Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Saab 9-3 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
We had our car in for warranty work in the fall but the service provider needed to order parts that needed to be replaced. We were concerned because the parts would not arrive, and we couldn't get to authorized service provider until after warranty expired. They told us "no problem" this would be covered under warranty because we were there prior to warranty expiration. They never called to tell us parts had arrived (we live over an hour away from service provider) and they're not open on weekends so difficult to get to. When we took the car there a few weeks ago they said they didn't know if this would be covered under warranty. Obviously we were upset about this new representation but they said they'd call Saab. They called us back and said that they discovered we needed a new head gasket on the car. This is a 2001 with 38,000 miles, not driven hard. …
While driving my car, I smelled gas and when I got it back to my job site, I looked underneath to see gas leaking from under my car. I called my garage and they had to tow it in due to the safety issues. They put in a new seal and snapped the fuel line back together becasue they couldn't find anything else wrong with it. 3 weeks later, I'm driving my car again and smeelled gas again. I pulled over somewhere safe and looked under only to find gas leaking again. I called my garage and had it towed a second time. Since it happened a 2nd time and there was no clear reason why it should have happened either time, my garage called the dealership where I bought the car. They told him there was a recall for that problem and they had new clamps produced to fix the problem. But htye also told him that my car's VIN didn't fall within the recall. …
NHTSA campaign id # 04V557000 and 06V126000 are recalls which necessitated Saab to inspect the fuel pump brackets. The 2001 Saab 9-3, which I own, was first repaired because the fuel lines were corrupted and caused fuel to pump out into the open on top of the gas tank. This was repaired under warranty and was not under recall at that time. Much later, I received a recall notice for an inspection of the fuel pump bracket to make sure the a "new" bracket had been installed. These two inspections required the lowering of the fuel tank. I received a code 0442 a few months later and had the Saab dealer inspect possible cause. It was discovered that the vent hose filler pipe has a leak as determined by a "smoke" check. Later, at a different shop, while having a tire rotation, the technician had me come out and check the right wheel area with the wheel assembly removed. …
Had just had an update Friday of another incident with gasoline / fuel pump rupture and failure leading to excessive gas being pumped out . Then on Sunday, it happened to me, a very strong gas smell, especially noticeable when stopped for any period of time. Upon arrival (10 min) to destination, I looked under car, especially after being alerted from ".mycarstats.com/safetystation". Gas was everywhere! And pumping out like crazy, even though ignition was off.. Residual pressure I suspect.. A lot more came out.. Though I live in Canada , this is a us car, I bought early last year: a 2001 Saab 9-3 viggen conv't, Saab USA , said it would be covered for being fixed, >>04V557000. 15018.. But Saab Canada, has no recall and is questioning it, even though they have replaced clips in other 9-3s.. Car is undrivable.
Dt: the contact stated the fuel line came off the fuel pump. The car was spurting gas. The contact took the car to the nearest garage. They replaced the fuel pump. He found NHTSA recall 04V557000/Saab recall 15018 which dealt with a similar problem as his vehicle. The dealership told him this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. When the contact talked to the manufacturers, they told him that because he did not take the car to a GM or Saab dealership to have recall repair work done the repair work was not covered under the warranty. Phone interview update: the complainant was driving home when he smelled fuel odor. The repairing garage replaced the fuel pump because the fuel line retaining tab on the pump is broken which caused the fuel leak.
Car was pouring fuel (over 1/4 tank) onto ground after backing car out of garage. Saab roadside told me to contact fire dept. To certify the ability to tow the car. Fire dept. Stated that there was nothing they could do after arriving on the scene. Saab roadside towed the car to santa ana, ca Saab dealer. Dealer was very nonchalant about the repair, even though the fire dept. Had to be called. Dealer stated it was a broken bracket at the gas tank. I have contacted Saab legal dept. And they state there is nothing they can do from a lemon law status. After some of the comments I have seen on the NHTSA site, I believe they have fuel line issues, and don't want to face them. Don't buy this car. It is a potential fire hazard.
A fuel leak from the brackets that hold the fuel tank together. A recall has been filed on Saab 9-3 2001 -2004 cars. This is Saab 9-3 2001, recall number is 04V557000, VIN number [redacted], it seems if this has a recall on some cars, if a car has the problem you would think it would be fixed by the recall. The car had to be towed for fire possibilities. It has been towed to the Saab dealer in fairfield oh. The dealer is claiming that this car was not affected by recall. I feel that this is the recall problem. And it specifically states Saab 9-3 2001 - 2002. Updated 07/18/2012
Dt contact stated the fuel line was leaking. There was recall 04V557000. When shutting the vehicle off a quart of gasoline will pour out under the vehicle. He contacted the dealer, and dealer stated this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. He took the vehicle to the dealer, and they repaired the vehicle with the recall repair kit. The kit was a clamp to secure the fuel line from coming loose. Phone interview update: estimated leakage rate was about one quart of fuel every 5 minutes.
Related recalls
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.
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.
NHTSA investigations
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.
Fuel System complaints in other 9-3 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2001 Saab 9-3?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2001 Saab 9-3, 27% of the model year's 83 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Saab 9-3 fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 06V-126 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Apr 20, 2006); NHTSA recall 04V-557 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Nov 19, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Saab 9-3 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 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.