing the light. …
Dec. 10, 2005 while driving on the pa turnpike oil light came on then went off. Oil light came on again car lost all power. Saab towing left us on busy turnpike for 2 1/2 hours in freezing cold. Towed to purchase dealer was told needs new engine it through a rod. After 2 months of no help form dealer or Saab took to independent Saab mechanic. Was told bent rod or crank shaft from sludge build up need small block engine. 7 months and Saab wants to only give $500 towards repair dealer charging $6,000. Saab is aware of sludge problem in these engines (see web on consumer reports and center for auto safety) yet, won't stand by their word to extend warranty 8 years unlimited miles. We have complained to dealer since purchase about engine light being on and stalling. No issues found by them. Idm was replaced 2 months prior to this with engine light remaining on. No call back from dealer. …
2001 Saab 9-3 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 28 / 22 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed manual | FWD | 18 / 28 / 22 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 25 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Saab 9-3 a good car?
Based on 83 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 9-3 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the 9-3 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Saab 9-3?
The electrical system — 31 complaints, 37% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition › module. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (22) and engine & cooling (18).
How many recalls does the 2001 Saab 9-3 have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2001 Saab 9-3, the most recent from April 20, 2006 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Saab 9-3?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2010 and 2002. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003, 2008, 2004 and 2007. See the full Saab 9-3 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 Saab 9-3 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 74,000 miles; 24% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.