2004 Saab 9-3 Seat Belt Problems

Which parts fail

• Front › Retractor
  11
• Front
  2

Components named in complaints (buckles, retractors, anchors and pretensioners).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  12%
• 25k–50k
  69%
• 50k–75k
  1726%
• 75k–100k
  1726%
• 100k–150k
  2031%
• 150k+
  46%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Saab 9-3 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

Called devoe automotive in naples to have recalled seatbelt fixed, it just failed to retract. I sent a picture of the VIN. And was told they could not find it and could not help us with out a letter with our VIN on it saying the broken seatbelt was recalled, just because it will not retract that didn't mean it was a recall issue. I astked how I would get a letter but received no guidance. I was also told Saab is out of business and they will help known customers and since we were in tampa they couldn't help it was so far for us to travel. I stated they are one of five dealership who was listed to fix this recall. Also told them tampa repair man was sick with carona virus and that's why I called them. She told me anyone can fix a broken seatbelt, but that's not true and we can't find anyone to help us. …

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Saab 9-3. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the seat belt retractor became inoperable without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the seat belt retractor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The technician stated that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number:14V318000 (seat belts); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.

Seatbelt retractor on driver's side completely unspooled and will not retract under normal use effecting driver's safety in event of a crash. While convertible and passeger side retractors seem to be covered under warranty we are told our car is not covered and it is $550 to repair the problem. This doesn't make sense when so many saabs have this problem. The car was parked when it unspooled and wouldn't retract. This is a major safety issue in operating the vehicle.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Saab 9-3. The contact stated that the driver's side seat belt failed to retract without warning. The vehicle was taken to autonation Chevrolet west amarillo (7300 I-40 frontage rd, west amarillo, tx 79106, [phone]) and was informed that the repairs were not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V318000 (seat belts). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 164,000.

GM sent me a recall notice dated 08/2014 regarding faulty seat belts in 2004 Saab convertibles. GM safety recall #14222/ Saab safety recall #15027. It has been 8 months and no further word from GM about the repair. I believe I May be driving an unsafe vehicle. Any updates thanks, [redacted]

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Saab 9-3. The contact stated that the seat belt retractor seized. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 162,000.

Passengers side seat belt doesn't work. There was a recall by NHTSA however I have never been contacted regarding getting the seat belt fixed. This is a very big safety issue. I cannot have anybody drive with me.

I just called the GM Saab customer assistance center to ask about the recent driver's side front seat belt recall. I had paid for that last year an am requesting to be reimbursed but was told I will have to wait until the next notice comes out saying that they actually have the parts. In the notice I read that they indicated the passenger side seat belt will not be covered however if an issue arises it will be covered. When I asked if someone could be killed since this seat belt might not function properly I was told yes. When I asked why it was not then part of the recall I was told because they do not have parts. This is absolutely outrageous that lives are being put at risk simply because the particular supplier of these parts to GM is out of them. I had no problem getting the part when I had to pay for it. …

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Saab 9-3. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact abruptly depressed the brakes to avoid a crash and the contact stated that the seat belt failed to tighten and restrain him properly. The contact was not injured. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who inspected the vehicle and found that the seat belt unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number: 10V043000 (seat belts:front:retractor)but the manufacturer advised that the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. Saab offered to pay for the parts as a goodwill gesture, but would not acknowledge the vehicle identification number being included in the recall. Updated evoq 06/14/11

Tl contact owns a 2004 Saab 9-3. When the contact released the seat belt, the mechanism on the door post made a loud noise and the seat belt failed. The dealer advised her to call the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer advised her to not drive the vehicle. The contact would have to pay for the repairs and then have the dealer inspect the vehicle. The dealer stated that the seat belt failed and would cost $400 to repair. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number 04V226000 (seat belts:front:retractor); however, the dealer stated that this recall does not exist. The vehicle has not yet been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 49,200. Updated 08/04/09 the right front coil spring was broken. Updated 08/10/09.

Related recalls

NHTSA investigations

Seat Belt complaints in other 9-3 years